Downton Abbey Season One, Episode Six

What a GREAT final episode for the season.  Love. Betrayal. Fear. Change.  I was riveted.  And this review will have spoilers, because it will mostly be me gushing over all the drama.

Change is a BIG theme in this episode.  Cora actually gets pregnant, forcing Matthew to realize how much he has changed and learned to love his new role.  Due to a misunderstanding, O'Brien thinks she is about to be fired and sabotages Cora's pregnancy.  The only reason this happens (besides O'Brien being a hateful schemer) is that she is terrified of change.  And at the end, the garden party is ruined by the announcement that Britain is at war with Germany.  Big change for everyone.

Love, fear, and betrayal all play major roles as well.  Mary and Matthew both let fear and pride take the better of them and their relationship crashes and burns.  While disappointing, I still hold out hope for them.  Far more interesting is the fallout between Lady Mary and her sister Lady Edith.  Lady Mary learns that it was her sister, Edith, who wrote the Turkish Embassy and started the rumors about Mary and Mr. Pamuk that, though true, have ruined Mary's marriage prospects.  When Mary confronts Edith, Edith calls her a slut.  It was shocking and horrible and made for amazing television.  Mary then ruins Edith's best (only) marriage prospect.

Just admit you're perfect for each other already.

In non-scheming plotlines, Lady Sibyle continues to be sweet and amazing, staying far away from the interpersonal drama and she finally finds Gwen a job as a secretary.  Another (good) change and a fantastic reward for the audience as we see everything else fall apart in very entertaining ways.  Gwen's success is enough hope in all of the (wonderful) scheming that the show does not become depressing.

The first season is available for free if you have Amazon Prime.  That's a good trick, because now I'm addicted and I just purchased the second season, which I plan to watch as quickly as possible.