TV Review: Downton Abbey [Series Three, Episode Eight]

'Downton Abbey' Series 3, Episode 8 (2012) // Words: Tara Joshi

My lack of episode-specific reviews for this series of 'Downton Abbey', whilst in part down to lack of organisation, is at least somewhat indebted to the strange nature of this third series. More so than ever there were several episodes that lapsed in written quality, serving as mere filler for some incredibly captivating and enthralling episodes. Sunday saw the series finale, and thus it saw a tying together of the various plots – the coherence of all this was quite questionable, however. SPOILERS AHEAD.

TV Review: Downton Abbey [Series Three, Episode 5]

'Downton Abbey' Series 3, Episode 5 (2012) // Words: Tara Joshi

Any questions I have had over the quality of the earliest episodes of this series of 'Downton Abbey' have been thoroughly vanquished in the past two episodes. The light brushes of sweet comedy, the engrossing character interactions and I think, more than anything in the last two episodes, the moments that are just painfully heart-wrenching but stunningly emotional have made these the strongest episodes of the series thus far. Spoilers below.

TV Review: Downton Abbey [Series Three, Episode Three]

'Downton Abbey' Series 3, Episode 3 (2012) // Words: Tara Joshi

SYNOPSIS: "Edith's big day finally arrives, but will the family be convinced that Strallan's age does not matter? Mary takes matters into her own hands - but the price could be high." (itv.com)

We missed out a review of last week's 'Downton Abbey' episode (apologies) but it’s fair to say that you could consider the somewhat poor second episode of the series as being a filler episode that was necessary in order to facilitate the exciting plots of 'Episode Three'. Spoiler-free review follows below.

TV Review: Downton Abbey [Series Three, Episode One]

'Downton Abbey' Series 3, Episode 1 (2012) // Words: Tara Joshi

SYNOPSIS: Cora's mother arrives for Matthew and Mary's wedding, but with the couple's relationship under strain will they even make it to the altar? Robert has some shocking news. (itv.com)

Series One of ITV's 'Downton Abbey' offered a nicely light and frivolous insight into Edwardian England – the class divisions, the witty patter, the pretty dresses and the seemingly insatiable obsession with marriage and inheritance. Series Two, then, which saw Downton and its occupants take on the The Great War, was certainly a darker affair; more than that, though, it often bordered on the melodramatic to the point of soap opera-esque disbelief.