During the summer of 1923, playing guardians over their
headstrong cousin, Rose (Lily James), Robert and Cora (Hugh Bonvillle,
Elizabeth McGovern) are preparing to take part in yet another London Season in
order for Rose to come out like every other young woman in her social circle. Giddy
with excitement over the pageantry and being presented to the monarchy, the
family has taken up residence in their London home for the season including
select servants, Anna (Joanne Froggatt) and Carson (Jim Carter) as well as Lady
Mary (Michelle Dockery) who is finally beginning to return to her old self over
a year past Matthew’s death. Joining in the festivities is Cora’s mother,
Martha (Shirley MacClaine) – whose flamboyancy constantly clashes with the
Crawley matriarch, Violet (Maggie Smith), and her son Harold (Paul Giamatti)
who has never even been to London let alone met his nieces. As American’s the
Levingson’s culture clashes greatly with that of the British aristocracy but
when the young, Madeline (Poppy Drayton) is pawned off on Harold by her father in the
hope that a match will be made between the wealthy Harold (whose money he'd like to use) and Madeline, Harold’s
prejudice towards the British slowly begins to fade away...
.jpg)
At the Downton Abbey estate, Edith (Laura Carmichael) is
suffering from guilt and second guessing a recent life-altering decision.
Attempting to reassure her that her missing lover will be found, Rosalind (Samantha
Bond) lends nothing more than affirmation that Edith made the right choice yet
Edith’s heart continues to say differently. Tom (Allen Leech) is still feeling misplaced
in the family’s society – particularly with Rose’s London ball imminent and his
expected attendance… only his own moral is called into question when – surprise! – Thomas (Rob James-Collier)
makes trouble.
Rounding out what was surely a dramatic and sober albeit a
necessary season of healing for the wildly popular Fellowes penned series was
this 90-minute special and all I can say is – what a treat it was. By the time
everything came to a close I was put in a happy mood and I took pleasure in
many of the scenes or interactions throughout the episode – Anna is actually smiling again, folks. Aside from one
revolution (that could be confirming suspicion or misleading us), everything
that happens is pleasing and reveals more about the characters (especially
Bates and Mary) we were already sure were loyal and upstanding. Mary is finally
returning and even enjoys a bit of playful flirting with her would-be suitor Charles
Blake (Julian Ovenden) and has an important heart-to-heart with Tony (Tom
Cullen). Rose is still a fun presence every episode though I confess I’m
growing weary of Tom’s restlessness – his character needs resolution. Since
first we met him, he’s matured to a point that he is no longer an outsider but
an important member of the Crawley clan yet his constant feelings of inadequacy
need to be put to rest. Either he stays (as so many of us wish for) and
realizes he is indeed loved and important or he leaves to begin again. Then, of course there
is the continued evil shenanigans of Thomas (can I just give a “hurrah” for
Baxter – you go girl! Thank goodness someone finally put him in his place even
if only temporarily) and then there is Edith. Sigh… I’m not sure she’ll ever understand the ramifications of her
choices or will be ever gifted a happy ending. Poor thing may have a beautiful
wardrobe but it seems she’s forever falling short of being truly happy.
Speaking of the costuming, same as always, it’s gorgeous. From Rose’s season ensemble to those gowns Edith dons, the beauty in each parlor or ball room spectacle is breath-taking. Those of us who’ve watched from the beginning will probably find the costuming particularly smashing since it’s evolved so much given its range of time frames – at the beginning, we’d just experienced the sinking of the RMS Titanic to now, fully engulfed in the roaring 20’s (further evidenced by the club scenes and Mary referring to Rose as a “flapper”). Furthermore weaving into the script are some cute bits of sleuthing as well as Daisy getting a small albeit darling story, all of which prove what a lighthearted bit of television this 90 minutes was. By the time the final moments rolled around I didn’t wish for it to end and if anything, my expectations are again in a tither over what’s to come for season five – not because the ending is a cliffhanger just because season four did anything but drive me away. Well done, Downton Abbey.
Speaking of the costuming, same as always, it’s gorgeous. From Rose’s season ensemble to those gowns Edith dons, the beauty in each parlor or ball room spectacle is breath-taking. Those of us who’ve watched from the beginning will probably find the costuming particularly smashing since it’s evolved so much given its range of time frames – at the beginning, we’d just experienced the sinking of the RMS Titanic to now, fully engulfed in the roaring 20’s (further evidenced by the club scenes and Mary referring to Rose as a “flapper”). Furthermore weaving into the script are some cute bits of sleuthing as well as Daisy getting a small albeit darling story, all of which prove what a lighthearted bit of television this 90 minutes was. By the time the final moments rolled around I didn’t wish for it to end and if anything, my expectations are again in a tither over what’s to come for season five – not because the ending is a cliffhanger just because season four did anything but drive me away. Well done, Downton Abbey.
What about you friends, what is your thoughts on the season thus far? Or did you watch it all this week thanks to those marvelous U.S. DVD sets that arrived in our mailboxes this week..?
I'm curious for your thoughts.