DOWNTON ABBEY – Live-action drama created by Julian Fellowes; rated TV-14; airs Sunday nights on PBS as part of “Masterpiece”; 65 minutes. Episode 4.6: “Episode 6” (original airdate, Feb 2, 2014). Directed by Phillip John, written by Julian Fellows (7 out of 10)
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, many of which also put the estate in financial distress. 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: Bates ends the episode with the promise that nothing is over, swearing revenge on the perpetrator of Anna’s rape. A gentleman caller, Mr. Evelyn Napier, comes to see Mary; he’s inspecting local estates which are not doing well in the post-war period. Alfred didn’t pass his cooking test. Tom is planning to move to America after he transitions the estate to more intensive farming. A new gardener, young Pegg, is under suspicion for stealing certain household items from the Dowager Countess’ home.
In this episode:
Rose is planning a surprise party for Lord Grantham’s birthday party, which includes keeping the secret from the staff. Thomas’ nose for secrets goes off, leading him to fruitlessly chase his tail most of the episode. And when the band shows up led by Jack Ross (remember him? You should) it creates quite a stir. But in a good way.
However, the best part of the entire episode is a quiet little scene between Isobel Crawley, Tom, and Mary as they all get together to feed little baby Cybbie and George and talk of love. It was quite beautiful and touching.
Other things to look forward to in this episode:
Mr. and Mrs. Bates continue on, with some especially menacing brooding by Mr. Bates and a fancy dinner out for the couple.
More scandal! as the Dowager Countess fires Young Pegg when another of her personal items goes missing. This begins a tiny war between Her Ladyship and Isobel Crawley. This is the most entertaining and yet least consequential storyline of the episode.
Edith gets some news regarding Mr. Gregson, and things are looking somewhat dire for her situation.
Alfred gets some unexpected news from the Ritz, setting off some long pent-up feelings in the love pentagon between Daisy, Ivy, Jimmy, and himself.
Dowager Countess quote of the week:
Isobel Crawley: “How you hate to be wrong!”
“I wouldn’t know. I’m not familiar with the situation.”
Rating and final review: 7 out of 10
This episode moved things along quite well and also weaved in some interesting plot and thematic twists. I daresay, the way this season is shaping up, the entire season may be about, of all things, sex. And consequences.
So remember, keep it fancy, but keep it consensual, and keep it safe.
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)