Episode #2.2

Hooray, they've made Lady Mary a bit more likable!

I enjoyed this episode, with it being very clever how all the many storylines being told here all getting their chance.

With a convalescent home being set up at the Abbey, and Lady Edith's foray into the world of work, there was lots to enjoy here.

Isobel Crawley suggests to turn Downton Abbey into a convalescent home for the wounded soldiers. Richard Carlisle, a "rich and powerful" suitor of Lady Mary, visits. Carson works very hard to keep Downton Abbey perfect and spotless. We also meet the new valet, Mr. Lang.

I love this episode, it is better than the previous one. Also, Lady Mary is likeable here. I really also feel sorry for Lady Edith.

I really do not know much about history, but it is really amazing that this show is very informative to show us accurately what happened during one of the most important times of history and at the same time, tell us a beautiful story of the characters.

As a convalescent home for wounded officers, Downton Abbey offers respite from the front. But Cora and Isobel, locked in a power struggle over running the home, wage domestic war, and Thomas in his new rank as acting-Sergeant is not one to broker peace. Mary rejects Rosamund's dubious advice while Daisy reluctantly accepts Mrs. Patmore's - in both cases, new bonds are irreversibly forged. Meanwhile, Anna dares to hope when she spies a familiar figure in the village. When Matthew accompanies a visiting General to Downton, a dinner party brings much of the war's painful demands into sharp relief, claiming one victim and very nearly several others. Branson's ambitions are revealed and William's aspirations are fulfilled. And Edith, finally, catches someone's eye. The quality of the production continues to shine. Even though we are deep into the war with cutbacks and rationing in place, we do see new frocks on many of the ladies, and the gentlemen all in striking red regimental uniforms. Lady Mary's stunning black beaded evening gown reflects up to date fashions of a sheath dress that had been embellished and a string on jet beads. Screenwriter Fellowes is building up his characters and plot line nicely. I really like how he has worked in the historical facts of the era. Several grand manor houses became hospitals and the ladies of the household nurses while many of the male residents, upstairs and downstairs enlisted for King and Country. It is early days yet in the season, so the jury is still out on this season.

When Mrs. Crawley realizes that the wounded troops have few options in their rehabilitation, and proposes that Downton be turned into a recovery facility. There is more tension as Cora foolishly insists that Thomas (who was responsible for the wound that got him away from the front) take a position of authority. Meanwhile,, Edith goes to help a farmer and begins a short relationship with him. Also, we get to know more about Lavinia, Matthew's fiancee.