8.5/102,460 votes#1 - Episode 1
Season 2 Episode 1 - Aired 9/18/2011
The Great War unsettles life at Downton and surprising news about Matthew rocks the family. New maid Ethel irritates O'Brien - and Bates returns with devastating news for Anna.
Director: Ashley Pearce
Writer: Julian Fellowes
8.1/102,164 votes#2 - Episode 2
Season 2 Episode 2 - Aired 9/25/2011
Carson is finding it tough maintaining standards in the house, and the suicide of a young officer prompts Isobel to suggest converting Downton Abbey into a convalescent hospital.
Director: Ashley Pearce
Writer: Julian Fellowes
8.1/102,101 votes#3 - Episode 3
Season 2 Episode 3 - Aired 10/2/2011
After Downton is turned into a convalescent home for wounded officers, Matthew brings a general to visit, but Branson has a surprise in store. And is Lavinia hiding something?
Director: Andy Goddard
Writer: Julian Fellowes
8.3/102,118 votes#4 - Episode 4
Season 2 Episode 4 - Aired 10/9/2011
Tensions flare between Isobel and Cora. Ethel's flirtation with Major Bryant lands her in hot water. There is worrying news about Matthew. Branson declares his feelings for Sybil.
Director: Brian Kelly
Writer: Julian Fellowes
8.5/102,142 votes#5 - Episode 5
Season 2 Episode 5 - Aired 10/16/2011
Robert receives some shocking news from the front. Daisy's relationship with William moves faster than she would like. Vera threatens to expose old secrets.
Director: Brian Kelly
Writer: Julian Fellowes
8.0/102,087 votes#6 - Episode 6
Season 2 Episode 6 - Aired 10/23/2011
Carlisle threatens to ruin Mary if she jilts him. A major comes to stay - but is he really who he claims to be? Bates learns that Vera has succeeded in scuppering the divorce.
Director: Andy Goddard
Writer: Julian Fellowes
8.2/102,085 votes#7 - Episode 7
Season 2 Episode 7 - Aired 10/30/2011
How long can Sybil and Branson keep their secret? Carlisle puts Anna in a difficult position, Bates is left reeling from the news about Vera, and Thomas embarks on a new scheme.
Director: James Strong
Writer: Julian Fellowes
8.7/102,247 votes#8 - Episode 8
Season 2 Episode 8 - Aired 11/6/2011
With the wedding approaching there is excitement in the air, but will Branson's plans rattle everyone? A decisive Anna forces Bates to think about their future.
Director: James Strong
Writer: Julian Fellowes
The Best Episodes of Downton Abbey Season 2
Every episode of Downton Abbey Season 2 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Downton Abbey Season 2!
A chronicle of the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the post-Edwardian era—with great events in history having an effect on...
Genre:Drama
Network:ITV1
Season 2 Ratings Summary
"Episode 1" is the best rated episode of "Downton Abbey" season 2. It scored 8.5/10 based on 2460 votes. Directed by Ashley Pearce and written by Julian Fellowes, it aired on 9/18/2011. This episode is rated 0.4 points higher than the second-best, "Episode 2".