With Thomas back in town working at the hospital, it's only a matter of time before he's back scheming with the princess of darkness, Miss O'Brien. Of course, their reunion isn't quite an affectionate one, but O'Brien shows rare compassion when the new valet (Cal MacAninch, in the first of a two episode arc) shows signs of shell shock, something her favorite brother suffered with. It's a surprising switch in her personality. Thomas's love for a wounded soldier also reveals a side of him only seen briefly in season one and helps explain his bitterness. His giving of hope really makes a difference even though that situation ends in tragedy and leaves the usually dour Thomas in tears.
With Matthew engaged to Lavinia , Mary begins to see wealthy publisher Richard Carlisle (newcomer Iain Glen) which has grandmama and Aunt Rosamund plotting to get Lavinia away from Matthew. Meanwhile, Edith begins helping out on a local farm and finds a friendship with the farmer (Fergus O'Donnell) which brings out the jealousy and reverse snobbery of his unemotional, distant wife (Cathy Sara) who seems to dislike Edith instantaneously.
With the local hospital becoming over-crowded, Downton Abbey becomes an expanded hospital which creates potential more chaos thanks to Isabel and the dowager countess's interference, giving Cora the chance to claim control in one of Elizabeth McGovern's best scenes of the series. Daisy, giving comfort to the enlisting William, is unaware of his growing feelings for her With Bates gone, Mr. Mosely tries to romance Anna, but she politely declines his well intentioned attention. Mrs. Pathemore finds out bad news about her nephew from Lord Grantham which will pop up in episodes down the road. These plot devices all work, but it's those surprising light moments with O'Brien and Thomas that stand out.
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