re: Official Downton Abbey Season 3 Discussion

Robert's been incompetent and a borderline villain this season, so it was nice for him to finally have a good moment (even after he argued they invest the family fortune with Charles Ponzi -- nice touch). While it wasn't a big moment, he had a hand in almost all of the resolutions: he "forgives" Thomas and keeps him on staff, he nips the police investigation in the bud, he keeps Jimmy happy by promoting him, and he doesn't undercut Carson's authority. He keeps the tradition of the metaphor, I mean cricket game, and he brings his radical son-in-law closer into the fold, albeit reluctantly. He agrees to modernize, sees his role diminished, while also increasing his authority as the final word.

He still had a terrible year, but at least some of the old Lord Grantham got to shine last night.