Downton Abbey season 6 episode 4 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Tom Branson returns to Downton Abbey from America, feeling out of place abroad and missing his family. The family discusses his potential return to his role as the estate agent. Meanwhile, Baxter is visited by Sergeant Willis, who seeks her testimony against Peter Coyle. Anna faces a medical emergency, risking a miscarriage, and is hastily taken to London by Mary for urgent medical care. The episode also touches on the family's dispute over the local hospital's future. Lady Shackleton visits with her nephew, Henry Talbot, sparking interest. The staff prepares for Carson and Mrs. Hughes' return from their honeymoon, deciding to continue addressing Mrs. Hughes as such. The episode concludes with various personal discussions and plot developments, highlighting societal changes and the evolving roles of women.

Full Episode S06E04 Recap

### Scene 1: The Grantham Family Discusses Tom's Return and Hospital Dispute - **Setting**: Downton Abbey, morning. - The Grantham family discusses Tom Branson's return to Downton and his role in the estate. - **Characters**: Robert, Cora, Mary, Tom, Edith, and servants. - Tom expresses his changed perspective since being in America and hints at seeking a new role beyond estate management. - A brief discussion about the ongoing hospital dispute reveals family divisions. - Sergeant Willis plans to visit, concerning Baxter. ### Scene 2: Sergeant Willis Visits Baxter - **Setting**: Downton Abbey, servants' quarters. - Sergeant Willis visits Baxter to discuss Peter Coyle's case. - **Characters**: Baxter, Molesley, Sergeant Willis, Mrs. Hughes, and other servants. - Willis seeks Baxter’s testimony against Coyle to prevent future manipulations. - Baxter is initially hesitant but decides to testify, encouraged by Molesley. ### Scene 3: The Grantham Family at Dinner Discussing Various Topics - **Setting**: Downton Abbey, dining room. - Discussions range from hospital dispute, Sybil's impact on Gwen's life, and Mary's new responsibilities. - **Characters**: The Grantham family, guests, and servants. - Mary and Tom talk about their future roles in the estate, with Tom considering new opportunities. - Lady Grantham's friend, Lady Shackleton, arrives with her nephew, Henry Talbot. ### Scene 4: Anna's Medical Emergency and Mary's Secret Trip to London - **Setting**: Various locations in Downton Abbey and London. - Anna faces a medical emergency, potentially losing her baby. - **Characters**: Anna, Bates, Mary, Tom, and Dr. Ryder. - Mary and Tom hastily arrange a trip to London for Anna to see Dr. Ryder. - Dr. Ryder performs a procedure on Anna, offering cautious optimism for her pregnancy. ### Scene 5: Carson and Mrs. Hughes' (Mrs. Carson) Return and Celebration - **Setting**: Downton Abbey, servants' hall. - The staff prepares for Carson and Mrs. Hughes' return from their honeymoon. - **Characters**: Carson, Mrs. Hughes, and the rest of the staff. - A celebratory gathering is held in the servants' hall, where it's agreed to continue addressing Mrs. Hughes as such for convenience. ### Scene 6: The Hospital Dispute and the Future of Downton - **Setting**: Downton Abbey, various locations. - Discussions about the future of the hospital continue, highlighting the family's differing views. - **Characters**: The Grantham family and guests. - The episode touches on the changes in society, women's roles, and the evolving responsibilities of the Grantham family. ### Scene 7: Various Personal Discussions and Plot Developments - **Setting**: Downton Abbey, various locations. - Personal discussions among characters about their futures, relationships, and roles in the changing times. - **Characters**: Various members of the Grantham family and staff. - Highlights include Mary's dinner with Henry Talbot, Daisy's emotional turmoil over Mr. Mason's farm, and Anna's recovery from her medical scare. ### Scene 8: The Episode's Conclusion - **Setting**: Downton Abbey, various locations. - The episode concludes with various plot lines being tied up and hints at future developments. - **Characters**: The Grantham family and staff. - The episode ends with a sense of change and uncertainty for both the family and the staff at Downton Abbey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Tom Branson return to Downton Abbey?

Tom returned because he felt out of place in America and missed his family at Downton.

What role does Tom Branson consider taking up again at Downton Abbey?

Tom considers returning to his role as the estate agent.

Why is Sergeant Willis visiting Baxter?

Sergeant Willis visits Baxter to discuss Peter Coyle's case and seeks her testimony against him.

What medical emergency does Anna face?

Anna faces a medical emergency potentially leading to a miscarriage.

Who assists Anna during her medical emergency?

Dr. Ryder assists Anna, performing a procedure that offers cautious optimism for her pregnancy.

Why does Mary secretly travel to London with Anna?

Mary travels to London with Anna to get her urgent medical attention for her pregnancy complications.

What is the ongoing dispute in the Grantham family regarding?

The dispute is about the control and future of the local hospital.

How does the family react to Tom Branson's new perspectives after returning from America?

The family is intrigued and supportive of Tom's changed perspectives and potential new role beyond estate management.

Who is Lady Shackleton's nephew, and what is his interest?

Lady Shackleton's nephew is Henry Talbot, who is interested in cars and racing.

What decision does the Grantham family make about Mr. Mason and Yew Tree Farm?

The family decides to offer Mr. Mason the lease of Yew Tree Farm.

How do the staff refer to Mrs. Hughes after her marriage to Carson?

The staff continue to refer to her as Mrs. Hughes for convenience, despite her marriage to Carson.

What impact did Sybil have on Gwen's life, as discussed during the episode?

Sybil significantly impacted Gwen's life by helping her find a job outside of service and changing her life path.

What are Mary's responsibilities and interests at Downton Abbey?

Mary co-owns the estate with her father and functions as the agent, focusing on ensuring Downton remains a modern and successful estate.

What is Baxter's decision regarding testifying against Peter Coyle?

Baxter decides to testify against Peter Coyle to prevent him from manipulating other women.

What is the tone of the episode regarding the changes in society and the roles of women?

The episode has a tone of embracing change, highlighting evolving societal norms and the increasing empowerment of women.

Downton Abbey season 6 episode 4