Tuesday, January 22, 2013

NEWS/Downton Abbey Recap: Sybil and Branson Are on the Lam by Christina Dowling Sun., Jan. 20, 2013 8:00 PM PST (E!)


WHAT WE LEARNED
It Was a Dark and Stormy Night: Tom Branson (Allen Leech) brought some rainy weather with him when he crossed the Irish Sea and he has quite the tale to tell. Something that is a surprise to no one who has watched Downton's previous two seasons is that Tom is fighting for an independent Ireland. We might as well admit we are huge nerds for Irish history, but if you aren't caught up you should probably get on Wikipedia so you understand the Maud Gonne, Countess Markievicz and Lady Gregory shout-outs. Long story short he was present—but feeling very guilty—when a country house was burned to the ground. Ruh. Roh.

Turns out that Tom, while he might be wanted for arson, isn't a terrible person who left Sybil pregnant and alone in Ireland. It was all part of the big escape plan. But presumably getting banished from Ireland and stuck at Downton was not. However it is terribly convenient for the Bransons to come back to stay: All the drama is back under one roof!

Out of Favor: Bates (Brendan Coyle) is still walking in circles in the most depressing place in the world. And even worse he hasn't been getting any letters from his dearly devoted wife, Anna (Joanne Froggatt). Bates learns he is actually quite good at working the system in prison. Maybe he's done some hard time before or just watched a lot of Oz.

READ MORE: http://www.eonline.com/news/380369/downton-abbey-recap-sybil-and-branson-are-on-the-lam

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