Leaving DOWNTON ABBEY Once More

Article first published as Leaving DOWNTON ABBEY Once More on TheTVKing.

*NOTE: This more an opinion piece than my typical review. As a fan of the series and the characters, it serves as a string-of-consciousness musing about the relationships and some of the threads of this past season. Your opinions may differ.

Now that another season of Downton Abbey, the British period drama airing on PBS, has come to an end, we can look back at the fourth season and reflect on what the show did both right and wrong. Overall, despite a gloomy start, it was a much lighter year than the last, and other than one major misstep, the story was quite good.

The finale itself was quite satisfying. Not only do we get the conclusion of some nagging stories, but the cast goes to London, providing a fresh setting. The servants' trip to the beach at the end is even more novel and amusing. There's an exciting story of espionage and scandal that doesn't ruin any of our characters' good names. There are absolutely fantastic moments for both the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) and Mrs. Crowley (Penelope Wilton), always welcome. Plus, Shirley MacLaine returned, and Paul Giamatti's part was much better than expected. It was a nice way to go out.

But really, most fans of Downton Abbey watch for the romance. The main thrust of much of the drama of the show revolves around who will be with who, and what will happen for them. There are other stories, to be sure, but not nearly as many that don't involve love, it seems. So how have the various pairings shifted this season?

A major arc this year involved Lady Mary's (Michelle Dockery) re-entry into the dating world. A wealthy widow, heir to a great estate, cannot allowed to remain single long. She was pursued by two suitors - Anthony Gillingham (Tom Cullen, World Without End), someone she considered "one of her own kind," and Charles Blake (Julian Ovenden, Foyle's War), who seemed out to bring down the aristocracy. Despite the easy decision on paper, Mary found herself torn between the two, unable to choose, even by the season finale.

It's nice to see Mary smile and be happy. She grieved an appropriate amount of time for Matthew, and then allowed both men to grow on her in pleasing ways. Both would make a good match, but I'm glad the question hasn't been settled yet, given how much fun it has been to see them both compete. It would not remain fun if it were stretched out after many years, but another season would be perfectly acceptable. Unlike when Mary was last eligible, there isn't any one man she's destined to be with, so there's a bit of suspense in the arc. As a firm supporter of "Team Blake," I was glad to see Charles get a leg up in the latest installment, hoping that's a sign that he could win in the end. But however it turns out, Mary declaring game on at the end was a terrific turning point for her.

Lady Rose's (Lily James) romantic prospects were not so cheery. I really liked her dalliance with jazz singer Jack Ross (Gary Carr, Death in Paradise) while it lasted, but it did seem pretty clear that a major part of Rose's attraction to Jack was the trouble it would cause. Besides, she's young, and it's enjoyable to see her single and carefree during her big coming out party, leaving the door open for times to come.

I'm not a fan of Tom (Allen Leech) and the school teacher Sarah Bunting (Daisy Lewis) being together. It's not that she's not an intellectual match for him; she is. But I don't see the chemistry and can't help but think Tom needs to determine his own path forward between the worlds before getting remarried. The arc of Tom feeling stuck in the middle of his roots and his new life has grown weary, but that's exactly why it's time for him to find a calling to dedicate himself to.

On the other hand, I am certainly in favor of Baxter (Raquel Cassidy) and Molesley (Kevin Doyle) being a couple. Molesely has been through some real down times, and while that befits the personality of his character, he doesn't deserve many of his troubles, and its gratifying to see him smile. Baxter spends much of this year being bullied by Thomas (Rob James-Collier), and it's awesome to see Molesley stand up for her, her knight in shining armor, an unlikely role for him to be cast in. That makes their pairing so perfect. Can we please see them marry next year?

So far, the servants have not had a good run of marriages. The only pair portrayed is Anna (Joanne Froggatt) and Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle), and they've seen nothing but misery. This season's story of Bates killing Anna's rapist is depressing and sucky, something unnecessarily piled on. Mary almost turning Bates in is also completely unacceptable and out of character. Basically, everything surrounding this plot didn't belong in Downton Abbey and served as the significant weak point in an otherwise good year. Thank goodness it's over.

The other bit of bad luck is that annoying Daisy (Sophie McShera) didn't take the job offer in America, but at least we got rid of the almost-as-annoying Ivy (Cara Theobold) in the process. Now it's time for Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nicol) to hire some decent help.

The season finale this year hints at something between Mr. Carson (Jim Carter) and Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan). Yes, there have been signs of this before, but never such an obvious moment as when they hold hands while wading into the sea. The show might never "go there" for them, but wouldn't it be sweet if it did? There's obviously deep affection between them, and fans would love to see it. Why not?

Lastly, we get to Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael). Her love lost and her baby given up, she sinks into a dark place. This story was mixed for me. I absolutely loved how Lady Rosamund (Samantha Bond) comes to her aid, and was pleasantly surprised that the Dowager Countess acted mostly without judgment towards Edith. I also liked how Edith ignored them both and went to get her child back, something very much in keeping with her independent personality. The resolution, though, that Edith would have Tim (Andrew Scarborough) secretly raise the child for her was weak sauce. Edith needs to act like a mother, no matter what her family thinks.

In all, though, season four was a good one for Downton Abbey. Some have complained that it's disjointed and makes drama just for the sake of drama, and it does. But it's beautiful and well acted. Even when the writers make dumb mistakes, they usually get sorted out or moved past quickly enough for the show to go on, and there's always other examples of good writing in the same episodes. It's soapy but it's just different enough from other soapy works to really land. I look forward to season five.

DOWNTON ABBEY Getting Over Grief

Article first published as DOWNTON ABBEY Review at Seat42F.

The British series DOWNTON ABBEY returns to PBS this week with the first two hours of its fourth season. It’s been six months since the events of last year’s finale, and while life has gone on for much of the household, there are a couple of individuals finding it hard to get past their sorrow. This is the focus of much of the first couple of installments, though likely won’t dominate the year.

DOWNTON ABBEY is the kind of series that takes a long time to make changes. Characters and plots do grow, but the development is slow, over the course of many episodes or even seasons, rather than immediate. That means that the latest episodes feel more like a continuation of the same familiar tale than the start of anything new.

Many fans have been waiting most anxiously to find out how Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) is doing. Having lost her husband, Matthew, in the season three finale, as one might expect, Mary is anything but adjusted in season four. She is numb with grief, not having dealt with her feelings yet, even though a good amount of time has passed. This leaves her unable to function much at all.

Those who surround Mary are divided over how to treat her. Her father, Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville), thinks she should be protected from the world, shut away until she is ready to come out. Brother-in-law Tom (Allen Leech) and grandmother Violet (Maggie Smith) think quite the opposite, believing that putting Mary to work will draw her out of her cocoon. A few others get the chance to put in their opinions before this is resolved.

The question raised here is not necessarily the best way to move on from sadness, but what is right for the individual in question. While Isobel Crawley (Penelope Wilton), the departed’s mother, is also lost at first, the way Mary and Isobel come out of it, similar as it may be, definitely relates to their personalities. Grief is a deep emotion, tricky to navigate, and DOWNTON ABBEY does a fair job working through these situations, keeping them interesting and authentic to the characters.

Although Matthew is dead, he still instigates one more development, which makes quite a bit of impact late in the two hours. It’s not something hokey or contrived, really, but rather a natural story point for the established characters. Without spoiling anything, I will say the person most affected is Mary, and fans of the couple should be quite pleased. It also moves the story along in a direction that should be seen coming, but feels a bit surprising, in a good way. I look forward to see where it goes from there.

Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael), Mary’s sister, also faces some change in her life. Hers is a bit more predictable, but still, it’s nice to see plot for an interesting character.

The servants’ side of things is no less served. Mr. Molesley (Kevin Doyle) finds himself out of work now that Matthew is deceased, cards from secret admirers shake up the house (which leads to an incredibly sweet scene that I didn’t see coming), someone who rejected a potential romantic partner may be changing their mind, a new appliance is added to the kitchen, and a figure from Mr. Carson’s (Jim Carter) past reaches out. All of these are fun and compelling stories that keep the same spirit fans of the show love. It also helps balance out the more depressing stuff, making for a nice flow and tone.

Of course, not everyone sticks around forever. As had been widely reported last summer, Mrs. O’Brien (Siobhan Finneran) is out, a fact dealt with very early on. But, in keeping with DOWNTON ABBEY’s propensity to bring back familiar faces, even those who seemed to be brief stories that already ran their course, O’Brien’s replacement is someone we’ve seen before. And she’s not the only one from earlier seasons whose name pops up again.

I don’t completely like the method of O’Brien’s departure as I’m not completely sure it’s in keeping with who she is. O’Brien is known to be extremely loyal to Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), ever since that incident a few years back. Yes, O’Brien doesn’t always feel appreciated (because she isn’t), and her leaving is telegraphed last season, but it still seems just a little off. Hopefully this will be resolved with a future appearance, as the story leaves the door open for a return, at least in a guest starring capacity.

Besides O’Brien’s successor, another new staff member is present at the start of the season. Nanny West (Di Botcher, Stella) is charged with taking care of Mary’s son and Tom’s daughter. I won’t say you’ll like Nanny West, but I definitely found her subplot entertaining.

And Cousin Rose (Lily James) is now part of the central cast. She gets into trouble, of course, and as the young rebel in the house, will probably be a driving force behind story this season.

DOWNTON ABBEY is a memorable drama series that I look forward to. Judging by these first two hours, that won’t be changing anytime soon.

Downton Abbey celebrates romantic Christmas

Article first published as Downton Abbey celebrates romantic Christmas on TheTVKing.

Grade: 94%

PBS completed its airing of Downton Abbey's third series this week with the hour-and-a-half Christmas special. While much of the drama does usually revolve around romance, this installment kicks it up a notch, and for awhile, it seems like everyone is coupling up. Which is a sweet note to end the year on, even if they all won't work out.

Robert (Hugh Bonneville) Crawley, Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), and their closest relations are invited to Duneagle Castle, the home of Violet's (Maggie Smith) niece, Susan (Phoebe Nicholls, Brideshead Revisited). Unfortunately, during their stay, it becomes increasingly obvious that Susan and her husband, Shrimpie (Peter Egan, Death at a Funeral), don't get along in the slightest. This leads to Robert appreciating Cora more than ever.

Robert and Cora's marriage isn't always smooth sailing. We've seen some up and downs, especially when losing a child. However, they always manage to work things out, and there is real, tangible love between them. We see this in their occasional quiet moments alone. Contrasted with such a terrible pair, it's nice to know that our protagonists recognize that they have something special, and remind each other of it.

Susan and Shrimpie make the wise decision to try to spend some time apart by the end of the episode, but they do have a problem: what to do with their daughter Rose (Lily James, Secret Diary of a Call Girl). Why, send her to Downton, of course!

I'm not sure yet if I like Rose, but she will certainly add some conflict to the upcoming fourth season, in which she has been promoted to main character. She will surely clash with the more traditional members of the household, and test the family's patience as she acts out even more than their own daughters have. It should be scandalous, if nothing else. As long as she doesn't bring ruin on the family, she will likely be more fun than annoying. Maybe even get some of the others to lighten up.

Anna (Joanne Froggatt) and Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle) don't have much story in this Christmas special, but it's satisfying just to see them enjoying one another's company. After the far-too-drawn-out arc that lands Mr. Bates in prison, getting to witness them spending time together will bring a smile to many a face, and that is all we need from this couple for now. They deserve some peace.

Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) is denied her own peace when her editor, Michael Gregson (Charles Edwards) follows her to Scotland. Physically, he looks a lot like Edith's previous suitor, though younger and healthier. Sadly, he comes with his own baggage that makes it impossible for them to be together. Edith definitely has a type. The family would like to warn Michael off, but Edith, as usual, will have none of their meddling, preferring to settle her own matters of the heart.

I do feel bad for poor Edith. After everything she has been through, she just can't find an easy path to love. There is much to admire about her, and she has firmly established herself as a character that should be well liked and respected. If she wants Michael, she'll get him. But let's hope that his wife, locked away for the past several years in an asylum, dies first, providing a convenient resolution to their issue so that she can finally be happy.

This isn't about any couple of characters, like the other paragraphs in the review are, but it is highly amusing to see Mrs. O'Brien (Siobhan Finneran) tussle and come out ahead against her Scottish counterpart, Wilkins (Simone Lahbib). O'Brien may be the least pleasant member of the cast, but at least she's one of ours, and Wilkins proves to be even more grumpy. Plus, their little battle of wits leads to a drunken dancing Mr. Molesley (Kevin Doyle), which is a sight we definitely needed to see.

Back at Downton, Tom (Allen Leech) is left to mind the house by himself, making him easy prey for the new maid, Edna (MyAnna Buring, Ripper Street). This does shine a light on the fact that Tom is lonely, and deserves a little happiness. Maybe that will be in the cards for him next year.

For now, though, Edna is acting highly in appropriate, and I am glad to see her promptly fired. No matter what Tom's background is, he's a gentleman now, part of the upper crust. It's one thing for him to dine with his former co-workers in the basement. It's quite another for him to take up with one of them in his in-laws' house. Maybe Tom's next romance will be from the lower class, but it cannot come among the staff at this particular place. It would be a slap in the face to Robert, and Tom would wind up being a driver again.

While most of the Crawleys are away, the staff decides to take a little break, much to Carson's (Jim Carter) dismay. Carson is entirely too stuffy for his own good, and like Robert, he needs to modernize a bit. However, we do get to see a softer side of him as he bonds with baby Sybil, a welcome glimpse of the soft heart we all know he tries to hide so well.

Isobel (Penelope Wilton) spends some time with Dr. Clarkson (David Robb) in this episode, who would like to begin something serious with the widow. It's disappointing that Isobel isn't interested, because it would be nice to see her with a man for a change, but at the same time, one has to admire the way she gently cuts Clarkson off at the pass, anticipating his intentions, and giving him a way to save face. She is a remarkable woman, and any guy would be lucky to have her.

Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nicol) is invited to a local fair by a new vendor, someone who offers her a date, followed closely by a proposal. But Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan) notices that this new beau has a wandering eye and a flirty hand. She warns Mrs. Patmore, who is relieved at not having to make a choice about being a wife.

Mrs. Patmore is one of the most enjoyable, fun characters on Downton Abbey. It's nice to see her get some positive attention from a man, even if it's just for her cooking. But I also adore the friendship she has with Mrs. Hughes, and this plot is as much about the two women as it is a chance for love. In this, it's a wonderful side trip that I hope to see more of.

Jimmy (Ed Speleers) also runs into trouble at the fair when he gets drunk and is mugged. Thomas (Rob James-Collier) comes to his rescue, taking the beating himself, and allowing Jimmy to escape. It's what Jimmy finally needs to put the past unfortunate incident with Thomas aside, and even form a friendship. I will be very interested to see where this might take the two characters next year.

Thomas has long been a thorn in the side of Downton Abbey, an unlikeable jerk who should have been kicked out long ago. Yet, when his homosexuality is exposed, his pain and suffering laid bare for us to see, the family and staff alike close ranks to protect him. I think this causes a fundamental shift in Thomas, knowing he is valued and cared for, no matter what he is, for the first time. I like this nicer Thomas, and hope his villainous days are behind him.

Lastly, we get to Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), who goes into labor a little early after her journey. The family rushes home to be by her side after she has her baby, and it's a beautiful boy, finally providing the next in line to inherit Downton Abbey, extending the line of successions. For a moment, we see Mary, Matthew (Dan Stevens), and the unnamed infant together, a perfect picture of a happy family.

And then Matthew is tragically killed in an automobile accident. This is a necessary twist, given Stevens' selfish desire to quit the series that has made him famous. But it's unwelcome, both to the story, and to the fans, many of whom are as invested in events as the characters. We already are still reeling from Sybil's passing. It's not fair to introduce another child who will be raised by a single parent. It took so long for Matthew and Mary to get to this place, it's highly disappointing to see them ripped apart now.

Knowing ahead of time what would come, I expected Matthew to die before he could make it to the hospital to see his son, but am relieved the he didn't. At least he dies happy, and we have that image of him with wife and baby. But it still sucks as a story, and the only blame that can really be laid is upon the actor himself, as it is his decision to go.

This is a lengthy review, just touching on so many characters, and leaving some of the main ones out. Downton Abbey has a fantastic large ensemble, and I cannot wait to see more of the same quality storytelling they have delivered these past three years. I have no complaints about the installment (save Matthew's death), just an appreciation for a job well done.

Downton Abbey will return for a fourth series.