Reminder: These reviews are of the third season of Downton Abbey, which is currently airing in Britain and will air on PBS in 2013.

Poor Edith. She just can’t win, can she? It can’t be easy to be the kind of girl who says “Good afternoon” to her husband-to-be at the altar. A lot happened in the third episode of Downton Abbey, both good and bad.

 

After a lot of drama and indecision, Sir Antony decided to call off his wedding with Edith…at the altar. Yikes. Being jilted at the altar is a terrible thing for anyone, even in 2012. For a woman in 1920, it’s absolutely tragic. I still don’t understand why everyone was kicking up such a fuss about the marriage, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy the soapy melodrama of seeing Edith left devastated and alone. Not that she deserved that, not at all – but it does make for good TV. You knew it couldn’t end well when she spoke of how happy she and her sisters all were and suggested a photograph. The girl just can’t have anything.

The issue of the estate was resolved a little too simply – Lavinia had written to her father on the day she died, so he named Matthew as third in line to be heir knowing everything that had happened between Matthew and his daughter. That made it easy for Matthew to accept the money, make Mary happy and remain at Downton. Lord Grantham wouldn’t accept the money outright though, he and Matthew will both be heads of the house. So hopefully that will make for some difficulties.

And more good news – Mrs. Hughes does not have cancer. Again, a storyline that was resolved rather quickly. The season is moving at a brisk pace, and the previews for what’s to come have me excited. After all, Sybil is pregnant and Tom is a bit unpredictable. I can’t wait to find out what happens with that.

The one thing that doesn’t seem to be moving quickly is the Bates storyline. I’m not as interested in his life in prison as I thought I’d be, and I’m ready to see some proof that Vera committed suicide and framed Bates.

What did you guys think of the latest Downton Abbey installment?

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