MASTERPIECE CLASSIC: "DOWNTON ABBEY"
PBS, 9:00 p.m. ET
This is a very strong episode – one that demonstrates why this third season of Downton Abbey is its best yet. When current events in the outside world intrude upon the inhabitants, workers and guests at the Abbey, they do so in more subtle ways this year – as when the Irish civil war sparks a very emotional and volatile debate at dinner. But the personal stories continue to dominate, as when, in this week’s installment, Bates’ prison term begins to worry Anna, because she stops hearing from him as regularly as before. Check local listings.