Okay, so my efforts to have the Downton Abbey recap up the next day has gotten delayed again this week. My schedule did not allow me to get this post ready on Monday evening; but nevertheless, I have push onward and now I have the chance to write my recap.
This year’s season of Downton Abbey is a much different than the previous seasons. There is no major historical event occurring to wrap the plot around. In previous years, we watched as the First World War took center stage and it was easy for the writers develop a plot around such a major historical event. In this season, the plot is more focused on personal stories and events in the characters lives. It allows for a greater development of the characters that we have loved since the first season or a chance to get to know the new ones. At first, I was unsure how this would be work, but the plot line and the writing has been excellent. By the 1920s, Europe and especially Great Britain, saw an extraordinary change in the political and social scene. Season Four of Downton Abbey has masterfully portrayed that change.
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Observations and Thoughts about Episode Four
Anna continues to withdraw herself from Bates and refuses to tell him what is wrong. Learning that Mrs. Hughes knows what has happened, Bates threatens to leave Downton if she does not tell him the truth. Mrs. Hughes tells him, leaving out that it was Green, Gillingham’s valet, who was the one responsible for the vicious act. Once Anna knows that Bates knows, their relationship starts to slowly reconcile. Anna does not want Bates to know that it was Green who attacked her.
Alfred travels to London for the first time to take the chef’s test at the Ritz Hotel. His cooking creating have been a hit with the family, but unfortunately he does not finish in the top four. He returns to Downton.
Mr. Drewe, one of the oldest tenants of Downton, has died. He had not been able to pay his taxes in many years. Prior to his death, Lady Mary threatened to foreclose on his property and get it back so it can be profitable once again. Mr. Drewe’s son wants to continue farming the land and he pleads with Lord Grantham to find a way to do it. Lord Grantham agrees to pay the back taxes and allow him to work on the land. Lady Mary and Branson find out what has happened and do not agree with it.
Technology continues to make its way into Downton. Baxter, the new lady’s maid, is using an electric sewing machine, and Cora wants to purchase a refrigerator for the kitchen, much to the displeasure of Mrs. Pattmore. Mrs. Pattmore continues to struggle with these new items and feels that they are unnecessary. But Mrs. Pattmore sees the benefit of the sewing machine when she rips her smock and needs it fixed in a hurry.
Questions for Episode Five
Will Bates pursue finding out who attacked Anna? Will he find out that it was Green? If he finds out the full truth, how will he react? Will Anna and Bates be able to have the same relationship as they did prior to the event.
Will Alfred continue with his desire to be a chef? Or will he give up on it all together? Who will be there for him to encourage him with his dreams and goals?
What new appliance or technological item will be introduced at Downton? Will Downton keep up with the change times? Or will it continue to be caught up its past, expecting things to stay the same?
How will the changing tide of the working class effect the way Downton does business? How will Downton be able become self-sufficient as it has for the last one hundred years? Will there be other parts of the land be sold off in order for Downton to maintain its operations? Will Lady Mary and her father come into an agreement on the best way for this work?
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