Scroll to the bottom to click on the reviews for other seasons.
Season 3 redeemed the show, but not because they got the disability story line right. They didn't.
Matthew's disability was a non-issue in Season 3 since he miraculously completely healed by the end of Season 2. However, Sir Anthony Strallan does appear in the first half of this season. As you may recall, he lost the use of his arm when he was injured in the war. In Season 3 he is frequently referred to as "crippled". In a way, I can forgive the use of that word since it probably was used back then in real life. However, his disability is viewed as a burden and he sees himself as a burden.
Edith, however, thinks differently. She seemed to want to be his wife and not just someone who took care of him. A true partnership was forming between the two of them, despite the age difference.
Apparently and unfortunately, the producers of the show saw his character as a burden because he leaves Edith alone at the altar as they were about to get married and he is never to be seen again! Once again, this was a missed opportunity to develop a compelling disability story line. Ugh. So much for that!
Other than this major problem, I really enjoyed Season 3. It was filled with significant changes and deep emotion. There was also more scenery, which was a real feast for the eyes. Lady Mary and Matthew finally tie the knot. Sybil gives birth to a healthy baby girl...and then Sybil dies. When Edith was left at the altar, the actress did a phenomenal job expressing how hurt she was. I felt her pain. She does find love again...but it's complicated. Because of some unwise investing decisions, Downton Abbey was about to go down. However, because Matthew was left tons of money from Lavinia's father after his passing, Downton is saved! The season wraps up with Lady Mary giving birth to a healthy baby boy and she herself not suffering the same fate Sybil did. Whew! Both are healthy. Matthew sees his baby boy. After they meet, we seem him blissfully driving in his sharp-looking car...and then getting into an accident that instantly kills him. I did not see that coming! The season ends showing Mary content holding her baby boy (a new heir to Downton!) and the rest of the family chatting, unaware of what had just happened to Matthew. I am glad I don't have to wait long to see what happens next!!!
A lot happens downstairs, too. Mr. Bates is finally released from prison during this season and he and Anna can further develop their relationship. (Anna is still my favorite character in all of Downton Abbey.) I love the scene where the two of them are blissfully enjoying a picnic. They can bask in the glory of being together after all they've been through.
A new housemaid, Edna, has her heart set on Branson after Sybil died. However, when this is discovered, she is let go. Thomas misinterprets the feelings of another man, Jimmy, and it is then discovered by others that Thomas is gay. He almost loses his job, but is eventually allowed to stay. Thomas later saves Jimmy's life (he literally takes a hit for him) and this looks like it will at least heal their friendship. And then there's Daisy, Ivy, Alfred and Jimmy. Alfred (the footman) has his eyes on Ivy (a new kitchen maid). However, Ivy has her eyes set on Jimmy, who does not appear to be interested in her. Meanwhile, Daisy loves Alfred. It's complicated! In this season we also meet, Lady Rose MacClare, Lord Grantham's distant and rebellious niece. By the end of the season it has been determined that she will live at Downton Abbey, at least for the time being. Lord Grantham and Lady Cora have their marital difficulties in this season due to their disagreement over how to treat Sybil when she was ill, but with the help of Lord Grantham's mother and a little white lie from their doctor/friend, they hug it out and all is well between the pair of them.
So, yes. Season 3 was jam packed with compelling story lines. It left me wanting more and eager to watch the next season. Season 3 will be a tough act to follow, but I am hopeful.
Read Season 1 review here.
Read Season 2 review here.
Read Season 4 review here.
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