Martha arrives amongst chaos and clashes

Martha arrives amongst chaos and clashes
Martha arrives amongst chaos and clashes (Image credit: Nick Briggs/Carnival Films)

The year is 1920, and the whole house is preparing for the wedding of Mary and Matthew. However, it doesn't take long before plans start to unravel. Matthew is told that he will inherit money from his late ex-fiancee Lavina, but being the perfect gentleman, he refuses to accept the money on the grounds that he broke her heart. But his thoughtful decision infuriates Mary. She reveals to him that her father Lord Grantham is short of money and this could save Downton. As the wedding looks in doubt, Cora's outspoken mother, Martha Levinson arrives and soon clashes with the Dowager. Meanwhile, Anna heads off to visit Mr Bates in jail and insists she will secure his freedom. But back at the house, there's a lot of emotional heartbreak. Finally, Mary does walk down the aisle to marry Matthew.

Patrick McLennan

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix. 

An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.