VOD TV review: Downton Abbey Season 4, Episode 5
Review Overview
Cohesion
4Drama
4Plot
4Neil Brazier | On 24, Oct 2013
Downton Abbey almost takes a deep breath this week and glosses over most of what’s come before. With the death of one of its residents, the show is set to take back the farm they have left behind, but Robert wants the land to stay in the deceased’s family, so he pays his own money to help finance the man – behind Tom and Mary’s back.
There is little reaction from Tom and Mary to this decision and no follow through or information about what the consequences may be, but Robert clearly still hasn’t come around to the modern way of thinking, despite agreeing to get a fridge for the kitchen. He might not need to fight for much longer, though, as Tom is thinking of upping sticks to America to start life afresh. Tom’s still battling with his new standing in life and snide socialist comments from Robert aren’t helping. Yet despite his constant change of attitude, he still hasn’t done anything about it and is still trying to help Downton through their troubles.
More trouble could be on its way as Edith pays a visit to a doctor – is she pregnant? And what of the papers she signed before her suitor left for Germany? Is Edith the next daughter to bring shame to the family? We’ve had Mary with Mr. Pamuk, Sybil with Tom and now Edith. Don’t these Crawley women learn from one another?
There is very little in the way of plot from below stairs this week either, although Bates does get the information he needs about Anna out of Mrs. Hughes. She and Bates reunite, but we must not forget he is a raging monster inside – he will find the man who besmirched his wife!
Once again, Downton ignores key plot points and instead simply disregards important details. Rose has one line this week, her shenanigans with the black cabaret singer seemingly forgotten. Despite her fears of Bates’ reaction, Anna accepts him at the first word of kindness and suddenly all is well. There is no emotional or mental scarring here – Downton doesn’t go that deep. Julian Fellowes’ series is into its final run of episodes now; it’s time to pull the plots together and give the show some cohesion.
Downton Abbey Season Four is available to watch on ITV Player or to buy on blinkbox and iTunes. Downton Abbey Seasons One through Three are available to stream on Netflix.