Downton Abbey: Christmas at Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey: Christmas at Downton Abbey
ITV
19 February 2012
Historical Drama
DVD
B

This is possibly the best episode of the season, maybe because it keeps medicine and implausibility to a minimum.  It's an hour and a half and includes the following:

• Bates's trial, where he receives a life sentence;
• Thomas kidnapping the earl's dog just so he can rescue her later, which doesn't work out exactly the way he hoped but he still will get to be valet on a trial basis;
• Daisy visiting William's father and becoming his "daughter";
• Lady Rosamund's fortune-hunting suitor cheating on her with her maid;
• Sybil sending a letter announcing her pregnancy;
• Edith having a second chance with Sir Anthony Strallan;
• And, yes, Matthew and Mary finally working things through-- including his fist fight with Sir Richard-- enough for him to propose and her to accept.

Despite the title, this goes past Christmas and a little way into the new year of 1920.  Yes, I'm looking forward to the '20s, however many seasons they last.  This one averages out to a high C+, a drop from the high B- of the first season, but not irredeemable.