The Downton Abbey estate stands a splendid example of confidence and mettle, its family enduring for generations and its staff a well-oiled machine of propriety. But change is afoot at Downton--change far surpassing the new electric lights and telephone. A crisis of inheritance threatens to displace the resident Crawley family, in spite of the best efforts of the noble and compassionate Earl, Robert Crawley; his American heiress wife, Cora his comically implacable, opinionated mother, Violet and his beautiful, eldest daughter, Mary, intent on charting her own course. Reluctantly, the family is forced to welcome its heir apparent, the self-made and proudly modern Matthew Crawley himself none too happy about the new arrangements. As Matthew's bristly relationship with Mary begins to crackle with electricity, hope for the future of Downton's dynasty takes shape. But when petty jealousies and ambitions grow among the family and the staff, scheming and secrets--both delicious and dangerous--threaten to derail the scramble to preserve Downton Abbey. Downton Abbey offers a spot-on portrait of a vanishing way of life.
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.
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s03e02Episode 22012-09-2320:00⌄
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Episode 2
s03e02 ·
2012-09-23 ·
20:00
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.
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s03e03Episode 32012-09-3020:00⌄
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Episode 3
s03e03 ·
2012-09-30 ·
20:00
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.
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s03e04Episode 42012-10-0720:00⌄
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Episode 4
s03e04 ·
2012-10-07 ·
20:00
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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s03e05Episode 52012-10-1420:00⌄
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Episode 5
s03e05 ·
2012-10-14 ·
20:00
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?
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s03e06Episode 62012-10-2120:00⌄
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Episode 6
s03e06 ·
2012-10-21 ·
20:00
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.
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s03e07Episode 72012-10-2821:00⌄
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Episode 7
s03e07 ·
2012-10-28 ·
21:00
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.
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s03e08Episode 82012-11-0421:00⌄
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Episode 8
s03e08 ·
2012-11-04 ·
21:00
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
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s03e09A Journey to the Highlands2012-12-2521:00⌄
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A Journey to the Highlands
s03e09 ·
2012-12-25 ·
21:00
The family travel to Duneagle Castle to pay a visit to Rose and her parents in the Highlands. There ends up being tension between their hosts though. Carson is determined to make sure that the servants back at Downton continue to work hard, but with a country fair coming up, it could prove a difficult task. Mrs Patmore might be about to be romanced.
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