The Best Episodes of Downton Abbey Season 1

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   8.3/10(3746 votes)

   #1 - 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:Julian Fellowes

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   Director:Brian Percival

   Writer:Julian Fellowes
2. 

   8.2/10(2999 votes)

   #2 - Episode 2

   S1:E210/3/2010

   Matthew Crawley and his mother Isobel arrive at Downton, and have difficulty settling in. Carson is mortified when confronted by his past. Violet attempts to promote a match between Matthew and Mary. Isobel is elected to serve on the hospital board.

   Director:Ben Bolt

   Writer:Julian Fellowes

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   Director:Ben Bolt

   Writer:Julian Fellowes
3. 

   8.4/10(2924 votes)

   #3 - Episode 3

   S1:E310/10/2010

   Cora's tries to set up Mary with Evelyn Napier, who falls for his friend instead, with significant consequences for the household. Bates takes action to help cure his limp.

   Director:Ben Bolt

   Writer:Julian Fellowes

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   Director:Ben Bolt

   Writer:Julian Fellowes
4. 

   8.1/10(2682 votes)

   #4 - Episode 4

   S1:E410/17/2010

   Mrs Hughes finds herself the focus of speculation when she meets a former suitor who makes her question her position. Violet and Isobel clash over a medical ailment affecting Molesley. Carson is concerned there is a thief at work in the grounds.

   Director:Brian Kelly

   Writers:Julian Fellowes, Shelagh Stephenson

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   Director:Brian Kelly

   Writers:Julian Fellowes, Shelagh Stephenson
5. 

   8.4/10(2602 votes)

   #5 - Episode 5

   S1:E510/24/2010

   Isobel finds herself at odds with Violet. Mary is introduced to a potential suitor but wants to be with Matthew. Anna works out who stole a valuable snuff box. O'Brien plans a way for Edith to get even with Mary.

   Director:Brian Kelly

   Writer:Julian Fellowes

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   Director:Brian Kelly

   Writer:Julian Fellowes
6. 

   8.5/10(2605 votes)

   #6 - 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

   Writers:Julian Fellowes, Tina Pepler

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   Director:Brian Percival

   Writers:Julian Fellowes, Tina Pepler
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7. 

   8.8/10(2721 votes)

   #7 - 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:Julian Fellowes

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   Director:Brian Percival

   Writer:Julian Fellowes