PREVIEW: 'Downton Abbey' Season 6, Episode Two

In tonight’s Downton Abbey, Lady Mary gets to work as the new Estate manager. Preview Episode Two with video and photo sneak peeks (airing at 9:00pm ET|PT on PBS Masterpiece).

Downton Abbey‘s final season premiered a week ago, and it was fantastic to be back in this world! The lives that the Crawleys live are fantastic in their splendor. However, as we’ve seen over the last six seasons, things are never boring or drama-free for our favorite Aristos and their servants. These are some of the moments that stood out for me in Episode One:

1. Watching Lady Mary be repeatedly accosted and blackmailed by Rita Bevan (the chambermaid at the hotel Mary and Gillingham had their affair) was incredible. I have to give it to Miss Bevan…she was bold and persistent. But at the same time, Mary wouldn’t be cowed. I was impressed with Anna’s instinct to protect Mary. However, I was most amazed by Lord Robert’s reaction…who knew he could be so persuasive as to convince Miss Bevan to leave with 50 pounds (instead of the initial 1,000 she wanted)? And even more incredible, he didn’t shame Mary. Rather, he encouraged her to find happiness, professionally as the new Downton estate agent and personally (maybe in a new love interest).

2. Did anyone else realize how much of a romantic Mr. Carson is, at heart? I must admit, it was odd to see Mrs. Patmore running interference for Mrs. Hughes regarding the Carsons’ (potential) sex life. But Carson’s reactions were perfect: “…in my eyes, she is beautiful…I want a real marriage, a true marriage…I love her.” *SWOONS* And the Carson/Hughes kisses that have been six seasons in the making were simply perfect!

3. Though a little rocky at the beginning, it looks like things for Anna and Bates are looking up! Finally Sergent Willis arrived with the news that the true culprit of Mr. Green’s murder had come forward, everyone (including us at home) rejoiced! Mr. Green was a predator, and I’m not sorry he’s dead. (Incidentally, I’m also glad to be done with this story line). With that said, Anna and Bates seemed to have trouble conceiving. This was most heartfelt when Anna cried that she’d just experienced her third miscarriage. But hope came in the form of Mary promising to take Anna to the doctor who helped her with conceiving little George.

4. Daisy, Daisy, Daisy. Over the last several seasons, especially as she started her lessons with Sarah Bunting, Daisy’s opinions have grown more liberal. And this really came to a forefront when she verbally accosted the new owner of Mallerton Hall. In truth, she didn’t say anything *wrong*, she was defending Mr. Mason (her father-in-law), who could possibly lose his farm. Yet, it seemed that the most strident censure came not from Lord Robert/Lady Cora, but from Mr. Carson, who compared who to Guy Fawkes! Ultimately, Daisy wasn’t fired (thank goodness). However, I hope this doesn’t mean she’ll lose her spirit and confidence.

What were some of your favorite moments from the Season 6 premiere?

We can expect the following in tonight’s Episode Two (written by Julian Fellowes, directed by Minkie Spiro):

Wedding plans hit a snag. Pigs lead to trouble for Edith and Marigold. Thomas gets a hint. Anna has a secret appointment. Violet and Isobel lock horns over health care. (via PBS Masterpiece)

What begins as a happy day out for the family and servants ends in panic and leaves Robert with a difficult decision to make. (via IMDB)

The drama continues!

In this sneak peek from the upcoming episode, we see Lady Mary stepping into her own as the manager at Downton. In the scene below, she meets with Mr Finch (a representative of the fatstock show in Moulton) to discuss Downton’s participation:

Lady Mary is certainly shattering the glass ceilings of Yorkshire! And now we see how the pigs might be involved in whatever problems might arise in the episode.

Take a look at 5+ images from Episode Two and tune into the new Downton Abbey airs on PBS tonight at 9:00pm ET|PT. Join me while I live tweet (@WeSoNerdy) during the East Coast showing!