Downton Abbey 4 – So Glad to be Back Home Again

**spoiler alert

Well, they did it again. The tremendous cast and production team of Downton Abbey has again reignited our slavish addiction to the upper class world of 1920’s England, inviting us over for another “week-end.”

After the shocking death of Matthew, everyone’s favorite heir, I wondered whether the show could really go on without the love story of Lady Mary and Lord Matthew, but it has. I was surprised that they picked up the story so soon after Matthew’s death, just 6 months later, but that is the brilliance of Downton – to carry on with life in the Abbey practically the day after a shocking event, let us mope for a bit, and then immerse us in the daily duties and scandals of the rich folks and the poor ones.

Not many shows could hope to survive after the loss of so many popular characters. We, as viewers, have been coaxed and sometimes forced into accepting a different character or unexpected plotline over and over and over again. Matthew’s death didn’t override the theme of acceptance and moving forward in this new season. It was all succinctly paraphrased in one grief-stricken outburst from Lady Mary that "he survived the war only to die in a car accident.”

Just as at every other shocker and scandal, writer Julian Fellowes explores another avenue or opens up another personality just as one or more comes to a close. The truly unexpected departure of O’Brien, the most evil maid on earth, elicited not just surprise but also a bit of sadness. However, her partner-in-crime, crafty Thomas, already has a new cohort in the reintroduction of Edna, the ambitious maid, who is apparently not done with climbing and skirting the hierarchy of servitude. She's not at all likeable, but still appealing because her certain downfall is sure to be spectacular!

A secret pact between Branson (i.e. Tom), Carson (of all people), and Mrs. Hughes to hide Branson’s near affair with Edna is just as compelling as the fate of Lady Mary's vast inheritance.

What I like most about Downton Abbey is how the stories always suggest events that are happening behind the scenes in the house. The writing doesn’t stick to a straightforward structure in which the characters only reference situations that the viewers are aware of. So when Thomas appeared to be slandering Nanny West early in the season premiere, his vague accusation actually led to a much deeper and darker discovery of child abuse. Underlying tensions and attractions that are suggested with a fleeting look or one cryptic phrase suddenly explode into a full blown social disaster, for both classes. Other darker plots, like the strange cover-up between Thomas and Edna to discredit Anna for no apparent reason, followed later by sinister laughter,  and overheard by Bates and Anna clearly suggest some future show-down, but when, where, and how? Other plot lines appear to be secrets forever, like how O'Brien caused Cora's miscarriage.

Downton is classified as a soap opera, but really it is an epic, standing in a class of its own. The isolation of Downton and the Grantham Family in Season 1,  its immersion in the war in Season 2, and the focus on personal relationships (beginnings and ends) in Season 3 demonstrate the strength and flexibility of the writing. Looking back, I assumed that the show would largely focus on the lives of the rich, spoiled girls, but clearly, it has gone far beyond another history of the lives of bored country aristocrats. The show doesn’t rely on flashbacks to “fill us in” or remind us of what transpired last year – it just moves forward, fast. (Sorry for those of you trying to figure out what all the brouhaha is about).

There are a few cracks in Downton. It has been plagued by the "secret" letter syndrome since Season 1, when Edith sent a letter to the Turkish ambassador informing his colleague that the poor young man died on top of Lady Mary.  The latest “secret” letter assures Lady Mary’s inheritance, just as Lavinia's “secret” letter freed Matthew from their engagement before she succumbed to Spanish flu a couple of seasons ago, followed by the “secret” will Lavinia’s father wrote, making Matthew his sole heir to millions and millions of dollars. Convenient, but a stretch. Also, the continuous beatings that Lord Grantham has to take from his disrespectful family seem undeserved. Neither his wife, mother, daughters, or his Scottish son-in-law seem to respect his opinions, making him seem like an unwanted stepchild for no reason.

 

Rose, the wildchild,  first annoying, but now showing a few signs of maturity, while still infusing the family with her unpredictable ways. Cora needs a storyline because she hasn't had an interesting one since she blamed Robert for Sybill's death. I think everyone is happy that Lady Edith is moving forward with a new beau, though he is highly unsuitable.

Downton Abbey, Season 5 is already in production and I’m sure they can pull it off. With writing and cast that are not afraid to risk the viewers wrath, coupled with fresh new faces, new scandals, and a devil-may-care head on push into the future, Downton is an international show that appeals to almost everyone. How many shows can boast a successful crossover of dozens of countries and 2 centuries?

Network shows that have tried to copy the Downton "model" of a rich family with secrets have not been successful because they quickly become formulaic (e.g. sex, violence) and are so rigid in their racial, economic, and story structures that nothing fresh can survive.

I, for one, am more than willing to wander the halls of Downton Abbey for Season 4,  excited to see all that the Jazz Age holds for the Granthams, including a Black character, who is not a servant, a maid who wants to be a lady, and a real Lady who becomes a landlord. Only at Downton.

Downton Abbey airs Sunday nights on your local PBS station.