Welcome to the Downton Abbey Podcast, where we recap and discuss every episode of the hit period drama. Today we're talking about Series 1 Episode 3, which aired on October 10, 2010 on ITV and January 16, 2011 on PBS.
•  This episode is also known as "The One With Pamuk", because it features one of the most shocking and scandalous events in Downton Abbey history: the death of a Turkish diplomat in Lady Mary's bed.
•  The episode begins with the arrival of Evelyn Napier, a handsome and wealthy suitor for Mary, who brings along his friend Kemal Pamuk, a dashing and charming Turkish attaché. Mary is instantly smitten with Pamuk, who flirts with her at every opportunity, while ignoring the jealous Napier.
•  Meanwhile, downstairs, Gwen, one of the maids, reveals her ambition to become a secretary and has bought a typewriter to practice her skills. She receives a letter from a potential employer, but hides it from the rest of the staff. Sybil, the youngest and most progressive Crawley sister, discovers Gwen's secret and offers to help her with her application and reference.
•  At night, Pamuk sneaks into Mary's bedroom and seduces her. She initially resists, but then gives in to his advances. However, in the middle of their passionate encounter, he suffers a fatal heart attack and dies in her bed. Mary is horrified and calls for her mother Cora, who enlists the help of Anna, the head housemaid, to move the body back to Pamuk's room. They manage to do so without being noticed by most of the household, except for Daisy, the kitchen maid, who sees them carrying the corpse.
•  The next day, Pamuk's death is announced as a natural cause and his body is taken away. Mary is traumatised by the experience and fears that her reputation will be ruined if the truth ever comes out. Cora and Anna assure her that they will keep her secret, but they are also worried about the consequences. Daisy is confused and frightened by what she saw, but keeps quiet for now.
•  The episode also features several subplots involving other characters: Bates tries to cure his limp with a painful device that Mrs. Hughes helps him remove; Edith spends a pleasant day with Matthew, who is still oblivious to her feelings for him; and O'Brien schemes to expose Gwen's secretarial aspirations and sabotage her chances.
What did you think of this episode? Did you like Pamuk as a character? Do you sympathise with Mary or blame her for her actions? How do you think this scandal will affect her future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on social media. And don't forget to tune in next time for Series 1 Episode 4. Thanks for listening!