Of Crickets and Affairs (Downton Abbey 3x08 Episode Eight Episode Review)

Downton Abbey had concluded its junior run with an episode which hilighted the solemness and grandeur of the writing, the direction, the actors, and of the scenery. 

Basically, the season three finale tied all untied knots from the past seven episodes, and also it gave us a glimpse of who may not return on the show for season four. UK's Most Watched Television Show really knows how to make viewers feel so much emotions for just an hour. However, I do believe that the finale could have been better. 

As a bonus, I'll share to you - my lovely readers - my top 5 most favorite storylines for this season of Downton Abbey. I think it's pretty amazing how a show with only few episodes every season introduce us to a lot of subplots for the lords, ladies, and servants of the manor.

5. Mrs. Hughes' cancer

   I just wished they had extended this subplot for Mrs. Hughes. Or, they should have given her cancer. It was really sad when she was waiting for the results if she has this terminal disease, but when she found out she doesn't have it, all of it fell flat and pretty useless. 

4. Ethel as cook of Isobel and giving up her child

  I was really surprised when I found out that Ethel was back this season. I thought her stint from season 2 was already her last (just like Agnes' in season 1). To make a living for her and for her child, she decided to be a prostitute. When Isobel found out about this, she took Ethel as her cook. Also, Ethel decided to give up her child to the father. Another arc for her is the whole controversies and scandals - whatever those were - that arose from Ethel's admission as a servant in Isobel's house eventhough she was a prostitute, thereby, she has to go. 

3. The whole Downton being bankrput - thus, Matthew invested is inherited wealth from Lavinia's father to Downton, making him "co-captain of the ship".

  I love that Matthew are taking over Downton, as much as Lord Grantham hates it. Mathhew's plans may be conflicting as to what His Lordship wanted, things still went pretty smoothly to Matthew. 

2. Thomas' homosexual act towards James

   Another interesting arc for this season is the bickering and battle between former partners-in-crime, O'Brien and Thomas. However, I never thought it would reach this far. James, the new footman of Downton, had arisen so much interest from the ladies... and to Thomas. So, O'Brien made sure that she can lead his former ally to James eventhough she knew that the footman is straight as a wooden stick. During the penultimate episode of the season  Thomas made his move and kiss James while he's asleep. James, all shocked and disgusted, with of course some coaching by O'Brien, decided to break Thomas more. I never thought that homosexuality was such a huge issue back then so this subplot  - which became one of the biggest arcs for the season - was so fun to watch.

1. Sybil's death, and its effects to the people of Downton

  What a surprising and sad death. Sybil died from childbirth despite the advice of Dr. Carson to follow his methods rather than the Other Doctor's ways. The youngest of the Crawley sisters left a daughter and her former chauffeur husband Branson in despair. Furthermore, the drama and and the conflict that happened after her death between Robert and his family was such a treat! 

PS. I really want to include the whole Bates-getting-out-of-prison plot since it's one of the biggest ones for this season, but it felt short and a little bit dragging. Also, it's pretty predictable that he will be free anyway so it was not much of a surprise. I was happy for him and Anna, but the storylines mentioned above are far more enjoyable.

PSS. Number Six for me would be Edith's miserable wedding, Well, she was left out in the altar during her wedding so it's really bad. I think the writers don't want Edith to be happy.

See you next year, Downton Abbey!