We have some very poignant scenes, and some a bit comedic. The serious ones are Edith's efforts to deal with her pregnancy and Bates' discovery of the realities of Anna's rape. In addition to this we have Rose, playing with dynamite in forming a relationship with a black man. We have Mary, faced with an adversarial situation coming to a realization that life is joyful at times. Violet and Isobel are thrust together. And poor Tom is about to become involved with a woman who appears at a rally of liberal thinkers. The next episode should be really interesting. Oh, and we have the tiresome reappearance of Alfred.
7 Reviews
Best "costume-drama"-series ever!
rdb5915 September 2021
A must watch for everyone who loves the genre. Great acting, great stories, got everything but sex in it. Plays between 1912 and 1926 where peers find it hard to adapt to a new world in and after the Great War and during the roaring twenties. And where servants slowly start to understand how to take their rights.
The english which is spoken is really wonderful (listen to Edith!). The series is funny, sad, intriguing, exciting and binge worthy.
The english which is spoken is really wonderful (listen to Edith!). The series is funny, sad, intriguing, exciting and binge worthy.
"We all have bad feelings. It's acting on them that makes us bad."
mark.waltz23 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
That halo that Lady Violet accuses Isabel of walking around with like a tiara comes into great use in this episode where Isabel nurses the deathly ill countess of Grantham back to health. If she pretended to tolerate Isabel before (which is doubtful because underneath all of that acerbic sarcasm and snobbery is a huge heart and a hidden caring about humanity), she's bound to be increasingly devoted to her afterwards. It's also nice to see Lady Violet with Maggie Smith's real hair as opposed to all those wigs and hats.
The rivalry between Ivy and Daisy over Alfred is threatened by his visit so Mrs. Hughes and Carson plot to keep them away. It's not an interesting story that only seems to distract from Lady Violet's illness and Edith's discovery that she's pregnant. This gives Aunt Rosamund the opportunity to show she's more than just a finger wagging judgmental dominant moralist as she puts any previous feelings aside in agreement to help her. Edith considers abortion which in the 1920's was a hideous procedure. It's the start of something big storyline wise for Ediththat will have her on front burner again for the remainder of the series.
For the characters of Rose and Jack, they must continue to meet in secret, and it's up to the wise Jack who sadly looks at the state of the world as far as interracial romances were in this era, completely unacceptable no matter where it was taking place, especially for a well brought up lady like Rose. Tom questions how his politics have changed since marrying into the family, and finds a new lady friend. The surprise of the episode is Mary, covered in mud and slop, nursing ailing pigs. We're down to the wire as far as the fourth season is concerned, with Robert and Thomas away in America dealing with Cora's brother, due to soon make an appearance.
The rivalry between Ivy and Daisy over Alfred is threatened by his visit so Mrs. Hughes and Carson plot to keep them away. It's not an interesting story that only seems to distract from Lady Violet's illness and Edith's discovery that she's pregnant. This gives Aunt Rosamund the opportunity to show she's more than just a finger wagging judgmental dominant moralist as she puts any previous feelings aside in agreement to help her. Edith considers abortion which in the 1920's was a hideous procedure. It's the start of something big storyline wise for Ediththat will have her on front burner again for the remainder of the series.
For the characters of Rose and Jack, they must continue to meet in secret, and it's up to the wise Jack who sadly looks at the state of the world as far as interracial romances were in this era, completely unacceptable no matter where it was taking place, especially for a well brought up lady like Rose. Tom questions how his politics have changed since marrying into the family, and finds a new lady friend. The surprise of the episode is Mary, covered in mud and slop, nursing ailing pigs. We're down to the wire as far as the fourth season is concerned, with Robert and Thomas away in America dealing with Cora's brother, due to soon make an appearance.
This episode largely focuses on relationships and their survival through sickness and health.
Amari-Sali3 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
As we build to the next big dramatic moment, the show makes sure all the foundations are set before the next storm blows in. During this time, people find love, or possible love; relationships are strengthened; and we see the tests to come. Overall making it another quality episode for the series and keeping up a standard rarely seen in more contemporary programming. With that said, let's go into specifics.
The Possibility of Romance
Two possible romantic story lines are shown in this episode. One being the obvious one between Mary and Mr. Blake, and another between Tom and a woman he meets at a political event. Starting with Mary, we have already foreseen the possibility of her and Mr. Blake being together since her actions against Mr. Blake sort of mirror the hostility she had against Matthew at first. What breaks the wall down though is Mr. Blake seeing Mary is more than simply talk and a woman trying to maintain her lifestyle, he sees that her efforts match the power of her words, especially when the two get down and dirty in mud in order to keep the newly brought pigs from dying of dehydration. Thus leading to Mr. Blake seeing a whole new Mary. Of course though, as always with Mary when she isn't betrothed, drama soon comes as Lord Gilliam comes to visit due to him unable to let Mary go and be happy with his wife. I think the possibility of jealousy being shown maybe in the future.
As for Tom, in recent episodes we have seen him and the lovely Ms. Crawley become close since both are the outsiders who technically belong to the aristocracy of Downton. In this episode though, you see her have a moment with Tom where their friendship shows since she tries to get him to go to a political event, noting that he has sort of stopped being so political as of late, and even gets tickets. Unfortunately though, something calls Ms. Crawley away and then when Tom goes on his own, he meets a woman. Now, as of the end of the episode this is all speculation, but perhaps this woman could evolve into a love interest. After all, they have been talking about Tom getting back out there for some time and seemingly Mary has, so why not Tom?
Strengthening of Bonds
Now, in the last paragraph there is a mention of Ms. Crawley being called away. The reason for this is the Dowager becoming sick with bronchitis and her being a nurse to her dear friend. According to Dr. Clarkson, for two whole days Ms. Crawley nurses the dowager and barely eats or sleeps during this time. Reminding you that despite them both bickering like they did when Ms. Crawley first arrived, there are times when we are reminded that beneath the dowager's shade and Ms. Crawley being insistent to the point of being annoying, there is a deep bond somewhere in there. And mind you, during the whole time the dowager isn't the most happy with Ms. Crawley being there, but in the end she learns to appreciate her efforts, I think, and they even play a game of cards.
Then, on the other side of things we see lesser forms. One such being the bond forming between Jack and Rose. As you surely can imagine, an interracial relationship, no matter it Europe or the USA in the early 1900s was not the most acceptable thing. However, with Rose being so progressive, she doesn't care. Jack on the other hand, well he claims to not be fearful but you can definitely see he is aware of the circumstances.
Alongside their bond is Lord and Lady Grantham's, which has seemingly recovered more and more since Sybil has died. Before they seemed distant, but still able to work through their issues, and now it seems they maybe back in love full-on. They hold hands, they kiss and Lord Grantham even does her a favor. What is this favor you ask? Well, seemingly the American side of the family is still having troubles due to Lady Grantham's brother so Lady Grantham's mother telegrams Lord Grantham to come and help his brother-in-law, which he does to the great thanks of his wife.
Perhaps though, a bond which may not get as much credit as it deserves is the burgeoning one between Edith and Aunt Roseland. Thus far, aunt Roseland has just been a woman with a home to stay while in London, but as Edith begins to deal with her pregnancy issue, she becomes an ally to the often alone Edith. You see, with Mr. Gregson being in Munich and then missing, she is now with a child and no father, something the very traditional Edith isn't fond of. So, since the idea of being a single mother with a bastard child isn't to her liking, she looks to illegally have an abortion, and Roseland offers her support. However, upon thinking of her niece and nephew, and hearing the cries of a woman either pre or post-op, she decides against it. Leaving her to be pregnant, with Roseland offering support.
A Storm Brews
The last thing to mention is the fact that with Lord Gilliam coming back to Downton, so does Mr. Green. Ms. Hughes threatens him off the bat and Ms. Baxter begins her own investigation for, conveniently, Ms. Hughes speaks on Anna's behalf so that Mary could convince Lord Grantham to keep Mr. Bates from leaving. However, it seems Bates is catching on and that what they were trying to avoid may happen.
The Possibility of Romance
Two possible romantic story lines are shown in this episode. One being the obvious one between Mary and Mr. Blake, and another between Tom and a woman he meets at a political event. Starting with Mary, we have already foreseen the possibility of her and Mr. Blake being together since her actions against Mr. Blake sort of mirror the hostility she had against Matthew at first. What breaks the wall down though is Mr. Blake seeing Mary is more than simply talk and a woman trying to maintain her lifestyle, he sees that her efforts match the power of her words, especially when the two get down and dirty in mud in order to keep the newly brought pigs from dying of dehydration. Thus leading to Mr. Blake seeing a whole new Mary. Of course though, as always with Mary when she isn't betrothed, drama soon comes as Lord Gilliam comes to visit due to him unable to let Mary go and be happy with his wife. I think the possibility of jealousy being shown maybe in the future.
As for Tom, in recent episodes we have seen him and the lovely Ms. Crawley become close since both are the outsiders who technically belong to the aristocracy of Downton. In this episode though, you see her have a moment with Tom where their friendship shows since she tries to get him to go to a political event, noting that he has sort of stopped being so political as of late, and even gets tickets. Unfortunately though, something calls Ms. Crawley away and then when Tom goes on his own, he meets a woman. Now, as of the end of the episode this is all speculation, but perhaps this woman could evolve into a love interest. After all, they have been talking about Tom getting back out there for some time and seemingly Mary has, so why not Tom?
Strengthening of Bonds
Now, in the last paragraph there is a mention of Ms. Crawley being called away. The reason for this is the Dowager becoming sick with bronchitis and her being a nurse to her dear friend. According to Dr. Clarkson, for two whole days Ms. Crawley nurses the dowager and barely eats or sleeps during this time. Reminding you that despite them both bickering like they did when Ms. Crawley first arrived, there are times when we are reminded that beneath the dowager's shade and Ms. Crawley being insistent to the point of being annoying, there is a deep bond somewhere in there. And mind you, during the whole time the dowager isn't the most happy with Ms. Crawley being there, but in the end she learns to appreciate her efforts, I think, and they even play a game of cards.
Then, on the other side of things we see lesser forms. One such being the bond forming between Jack and Rose. As you surely can imagine, an interracial relationship, no matter it Europe or the USA in the early 1900s was not the most acceptable thing. However, with Rose being so progressive, she doesn't care. Jack on the other hand, well he claims to not be fearful but you can definitely see he is aware of the circumstances.
Alongside their bond is Lord and Lady Grantham's, which has seemingly recovered more and more since Sybil has died. Before they seemed distant, but still able to work through their issues, and now it seems they maybe back in love full-on. They hold hands, they kiss and Lord Grantham even does her a favor. What is this favor you ask? Well, seemingly the American side of the family is still having troubles due to Lady Grantham's brother so Lady Grantham's mother telegrams Lord Grantham to come and help his brother-in-law, which he does to the great thanks of his wife.
Perhaps though, a bond which may not get as much credit as it deserves is the burgeoning one between Edith and Aunt Roseland. Thus far, aunt Roseland has just been a woman with a home to stay while in London, but as Edith begins to deal with her pregnancy issue, she becomes an ally to the often alone Edith. You see, with Mr. Gregson being in Munich and then missing, she is now with a child and no father, something the very traditional Edith isn't fond of. So, since the idea of being a single mother with a bastard child isn't to her liking, she looks to illegally have an abortion, and Roseland offers her support. However, upon thinking of her niece and nephew, and hearing the cries of a woman either pre or post-op, she decides against it. Leaving her to be pregnant, with Roseland offering support.
A Storm Brews
The last thing to mention is the fact that with Lord Gilliam coming back to Downton, so does Mr. Green. Ms. Hughes threatens him off the bat and Ms. Baxter begins her own investigation for, conveniently, Ms. Hughes speaks on Anna's behalf so that Mary could convince Lord Grantham to keep Mr. Bates from leaving. However, it seems Bates is catching on and that what they were trying to avoid may happen.
Secrets
jpismyname4 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
The Dowager Countess gets ill, and we are not surprised that the kind and efficient Isobel Crawley acts as her nurse. I really love the two, how they interact with each other. Meanwhile, we see a different side of Lady Mary. We see her fetching water for the pigs at the farm, all muddy, and then later cook scrambled eggs for dinner. It's amusing. Meanwhile, Lady Edith tells Aunt Rosamund about her pregnancy. She decides to abort it, but then I'm glad she changes her mind.
The episode ends with the horrible Mr. Green coming back, and Bates gives him a dangerous stare.
The episode ends with the horrible Mr. Green coming back, and Bates gives him a dangerous stare.
The costumes are mind blowing
moviesfilmsreviewsinc14 May 2022
Downton Abbey's fourth run has been the series of Big Social Themes. First there was rape, then there was race, and now comes abortion (not that, in keeping with the English tradition of linguistic whitewashing, any of those three words have yet been uttered on screen). This week saw the return of Anna's attacker, Lady Rose snogging Jack Ross on the Thames, and Lady Edith pull a Juno by fleeing the abortion clinic and deciding to continue with her socially unacceptable pregnancy. Jollying up the heaviness of all that was this week's really big news: the pigs are here! But what's this? Some of them are dying of thirst? Hey, ITV, that wasn't the deal. We wanted frolicking piglets and adorable pastoral whimsy, not an Archers Halloween special. No fear though, because Lady Mary and dashing iconoclast Charles Blake were on hand to revive the little blighters (whither the much-discussed pig-man when you need him?). We were even treated to a "saved our bacon" pun, which was evidently judged not at all infra dig for the series. Lady Mary continued to sort through her suitors like an interwar version of Blind Date. 'I once spent a night trapped under the corpse of my first lover. How would you make our first date unforgettable? That question goes to number two.' 'As a hanger-on hoping you'll eventually settle for a loveless union, I'd hang on your every word until there's nothing you love less than being apart from me!' poor Evelyn Napier might chortle, before going out to the barn to end it all with a hunting rifle. With the reappearance of the much-dishier Tony Gillingham and an about-turn performed by Blake, Evelyn's competition for Mary's affection is now stiffer than Cousin Matthew. Robert's absence was the catalyst needed to bring news of Anna's rape above stairs, as Mrs Hughes (evidently "the one for a secret" only so far as she's quick enough to divulge them) pressed Lady Mary to allow Bates leave from the overseas trip. Now that Bates has had his suspicions confirmed, reprehensible Green's days appear to be numbered. Might it be someone other than him who deals the fateful blow though? Mrs Hughes looked ready to kill in that boot room confrontation, and who'd have blamed her should one of those walking sticks have accidentally fallen on Green's skull once or ten times? Let's see Mrs Patmore chop him up for a pie Titus Andronicus-style, or Isis go for his throat to show him what the women of Downton are really made of.
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