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Downton Abbey Season 3 Episode 1

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9.3

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Episode Summary

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AIRED: 9/16/12

It is 1920 and Matthew and Mary's wedding is fast approaching. Cora's mother, Martha, arrives from America for the nuptials, much to the displeasure of Violet as the two women have never seen eye to eye. There is some doubt as to whether the wedding itself will go ahead as the young couple are dealing with many stresses. Meanwhile, Miss O' Brien's nephew, Alfred, is employed at Downton as footman while Robert must shoulder a heavy burden as severe financial problems threaten the future of the estate and all who live and work there.

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TV.com Episode Review

Downton Abbey's Season 3 Premiere: A Wedding and Funeral

R.I.P. Cora’s fortune! It’s been fun!

By MaryAnn Sleasman, Jan 07, 2013

Fan Episode Reviews (5)

Wonderful Season Opener

9.0

By theowest37, Jan 15, 2013

Gripping, entertaining, a great start for a third season. Only a couple minor gripes: Matthew is essentially rehashing guilt over Lavinia that he resolved at the end of season 2, which makes his character appear a bit tired, though the actor Dan Stevens tries valiantly to make it work. And Shirley MacLaine is ridiculous, like a circus sideshow act, completely overdone - and completely overshadowed by Maggie Smith. Other than that, a great show.moreless
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Wonderful season opener

9.5

By Teayay, Oct 09, 2012

And I loved all the scenes with Maggie Smith and Shirley MacLaine.

Maggie Smith's comment about her early on...- "I'm so looking forward to see your mother again. When I'm with her I am reminded of the virtues of the English". - "But isn't she American?". - "Exactly".

Priceless:)
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Thanks for this great start to Season 3!

10

By DelilahKathry, Oct 01, 2012

I had a lot of fun watching this episode.

I don't want to summarize the details of the episode, but I can say I was very endeared about the details that were uncovered for some of the characters.

I loved seeing Branson and Sybil in Downton. Tom brings a lot of energy into this series. I like it very much.

Other than that - watching Mary and Matthew was wonderful as always.

A wonderful episode and I'm very keen to see more, especially now that money will become a sort of an issue. That should be very interesting!moreless
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A MOST EXPECTED WEDDING FOR A START

10

By DespinaPitaro, Sep 30, 2012

At last.This wedding should have taken place since season 1 but anyway.But i have to admit that their fights and arguings make their love grow stronger.Now it's Edith's time to get married.
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Great start to Season 3!

9.5

By Lady_Lancaster, Sep 17, 2012

Julian Fellowes has done it again with a masterful beginning to the third season of the show. It is now 1920 and along with troubles in Ireland, there are problems closer to home as Robert learns from his lawyer that almost all of Cora's considerable fortune has been lost in a pre-war rail road investment. The Crawley family stand to lose everything but there are other issues to deal with as Sybil and Branson arrive for the wedding and Robert is less than impressed, particularly as Branson refuses to confirm to the normal Downton standards.

Bates still sits in prison as Anna finds a type of journal, written in Vera's hand, which she hopes will help to free him. The arrival of Cora's mother for Mary and Matthew's wedding makes things somewhat strained while Edith's infatuation with Anthony Stralland causes concern for Violet.

Matthew and Mary quarrell over a large sum of money which he (Matthew) may inherit from the late Mr. Swire as he doesn't feel right accepting it and Mary argues that the Crawley family may need it in order to keep their beloved home. Their disagreement almost causes the wedding to be cancelled but Mary is prevailed upon by Matthew and Tom to go through with it.

A fantastic episode which moves constantly, is full of twists and turns, and should definitely not be missed.moreless
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Cast & Crew: STARS

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Hugh Bonneville	Robert, Earl of Grantham
Elizabeth McGovern	Cora, Countess of Grantham
Maggie Smith	Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham
Jessica Brown-Findlay	Lady Sybil Crawley (Branson)
Michelle Dockery	Lady Mary Crawley
Dan Stevens	Matthew Crawley