waterlilybarb

Episode 1:
Cora’s mother shows up at Downton for Matthew and Mary’s wedding. New footman Alfred attempts to meet Carson’s high standards, under the watch of his aunt O’Brien. Robert’s surprising news brings financial worries to the fore.

Episode 2:
The estate's future is hanging in the balance and Mary is hoping to receive a bailout from grandmother Martha. Violet also attempts to help her make sure that Downton puts on a bigger show than ever before with a grand party for friends and neighbours. Mrs Hughes gets some news that worries her. O'Brien's attempts to boost Alfred's progress are met with disapproval from Thomas.

Episode 3:
Edith's wedding day arrives but will her enthusiasm be able to convince the family that Strallan's age doesn't really matter. Mrs Hughes awaits her results. Anna manages to make a breakthrough as she tries to help Bates. Mary decides to take matters into her own hands to secure the estate's future.

Episode 4:
Branson's political views manage to get him into trouble while Sybil's loyalty is tested to the limit. Ethel finds herself being torn between head and heart as she makes a decision about her son's future. Anna is upset by Bates's silence and wonders what could be the cause. Carson looks for a new a footman and good-looking candidate called Jimmy creates interest below stairs.

Episode 5:
An exciting offer for Edith divides opinion in the house. Isobel ends up throwing Ethel a lifeline. Ivy is attracting plenty of attention below stairs. Anna’s perseverance finally pays off for her.

Episode 6:
Tempers are left on edge after a kind gesture by Isobel backfires. Mary attempts to fight Branson's corner after his decisions are put under scrutiny. Robert and Cora's relationship feels the strain and Violet attempts to make them see things differently. Some extreme measures are taken by Bates.

Episode 7:
It's a good day as Anna's patience is rewarded and Edith gets some admiration from an unexpected quarter. Matthew refuses to back down over the estate management. Branson's plan for the christening causes some consternation, as does the sudden arrival of his brother.

Episode 8:
There's excitement in the house and village as the annual cricket match approaches, and the event brings out Robert's competitive side. Violet's great-niece Rose shows up but a trip to London reveals there is more to her than meets the eye. Matthew and Mary look like they are keeping secrets from each other. Thomas finds out that his future lies in Carson's hands.

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contributed by codebreaker

waterlilybarb

Episode 1:
New mother Mary is finding it hard to come to terms with Matthew's shocking death. Robert and Violet fall out over how to handle the situation. Jimmy takes an interest in Ivy, while Carson receives an unwelcome reminder from his past.

Episode 2:
Mary starts to get over the grief she is feeling, and takes an interest in the running of the estate. Lady Rose MacClare, Lady Flintshire's daughter, ends up in a predicament at a tea dance in York. Hughes attempts to convince Carson to heal an old wound.

Episode 3:
An extravagant party offers the Crawley family the chance to reunite with some old friends. Some of the guests though prove more welcome than others. Dame Nellie Melba performs.

Episode 4:
Following the Abbey's eventful party, Mary needs to answer an important question about her future. Carson reveals some intimate details about his former life whilst Rose's trip to London sees her at risk of jeopardising the Crawley family's reputation.

Episode 5:
The are changes planned at the Abbey as an exciting opportunity for Alfred causestension between Ivy and Daisy. Branson thinks about a new future for him and baby Sybbie.

Episode 6:
With Robert's birthday just around the corner party plans are under way. Rose's surprise contribution to the event ruffles feathers in the household. Mary needs to deal with some dramatic repercussions after a new farming venture is launched on the Downton estate. Edith gets some more unwelcome news.

Episode 7:
Cora's brother Harold has managed to get himself into some trouble and Robert needs to travel to America to bail him out. Blake and Mary have to try and put aside their differences to help with the new farming venture on the estate.

Episode 8:
Rosamund comes up with wy to try and help Edith deal with her problem. Rose is not happy after things fail go her way. Alfred realises too late he could have made a mistake. Anna receives some unexpected news as she and Bates look like they are getting back on track. Isobel becomes the object of somebody's attention.

Episode 9: The London Season
The family and servants make their way to London for the summer season. The family's London residence, Grantham House, is seen for the first time. Martha Levinson and Cora's brother Harold make an appearance.

Source
contributed by codebreaker

waterlilybarb

Episode 1:
Local plans for a war memorial see Carson pitted against Robert and Mrs Hughes. Jimmy receives some female attention that causes him major problems. Baxter is issued with an ultimatum. Tom's burgeoning friendship with Sarah Dunning causes Robert concern. Mary feels ready to try and find love again. Edith and Drewe’s special arrangement starts to crumble as she increasingly finds it hard to keep her emotions in check resulting in some disastrous consequences for everyone.

Episode 2:
Robert is left with a difficult decision to make. Mrs Patmore has an idea which might solve everything as Daisy continues to struggle with her studies. Thomas has issues with Baxter, however will his meddling ruin her friendship with Molesley? Rose tries to convince Robert of the positives of a wireless at Downton. Lord Merton continues to pursue Isobel while Mary puts her reputation in danger when Anna is made an accomplice.

Episode 3:
Robert is left furious when things don't go as planned. Mary's undercover assignment is nearly blown. Violet is quick to save the day. The events surrounding Green's death are under scrutiny. Mrs Patmore is left devastated when old wounds are opened. Branson receives a proposition regarding the future of the Downton estate.

Episode 4:
Sarah continues to cause trouble above stairs, however this time she may have gone too far. Elsewhere Thomas is suffering an illness, Baxter suspects there is more to it than he is letting on. Violet reveals the truth to Isobel the truth about her past with Prince Kuragin. Mary comes to a decision regarding Lord Gillingham.

Episode 5:
Simon Bricker returns to talk about the painting with Cora. His his flirting though could have crossed the line. Mary is surprised by Charles Blake in London with a cunning plan.

Episode 6:
After last week's altercation between Robert and Cora, their relationship is strained. Blake's scheming is coming to light after Mary unexpectedly pitted against her love rival. Edith receives some bad news and decides to take action. Baxter becomes embroiled in the investigation of Green's death.

Episode 7:
Rosamund shows up at Downton following Edith's surprise departure. Rose is pleased to introduce Atticus and his parents to everyone. Anna and Bates think about a fresh start, now that that their problems seem to be behind them. Molesley is worried after Daisy becoming disillusioned with her studies. Mary and Blake seize a chance to send Gillingham a strong message.

Episode 8:
Rose's wedding is just around the corner but family tensions on both sides threaten to derail proceedings. Edith's arrangement with Marigold is working out as she continues to conceal the truth from her parents. Denker reveals another side to her personality, which causes trouble for more than one of the servants. Branson makes a heart-wrenching decision.

Source
contributed by codebreaker