Downton Abbey

2010 • Seven

4.7

303 reviews

Eligible

Season 1 episodes (7)

1 Episode One

9/26/10

New series set in an Edwardian Country House in 1912 following the lives of the Crawley family and their servants. The sinking of the Titanic leaves Downton Abbey's future in jeopardy. However, the eldest daughter, Mary is quick to put her intended marriage behind her and move on. The arrival of the new valet, John Bates, shocks the servants and O'Brien and Thomas scheme to make his stay at Downton as short-lived as possible.

2 Episode Two

10/3/10

Everyone is anxious at the arrival of Matthew Crawley, the heir presumptive, and his mother, Isobel. Matthew encounters problems settling in to this new life whilst Isobel and Violet are immediately at daggers drawn. Carson is mortified to be confronted with his past and Gwen seems to have a secret correspondent.

3 Episode Three

10/10/10

Mary is instantly attracted to handsome Turkish attaché, Kemal Pamuk. However, their romance is cut brutally short, sending ripples of unease through the house. No one is more interested than O'Brien in Pamuk's movements. Gwen is humiliated when her secret is exposed. Bates goes to extreme lengths to cure his limp.

4 Episode Four

10/17/10

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. Violet and Isobel are in conflict over a medical ailment affecting Molesley. Elsewhere, Carson fears there is a thief at Downton.

5 Episode Five

10/24/10

The village is preparing for its annual flower show. Isobel and Violet are in conflict over Violet's long-held Best Bloom title. Mary is introduced to a potential suitor, Sir Anthony Strallan, yet she appears to be more interested in Matthew. A valuable snuff box goes missing and Mrs Patmore tearfully reveals her fears to Carson that her career may be coming to an end. O'Brien engineers a way for Edith to be revenged on Mary.

6 Episode Six

10/31/10

Sybil's political aspirations land her in trouble. Matthew and Mary's relationship takes an unexpected twist whilst the question of the wine thief is brought to a head with a shocking revelation by Bates. Edith may have found an admirer at last. Branson is more lovesick than ever.

7 Episode Seven

11/7/10

Cora's news throws Matthew's future into jeopardy and makes Mary question the proposal. Thomas finds a new future for himself and so does Gwen. But Mary, by her lack of decision, may have lost hers. A grand garden party at Downton brings events to a head, but all this pales into insignificance in the face of Robert's shock announcement.

About this show

The new costume drama series, Downton Abbey, written and created by Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes, stars Academy Award-winner Maggie Smith as a Dowager Countess of an Edwardian English country house in 1912. The series portrays the lives of the Crawley family and the servants who work for them, in a time before the last vestige of century's old tradition were stripped away by World War and the modern age. The all star cast also includes Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern.

Ratings and reviews

4.7

303 reviews

Stuart McPhee Train Photography

May 4, 2015

This series reminds me so much of my earlier days when I was fortunate to live in a grand house. I was too young to understand the importance of it all, but in my latter life, I realised that the grand house belonged to my grandparents and their traditions were rock solid. My grandparents have passed on as have my own parents but I recognise a lot of the traditions that they show in Downton Abbey. It is a pity that the show will come to an end at the end of Season 6 but the memories will continue live on for many more years to come.

10 people found this review helpful

Joni Tonkin

April 16, 2016

Absolutely love this show, but I've been waiting 3 weeks for episode 9! Its killing me :(

4 people found this review helpful

Jacqueline Smallmon

March 26, 2014

Great acting, wonderful story line. Keeps you guessing and wanting more. Lovely scenery and brilliant cinematography.

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