TV REVIEW: Downton Abbey - Episode Five

The fifth episode of Downton Abbey is both one of the most dramatic so far, and naturally therefore, one of the best. I usually try to avoid major spoilers for my reviews but be warned, there is one massive spoiler here that it would be impossible not to discuss.

The house begins preparing for the arrival of Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay) and Tom's (Allen Leech) baby while Matthew (Dan Stevens) and Mary (Michelle Dockery) are still longing for the pitter-patter of tiny feet (Oncoming Tragedy Klaxon). Daisy (Sophie McShera) is taking being someone's superior a little too seriously and is yelling at the new kitchenmaid a lot while Anna (Joanne Froggatt) has discovered the evidence that could lead to a pardon for Mr Baaates (Brendan Coyle). The new footman, Jimmy (Ed Speelers) finds himself in a rather compromising situation with the amorous Thomas (Rob James-Collier) thanks to O'Brien's (Siobhan Finneran) plotting. Then as complications start with Sybil's pregnancy, Lord and Lady Grantham (Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern) are forced to make a decision that could jeopardise Sybil's health and the baby. How they managed to keep this one secret is anyone's guess, but the episode was so much better for not having a clue about what was just around the corner.

The sense of foreboding was slow to creep up in this episode, most of the focus was on how happy everything was going to be once the next generation of the Downton dynasty arrived. The construction of the episode was one of its strongest points with ebbs and flows that constantly made you question the outcome, particularly once the baby had been born. Then, there was that scene between Sybil and Cora in which the daughter pleaded with the mother for her help with carrying out her husband's wishes for the child. Suddenly, the third daughter's future looked pretty certain and not in a rosy, everything's going to be all right kind of way and in one of the bravest moves the show has ever made, we saw the departure of Sybil, who was possibly one of the most beloved characters.

It's a brave plot point for two reasons; firstly, as I mentioned last week, it shakes up the well-worn path that Downton has been treading this series. We all felt safe because we always knew that everything would always be all right, because it always had been. Well that's now completely out the window and you get the feeling that, for the remaining episodes at least, anything goes. Minor characters have always been dispensable (the footman William for example) but up until now it was always safe to assume that the main characters would survive; Matthew magically recovered his ability to walk and do, erm, other things while Cora survived Spanish flu. Secondly, it's going to make the family dynamic all the more interesting. After all, who is going to defend Branson now that Sybil isn't around? I strongly suspect that the usual family loyalties are going to start shifting. And when I said I was all for seeing more of Branson, killing off his wife was not exactly what I meant but it nevertheless promises an interesting plot-line for the former chauffeur. 

The death scene itself was slow and heart-wrenching, from Branson and Cora's pleas for Sybil to stay with them to Lord Grantham's disbelief at the sudden turn of events, and the scenes that followed just added to the tragedy. I personally could no longer hold it together after the brief scene between the Dowager Countess and Carson in which the usually formidable Countess weeped openly, just for a second. Maggie Smith has always been the standout performer in Downton but this moment was so well-judged and so measured that it made an already galling episode even more so. With people group-grieving everywhere, it would have been easy for one actor to pantomime it and try and outdo the others, but each member of the cast gave a great performance in the final scenes of the episode, particularly James-Collier showing a rare moment of compassion in Thomas and Leech, as the grief-stricken husband.

It's the biggest upset we've yet had on the series and it has set up some very interesting narratives for the rest of the series. With Branson now the only link to Lord Grantham's grandchild, there's naturally going to be even more conflict. Elsewhere in the episode, there's other troubles on the horizon with Mary and Matthew most obviously with their baby struggles but also with the estate itself. Something tells me things are only going to get worse at Downton now. And let's face it, none of us would have it any other way.

- Becky

You can read Becky's review of Episode Four here.

Follow Becky on Twitter @beckygracelea
Or follow her blog beckygracelea.wordpress.com

TV REVIEW: Downton Abbey - Episodes Two and Three

Did you really think that we'd left behind all the ridiculous and convenient plot developments in the last series of Downton? Well think again, as these two weeks take us through a cancer scare, an attempted shanking, a wedding and (gasp!) the potential loss of Downton Abbey. But never fear, gentle viewers, Julian Fellowes and his amazingly convenient plot twists are on hand to save the day!

If that opening paragraph makes it seem as if I'm laying into everyone's Downton Abbey this week, I can assure you it is only gentle mocking born out of my deep affection for this show. Even the most diehard Downton fans have to admit, the shocking revelation that Matthew (Dan Stevens) was actually in the clear to bestow his money on Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) was never in any doubt. I must admit though, I didn't see the whole letter plot twist, I just expected Matthew to get worn out from all of the not-so-subtle insults from Mary (Michelle Dockery). But we can all rest easy; even though Mary's and the Dowager Countess' (Maggie Smith) hilarious plans failed last week with Martha (Shirley Maclaine), Matthew was once again on hand to save the day!

The second episode, despite some wonderful one liners from Dame Maggie, was the more lacklustre of the two and served more as a lead-in to the big moments in episode three, particularly concerning Mrs Hughes (Phyllis Logan). Ever the stalwart right-hand woman of Mr Carson (Jim Carter), the housekeeper's strength was tested across these two episodes after discovering that she might have cancer. It isn't one of the strongest plot-lines the show has come up with but it was a chance for Logan and Lesley Nicol's Mrs Patmore to shine. Aside from the lack of originality, it also wasn't the best source of tension because we know that death in Downton is a rare occurence, utilised only when it is incredibly convenient for the existing cast members for people to die (see Patrick Crawley, the long-lost heir or Lavinia, the woman-shaped blockade to the Mary-Matthew marriage). Therefore, Mrs Hughes was NEVER in any danger and now it looks like a possible romance blossoming between her and Mr Carson. D'awww.

Speaking of romance, poor old Edith (Laura Carmichael) was put through the emotional wringer yet again in these episodes as her off-on-off-again romance with Sir Anthony Strallen (Robert Bathurst) heads towards the altar. Or does it? Edith has long been the curmudgeonly spinster of the Crawley clan, spitefully alerting people to Mary's involvement in Mr Pamuk's untimely demise which promptly led to Mary's first destruction of the Edith-Strallen relationship. After the second episode saw the pair engaged, despite the age difference and sum total of only three arms, the third sees the wedding approach. As Edith gleefully observes, for once, an event at Downton Abbey is all about her. Though not for long, as Strallen decides to leave her, rather ungallantly at the alter (in a truly gorgeous wedding dress). I'm developing a theory that Julian Fellowes doesn't like Edith because the poor girl never has a happy ending. Maybe we should all start a campaign? Happy Ending for Edith please!

Because I've covered two episodes here (sharing many of the same themes), I'm going to deviate slightly from the format now and give you a rundown of my other noteworthy moments:

• - Anna (Joanne Froggatt) continues to search for the evidence to prove Bates' (Brendan Coyle) innocence though it's looking a little unlikely. It also continues to be a bit of a yawnfest. 

• Matthew and Branson (Allen Leech) develop their bromance over a game of billiards. Just lovely. Next time, please show the billiards match. 

• - The new, freakishly tall footman (whose name I still don't know) seems to be attempting to cop off with any female member of staff after the American lady's maid in last week's episode and then turning his attention to Daisy (Sophie McShera) and Anna.

• - The war between O'Brien (Siobhan Finneran) and Thomas (Rob James-Collier) starts to heat up as she steals the dress shirts he's supposed to be looking after, whilst he tells Molesley that O'Brien is about to leave Downton. After seeing the two of them attempt to bring down everyone else in their path, it's great to see the pair turn against each other.

Next week looks like a focus on the runaway romance of Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay) and Branson as the preview featured the former chauffeur in tears and a lot of rain (which we all know means sadness and tragedy). Whilst it may be predictable, over-the-top and ever so slightly daft, it's still cracking entertainment and I'm enjoying the emotional upheaval.

- Becky

You can read Becky's review of the first episode here.

You can follow Becky on Twitter @beckygracelea

Or follow her blog here beckygracelea.wordpress.com

TV REVIEW: Downton Abbey - Episode One

After what seems like an agonising wait after the awesome Christmas special that saw Matthew and Mary FINALLY get together, Downton Abbey returns to our screens with just the right amount of melodrama for some classic Sunday television.

The last series veered from the sublime to the ridiculous so fast it made your head spin, which is no bad thing but let's face it, that was the most convenient outbreak of Spanish flu there has ever been. With it's Roaring 20s setting, the third series might be a little more grounded in some vague reality. Then again, why let real life get in the way of some bally good melodrama? A whole hour and a half of Downton Abbey packs in a hell of a lot of plot and thankfully Julian Fellowes' script keeps it zipping along at a fair pace. It's not for the first-time viewer though as there isn't really any major exposition to explain how everyone got to where they are apart from a few oblique references.  The first episode kicks off some time after the Christmas special with all of Downton gearing up to possibly the most anticipated marital event since Kate Middleton rocked up to Westminster Cathedral in her lacy finery.

Naturally, the course to the oncoming nuptials does not run smooth. Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) is called away to London to discover that he's practically lost all of Cora's fortune (Elizabeth McGovern) and Downton is under threat (thus providing the overall narrative anxiety for the series). Meanwhile, a pregnant Sybil (Jessica Brown-Findlay) and her husband, former chauffeur Tom Branson, (Allen Leech) return to Downton Abbey to face some awkward dinner conversation about coat-tails and Irish nationalism. Bates (Brendan Coyle) has a new, possibly (read definitely) dangerous cell-mate while Anna (Joanne Froggatt) continues to search for the evidence needed to free him. A new footman has started work leading to more plotting from Thomas (Rob James-Collier) and O'Brien (Siobhan Finneran), though for once they are not on the same side. Daisy (Sophie McShera) revolts against Mrs Patmore (Lesley Nicol) whilst Carson (Jim Carter) continues to struggle to maintain order. And I've not even covered half of it.

I should probably warn you in advance of this review that I adore both Matthew and Branson and there may be some slight swooning when discussing their roles in the first episode. I can't help it. One of them has the most amazing blue eyes in the world and the other one has a positively gorgeous Irish accent. Leech in particular excelled here, giving Branson an awkward charm and defiance in the face of the Crawleys. His scene with the Dowager Countess and Mrs Crawley forcing him into a mourning suit was a comic delight whilst his angry drunk Irishman acting was an excellent example of a horrendously awkward situation. The relationship between Matthew and Branson was also a great aspect of this episode with the Crawley heir taking it upon himself to make the former chauffeur feel as welcome as possible in the midst of all the class divides. Stevens and Leech sell the oncoming bromance well and the brother-in-law partnership versus the Crawleys should be an interesting development. It all fits into the wider theme of change that comes with the 20s setting and the various clashes between old and new.

Speaking of clashes, the publicity all centered on the meeting of Maggie Smith's Dowager Countess and Shirley Maclaine's Martha Levinson and it did not disappoint. From the first awkward hallway meeting to the constant attempts to thwart each other over desserts, the two battleaxes are already engaged in a one-liner competition that looks set to go on all series. Smith has long been the fan-favourite for her comedy moments but it is in the more dramatic ones where she really soars; her revelation that it was her money that enabled Branson and Sybil to attend the wedding was understated yet perfectly pitched. If reports are true and Maggie Smith is to leave the series, her presence and acerbic wit will be sorely missed.

Meanwhile, Bates and Anna continue their relationship in the inconvenient location of the slammer. The Bates-Anna romance had me gripped throughout the previous two series, but I can't help thinking that it is starting to run out of steam. Perhaps the circumstances don't help; after all, you can't really have soaring romantic ups-and-downs if one party happens to be stuck in prison, but it all feels a little stale. Now that we know Bates' mysterious past was to do with his psychotic wife who tried to do everything to derail his new relationship and we know that he didn't commit the murder, there's no enigma left to uncover. Also, it's Downton Abbey; everything turns out neatly so therefore we know that, at some point, Bates is going to make it out of prison and return to Downton. There's no tension here anymore, which is a shame because it was previously one of the most gripping narratives.

It's a small gripe though in the scope of the wider episode which finally saw Matthew and Mary get married, despite a couple of hiccups along the way (solved by Branson - did I mention that he's awesome?). It's the moment most people have waited for since halfway through the first series and even those naysayers who disliked the pair must have cheered ever-so-slightly when they got to the church. It was a great end to a fantastic start to the new series and I cannot wait to see what Fellowes and the gang have in store for us. Sunday nights are officially all booked up.


- Becky

You can follow Becky on Twitter @beckygracelea
Or follow her blog here beckygracelea.wordpress.com