The story starts with the announcement of the sinking of the Titanic. Unfortunately, the Earl's heir and his son were passengers and the earl didn't have any sons, so he no longer has an heir. Checking the law, they discover his estate and his wife's money must go to a third cousin who they have never met.
Meanwhile, the Earl's new valet, John Bates, arrives but he has an injured leg and requires a cane to walk. It is revealed that he and the Earl were in the war together and the injury is from shrapnel. Because he has taken the role off the young First Footman Thomas, the staff conspire to get him fired by talking badly of him to the family and tripping him in front of a visiting Duke. The Earl is forced to let him go but then at the last minute changes his mind. This is sure to cause some ripples within the staff!
It is also revealed that Thomas is gay and was having an affair with the Duke. He wants to get out and be with the Duke who has had second thoughts. He tries to blackmail him, but the Duke has discovered where Thomas hid the Duke's love letters and he burns them. Thomas is trapped.
This is an extremely well made show and stars Hugh Bonneville as the Earl and Brendan Coyle as John Bates (both from Tomorrow Never Dies), Elizabeth McGovern as the Countess of Grantham (Kick-Ass) and Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess of Grantham (Harry Potter series).
If you haven't seen this, make sure you track it down and give it a look. You won't be disappointed. I have to say, I was very impressed with watching something different to what I usually love to watch.
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