A whole host of dramatic events live in the third season as wedding guests descend at Downtown Abbey, but there may be many disasters and the family tries to convince Martha to have a lavish dinner party. On the other hand, Ms. Hughes is facing a crisis that may have a lot to do with her and Crowley is waiting eagerly for the new addition to the family soon and Anna is trying to find evidence to prove Bates's innocence. But perhaps there will be a real tragedy that will change everything.
Season 3 gets off to a fine and frothy start, even if it arrives in the wake of unpleasant off-screen news regarding the departure of a key cast member (no spoilers here).
It is by turns high-minded and lowbrow, hilarious and heartbreaking, and filled with heartfelt performances by actors who are clearly enjoying not only digging into their characters but playing off of one another.
Since Downton has just been renewed for a fourth season, perhaps Fellowes can begin taking more time with the writing to let events play out more realistically and treat his characters with the respect they've earned.
The superb cast manages to rise above the often-terrible writing, though sometimes you can almost catch them wincing as they deliver the truly awful lines.
