The best episodes of Downton Abbey
Ranked by viewer rating, highs first. Lit marks on the season rail place this list across the run. Vote on a placement to back it or contest it.
- 01
A change of circumstance puts Bertie Pelham in the limelight, and Edith must decide whether to conceal her past at all costs or confront the truth and risk losing everything. As both sisters seek their perfect match, hostilities escalate and it is up to Mary to decide if she can ever make peace with Edith - or herself? Spratt proves to be a man of hidden talents and Mr Molesley embarks on a career in teaching, though his first lesson does not quite go to plan. Mrs Patmore's bed and breakfast garners unwanted attention - will the Crawleys come to her aid?
- 02
Cora makes a discovery that throws the inheritance issue into chaos, and Mary is prompted to keep Matthew waiting for an answer to his proposal. Robert arranges for Mrs Patmore to see an eye specialist, and O'Brien digs up more compromising information about Bates, but the Earl's response comes as a surprise. Thomas leaves the Abbey and Mary exacts vengeance on Edith for her treachery, while the household is rocked by a shocking announcement.
- 03
An exciting offer for Edith divides opinion, Isobel throws Ethel a lifeline and Anna's perseverance finally pays off. Daisy is unhappy when Alfred takes a keen interest in newly arrived maid Ivy, while Matthew's concerns about the estate grow - but are his protests falling on deaf ears?
- 04
Cora's attempts at matchmaking are dashed when Mary is smitten not by intended target Evelyn Napier, but by his handsome friend, Turkish attache Kemal Pamuk. The couple's mutual attraction sparks a train of events whose consequences ripple through the entire household. Gwen is humiliated as her secret ambition is exposed, and Bates takes extreme action to cure his limp.
- 05
There is excitement throughout the house and nearby village as the annual cricket match draws near, and the event brings out Robert's competitive side. Violet's great-niece Rose arrives, but a trip to London reveals there is more to her than meets the eye, while Matthew and Mary seem to be keeping secrets from each other. Thomas's future lies appears to be uncertain, but he may have found an unexpected ally in Bates
- 06
Everyone is anxious at the arrival of Matthew Crawley, the heir presumptive, but he soon encounters problems settling into his new life in Downton, and his mother Isobel immediately crosses swords with Violet. Meanwhile, butler Carson is mortified to be confronted with his past, and housemaid Gwen seems to have a secret correspondent.
- 07
The wedding approaches and excitement is in the air, but Branson's plans could rattle everyone. Spanish flu reaches the house and a desperate Thomas looks for a way to re-establish himself. Ethel faces a dilemma when the Bryants return with a heartbreaking proposition, and a decisive Anna forces Bates to think about their future.
- 08
As the village prepares for the annual flower show, Isobel finds herself in conflict with Violet, and Mary is introduced to a potential suitor, but it would seem she only has eyes for Matthew. Anna realises who is to blame when a valuable snuff box goes missing, and Mrs Patmore tearfully reveals her fears to Carson that her career may be coming to an end. Meanwhile, O'Brien engineers a way for Edith to take revenge on Mary.
- 09
Costume drama set in an Edwardian country house in 1912, written by Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes. The lives of the Crawley family and Downton Abbey's servants are changed for ever when the sinking of the Titanic leaves the estate without its heir and his son. The arrival of a new valet shocks the staff, who scheme to make his stay as short-lived as possible.
- 10
The fair arrives in the village and Mrs Hughes finds herself the centre of speculation when she meets a former suitor who makes her question her position at Downton. Meanwhile, Violet and Isobel lock horns over a medical ailment affecting Molesley, and Carson fears there is a thief at work in the grounds.
- 11
Sybil's determination to pursue her political leanings lands her in great danger when a fight breaks out at an election results meeting. Matthew's tenderness in caring for the would-be suffragette is noticed by her sisters, but it is Mary who is stunned to receive a marriage proposal. Bates is cleared of suspicion over the stolen wine, but offers his resignation rather than name the culprit.
- 12
The entire household is shaken by bad news from the front, and Daisy's relationship with William moves faster than she would like. Meanwhile, Mary pays a high price for obtaining Carlisle's assistance when Vera returns to Downton threatening to expose old secrets.
- 13
With the estate's future hanging in the balance, Mary hopes to receive a bailout from her grandmother Martha - and with Violet's help, tries to make sure Downton puts on a bigger show than ever before with a grand party for friends and neighbours. Meanwhile, Mrs Hughes hears worrying news, and O'Brien's efforts to boost Alfred's progress meets with disapproval from Thomas.
- 14
Tempers fray as a kind gesture by Isobel backfires, while Mary fights Branson's corner when his decisions are put under scrutiny. Robert and Cora's relationship is under pressure, but can Violet make them see things differently? Bates goes to extreme lengths as his chance of freedom slips away.
- 15
A Canadian officer is brought to Downton for recuperation and disrupts everything. Ethel hears distressing news, Bates makes another attempt to settle matters with Vera, while Carson receives a tempting offer. Matthew gets used to life in a wheelchair with Mary as his round-the-clock carer.
- 16
Oscar-winning actress Shirley MacLaine joins the cast of the period drama as Cora's mother Martha, who makes a grand entrance when she arrives at Downton for Matthew and Mary's wedding. However, with the couple struggling to stay united as their big day looms, will Martha's Atlantic crossing have been for nothing? Meanwhile, Mr Carson runs the rule over new footman Alfred, and Robert receives news that could leave him facing the greatest crisis of his life - and plunge the rest of the household into chaos.
- 17
Edith's big day finally arrives, but will her enthusiasm convince the family that Strallan's age doesn't matter? Meanwhile, Mrs Hughes anxiously awaits her results, Anna makes a breakthrough to help Bates, and Mary takes matters into her own hands to secure the estate's future - but the personal cost could be high.
- 18
It is November 1916, and the family and servants are getting the house ready for a concert to raise funds to treat more casualties from the front. Bates returns from London with a proposal for Anna, while Isobel informs Robert and Cora that Matthew is engaged and wants to bring his fiancee to Downton. O'Brien plays a trick on new maid Ethel after taking an instant dislike to her.
- 19
Isobel suggests using Downton as a place of convalescence following a distressing incident at the village hospital. Shell-shocked new valet Lang arrives as William gets his call-up papers, and Carson strives to keep standards high, but suffers a panic attack in front of the family. Lady Rosamund is eager to unearth Lavinia and Carlisle's secret after overhearing them arguing, and romance blossoms for both Edith and Mary.
- 20
Ethel's flirting with Major Bryant lands her in trouble as preparations get under way for a concert at Downton. Tensions flare between Isobel and Cora, Edith receives worrying news about Matthew and William, while Branson declares his feelings for Sybil. Mrs Bird's soup kitchen receives a helping hand from Daisy and Mrs Patmore.
- 21
As the residents try to return to normal life following the armistice, a new development stuns them. Meanwhile, Carlisle puts Anna in a difficult position, Bates reels from the news about Vera, and Thomas embarks on a new money-making scheme.
- 22
It's a happy day for Downton as Anna's patience is rewarded, while Edith receives admiration from an unexpected quarter. Matthew refuses to back down over the estate management, but will his tactics pay off? Branson's plan for the christening causes consternation, as does the arrival of his brother, and O'Brien's motives are unclear as she counsels Thomas.
- 23
Preparations are under way for Rose's wedding, but family tensions on both sides threaten to derail proceedings. Edith's arrangement with Marigold is happily working out, but how long can she and Cora conceal the truth from Robert? Denker reveals an unexpected side to her personality, which causes trouble for more than one of the servants. With the war memorial due to be unveiled, Mrs Patmore is still upset, but Robert has something up his sleeve. Branson comes to a heart-wrenching decision, and the storm clouds that have been gathering over Anna and Bates finally burst.
- 24
The wounded officers arrive at Downton and Matthew suggests he bring General Sir Herbert Strutt to inspect the new convalescent home - but Branson decides to spoil the visit after failing his army medical. Meanwhile, William's return results in an awkward surprise for Daisy, and Violet and Rosamund discover Lavinia's past misdeeds.
- 25
Branson's political views land him in trouble and Sybil's loyalty is tested to the limit, while Ethel makes a difficult decision about her son's future. Anna wonders what is causing Bates' silence, and Carson begins recruiting a footman, with promising candidate Jimmy (Ed Speleers, Eragon) sparking immediate interest below stairs.
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