Radio Times: Review by:; Alison Graham

“Downton has existed for hundreds of years in perfect harmony!” thunders a self-righteous Earl of Grantham as whippersnapper Matthew tries to drag his father-in-law into the 20th century. Matthew (Dan Stevens) has big plans for the estate, which he claims has been mismanaged for years, but he upsets everyone by insisting that “Downton must be self-supporting if it’s to face the chance of survival.”

So it’s clear life has pretty much returned to normal after Sybil’s death; even the black clouds of bereavement are clearing as her baby is christened, and Edith decides to go to London to see whether she is cut out to be a journalist: “All sorts of toffs are writing for magazines these days,” says
The Sketch’s rather charming editor. Could he be causing romantic stirrings in Edith’s girlish heart?

But there are dark deeds downstairs when Thomas decides to try his luck with a fellow servant.

About this programme

7/8. It's a happy day for Downton as Anna's patience is rewarded, while Edith receives admiration from an unexpected quarter. Matthew refuses to back down over the estate management, but will his tactics pay off? Branson's plan for the christening causes consternation, as does the arrival of his brother, and O'Brien's motives are unclear as she counsels Thomas. Julian Fellowes' period drama, starring Joanne Froggatt, Laura Carmichael, Dan Stevens and Allen Leech.