Downton Abbey (TV Series) Episode #2.2 (2011) User Reviews

Another stellar episode

[studioAT · 7/10 · 9 January 2020]

Hooray, they've made Lady Mary a bit more likable!

I enjoyed this episode, with it being very clever how all the many storylines being told here all getting their chance.

With a convalescent home being set up at the Abbey, and Lady Edith's foray into the world of work, there was lots to enjoy here.

Convalescence Comes to Downtown

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 2 August 2020]

When Mrs. Crawley realizes that the wounded troops have few options in their rehabilitation, and proposes that Downton be turned into a recovery facility. There is more tension as Cora foolishly insists that Thomas (who was responsible for the wound that got him away from the front) take a position of authority. Meanwhile,, Edith goes to help a farmer and begins a short relationship with him. Also, we get to know more about Lavinia, Matthew's fiancee.

Oh, dear

[jpismyname · 10/10 · 19 December 2017]

Isobel Crawley suggests to turn Downton Abbey into a convalescent home for the wounded soldiers. Richard Carlisle, a "rich and powerful" suitor of Lady Mary, visits. Carson works very hard to keep Downton Abbey perfect and spotless. We also meet the new valet, Mr. Lang.

I love this episode, it is better than the previous one. Also, Lady Mary is likeable here. I really also feel sorry for Lady Edith.

I really do not know much about history, but it is really amazing that this show is very informative to show us accurately what happened during one of the most important times of history and at the same time, tell us a beautiful story of the characters.

The darkness of Downton returns.

[mark.waltz · 10/10 · 5 February 2020]

With Thomas back in town working at the hospital, it's only a matter of time before he's back scheming with the princess of darkness, Miss O'Brien. Of course, their reunion isn't quite an affectionate one, but O'Brien shows rare compassion when the new valet (Cal MacAninch, in the first of a two episode arc) shows signs of shell shock, something her favorite brother suffered with. It's a surprising switch in her personality. Thomas's love for a wounded soldier also reveals a side of him only seen briefly in season one and helps explain his bitterness. His giving of hope really makes a difference even though that situation ends in tragedy and leaves the usually dour Thomas in tears.

With Matthew engaged to Lavinia , Mary begins to see wealthy publisher Richard Carlisle (newcomer Iain Glen) which has grandmama and Aunt Rosamund plotting to get Lavinia away from Matthew. Meanwhile, Edith begins helping out on a local farm and finds a friendship with the farmer (Fergus O'Donnell) which brings out the jealousy and reverse snobbery of his unemotional, distant wife (Cathy Sara) who seems to dislike Edith instantaneously.

With the local hospital becoming over-crowded, Downton Abbey becomes an expanded hospital which creates potential more chaos thanks to Isabel and the dowager countess's interference, giving Cora the chance to claim control in one of Elizabeth McGovern's best scenes of the series. Daisy, giving comfort to the enlisting William, is unaware of his growing feelings for her With Bates gone, Mr. Mosely tries to romance Anna, but she politely declines his well intentioned attention. Mrs. Pathemore finds out bad news about her nephew from Lord Grantham which will pop up in episodes down the road. These plot devices all work, but it's those surprising light moments with O'Brien and Thomas that stand out.

Downton comes to life

[moviesfilmsreviewsinc · 10/10 · 14 May 2022]

As a convalescent home for wounded officers, Downton Abbey offers respite from the front. But Cora and Isobel, locked in a power struggle over running the home, wage domestic war, and Thomas in his new rank as acting-Sergeant is not one to broker peace. Mary rejects Rosamund's dubious advice while Daisy reluctantly accepts Mrs. Patmore's - in both cases, new bonds are irreversibly forged. Meanwhile, Anna dares to hope when she spies a familiar figure in the village. When Matthew accompanies a visiting General to Downton, a dinner party brings much of the war's painful demands into sharp relief, claiming one victim and very nearly several others. Branson's ambitions are revealed and William's aspirations are fulfilled. And Edith, finally, catches someone's eye. The quality of the production continues to shine. Even though we are deep into the war with cutbacks and rationing in place, we do see new frocks on many of the ladies, and the gentlemen all in striking red regimental uniforms. Lady Mary's stunning black beaded evening gown reflects up to date fashions of a sheath dress that had been embellished and a string on jet beads. Screenwriter Fellowes is building up his characters and plot line nicely. I really like how he has worked in the historical facts of the era. Several grand manor houses became hospitals and the ladies of the household nurses while many of the male residents, upstairs and downstairs enlisted for King and Country. It is early days yet in the season, so the jury is still out on this season.