Another successful season at the abbey.
Julian Fellowes’ Downton Abbey has returned with its best season yet. As usual the drama centres on the Crawleys, an English aristocratic family, and the staff in their employ. The fourth season opens six months after the death of Matthew, chronicling the period between February 1922 and the summer of 1923, a considerable lull in the pace at which the world of Downton Abbey progresses through time.
Matthew’s death drives much of the drama in the first few episodes of the season. Mary (Michelle Dockery) is in a state of shock after losing her husband, unfit to care for her infant son George or herself. She walks the halls of Downton with a tragic ghostlike temperament, a highly commendable performance on the part of Michelle Dockery. Advice from her relatives and Carson, the butler, went unheard, and the protective bubble in which her father Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) had sheltered her was doing Mary a great disservice. In the end what revived Mary’s desire to live, was learning that her husband had legally named her as his sole heir, and the estate on which her family resided was a third hers. She stepped up, and I was glad to see her take an active role in the running of the estate thereafter, leaving the darkness that had befallen her life behind.
It seemed to be a season all about Mary. The latter half was imbued with Mary’s many developing friendships and romantic interests. In the third season audiences said goodbye to Sibyl Crawley, and this season it was great to see Mary and her brother in law (Allen Leech) become closer as he showed her the ropes of running the estate, encouraging her every step of the way. Two suitors appeared for Mary and I feel we may yet see her married again in season five, the only question is will it be to Lord Gillingham (Tom Cullen) or Charles Blake (Julian Ovenden).
Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery) and Tom Branson (Allen Leech)
These two very different men are perfect for Mary in their own ways. Tony Gillingham is a charming aristocrat with his future ahead of him. He can play the game well, and is highly respected amongst the aristocracy. Gillingham has an allure about him, in both his handsome appearance and the softness of his voice. He was a tremendous aid in boosting Mary’s spirits, reminding her that she does have a future, even if she rejected his marriage proposal. Charles Blake on the other hand is a more hands on character. He is opinionated, and has a more rounded view of the world than Gillingham and most other aristocratic characters in the show. The barn scene where both he and Mary save the lives of dehydrated pigs was one of the best scenes of the season. Covered in mud, these former adversaries realized that there was more to each of them than the other had previously thought.
Mary (Dockery) and Lord Gillingham (Cullen)
Mary (Dockery) and Charles Blake (Ovenden)
The major event occurring downstairs amongst the staff was the assault and rape of ladies maid Ana Bates (Joanne Froggatt). Mr Green, the valet of Lord Gillingham opportunistically assaulted her during a concert at the Abbey, when he cornered Ana alone in the kitchen. Afraid of what her husband might do if he found out she swore her only confidant Mrs Hughes (Phyllis Logan) to secrecy. It was tragic to see such a vibrant character reduced to shreds. Ana’s life slowly crumbled as she was unable to accept affection from her husband, and moved from their cottage back into Downton. However when Mr Bates was finally brought into the loop it all worked out for Ana in the end, and his support and understanding guided her back into a measure of normal life. It was a very realistic depiction of severe depression.
Mrs Hughes (Logan) and Ana (Froggatt)
Aside from Mary’s two bachelors new characters this season included a new ladies maid for Cora, and Rose, who was upgraded from guest cast to regular cast member. Obrien’s resignation paved the way for Mrs Baxter (Raquel Cassidy) to come into the fold later in the season, recommended to the Crawley’s by Thomas (Rob James-Collier). Fans of the show will remember the scheming between Thomas and Obrien, yet it seems that his relationship with Baxter is somewhat different. He has something over Mrs Baxter, and is using her as a spy upstairs, in exchange for his silence. In the final episode though Baxter was encouraged by Mr Mosely (Kevin Doyle) to break free of her past, and with that support she refused to follow Thomas’s whim any longer.
Thomas (Collier) and Baxter (Cassidy)
Rose (Lily James) was a nice addition to the Crawley household. Young and vibrant she has the modern attitude of the 1920’s with a love for London parties and night clubs. Her short lived romance with Jazz singer Jack Ross (Gary Carr) was a highlight of the season, and an interesting point of conflict between Rose and Mary, who believed Rose to only be interested in Ross because he was black, and such a marriage would devastate her imperialistic mother. However I do believe that there were some legitimate feelings on Rose’s part, although on that note, Mary’s conclusion is quite likely.
Rose (James)
Ross (Carr) and Rose (James)
Other highlights of the season included Edith’s (Laura Carmichael) doomed romance with Mr Gregson (Charles Edwards), the usual banter from the kitchen staff, Alfred leaving for a position at the Ritz, Rose’s coming out party at Buckingham Palace, the return of Martha Levinson and introduction of Harold Levinson, and several new romances in the making; Branson and Miss Bunting, Isabel Crawley and Lord Merton, Mrs Baxter and Mr Mosley, and one special romance. The long time awaited match between housekeeper Mrs Hughes and butler Mr Carson (Jim Carter) may be coming into fruition. The final scene of the season had the pair walk hand in hand into the ocean on a staff day out at the beach. It was shot impressively and the vistas were beautiful, as was the sight of these long friends finally coming together as a couple. I hope to see their relationship develop further in season five.
Mrs Hughes (Logan) and Carson (Carter)
The fourth season of Downton Abbey was a transitional season. The world is changing at an ever increasing pace, with aristocratic customs breaking down. The show itself seems to be transitioning into a more dramatic kind of storytelling, as witnessed throughout season three and again in season four. Fellowes has laid the seeds for season five in the various new relationships which have begun to develop, and I cannot wait to see what is in store for Downton next season.
10/10
Check out the trailer below:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To3Bl-gam1s]
-JoelE
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Yes I liked this season too mainly because it gave off the same vibes, superficially as season one. The dynamics between the characters were different too but not less interesting.