Good Night, Sweet Princess

S03E04

Sybil's marathon pregnancy is finally at an end and against that backdrop, Mary and Matthew are still dancing around the issue of having a child of their own; Mary because it seems like she's not sure she's ready, and Matthew -- who very much wants one -- because he wonders if his war injury might have affect his… um, potency. Meanwhile, Sybil tells Mary her dilemma: Now that they won't be able to return to Dublin in order for the baby to be Catholic, they'll have to have the christening at Downton, which could be a bit controversial. This also leads Sybil to confess that while she believes in God, she's not nearly so sure about organized religion. Mary promises to fight Sybil's corner if need be.

Hey, remember how Vera's suspicious behavior involved scrubbing that pie out of her nails? Much as I did, Bates clues in on that and he and Anna realize that Vera meant to ensure the end of Bates' life by taking her own. Anna takes the news to Lord Grantham, who, while thrilled to hear it, cautions her that Mrs. Bartlett may not tell the truth if she realizes it could set Bates free. Murray -- who I guess is Lord Grantham's attorney as well as his financial adviser -- comes to Downton to confer with Anna and then heads to the prison to talk to Bates. He promises to do what he can, but unfortunately one of Craig's co-conspirator guards realizes that Bates has gotten some good news and reads his letters to find out what it is; the upshot seems to be that they're pretty confident that an interview with Mrs. Bartlett won't, well… bear fruit.

When Jimmy James gets tasked with winding Downton's clocks, O'Brien sees an opportunity to send him Thomas' way and soon, Thomas is trying -- well, to wind something quite different. Jimmy James figures out what he's like soon enough, but O'Brien -- playing a long con I can't yet identify -- warns Jimmy James not to make an enemy of Thomas.

Much to her credit, Isobel hasn't given up on Ethel even now that she's given up her child and she has her over to Crawley House. Ethel tells her that she hasn't gone back to hooking at least, and Isobel surprises even me by offering Ethel a job working with Mrs. Byrd. Ethel wonders about the reaction of the people at Downton (I'd be more worried about Mrs. Byrd, myself), but Isobel won't be denied and Ethel is extremely grateful. Mrs. Byrd quits in protest and heads back to Manchester, but not without sending a letter explaining herself Molesley's way, who relays the news to Carson. Mrs. Hughes prevails on him not to let the news go any further -- at least for the moment -- thinking that maybe Ethel won't last in the job; given how she can't even seem to make a decent cup of tea, Mrs. Hughes might be in luck.

Daisy is horrible to the new kitchen maid, Ivy, which is even less surprising now that she's getting attention from Alfred and Jimmy James both. Using his cooking skills, Alfred pulls a little trick to make Daisy think Ivy's saved her ass and although Mrs. Patmore's hip to what's happening, she doesn't let on, and even tells Daisy being nasty to Ivy isn't going to make Alfred like her any better. It's absolutely true and yet I kind of like her better this way.

Edith's letter leads to her being offered a weekly newspaper column, but Lord Grantham sniffs that it's only happened because the editor is interested in her name and her title, which, while probably true, is unkind enough that Edith takes real umbrage to it. As usual with Edith, though, that development will be lost amidst the other events of the episode.

Matthew uses the fact that some of the farmland at Downton has fallen into disuse, ignored by the tenants supposed to be working it, as the catalyst to talk to Mary about the mismanagement of the place. He eventually brings it up with Murray, but Mary catches them and castigates them for the timing and as you'll see, she's got a point.

Now, the big news. Sybil is having early labor pains and, with reasonably good reason not to trust Dr. Clarkson's assessment that nothing is wrong, Lord Grantham brings in an obstetrician, "Sir Philip." When the labor starts in earnest, Clarkson becomes worried, because Sybil appears mentally out of it and when the doc gets Sir Philip alone, he worries that it's toxemia (or preeclampsia -- pregnancy-induced high blood pressure). Sir Philip, however, pish-poshes the diagnosis and tells Clarkson to stay out of it, but Cora intervenes to allow Clarkson access. Soon, he's advocating to get Sybil to the hospital for a C-section. However, as the C-section comes with its own risks, Lord Grantham wants to stick with Sir Phillip's opinion, but everyone else feels the decision should be Branson's. A real and desperate fight ensues, with Cora convinced that they should go with Clarkson's recommendation and Lord Grantham just as convinced Sir Phillip is right, leaving poor Branson in an absolutely impossible position, so it's not surprising that inaction wins out.

Sybil gives birth to a girl and everything seems fine, but before she goes to sleep, she urgently tries to talk to Cora about Branson and the baby's future. Whether it's because she felt what was coming or not, in the middle of the night, she awakens and has the most horrible fits and seizures of eclampsia. Although this might not be fatal in the modern day, the family can do nothing other than to watch Sybil pass away right in front of them. Not that everyone isn't distraught -- including the servants when they're rousted out of bed -- but Branson and Cora in particular are absolutely inconsolable, as is Thomas, who felt a special bond with Sybil from when they worked in the hospital together. When she's recovered, Cora promises her daughter's corpse that they'll look after both Branson and the child, but before the episode ends, she's announced to the entire family that she blames Lord Grantham for Sybil's death. Even though the Dowager Countess tries to tell him otherwise, it's clear he feels the same way. I can't lie -- this was an absolutely devastating episode and I just hope I can write off my tissue consumption for the full recap.

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It's nighttime at Downton, and after a quick shot of him entering and ascending the stairs, we see Dr. Clarkson attending to Sybil, who's apparently been experiencing pre-labor pains. However, he announces that whatever was happening has stopped and smiles that the blessed event is still in the future...

...and then, with the women in tow (you'd expect this with childbirth issues, but once again we see how the women of this show are a hardier lot than the men by a wide margin), he emerges onto the landing and announces that Sybil is fine. In fairness, of the men, it's only Branson who looks a real wreck, but when Dr. Clarkson goes on that the early pains are a sign that the womb is preparing itself for childbirth, Cora cautions him that Lord Grantham doesn't enjoy frank discussions of what she calls "medical details," but I think actually means "goings-on below the Equator." They all resolve to go back to bed, but Lord Grantham oh-by-the-ways that "Sir Philip Tapsell" will be arriving at Downton the day and from the way Clarkson stiffens and sniffs that that's fine, "if you think it advisable," I'm thinking that Clarkson is the Absolutely Fabulous hairdresser of Edina's with the inferiority complex to Tapsell's Nicky Clarke. Before everyone dissipates, though, Branson asks Clarkson if there's really nothing wrong and Clarkson assures him there isn't. I'm going to try my best to limit references to the episode's future events, but it will turn out to be ironic that on first view I was thinking "Yeah, I've heard that from you before, guy."

Downstairs, new girl Ivy says she'd rather have a baby in a hospital, "with all the modern inventions," but Anna takes the con side in this little impromptu debate, saying that she'd rather be close to the people she trusts. After a bit more of this, Carson ends any further discussion, but before he sends them to the day's work he cautions them to curtail any noise in Sybil's vicinity. Ivy smiles that it'll be exciting to have a baby in the house, to which Daisy practically spits, "It won't make much difference to you." The attitude is obviously uncalled for, yet I kind of like it. I mean, she's no less transparent here than usual, but at least her usual whining has been replaced by some steel. Daisy adds that Ivy should get back in the kitchen and after she stalks off, O'Brien sardonically notes in Ivy's direction that she supposes that message got through. And my feeling is that if you're being nasty enough to impress O'Brien, you're doing something right.

By Couch Baron

Upstairs, Lord Grantham is telling Cora that he feels bad benching Dr. Clarkson for Sybil's case, but he misdiagnosed Matthew and also missed the warning signs with Lavinia. Regardless of whether you think he could have done anything differently in Lavinia's case (it's not like when Cora was at death's door that they were working some miracle cure for her), it will sadly seem in retrospect that those failures served to make him more vigilant. (I know what I said, but I can't help it; I'm not going to be in much shape for analysis later.) Cora takes Clarkson's side, saying that while Tapsell may be OB/GYN to the stars (or at least British royalty), he doesn't know them like Clarkson does, so Lord Grantham offers to have Tapsell include Clarkson in his deliberations and Cora agrees to the plan.

Downstairs, O'Brien sees a perplexed look on Jimmy James' face and asks him what's up, so he tells her that Carson has asked him to mind the clocks. O'Brien -- without a discernible trace of anything malicious -- congratulates him, saying that's a job for the first footman. Jimmy James says he knows, but the thing is, he knows zip about that job, so O'Brien tells him to ask Thomas for help as he used to do it before he became a valet. Jimmy James asks if Thomas won't mind, which seems a little off, since Jimmy James made a point of asking Thomas if he wouldn't help him out from time to time, but does give O'Brien the opportunity to encourage him, saying that Thomas obviously likes Jimmy James, which is great for him given that Thomas has Lord Grantham's ear. I don't know how exactly how far O'Brien's game is going to go, but the "job well done" look she gets on her face at the end of this conversation makes me fear for young Jimmy James. (As for Thomas, he dug his own grave a while ago.)

Sybil is detailing the physical suffering she's going through and Mary's like, you're not going to talk me out of having a kid of my own. I'll at least pass up the obvious comment in favor of wondering when Mary got more certain about the idea. Of course, she could be dissembling, an idea given credence by Sybil admitting she was wondering if Mary was waiting to have a child. Sybil then moves on to something that's been on her mind -- she and Branson had agreed that the baby would be raised Catholic, but given their present circumstances, the christening will have to happen at Downton. Even though she didn't expressly hear Lord Grantham's opinion of the Catholic Church, the implications of this revelation aren't lost on Mary and she tells Sybil that she doesn't have to give in to Branson's wishes. Sybil says she doesn't mind and that she does believe in God, but then seems to contradict the first point by adding that she's not so sure about the trappings of the Church, and wonders if a vicar really knows any more about God than she does. She goes on, though, that she loves Branson very deeply, to which Mary -- processing Sybil's conflict -- assures her sister that she'll fight her corner with Travis if it comes down to it. Sybil smiles gratefully and the sisters clasp hands...

By Couch Baron

...whereupon we cut to hands being clasped with a bit more ulterior of a motive, at least on one side, as Thomas -- standing behind Jimmy James -- is helping his protégé with the winding of a grandfather clock. And you can take it from me that the entire conversation is loaded with innuendo, but I'll just give you a sampler by telling you that Thomas inquires whether Jimmy James can "feel a slight increase in the resistance." Thomas does wax nostalgic about how his father was a clockmaker, so it's clear his affinity for the job is genuine, but whether or not Jimmy James notices, he does let his hand linger on Jimmy James' shoulder for a rather longer time than might be considered proper or heterosexual.

In prison, Anna is wondering why she was kept away from Bates, but Bates thinks it's more important now that someone question Mrs. Bartlett. You see, Bates has finally figured out what I speculated was the case some time ago -- only mentioning it because you'd think someone on the show might have figured it out long ago -- which is that Vera furiously scrubbing the pastry out of her nails was an effort to remove the physical evidence that would have shown it was she who prepared the poisoned pie. Anna's voice gets emotional as she realizes what this means -- that Vera took her own life in an effort to ruin Bates' -- and says she hopes Vera's burning in hell. Bates, however, tells her not to go down that road, probably because he needs someone to keep pushing his limits in the sainthood competition that is this relationship.

Isobel has apparently invited Ethel back to Crawley House. This is a pleasant surprise, not because I have such affinity for Ethel as a character, but because it would have been easy for the show to conclude that the character had served her purpose with her tearful sacrifice last episode and given her no further thought. Instead, the writers have chosen for Isobel to show her further kindness and concern, which I find to be a strong character choice. Ethel assures Isobel that she hasn't gone back to, um, her client list, saying that now that she doesn't have to worry about feeding Charlie, she'd rather starve than hook again. Isobel, however, suggests a third option -- Ethel could come to work there with Mrs. Byrd, which would give her the opportunity to have a respectable job with a respectable reference. Ethel, of course, doesn't dare to hope that this will work out as she asks if Isobel has really thought about this, wondering what reaction Mrs. Hughes will have or Cora or, scariest of all, the Dowager Countess. "Can't wait to hear what she has to say about it." I agree, but I'm not being ironic. However, Isobel steps forward and asks if Ethel wouldn't like to work there and when Ethel admits that she would but thinks it's going to be complicated, Isobel tells her they'll face any such complications together. Ethel gives in and smiles hopefully and it's no giving your kid up for a better life, but it's still touching!

Craig and one of the bad guards are pedewhispering about Bates looking like he received some good news. They wonder what it is, so the guard asks Craig the former cellmate where Bates keeps his letters. He thinks he's being clever, but he's the one who's going to need insulin shots after reading Bates and Anna's correspondence.

Matthew is using a walking tour of the grounds to point out to Mary how much disuse and disrepair much of the farmland and its structures have fallen into, which goes a long way to explain his contention that Downton is being mismanaged. Mary, surely with a bit of reflexive defensiveness for her father, asks if Matthew doesn't think Lord Grantham understands that the land needs to be worked, and Matthew replies that perhaps he harkens back to a time when money was no issue for them. "I think he equates being businesslike with being mean -- or worse, middle class, like me." I think Matthew has, as the British say, got it in one and while Mary doesn't comment, she at least no longer appears offended. She does, however, suggest they get back, as Sir Philip will be arriving soon, "and you ought to be there to hold [Branson's] hand." Matthew notes how simultaneously terrified and thrilled Branson is and after another moment where it's not clear if Mary balks at the idea of having children, she takes his arm and they head back.

At dinner, the Dowager Countess compliments Sir Philip on his exploits and he pompously tells a story that, although not involving women's parts exactly, still almost results in Lord Grantham doing a spit-take, only he manages to put it all back into his crystal. I suppose it makes me middle class, but I would have liked to see the real McCoy there. This time, however, it's pretty clear the talk of babies is making Mary and Matthew both uncomfortable and I get that they're British and on this show but let's TALK THIS OUT ALREADY. Sir Philip's pomposity fails to diminish as he A) says that Sybil is the model of health, and B) disparages Clarkson's potential presence and if you're feeling more sympathy for the absent Clarkson, the sentiment will serve you well.

After dinner, Anna catches Lord Grantham and asks him for a word, and he beckons her into his study leaving Matthew open to ask Sir Philip -- after the expected hemming and hawing -- if his spinal injury might have affected his... well, potency. Discussing the subject openly is making him so uncomfortable that you can practically see his hair droop, an unfortunate visual given the conversational topic. Sir Philip, with the hilariously appropriate volume modulation, asks if everything is "working as it should," and when Matthew confirms that (shouldn't he pull Mary in for a second opinion?), Sir Philip wonders why Matthew even thinks there's an issue. Matthew tells him he and Mary are "anxious to start a family" (O RLY?) and that they haven't had any results despite having been married a few months. Sir Philip gently points out that being anxious is precisely the problem, as it's an enemy to pregnancy and he may not cover himself in glory the entire episode, but I have to think he has a point here. He adds that he could run a test, but he doesn't think it's necessary, and Matthew looks mollified (at least for him), which is to say that he stops frowning like it's his job. Cora then emerges from the drawing room and calls them in...

By Couch Baron

...while Lord Grantham is remarking how extraordinary the news Anna has just relayed is. He wonders how the police missed the connection so completely, but Anna explains that Mrs. Bartlett never spoke to them or to anyone. And despite Mrs. Bartlett's sneering initial reaction, I have to give Anna credit for going the utilitarian route of applying some cash to the situation. Not that that's what made the difference, according to Anna, as she claims that Mrs. Bartlett only came clean to her because she thought it couldn't make any difference now and was also only further proof of Bates' guilt. Boy, if Mrs. Bartlett is playing straight here, Vera certainly had the wool pulled over her eyes, no? Surprisingly, Lord Grantham sees that the situation is far from resolved, as even if she accepts that Bates didn't murder Vera, she may think that he drove her to suicide and as such will employ some frontier justice in allowing him to rot in prison. Anna suggests they should get a statement from her before she realizes its implications, and Lord Grantham says he'll telephone Murray to get the wheels in motion. He then congratulates Anna on her faith and diligence in finding the proof and Anna smiles, which is surprising, because I didn't think saintly self-sacrifice went hand in hand with taking compliments gracefully.

Downstairs, Alfred and Jimmy James are tag-team-flirting with Ivy and somehow the dual nature of it serves to cancel out any skeeviness. That doesn't stop Daisy from coming in and ordering Ivy around like her slave, and while there's a tradition of that around here, Ivy still explains to Jimmy James once Daisy's gone that Daisy doesn't like her. Jimmy James wonders why not, and even though she claims not to know, the cagey look on her face and blink-and-you'll-miss it look she gives Alfred suggest otherwise. Also, we get the idea that Ivy likes Jimmy James a bit more than she does Alfred, which is making me think the downstairs is just about ready to turn into A Midsummer Night's Dream. (Make your own joke about who's the Bottom.)

Mary and Edith come downstairs for the cocktail hour to find Branson, who tells them Sybil's been restless all afternoon so he doesn't think it'll be long now. Mary and Edith express sympathy that the birth couldn't have been in Dublin, but Branson tells them nothing's more important with Sybil. I know I said I'd try not to say anything, but can I at least sigh audibly?

The group enters the drawing room to find the Dowager Countess, and Cora beams that she'll be there every night until the baby is born. The Dowager Countess confirms it: "I hate to get news secondhand." Hee. Sir Philip offers that it won't be long now, but when Cora declares her intention to ring Dr. Clarkson after dinner, Lord Grantham informs her that Sir Philip has decided the room might be a little crowded with him there. Cora, however, says in a voice that will brook no dissent that she gave her word, and Edith settles the matter by saying she'll run down in the car after dinner and fetch him.

Downstairs, Daisy barks a bunch of orders at Ivy and then runs out of the room. Seeing that she's left her hollandaise sauce unattended (she ordered Ivy to do something or other with it), Alfred, who you'll remember claimed some cooking prowess, grabs it and quickly doctors it. When Daisy returns a moment later, she's horrified to find that it's curdled -- or at least it appears so. Daisy's at her wit's end, but Alfred tells her to run and do what she needs to do and Ivy will take care of it. When Daisy's gone again, Alfred has Ivy crack an egg and dribble it over the mess, which fixes whatever problem he caused. None of this has been lost on Mrs. Patmore, but she keeps mum as Daisy returns and is stunned to find the issue solved. Mrs. Patmore then congratulates Ivy and suggests that Daisy thank her, and Daisy -- her raging hatred salved by the runny yolk of an egg -- limply complies. When Ivy's gone, Mrs. Patmore notes, "Well, that didn't hurt at all, did it?" Hee. Mrs. Patmore proves she's good for more than a zinger, though, as she takes a breath and then soberly gives Daisy some #realtalk, that being that Alfred won't like Daisy any better for being rough on Ivy. Daisy looks like she knows that already, but hearing it out loud will make it harder to continue.

By Couch Baron

...while in disasters of a different nature, Ethel has burned whatever she's got in the oven; it takes a lot of effort and some shouting to get the situation under control, which attracts Isobel from the other room. As she regards the charred contents of the tray, Ethel explains that it's a kidney soufflé. Isobel thinks that was a bit adventurous, but when Ethel offers to make something else, Isobel tells her no. "If we're to avoid a midnight feast, it's" -- she looks at the smoking remains in front of her in horror -- "it's too late to turn back." HA! I can't do justice to Penelope Wilton's handling of that moment, but it isn't lost on Ethel. In fairness, she did warn Isobel that this wouldn't be easy.

Downstairs, Molesley buttonholes Carson, saying he's received a letter from Mrs. Byrd...

...while upstairs, a sweaty Sybil is sitting up as Branson reminds her that he has a brother in Liverpool and there might be an opening there, although it'd mean working with cars again. Sybil begs him not to think of going backwards before a contraction hits, and then she makes a comment about lying back and looking at the stars, which is enough for Branson to look in Sir Philip's direction, no doubt wondering if this qualifies as muddled thinking. Sir Philip still thinks everything's fine, but then Dr. Clarkson comes in with Cora, who clearly is still on his side and says he'd like to test the latest sample of Sybil's urine. Sir Philip starts to bluster about that, but Cora shuts him down and this looks like an excellent decision when Sybil apologizes to Dr. Clarkson for not attending to her duties (she thinks she's back working in the Downton hospital). As Sybil again starts to breathe heavily, Cora looks terribly concerned...

...as is Carson -- albeit about something else -- as he bites out, "Mrs. Crawley has hired a prostitute to manage her house?" Your words, Carson. Mrs. Hughes tries to inject some compassion into the discussion, but while Carson doesn't question Isobel's charity, he thinks it reflects badly on the house to have a prostitute crossing Isobel's door. Mrs. Hughes tells him Ethel's given that up, getting this response: "I didn't think she was running a brothel in Mrs. Crawley's kitchen!" I'm still on musicals, so it's kind of a shame; makes me think of The Best Little Whorehouse In Downton. Mrs. Hughes asks if they can't keep quiet about it for now -- in her recollection, Ethel was no great cook, so maybe the situation will sort itself out. And she hasn't even seen the kidney soufflé! Carson agrees, but says that the maids shouldn't go into Crawley House for any reason. As Molesley leaves, Carson has an epiphany and adds, "Or the footmen!" I wonder if he heard Martha's comment about Alfred.

By Couch Baron

Outside, the man about whose feelings the Dowager Countess couldn't care less is berating Clarkson for upsetting the family for no reason, but Clarkson urgently tells him he's worried Sybil may be toxemic and the danger of eclampsia means they must act quickly. Sir Philip tells him he sees no such danger and, in his experience, Sybil is acting normally. The show is confident enough not to draw attention to the point, but of course the fact that Clarkson has known Sybil her whole life would seem to give him a better handle on the judgment of her mental state. Instead, Clarkson asks if Sir Philip doesn't find the baby small, but the answer is not unusually so and while this goes on a bit more, Sir Philip eventually tells Clarkson that if he wishes to remain, he's going to have to be silent. Sir Philip heads back in...

Downstairs, Molesley buttonholes Carson, saying he's received a letter from Mrs. Byrd...

By Couch Baron

Another meeting has been called and Dr. Clarkson wastes no time in expressing his opinion that Sybil is at risk for eclampsia. He details the warning signs -- the small size of the child, Sybil's confusion and the high levels of protein in her urine. Lord Grantham practically clenches at the mention of that last problem, like, I know you're an aristocrat but GET IT TOGETHER or leave the room. He tries to say his discomfort is on behalf of his mother, earning this reply: "A woman of my age can face reality far better than most men." Sing it, Dowager Countess. No really, I mean it! Mary asks what Dr. Clarkson is proposing, and his answer is that they get Sybil to the hospital and conduct a C-section. Sir Philip, however, thinks that would expose Sybil to great risks -- infectious and otherwise -- and as easy as it will be to cast him as the villain of the piece, I have to believe he's telling it as he sees it here, not the least of which because Dr. Clarkson doesn't deny the risks. However, he does say that an immediate C-section is the only way to avoid "the fits" that would come with natural birth coupled with eclampsia and this very real fight, out of nowhere, between the two medical professionals makes the situation impossibly immediate. Lord Grantham thinks they have to support Sir Philip, but Mary, Cora and the Dowager Countess all pipe up that the decision should ultimately be Branson's. Handcuffed, Lord Grantham at least doesn't make a regretful comment about women's right to vote.

By Couch Baron

Downstairs, Anna reports that the doctors are arguing, which she rightly takes as a bad sign, but no one can do anything other than wait...

...while upstairs, the fight rages on, as Sir Philip says that moving Sybil now would be tantamount to murder. Poor Branson looks completely desperate and lost as Clarkson pleadingly says that Sir Philip must be starting to detect the symptoms himself. Honestly, everyone is in hand-wringing mode at this point; they know the wrong decision could condemn Sybil, but worse, they must also know there may not be a right decision. Branson asks Clarkson if he can swear a C-section will save Sybil, which is an impossible question, of course; better to ask if he thinks it's the only viable option. Clarkson does say without equivocation that if he's right about Sybil's preeclampsia and they do nothing, she'll die, prompting Lord Grantham to step forward and say that Sir Philip is sure Sybil will be fine. Cora, however, desperately says that if it were up to her, Sybil would have been taken to the hospital an hour ago, and the split between Sybil's parents sure can't be helping Branson's decision-making abilities any. Just then, though, an anguished cry comes from Sybil's room, postponing any further discussion about her care...

...while over at Crawley House, Ethel tells Isobel that Sybil was always very kind to her, and Isobel responds by telling her that her tea is as shitty as her kidney soufflé. I mean, not exactly in those words, but still.

In the library (I always feel like I'm playing Clue when recapping this show), the Dowager Countess is sitting and the men are pacing when Mary comes in with the joyful news that Sybil has given birth to a girl and they're both fine. Cut to upstairs, with Sybil holding her daughter in her arms as Branson beams to her. All seems well, and when Sybil says she wants to sleep, everyone moves to withdraw, but Sybil calls Cora back to tell her about Branson's idea of being a mechanic in Liverpool (you'll forgive me if I'll indulge in that mental picture for a moment) and to tell her that it wouldn't be right for him. Cora tells her they don't need to talk about it now, but Sybil pushes on, saying that Lord Grantham might see the idea as some sort of answer. Cora tells her Lord Grantham loves her and Sybil says she knows, "But will you help me do battle for [Branson] and the baby, if the time comes?" Cora promises she will and all I can say is that I hope she and Mary compare notes about their recent conversations with Sybil.

By Couch Baron

Out on the landing, Cora apologizes to Sir Philip for doubting him and Sir Philip, much to Dr. Clarkson's chagrin, is pompously magnanimous about the whole thing. He says they can all go to sleep and given what's coming, I'd like to take that advice.

Downstairs, Carson tells the relieved troops the good news and sends them off to bed. Jimmy James notices that Thomas seems especially happy and Thomas explains that he and Sybil worked together in the hospital, and she's a lovely person. Clasping Jimmy James' arm, he adds, "Like you," and this time there's no doubt that one of Jimmy James' eyebrows goes to a Mr. Spock place. After Thomas is gone, O'Brien notices the frown on Jimmy James' face and asks him what's up, and he sighs that Thomas is rather "familiar." O'Brien plays it straight, so to speak, offering that it's a good sign for Jimmy James' future. Jimmy James says he'd kind of like Thomas to back off, but when O'Brien asks if he's implying something unseemly, he backs off and withdraws. The sly smile O'Brien then permits herself takes me right back to "It'll be all wrong with you before too long," and I can't say I'm sorry about it.

Oh boy, the suddenly dissonant music lets us know that it's time. Mary comes rushing in to wake up Cora, saying she needs to come to Sybil quickly. When they arrive, a crowd is gathered around the bed already, and Sybil is breathing heavily and out of her mind with panic. I could try to describe how awful it is already, but the way Sir Philip covers his mouth in horror kind of tells all. Branson is equally freaked, but I'm not sure anyone except the doctors knows exactly what's going on as Sybil whacks herself in the head while complaining of the intense pain. Mary tries to hold a cloth to her forehead to cool her down, but Sybil -- leaning back as if she's having a seizure -- suddenly goes catatonic. Mary tries to shake her as Cora, wild-eyed, asks what's going on and Clarkson sadly has to tell her it is in fact eclampsia. Sir Philip is stunned, unable to take it in, as Lord Grantham points out how sure he was. Branson and Cora, equally distraught, kneel beside her while Matthew and Edith wonder if the hospital is still an option. Clarkson, however, tells them that nothing can now be done; Sybil seizes as Lord Grantham barks that there has to be something worth trying. But Mary steps back in horror as she realizes that Sybil is no longer breathing and momentarily, she's lying there ashen-faced and still. And the hardest part of this scene -- which is saying a lot -- is that there's no CPR and no expert revival efforts. She's still technically alive, but all they can do is watch her pass. Through their sobs, Cora and Branson both entreat her to wake up, but soon, Dr. Clarkson reaches between them for a pulse that's no longer there, and the look he gives the rest of the family confirms that Sybil is gone. Lord Grantham tells himself that it can't be as Sybil is only 24, but another look at Sybil's corpse reaffirms the reality of the situation, which is then accentuated by the newborn's cry from the other room. The rest of the room notes the terrible irony there, but Branson and Cora are still out of their minds with grief...

Downstairs, Anna gives a little intro about what she's learned and Murray suggests she tell him everything she knows. Probably obvious given his age, but this clearly isn't his first rodeo.

Branson is now alone with his late wife and on top of everything else, it's obviously so difficult to even take in what's happened given the few short hours that have passed. He looks at her and cries anew...

...while downstairs, Matthew has gotten Murray alone and Murray confesses that even at this sad time, he's happy to hear Matthew's assessment of the place, as he thinks testing times are coming for estates like Downton. Their mutual admiration society, however, is quickly disbanded when Mary enters -- looking white as alabaster -- and pointedly asks what they're discussing. Murray at least tells the truth, that they're discussing plans for the management of the estate, to which Mary bites out, "And do you intend to involve my father in these fascinating plans?" After a pause, Murray says of course, so she acidly tells him that in that case, perhaps it's not the most appropriate moment to be deciding the destiny of Downton. I mean, seriously. If you want to have a clandestine meeting, go for a walk! Use one of the three hundred pantries on the premises! Suitably chastened, Murray steps forward and explains that his primary errand was to talk to Anna, and Mary softens as she says that's a different matter entirely -- despite the tragedy, none of them would want to keep Bates in prison for any longer than necessary, which I take to mean she's as bored by the continuing coverage of that subplot as everyone else. Murray escapes with his life and Matthew looks like the kid who has to wait for his punishment while his brother gets off easy; he eventually decides to try to apologize, but Mary points out that Lord Grantham has lost his youngest daughter. "Does he have to lose control of his estate on the same day?" I'm guessing this conversation isn't helping their collective fertility.

Murray has apparently laid out the situation for Bates and I think I've been at pains to note how little I care about this subplot, but it doesn't actually seem necessary for Murray to be visiting Bates; maybe he has to get a definite statement from him as to when he left Vera, but given the urgency of the errand to Mrs. Bartlett, you'd think he'd take care of that first. Bates says a few forgettable words about Sybil and then Murray leaves him. From across the room, Craig and his henchguard observe and the henchguard crows that Murray will get a shock when he contacts "Mrs. Audrey Bartlett." Does he mean literally? I wouldn't put it past her!

By Couch Baron

Murray has arrived at Downton as promised and Matthew is meeting with him in Lord Grantham's stead; he tells Murray that he'll be able to meet with Anna, but Lord Grantham may prove to be an impossibility that day. Murray expresses the requisite stunned sympathy before Carson brings Anna in; Matthew says he'll leave them to it, but wonders if he might have a chat with Murray before he leaves, as there's no telling when Murray will be up there again. Oh, Matthew. London's not that far; take the train soon if it's that dire. You clod. When he and Carson are gone, Murray apologizes for the timing and at least SOMEONE's sensitive to it.

Upstairs, Branson and Mary are sitting with Sybil when Edith enters and brokenly informs them that the undertakers have arrived. Mary, strong as always, says they have to let her go, and steps forward to kiss Sybil and to say goodbye. Edith copies the gesture, and as the two surviving sisters stand over their fallen, Mary says that Sybil was the only person living who thought the two of them "were such nice people." Edith half-sobbingly wonders if they might get along better now, but Mary says she doubts it. It reads a little worse on the page than Mary delivers it, but not much; nonetheless, she softens it by continuing, "But since this is the last time we three will all be together in this life, let's love each other now as sisters should." Edith nods and the two of them embrace; they then look at Branson, who's staring in the other direction and they know that he's at the top of the hierarchy of people who are going to need support to get through this.

Downstairs, Anna gives a little intro about what she's learned and Murray suggests she tell him everything she knows. Probably obvious given his age, but this clearly isn't his first rodeo.

By Couch Baron

The Dowager Countess, in mourning black, arrives at Downton and sadly clasps Carson's hand as she notes that the two of them have seen some troubles, but nothing worse than this (and given that she lost her husband, that's saying something). He replies that nothing could be worse than this, and then -- when she starts to walk in -- she has to take a moment to collect herself, looking as frail and old as we've ever seen her. But, like they all are, she soldiers on...

...into the sitting room, wherein she finds the family (Isobel is there too). As she greets everyone, Lord Grantham informs her that a nurse for the baby has already arrived. She's happy to hear it, but then asks where "Tom" is and Edith sadly replies that he's upstairs; she's offered to bring him something, but he's refused. Cora, looking like the words physically hurt, says he wants his wife back, but he can't have her. She then stands and says she must write to Dr. Clarkson and when Lord Grantham says there's no need, she says she wants to apologize for their behavior. Stunned, Mary asks why, but -- sounding wilder by the second -- Cora tells her: "Because if we'd listened to him, Sybil might still be alive. But Sir Philip and your father knew better and now she's dead." With that broadside delivered, she steps out, leaving the Dowager Countess to ask why Cora would say that. Lord Grantham admits that there's truth in it and while the Dowager Countess emotionally tries to tell her son that there's no blame in a tragedy like this and all they should do now is cherish Sybil's memory and her child, Lord Grantham isn't inclined to let himself off the hook so easily...

By Couch Baron

...and then we cut to an outside view, from which we see Branson in the bedroom window holding the child. He looks bleakly out at the expanses of Downton and we're out. Great, great episode. Sybil was fine, but they certainly hadn't given her much to do in a while. Her death, on the other hand, rocks the foundations of the family and makes me think the rest of the season is going to be great. But I hope for my keyboard's sake that there will be fewer tears.

John Ramos is a writer and film producer living in Los Angeles. His new film, a documentary on online privacy and the sale of personal data called Terms And Conditions May Apply, recently premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival in January. You can get news on it from the film's Twitter account. Also, you can email John at couchbaron@gmail.com, follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/couchbaron, or check out his blog, "Pull Up A Chair," which he'd just love for you to stop by.