Apparently, the Downton folks live in a world where all the money comes from the women, and the men invest it badly while keeping the women out of the loop.  And the women are fine with that.

Lord Grantham's wealth comes from Cora, and he's lost that wealth now (Downton-in-trouble alarm!) and Matthew has some wealth coming from Lavinia's dad, that he doesn't deserve because he killed her basically.

Here's an idea, men — get jobs. Ex-chauffeur Branson Tom seems to be the only man to make sense.

Downton Abbey S3,E1 highlight: Barb-trading between Cora's mother (Shirley MacLaine) and the Dowager Countess (although I don't think Americans talk about being Americans as much as Julian Fellowes thinks)

Runner-up highlight: Branson at the dinner table and becoming Matthew's best man.

Nice touch scene: Matthew and Mary, speaking through the door because it is bad luck to see each other before the wedding, agree to close their eyes (no peeking, it's bad luck) to kiss.  Mary peeks as they kiss.  Uh-oh.

Suprisingly dull plot line:  Bates.  I'm finding it hard to give a damn.  Who would have predicted that?

Not a bad chap after all: Oh, Sir Anthony Strallan — just marry Edith.  You won't do any better, and you're fine for her.