Warning: This recap for Season 6, “Episode Five” of Downton Abbey contains spoilers.



Did we tune into Downton Abbey or a rerun of Ridley Scott’s Alien?

The hospital drama turned bloody — literally — during what may well be the most memorable dinner in Downton history. Not only is there a future prime minister at the table, but Lord Grantham spews blood all over the fine china when his ulcer bursts. The awful incident does reveal one long-kept secret: Mary finally figures out the truth about Marigold’s identity.

Related: ‘Downton Abbey’ Director Talks That Dinner Scene Shocker



Now, a look at what happened with the couples this week:

Robert and Cora

Lord Grantham’s indigestion is getting worse, and it’s not helped by the continuing feud between his wife and mother over the hospital. The Dowager has blackmailed invited the Health Minister, Neville Chamberlain (future Prime Minister), to dinner to persuade him to her side. And even a politician like him is taken aback by the vitriol and acrimony as Violet, Isobel, and Cora snipe at each other.

“Can’t we stop this beastly row?” Robert asks — then vomits blood all over the table and on his wife, who sits across from him.



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Everyone is shocked, but Dr. Clarkson is present to tend to him. Cora rushes to his side, as Robert continues to eject blood. “If this is it, just know that I have loved you very, very much,” he chokes out. As gross as the scene is, we couldn’t help but say awwww at his dramatic declaration.

“This isn’t it,” Cora replies firmly.

Robert is rushed to the hospital for an operation, and will recover. Crisis averted. But Lord Grantham will have to take it easy from now on. As Mary tells Tom, they’ll need to take over managing the estate. Lady Mary Crawley’s reign has truly begun.

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Mary and Henry

Henry Talbot is back in the area, test driving a new car at a nearby track, and invites Mary and Tom to watch.

Tom teases Mary about her new beau, but she isn’t so sure about their future. “I don’t mean to sound snobbish” — except she really does — ”but I won’t marry down.” Tom argues that a marriage should be balanced, but not in terms of money or position, but in passion and strength, like the relationship he and Sibyl had.

They take in the test race between Henry and Charlie Rogers (those vintage cars are divine), and get a drink with the former in a pub. (Pretty sure Lady Mary Crawley has never been in a pub in her life! The times really are changing.) Mary and Henry flirt and talk about having dinner with their mutual friend, Evelyn Napier (poor guy — always the bridesmaid). Tom says what we’re all thinking: “Why can’t you just say ‘I’d love to spend more time with you’?”

As if Mary would ever make it that easy for any man.

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Edith and Bertie

Edith’s got a date! She travels to London to meet up with Bertie, where they walk and talk in the park about his cousin, the Marquess of Hexham. Seems Cousin Peter likes to paint the young men of Tangiers (uh, can we book a ticket for Thomas? Or maybe Cousin Peter should come visit?).

Edith invites Bertie to her flat for a drink (“what a racy plan!”) before he takes her to dinner and dancing. After they share their first, very sweet kiss, Bertie says, “What a relief, I thought I might be pushing my luck.” He doesn’t have much to offer, though, and she’s an earl’s daughter. There’s more to the story, of course, but Bertie has no clue why Edith would reply, “You have a great deal to offer, and I’m not sure I’m worthy of it.” Poor Edith.