DOWNTON ABBEY – Live-action drama created by Julian Fellowes; rated TV-14; airs Sunday nights on PBS as part of “Masterpiece”; 47 minutes. Episode 4.5: “Episode 5” (original airdate, Jan. 26, 2014). Directed by Phillip John, written by Julian Fellows (7 out of 10)
IMPORTANT SERIES NOTE: The Bluray and DVD sets of Season 4 go on sale this week, meaning all episodes will also become available for downloading from Amazon Prime. For those who cannot wait, this option is out there. However, we will continue to provide the reviews weekly as the episodes air.
Previously on Downton Abbey: The Grantham Family lives on a huge estate in England and is faced with creeping modernity as times change in the early 20th century. The family has seen several tragedies, including the loss of their youngest daughter and the husband of their eldest, who was the heir to their estate. They are still trying to adapt to their losses. Their staff also deals with their own challenges and tragedies, including a violent rape of Anna Bates, which is being kept secret, including from her husband.
Last week: We saw the fallout from the attack on Anna, including her moving out of the Bates’ cottage in the village and into the main house. Alfred, a footman, has taken an interest in becoming a chef. And Lord Gillingham makes a proposal to Mary, and she turns him down. Michael Gregson also heads to Germany.
In this episode:
Perhaps the biggest and most important storyline is the ongoing story following Anna’s rape. Things develop. . .and I’ll just let you watch. This features some amazing performances by Brendan Coyle (Mr. Bates) and Joanne Froggat (Anna) and Phyllis Logan (Mrs. Hughes). Amazing, intense, and showing a huge range. This. This is why we love Downton.
The other main storyline with the upstairs of the house is Lord Grantham must deal with the death of a longtime tenant, whose family has farmed the land for hundreds of years. His son Mr. Drewe wants to take over for him, causing an interesting conversation and rift between Lord Grantham, Lady Mary, and Tom as to what to do. A bit of great character reveals here as the rubber hits the road between ideology and the responsibilities each of them face being in charge of the estate.
Other things to look forward to in this episode:
Alfred heads to London to take his test to be a chef.
There’s a new house maid. . .and she’s brought a sewing machine! Mrs. Patmore doesn’t like that at all. But Thomas has sure taken a liking to her. Ooooh, Thomas. . .
Edit is getting worried she hasn’t heard from Michael Gregson since he went to Germany.
We get our first glimpse of the children in ages as Mary and Tom play with the kids in the nursery.
Mary receives another gentlemen caller. That’s right, boys — word is out she’s back on the market! (boo! hiss! We all still love Matthew!! Too soon!)
The Dowager Countess, at the behest of Isobel Crawley, takes on a new gardener, who may have nicked something from her house! Scandal!
Tom makes a rather shocking announcement about his plans for the future.
Mr. Molesly continues his sad sack routine.
Dowager Countess quote of the week:
“Nobody cares about anything as much as you do!” Ooooh, sick burn on Isobel Crawley!!!!
Rating and final review: 7 out of 10
This seemed a bit like 40 minutes of fluff surrounding the seven minutes we really care about: the story of Anna and Mr. Bates. But, oh. . . .those seven minutes. And. . . that. ending. ZOMG!
How’s it end?
“Nothing is over. Nothing is done with.” — Mr. Bates
Oh hell no! Look out, world!!! Bates is coming for you!!!
CAST:
The regular characters: Hugh Bonneville (Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham), Laura Carmichael (Lady Edith Crawley), Jim Carter (Mr. Carson), Brendan Coyle (John Bates), Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary Crawley), Kevin Doyle (Joseph Molesley), Joanne Froggatt (Anna Bates), Lily James (Lady Rose MacClare), Rob James-Collier (Thomas Barrow), Allen Leech (Tom Branson), Phyllis Logan (Mrs. Hughes), Elizabeth McGovern (Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham), Sophie McShera (Daisy Mason), Matt Milne (Alfred Nugent), Lesley Nicol (Mrs. Patmore), David Robb (Dr. Clarkson), Maggie Smith (Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham), Ed Speleers (Jimmy Kent), Cara Theobold (Ivy Stuart), Penelope Wilton (Isobel Crawley)
Keep it fancy, and we’ll see you next week.