The Best Episodes Directed By Brian Percival

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   10.0/10(2 votes)

   #1 - Gathering the Flock

   S6:E19/25/2025

   May 1945, and things look very different at Skeldale House as James is struggling with a wild and chaotic Siegfried. When Tristan returns from war and is shocked to see the shift in his brother, he and James decide to take action. But there's also some good news around the corner for everyone.

   Director:Brian Percival

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   Director:Brian Percival

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2. 

   10.0/10(1 votes)

   #2 - Jenny Wren

   S6:E410/16/2025

   Helen is thrilled when Jenny gets exciting news and sets about getting her sister prepared for a big move, but soon realises neither of them are ready for it. Mrs Hall asks for time off for her granddaughter's birthday in Sunderland, and Siegfried starts to panic.

   Director:Brian Percival

   Writer:N/A

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   Director:Brian Percival

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3. 

   8.6/10(8 votes)

   #3 - To All Our Boys

   S5:E19/19/2024

   With World War II underway, Siegfried takes up the slack at the surgery. James faces an uncertain future when he is grounded at the RAF. Mrs Hall and Helen consider their contribution within the community, and Carmody is eager to step up.

   Director:Brian Percival

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   Director:Brian Percival

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4. 

   8.4/10(7 votes)

   #4 - Holding the Baby

   S5:E29/26/2024

   James needs a crash course for fatherhood. Mrs Hall referees between Siegfried and her new boss, Mr Bosworth, as they fall out over some of Mr Bosworth's safety tactics. Helen is concerned about the influence of Jenny's new friend Doris.

   Director:Brian Percival

   Writer:N/A

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   Director:Brian Percival

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5. 

   8.2/10(19 votes)

   #5 - Episode 1

   S3:E19/16/2012

   Cora’s mother sweeps into Downton for Matthew and Mary’s wedding, but with the couple’s relationship under strain will they even make it to the altar? New footman Alfred strives to meet Carson’s high standards, under the watchful eye of his aunt O’Brien. Robert’s shocking news brings financial worries to the fore, on an unprecedented scale. Might he lose Downton itself and all it stands for?

   Director:Brian Percival

   Writer:N/A

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   Director:Brian Percival

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6. 

   8.0/10(15 votes)

   #6 - Episode 7

   S1:E711/7/2010

   Cora's pregnancy throws the inheritance issue into doubt. Matthew must wait for an answer to his wedding proposal. O'Brien discovers more compromising information about Bates. Thomas leaves.

   Director:Brian Percival

   Writer:N/A

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   Director:Brian Percival

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7. 

   8.0/10(7 votes)

   #7 - Semper Progrediens

   S2:E29/23/2021

   With Tristan's encouragement, James asks Helen if she'd like to go to the local spring dance. But village resident Gerald's arrival with his injured dog, Rock, puts a spanner in the works. Meanwhile, Tristan worries that Siegfried is in danger of losing his edge.

   Director:Brian Percival

   Writer:N/A

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   Director:Brian Percival

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8. 

   8.0/10(7 votes)

   #8 - Surviving Siegfried

   S3:E39/29/2022

   Siegfried receives some difficult news and becomes even more irascible than usual. The perfect distraction comes along in the form of Major Sebright Saunders, who asks Siegfried to look at a difficult young racehorse called River.

   Director:Brian Percival

   Writer:N/A

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   Director:Brian Percival

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9. 

   7.9/10(10 votes)

   #9 - You've Got to Dream

   S1:E19/1/2020

   Fresh out of veterinary college in 1937, James Herriot struggles to find work in his Depression-struck home town of Glasgow. Seeking new opportunities, he pursues a position in the remote village of Darrowby working for eccentric local vet Siegfried Farnon, who is less than impressed by his early efforts. However, a difficult calving gives James a chance to prove his worth.

   Director:Brian Percival

   Writer:N/A

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   Director:Brian Percival

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10. 

    7.9/10(7 votes)

    #10 - Where the Heart Is

    S2:E19/16/2021

    It’s spring in 1938, and a trip back home to Glasgow presents James Herriot with a dilemma that will mean choosing between the people he loves when he is offered a position at his old mentor's forward-thinking practice.

    Director:Brian Percival

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    Director:Brian Percival

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11. 

    7.9/10(7 votes)

    #11 - Second Time Lucky

    S3:E19/15/2022

    It is now spring 1939 and a potential world war looms. Tristan is now a qualified vet, while James enters a new stage of his life with Helen and at the practice. After being made joint business partner by Siegfried, James pushes to take on more responsibility via the Ministry of Agriculture's new bovine TB testing scheme, but its unexpected challenges risk pushing him to breaking point.

    Director:Brian Percival

    Writer:N/A

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    Director:Brian Percival

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12. 

    7.8/10(16 votes)

    #12 - Episode 2

    S3:E29/23/2012

    The estate's future is hanging in the balance and Mary is hoping to receive a bailout from grandmother Martha. Violet also attempts to help her make sure that Downton puts on a bigger show than ever before with a grand party for friends and neighbours. Mrs Hughes gets some news that worries her. O'Brien's attempts to boost Alfred's progress are met with disapproval from Thomas.

    Director:Brian Percival

    Writer:N/A

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    Director:Brian Percival

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13. 

    7.7/10(10 votes)

    #13 - Another Farnon?

    S1:E29/8/2020

    Skeldale House descends into chaos with the arrival of Siegfried's wayward brother Tristan. Helen provides James with a reason to stay in the Dales.

    Director:Brian Percival

    Writer:N/A

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    Director:Brian Percival

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14. 

    7.2/10(18 votes)

    #14 - Episode 6

    S1:E610/31/2010

    Sybil puts herself in danger when a fight breaks out. Sybil's sisters notice Matthew's feelings for her. Mary is surprised by a marriage proposal. Bates clears his name over the missing wine but resigns rather than name the real culprit.

    Director:Brian Percival

    Writer:N/A

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    Director:Brian Percival

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15. 

    6.9/10(23 votes)

    #15 - Episode 1

    S1:E19/26/2010

    After the death of the heir, Violet wishes that Robert's daughter Mary could inherit Downton Abbey.

    Director:Brian Percival

    Writer:N/A

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    Director:Brian Percival

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16. 

    6.5/10(2 votes)

    #16 - Much Ado About Nothing

    S1:E111/7/2005

    When the bickering between broadcasters Beatrice and Benedick gets too much to take, their colleagues at South West TV come up with a cunning plan to shut the pair up. Meanwhile, lovely weathergirl Hero and dashing reporter Claude are a match made in heaven - but does everyone want to see them so happy?

    Director:Brian Percival

    Writer:N/A

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    Director:Brian Percival

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