Downton Abbey

The Great War unsettles life at Downton and Isobel's surprising news about Matthew rocks the family further. New maid, Ethel ruffles O'Brien's feathers and Bates returns with life changing news for Anna.

Carson strives to keep standards high with disastrous personal consequences. Lady Rosamund is eager to unearth Lavinia and Carlisle's secret. The death of a wounded officer motivates Isobel and Sybil to see Downton in a different light. Shellshocked new valet, Lang arrives as William gets his call up papers and is love in the air for both Edith and Mary?

Downton is turned upside down with the arrival of the wounded officers. Branson intends to make General Strutt's visit a day no one will forget. William's return results in an awkward surprise for Daisy. Could there be skeletons in Lavinia's closet and is Bates back in Downton?

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

Robert receives some shocking news from the front. Daisy's relationship with William moves faster than she would like. Vera's return threatens to expose old secrets and Mary pays a high price for turning to Carlisle for help.

A wounded Canadian officer comes to Downton to recuperate and unsettles everything. Ethel learns some distressing news. Did Bates heed Robert's caution not to lose his temper with Vera? Is Carson leaving?

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

With the wedding approaching there's 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 and a decisive Anna forces Bates to think about their future.

Christmas 1919. Downton Abbey is hosting a lavish Christmas party, yet despite being the season of goodwill, tensions are rife and Bates's arrest has cast a shadow over the festivities. Will he be a condemned man or will he be found innocent in time for the annual servants ball? Mary has to consider her future with Sir Richard Carlisle following a contretemps at the shooting party and Violet has concerns about Rosamund, whose new suitor - the dashing but raffish Lord Hepworth, is not all he seems.