Series two of Downton Abbey opens in November 1916 and the family and servants are busy working to get the house ready for a fund-raising concert to equip the village hospital to take more casualties from the front. New housemaid, Ethel Parks’, boasting does not make her popular with the others especially O’Brien who plays a cruel trick on Ethel in front of the family.

Feeling left out of the war effort, Robert is delighted when he receives a letter suggesting he is to be given the Colonelcy of the local volunteers and is excited about the prospect of finally being able to fight for his country. However, after attending a regimental dinner his appointment is not all it first seemed.

Isobel informs Robert and Cora that Matthew is back from the front on leave and plans to visit Downton in time for the concert. On hearing the news of his visit Edith wastes no time in telling Mary that Matthew is not coming alone.

Sybil, shocked at the death of so many young men at the front, decides to become an auxiliary nurse and enrols for training in York. Determined to have a role in the war effort Edith learns to drive and hopes it isn’t long before her new skill can be put to good use.

Episode 2

It's April 1917 and, with most of the men away at the front, Carson is finding it tough maintaining standards in the house. Robert's new valet Henry Lang has just returned from the war, but O'Brien is the only one to notice that he is not well. The suicide of a young officer prompts Isobel to suggest that they convert Downton into a convalescent hospital. Mary hears that Matthew is returning, and she asks Sir Richard Carlisle to stay - but when he makes a proposal she is faced with a tough decision. Meanwhile, Thomas starts work at the village hospital, and William is delighted to receive his call-up papers.

Episode 3

It is 1917 and Downton has been turned into a convalescent home for wounded officers. There is a lot to do, and the arrival of the first patients turns the house upside down. Matthew brings General Sir Herbert Strutt to inspect the home, unaware that Branson is planning to make the visit a memorable one. Meanwhile, Violet hopes to find skeletons in Lavinia's closet, William's return results in a surprise for Daisy, and Anna thinks that Bates has returned.

Episode 4

Tensions flare between Isobel and Cora over the management of the convalescent home. Ethel's flirtation with Major Bryant lands her in more trouble than she could ever imagine. There is worrying news from the front about Matthew and William. Meanwhile, Branson declares his feelings for Sybil, Robert goes out of his way to bring back Bates, and O'Brien sticks her nose into Mrs Patmore and Daisy's business.

Episode 5

Robert receives some shocking news from the front. Daisy's relationship with William moves faster than she would like. Bates is taken aback when Vera threatens to expose old secrets which could bring down the Crawleys. Mary is the only one who can protect the family, but she pays a high price when she turns to Carlisle for help.

Episode 6

1918: A wounded Canadian officer comes to Downton to recuperate and unsettles everything. He confides his secret to Lady Edith but what are his motives? And where will this leave the family? Robert announces that the ceasefire will begin on the 11th November. Isobel has plans for Downton to continue to help the war wounded in some way but Cora has other ideas. Thomas is still scheming, this time with encouragement from Mrs Patmore.

Episode 7

As the storms of war clear will life at Downton ever be the same again? A new development stuns the family. How long can Sybil and Branson keep their secret? Carlisle puts Anna in a difficult position, Bates is left reeling from the news about Vera, and Thomas embarks on a new money-making scheme.

Episode 8

With the wedding approaching there is excitement in the air, but will Branson's plans rattle everyone? Spanish flu reaches Downton and a desperate Thomas looks for a way to re-establish himself. Ethel faces a dilemma when the Bryants return with a heartbreaking proposition. A decisive Anna forces Bates to think about their future.

◄ Back to Downton Abbey first series details

Downton Abbey Series 2 Episode Guide

ITV’s costume drama about the Crawley family and their servants

Starring Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Penelope Wilton, Michelle Dockerty, Jim Carter, & Phyllis Logan.

(18/10/2010)