Ep 2. Season 6, Episode 2

The beloved British period drama, Downton Abbey, returns for its sixth and final season with episode two entitled "Season 6, Episode 2." Set in 1925, the episode continues to follow the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants as they navigate changing social norms and the looming threat of financial ruin.

As the episode begins, tensions rise between Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) and Carson (Jim Carter) over the management of the estate's pigs. Mary's stubbornness and unwillingness to heed Carson's advice prove to be a source of conflict for the two, and it sets the tone for a broader theme in the episode - the battle between the old ways and the new.

Elsewhere in the house, Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) deals with the fallout of her visit to London in the previous episode. After reuniting with her former lover Bertie Pelham (Harry Hadden-Paton) in the city, Edith must grapple with the reality that their relationship may be over before it even began. Meanwhile, her father, Lord Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville), tries to come to terms with the fact that his beloved Downton Abbey may be sold off to pay for his debts.

Downstairs, the servants face their own set of challenges. Anna (Joanne Froggatt) struggles to conceive a child with her husband Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle), while Daisy (Sophie McShera) continues to pursue her dream of becoming a farmer. Her determination to learn more about the business puts her at odds with her employer, Mr. Mason (Paul Copley), who fears that his job may be at risk.

Amidst the drama, the episode also introduces several new characters. The Crawley family welcomes a group of Russian refugees who flee to England following the Bolshevik Revolution. The refugees, led by Count Rostov (Max Brown) and his sister Princess Irina (Tuppence Middleton), bring with them a sense of intrigue and a hint of scandal.

As always, the show's signature attention to detail and stunning visuals are on full display throughout the episode. The costumes, set design, and cinematography combine to create a rich, immersive world that transports viewers back in time.

Overall, "Season 6, Episode 2" is a compelling continuation of the series that sets the stage for the season to come. With plenty of plot twists and character development, the episode proves that even in its final season, Downton Abbey still has plenty of surprises in store.