Kirsty Capes reviews the fifth episode of Downton Abbey season 3…
After the tragic climax of the most recent episode of Downton, this episode pauses for some reflection on the death of Sybil, something which many fans never suspected in a million years. The result is a contemplative episode where the writing focuses very much on the characterisation of some of the core members of the family and household, and development of relationships in light of Sybil’s tragedy.
A key cause of conflict in the house is, once again, Robert, who seems constantly stuck in the ways of the aristocracy in a time period which increasingly has no time for such. First he continues to argue with Matthew about the running of Downton, he still opposes Edith’s job with the newspaper, the ladies’ fraternising with Ethel at Isobel’s house, and most importantly he doesn’t seem to feel he is in the wrong over Sybil’s death. His relationship with Cora hits an all time low as she grieves her daughter and has the absolute sympathy of the audience and fellow characters. The fact that the Downton cast is female-heavy means that they take Robert’s side for the most part and when Robert kicks up a fuss about baby Sybil being christened Roman Catholic even Mary, who is the ultimate daddy’s little girl, turns around and basically tells Robert to keep his nose out. He has been grating on everyone the whole series (particularly me) and now his family aren’t prepared to tolerate him any longer. And I say good, I’m pretty much sick of the bloke.
There are however some redeeming moments for Robert, for example when he talks to Violet about the state of his marriage and discusses how he feels about Sybil with Mary. Here after four episodes where Robert has done everything is his power to makes us hate him, are some redeeming moments for this old timer stuck in the past.
This week’s recap won’t give specific plot details, because, as I said, the whole hour feels like homage to Sybil. There is much more character than plot development this episode, which is important for the mid point of the series. Halfway through, this episode marks changes for every character, which could all go one of many ways. Watch this space…
Kirsty Capes
Originally published February 4, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
