Downton Abbey

Cora's mother arrives from America for the nupitals, but the young couple are dealing with many stresses. While Robert must shoulder a heavy burden as severe financial problems threaten the future of the estate and all who live and work there.

The financial situation for the Crawley family becomes even more precarious and Violet and Mary are hopeful that Cora's wealthy mother may be persuaded to come to the rescue. Mrs. Huges has some worrying personal news and Alfred's progress rankles Thomas.

Edith's happiness is overshadowed by her family's opposition to her plans regarding Anthony Strallan. Mrs. Hughes anxiously awaits her results, Anna makes a breakthrough to help Bates. And Mary takes matters into her own hands to secure the estate's future - but the personal cost could be high.

Trouble looms for Lady Sybil and Tom, as his strong views on politics get him into think water. Anna ponders about Bate's silence, while Ethel makes a tough decision about her son's future. Carson begins recruiting a footman, with promising candidate Jimmy sparking immediate interest below stairs.

Isobel brings Ethel under the roof, and Anna's perseverance finally pays off. Daisy is unhappy when Alfred takes a keen interest in the new kitchen maid Ivy, while Matthee's concerns about the estate grow - but are his protests falling on deaf ears?

Bates might be spending life behind bars. Violet finds herself having to play peacemaker as Robert and Cora have difficulties in their relationship. And Mary fights Branson's corner when his decisions are put under scrutiny.

Matthew continues to insist that his way of managing the estate is more efficient, guaranteeing Downton's future. The arrival of one of Branson's relatives isn't the only problem surrounding him at Downton, and Edith is the recipient of admiration from a wholly unexpected resource.

The annual cricket match draws near and it brings out Robert's competitive side. Violet's great-niece Rose arrives, while Matthew and Mary seem to be keeping secrets from each other. Thomas's future appears to be uncertain, but he may have found an unexpected ally in Bates.

The Crawleys head for the Scottish highlands to enjoy the hospitality of Rose's family while most of the staff stay behind. New crisis unfolds amid the stay, and Mary finds herself in need to return to Downton early.