The Most Dramatic Moments of Season 2 | Downton Abbey

[@kathieprater2431]

Carson giving Branson the Bum's rush was everything! He had serious bouncer skills!

[@airslug1]

He's a great butler that goes above and beyond for those he is in service to.

[@m.layfette6249]

"Am I so weak you believe I can be talked out of giving my heart away in fiive minutes flat?"

[@creativehorsequeen]

I love that line.

[@johnedwards1559]

For those wondering about Lavinia, she caught the 1918 Flu strain, sometimes called 'Spanish Flu'. It was indeed a strange disease, more virulent and contagious than normal flu. What was worst about it was that it tended to affect younger people worse than older people. This is because the flu could trigger what is called a 'cytokine storm', a massive over-reaction by the body's immune system causing a deadly spike in inflammation, essentially a very sudden absurdly hot fever. This caused otherwise healthy young people to die suddenly of the disease. Older people with weaker immune systems did not have as strong of a response, sparing many of them from death. Lavinia seems to have fallen victim to this aspect of the disease.

[@m.layfette6249]

Fast forward 102 years later...😷🦠💉

[@tzimmert4]

They should have included when Cora got stricken. Only compassion we saw from O'Brien.

[@hannahdyson7129]

It was actually due to the kind of flu they where exposed to as children that gave them no protection . Children and older people had some immuinty to H1 strains where younger adults only had resistance to H3/ H2 strains . It's happend throughout history. Younger people and children are more vulnerable in flu pandemics and older people don't have that problem. It depends on the flu strains you grew up with as a child as to how you will react . Most people died of bacterial infections and that may have been what happend to Lavina .

[@leahcimolrac1477]

Thanks, Wikipedia.

[@heathercontois4501]

I watched a very , very long documentary on its time in the U.S. Man it was wicked bad. People behaved just as stupid as they did in 2020. Some town in California completely isolated and if they hadn't opened the town back up, they would have been fine. It nearly wiped out Philadelphia because administrators went full Black Plague and locked people in with the bodies because they were all to afraid of infection. My sister had looked up about the Spanish Flu(only called that because Spain was the only country reporting on it) and they got everything so accurate down to the Heliotrope that Cora's face turned, and I believe Lavinia's is, too. How badly they both dealt with it was accurate and all that.

[@gpg9516]

Big fan of period dramas and have watched many but Downton set the bar for everything from costumes to casting. It is engaging even on seeing it for the twentieth time and I always notice something new in every episode.

[@tzimmert4]

I had the opportunity to see the tour of the costumes several years ago at Winterhur in Delaware. Absolutely fabulous 👌

[@zskt4205]

Do you recommend any other period dramas??

[@maryanne7414]

Yes.🌹

[@adrianaay043]

The funny thing is that Branson became a son to Robert and Cora. It's kinda funny how things turned out but I was really sad that Sybil died tho.

[@ibtiago18]

And a brother to Mary and Edith. Indeed seeing him talking in an equal foot to Mary is almost foreshadowing their relation later on.

[@matthewterlaga3022]

@@adrianaay043 yeah that’s my bad, I confused Branson (whom I only ever think about as Tom) for Barrow

[@AmyStanton-f7f]

Was so sorry to see this show end.

[@agushll74]

Because at the end we all are humans.

[@ashleytrout7452]

Lavinia was always so sweet, not ringing the bell cause she knew they’d be busy

[@theonecounttheonecount8477]

This is such a well written and well acted show .

[@m.layfette6249]

"Thank you, thank you for my deliverance."

[@Ronald-ks2iy]

The attention to detail was impeccable! This drama transported you back to the nineteen-teens & twenties! It made me laugh, cry, angry & anxious, just couldn’t get enough of Downton Abbey!

[@carolineandrews7231]

I love Lavinia's gown in the dropping the tray scene.

[@MoogieB]

This has made me want to watch it all over again!

[@m.layfette6249]

Don't forget the movies. 🤴🏼💜👸🎬🇫🇷🌴

[@margaretmanion9121]

Even given their protocol, I am surprised that Anna did not run into the dining room.

[@theoriginaltoba]

she did run into the dining room I saw her

[@margaretmanion9121]

@@theoriginaltoba But she did not warn the family

[@theoriginaltoba]

@@margaretmanion9121 she didn't need to Mr Carson was dealing with it and Mary saw anyway so she knew not to say anything

[@lseward21]

Appearances are incredibly important. Shouting a warning would not have stopped a shooting - but would have created a scandal. The fact that Carson could get the chauffeur out of the room as quickly and quietly as he did indicates how ingrained the class system was (ie the chauffeur could have yelled insults as he was forced out of the room. Although his silence could have also been affected by his feelings for the daughter).

[@gregoryborton6598]

@@lseward21 Oh Branson not making a scene was totally for Sybil's sake. It'd be one thing to have made it and succeeded in pouring the bucket of slop on the general- that'd be national news. But to be thwarted and then make a scene to boot would mean not only losing his job but the love of his life, with no gain to his cause.

[@shannonhughes203]

This was my favorite season!

[@m.layfette6249]

"Be happy for my sake, Promise me."

[@coffeeaddictexpress5038]

Real love.

[@nicolasdiez7688]

Lavinia deserved better

[@m.layfette6249]

"I can promise you one thing, tomorrow morning nothing will have changed."

[@pricegrisham2998]

"Oh pipe down!" Haha; something which Tom more politely expresses later on in the series.

[@Emperatriz_Valentina]

The thumbnail physically could not be more perfect

[@kumaresh5962]

the comic sense of Matthew with some grace at 5.23

[@ginnylorenz5265]

5:23

[@LMays-cu2hp]

So nice.

[@lizjo7213]

Be still my beating 💓, Dr Clarkson is so handsome..he never got enough screen time for me, lol....

[@MrMrremmington]

Thank you, I tried to watch most episodes but there were things I missed. Now I know what happened to his hand.

[@13thHourCreations]

I don't remember many times when someone upstairs picked up their cutlery or tried to do what others might call someone to do. I wish I had seen more of that, but I guess by that point even Matthew had become used to that, so Lavinia doing it makes sense. I'd like to think that based off of that, she did do it on occasion, especially since Matthew didn't push it, meaning he thought it wouldn't change her mind.

[@marcosgarcia2643]

I remember the exposition in New York, when I took my beloved mother with me....

[@rahaa.sh_307]

Lavinia deserved better😭😭😭

[@TheBasher-_-]

Ikr and then they made it seem like she was so happy to die. "OH Matthew dont you see it's better this way, I'll just die and you can have Marry and live another 40 years, also I'll write a letter to my dad and tell him to give you all his money when he dies byee" -Love Lavinia🤣😂😅

[@rahaa.sh_307]

@@TheBasher-_- Fr

[@noelwalker6077]

I didn’t care too much for her. She was nice, but she wasn’t for Matthew. And Matthew wasn’t for her.

[@rahaa.sh_307]

@@noelwalker6077 They didn't have to kill her off after such a heartbreak though!

[@noelwalker6077]

@@rahaa.sh_307 yeah I know. But honestly, it wasn’t as sad as Matthews or Sybil’s death.

[@nicolasdiez7688]

I find kinda sad the staff thought Branson was going to murder the general, he may be socialist but is not a cold-hearted murderer

[@frasermckevitt2417]

I mean the letter did heavily imply murder

[@aregmirzoyan869]

Branson: No! Carson: YES

[@donsarde]

Yes, lady Sybil was the best looking out of the three girls.

[@marinazagrai1623]

I didn’t like the scene with Mary asking Tom if he needed money - he paid ahead for their stay overnight.

[@SerenaOkoli]

Mary was right to Tom "oh, pipe down!"

[@Fee212]

Thomas doing the dishonest thing as usual.

[@7muc7]

Is no one going to talk about bates' death sentence...

[@7muc7]

@@peterwilliamskelhorn6675 dude I know I've seen the show

[@peterwilliamskelhorn6675]

@@7muc7 so have i

[@juliedearborn6646]

Aaahhh Spanish Flu….

[@missladyanonymity]

How bad is Thomas' hand, really? Functionally, speaking. I'm sure it is scarred enough for him to wear the glove, but....

[@DanBrown96]

That was the point. To get sent home but without a life-changing injury.

[@mityaboy4639]

really depends where the bullet went through - whether it got some bone or just flesh. If the later he would have zero function loss ignoring the scar tissue looking bad if some bones were damaged then his grip could be weakened. medical knowledge and reconstruction wasnt there just yet. based on the episodes later he was able to manage, however he did hold his hand in a weird position sometimes, indicating some pain (bone splints?) he definitely did not act in any way handicapped or disabled, but he kept serving with heavy plates, poured drinks so my guess would be; all he ended up with is pain and scar tissue. and minor if any issue with his grip.

[@nicolasdiez7688]

What about when Thomas finds out he was scamed ?

[@mercyworks2]

His best acting scene!

[@nanzibaibnat1215]

sorry but now that I think about it. looking back at all the scenes between Branson and Sybil, he was kinda shitty ngl. I mean he wasn't genuinely an evil person per se but he definitely was selfish in several ways, especially when it came to Sybil. Take this video only as an example: 1) I can't exactly remember the context for why he wanted to "drench" that man with oil and ink, maybe for political reasons, like I get it but you are a member of the staff in that house, and as of that moment that man is a guest in the hospitality of Robert and Cora. He let his own personal agenda motivate him to almost ruin their lunch and cause a scene. Honestly, I think if he had succeeded in doing the heinous act, Sybil would have been utterly disappointed in him. It would have had an impact on Downton Abbey's reputation and in the same way, impacted her parents' reputation so surely Sybil would have been angry. 2) I remember the times when Branson tried to woo Sybil and as far as I remember, he would always try to somewhat force his feelings on her saying things like "You're different than them, you don't deserve to live this life" or "you know you love me, you just won't admit it". Personally, I hate when men speak like this. Like, don't assume her thoughts or feelings. If she likes you, which eventually she did ofc, give her time to say it herself. he should have given her the space, time, and assurance that he would wait and accept her decision, whatever it may be. 3) I hated the plot when they tried to run away together. Sybil loved Branson and wanted to marry him so obviously, she thought the best idea was to run away but he shouldn't have encouraged her to do that. He knew the kind of person she was, family-oriented and loved by everyone at Downton Abbey. Was he really okay with the thought that Sybil was about to leave her life behind, her family, and her sisters??? I loved the scene when Mary tried explaining to Sybil to come home and at least fight with their parents instead of running away and ofc, annoyingly, Branson had to speak up and say, "Why should they?" when Mary told them that Robert and Cora may hate the idea of them getting married. Well, Sir, hello, you taking away their youngest daughter should also give them enough reason to hate you, like be a good man and stand by her side, fight for her, stand for yourself instead of being a coward and eloping. "Go back with them then, if you think they can make you happier than I will" HUH??? TOM??? ARE YOU OK?? Like not him comparing himself with Sybil's family. She loves you, dude, like have some faith? The brainwashing and subtle manipulation flew over my head as I watched this for the first time but yeah, not saying he's an evil person, just really shitty at these times.

[@windyanros]

same what i think

[@neenareadsalot7563]

I’m glad to not be the only one bewildered by Branson and Sybil. He never seemed to do anything that was endearing. He seemed to be so full of himself. Poor Sybil, she was so lovely inside and out, even Barrow cried over her. 🥹That took me by surprise.

[@The-Ducky-is-Here]

While Tom was far from perfect, I think he largely acted that way because he didn't trust or respect the Crowley family at the time. He was an Irishman, and I'm sure I don't need to tell you the problems between the Irish and the British. Sybil was the exception to the rule. They fell in love with each other and he saw that she was hesitating largely because she was still tied to her position (family too, but that's separate). After the war Sybil saw there were more options for her too than what she had been taught. Obviously Tom's attitude towards his in-laws changed when he learns they're actually good and kind people, and they become his family too. No character is black or white in this show, and that's what made them feel so real.

[@jimwise4307]

I often wonder what would have happened if Lavinia had not died. If she and Matthew married, would Matthew have still saved the estate or let it fall and just retain the title?

[@davidmicalizio824]

❤

[@ctheflower7818]

❤️🕯❤️

[@hpavalferr7201]

💙 🙂

[@patriciajrs46]

What really happened to Lavinia? I never did understand that.

[@Goldies86]

She and Cora caught the Spanish flu. Cora survived, but Lavinia did not. She seemed to improve but took a sudden turn for the worst.

[@patriciajrs46]

@@Goldies86 oh. Thank you.

[@DUCKDUCKGOISMUCHBETTER]

​@@patriciajrs46The Spanish Flu was particularly vicious.

[@susanmorano405]

Why would a chauffeur be serving soup?

[@abenaasare.5738]

i don't remember what happened, but it might have been one of those times when they were short on footmen so he probably had to step in

[@theoriginaltoba]

when they're short on staff someone else has to step in as a replacement

[@jillkearns525]

Short on staff as most of the young men were off fighting in the war

[@karadizon4299]

Poor Lavinia. Mary didn’t deserve Matthew as she’s not a very kind nor nice person like Lavinia. Truly sad that’s why Matthew got punished on the day the birth of his son and Mary got punish for her wrongful act.

[@vault7137]

Thomas was a weasel & a coward.

[@melaniekendall4903]

Thomas was horrible

[@DowntonAbbeyLife]

Cora was the most dramatic with Spanish Flu