And so begins Part 2 of my review of Downton Abbey, Season 1! Honestly, even though the show has already explored a myriad of topics in the first three episodes, I think from this point onwards is where the show starts to get more interesting. The show begins to explore more socially-complex issues, which work well in conjunction with how the first three episodes have set up the story. The characters have already been introduced, the audience is aware of how the characters behave; all that's left is to develop them.
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| Tom Branson and Sybil Crawley |
Episode 4
The episode begins with the introduction of Tom Branson, an Irishman hired as a new chauffeur with an interest in history and politics. This detail proves to become a major character point throughout the show, especially for the first three seasons. It is revealed later in the episode that Tom is a "socialist, not a revolutionary," which in itself could cause problems if he were outspoken about them, which he is. Unfortunately - or fortunately - this has an indirect influence on the youngest Crawley daughter, Sybil. I do wish he demonstrated his socialist views more in this episode, but given what we were about to see with Sybil, it would have caused the entire episode to be too politically-heavy.
As Sybil becomes more bold about her views about the women's suffrage movement, so to does she become more bold about female empowerment. In a previous episode, Sybil learns that that Gwen, a housemaid working at Downton Abbey, desires to leave service to become a secretary, she immediately begins looking for options for Gwen, believing that life for women could be more than just being a servant or a housewife. Perhaps meeting Tom gave her the push she needed to explore freedom for women in other senses, and to become more active in her political thoughts. I do wonder if she would have dared to dress in pantaloons by the end of the episode, which were seen as subversive and scandalous at the time. Maybe she might have, but I'm not convinced.
As Sybil becomes more bold about her views about the women's suffrage movement, so to does she become more bold about female empowerment. In a previous episode, Sybil learns that that Gwen, a housemaid working at Downton Abbey, desires to leave service to become a secretary, she immediately begins looking for options for Gwen, believing that life for women could be more than just being a servant or a housewife. Perhaps meeting Tom gave her the push she needed to explore freedom for women in other senses, and to become more active in her political thoughts. I do wonder if she would have dared to dress in pantaloons by the end of the episode, which were seen as subversive and scandalous at the time. Maybe she might have, but I'm not convinced.
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| Lord and Lady Grantham, and the Dowager Countess of Grantham, observe Mr Molesley's roses. |
Episode 5
In my opinion, this episode was the weakest in the entire season, but at the same time, there was a lot that happened in this episode for me to talk about, largely surrounding the idea of aristocratic influence.
The focal point of the episode is on Sybil and Gwen's secret. Knowing about Gwen's ambition, which was frowned upon by many from all classes, Sybil decides to help her anyway, believing that women should be able to do whatever made them happy. She writes letters to various businesses, praising Gwen's abilities and recommending her unto them. This proves successful for the two of them, and Gwen is invited for an interview. Although everything goes smoothly up until the end of the interview, their horse ends up lame, and they have to make excuses to explain their disappearance...while hiding Gwen's secret. Unfortunately, Gwen is not successful, which pushes Sybil to be more driven to help her where she can until she is successful. This, honestly, is one of the more interesting parts of the episode.
The other plot of this episode focuses on a flower show. This is perhaps where the influence of the aristocracy really comes to light in this era. Isobel finds it interesting that the Dowager Countess wins the contest every year, which Violet argues is merely the result of the judges deciding her flowers are the best. That year, roses are put on display by Molesley's father, which are admired strongly by Lady Grantham. Despite this, when the winner is announced, we see a shot where it shows that Violet has won once again that year, but she decides to announce that the winner is the senior Molesley, much to the surprise of all present. Even though Violet displays a gesture of goodwill, it does show that the aristocracy are treated very highly, and it is inferred that the general population of the area do not wish to disappoint them at risk of losing their tenancies or occupations.
Other than the first episode, this is probably my favourite episode of the season. This is where we really see Sybil and Tom's political sides come out, and in full force. Tom's socialist views are more defined, and he expresses his discontent with the upper classes to Sybil: "If I do [go into politics], it's not all about women and the vote for me, nor even freedom for Ireland. It's the gap between the aristocracy and the poor, and...I'm sorry. I don't mean to speak against his lordship." He makes it clear that while he respects Lord Grantham as another human being and as an employer, he doesn't approve of him being a representative of "an oppressive class." While I am not a socialist, nor even a socialist sympathiser, it's just fascinating to watch Tom's character development from this point onwards. Even within this episode, he demonstrates that he doesn't support violence to pursue his goals when he defends Sybil against a group of thugs. In Sybil's case, she feels even more strongly about the cause for a woman's right to vote, believing that the Prime Minister of the time is "resisting the inevitable." She goes as far as to have an active role in politics by joining movements, admitting that she wants to get involved in canvassing. In her family's disapproval, she lies to her father and to Tom, telling them she's going for a charity meeting, when she actually goes for the results of the by-election, resulting her getting injured. Naturally, although unfairly, Lord Grantham blames Tom's influence.
Throughout the season, Mary's scandal with Mr Pamuk slowly becomes more of public knowledge. At one point, Lady Grantham points out that the upper classes have started gossiping about Mary, which pushes her to find ways to wed Mary to anyone in order to quell the rumours. One attempt is through Sir Anthony Strallan, whom Lord Grantham describes as "at least my age and as dull as paint." Although nothing comes from the attempt, Mary is more inclined towards Matthew. Her fondness for him is more pronounced in this episode; she spends some time alone with him following Sybil's ordeal, discussing politics and conformity to class expectations, which ultimately results in the two sharing their first kiss. She reveals to Lady Grantham that Matthew has proposed to her, which would theoretically be exciting news, but her wanton behaviour with Pamuk makes her feel obliged to tell him, leaving her conflicted as to whether she ought to accept the proposal or not, knowing that Matthew would not take so kindly to her if he knew the truth. Knowing that someone as liberal as Matthew would not accept a pre-marital scandal as such just goes to show the social consequences; it's a shame, though - Mary and Matthew were always the endgame for me.
This episode is the turning point for the characters. At the beginning of the episode, housekeeper Mrs Hughes notes to Lord and Lady Grantham that the main gossip around the area is the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. It's clear from here on that while this has no direct impact on Britain yet, people are speculating what the influence it would have on Britain when a great war could begin on the continent.
At the same time, Mary's conflict as to whether she should accept Matthew's proposal is complicated further when Lady Grantham finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. Not knowing whether the baby will be a boy (which would displace Matthew's position as heir) or not, Mary hesitates even further, causing her relationship with Matthew to deteriorate all the more. I honestly think this was extremely shallow on her part; while there was benefit to be had by marrying Matthew if he remained the heir, Mary potentially deciding against marrying him over a title and estate worsened my view of her. Of course, the aristocracy of this time will disagree, considering they believed love was not as important in the marital conquest as class prospects. Heck, Mr Carson would disagree.
Throughout the season, the cook, Mrs Patmore, experiences some difficulty with her sight, blaming Daisy on all of her faults. It was not serious when it started, but Episode 5 brings to light the severity it has reached. She drops a tray containing roasted chickens, which results in the housemaids attempting and successfully covering up the mishap; later, she accidentally pours salt all over a raspberry meringue dessert, rather than sugar. It is at this point, that both the staff and the family decide it might be best to send Mrs Patmore for corrective surgery. Although it proves successful in the end, Mrs Patmore advised the scullery maid, Daisy, to sabotage Mrs Bird's cooking, who joins the staff temporarily, in order to ensure Mrs Patmore will have a job waiting for her. The staff find out, but Mrs Bird is sympathetic, telling Daisy that "there are worse crimes on earth than loyalty." I did enjoy Mrs Patmore's arc through the season; it made her and Daisy's personalities more fleshed out, and gave us an idea of what kind of relationship they had.
The episode/season ends well, and in a way I love: with a cliff hanger. One thing I noticed about this season, and potentially with the whole show, is that whenever a character receives a telegram, one can expect either very good news or very bad news that affects the story in some way. The first episode shows a telegram containing the news that Lord Grantham's heir and the heir's son have died. The last episode ends with a telegram containing news that Britain has declared war on Germany, while the camera view shifts between the characters wondering how this news will affect them. Those who studied World War One will have an idea of who will directly be affected, but there's only so much one can guess.
The focal point of the episode is on Sybil and Gwen's secret. Knowing about Gwen's ambition, which was frowned upon by many from all classes, Sybil decides to help her anyway, believing that women should be able to do whatever made them happy. She writes letters to various businesses, praising Gwen's abilities and recommending her unto them. This proves successful for the two of them, and Gwen is invited for an interview. Although everything goes smoothly up until the end of the interview, their horse ends up lame, and they have to make excuses to explain their disappearance...while hiding Gwen's secret. Unfortunately, Gwen is not successful, which pushes Sybil to be more driven to help her where she can until she is successful. This, honestly, is one of the more interesting parts of the episode.
The other plot of this episode focuses on a flower show. This is perhaps where the influence of the aristocracy really comes to light in this era. Isobel finds it interesting that the Dowager Countess wins the contest every year, which Violet argues is merely the result of the judges deciding her flowers are the best. That year, roses are put on display by Molesley's father, which are admired strongly by Lady Grantham. Despite this, when the winner is announced, we see a shot where it shows that Violet has won once again that year, but she decides to announce that the winner is the senior Molesley, much to the surprise of all present. Even though Violet displays a gesture of goodwill, it does show that the aristocracy are treated very highly, and it is inferred that the general population of the area do not wish to disappoint them at risk of losing their tenancies or occupations.
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| Matthew Crawley, Sybil Crawley and Tom Branson at the results of the by-election. |
Episode 6
Other than the first episode, this is probably my favourite episode of the season. This is where we really see Sybil and Tom's political sides come out, and in full force. Tom's socialist views are more defined, and he expresses his discontent with the upper classes to Sybil: "If I do [go into politics], it's not all about women and the vote for me, nor even freedom for Ireland. It's the gap between the aristocracy and the poor, and...I'm sorry. I don't mean to speak against his lordship." He makes it clear that while he respects Lord Grantham as another human being and as an employer, he doesn't approve of him being a representative of "an oppressive class." While I am not a socialist, nor even a socialist sympathiser, it's just fascinating to watch Tom's character development from this point onwards. Even within this episode, he demonstrates that he doesn't support violence to pursue his goals when he defends Sybil against a group of thugs. In Sybil's case, she feels even more strongly about the cause for a woman's right to vote, believing that the Prime Minister of the time is "resisting the inevitable." She goes as far as to have an active role in politics by joining movements, admitting that she wants to get involved in canvassing. In her family's disapproval, she lies to her father and to Tom, telling them she's going for a charity meeting, when she actually goes for the results of the by-election, resulting her getting injured. Naturally, although unfairly, Lord Grantham blames Tom's influence.
Throughout the season, Mary's scandal with Mr Pamuk slowly becomes more of public knowledge. At one point, Lady Grantham points out that the upper classes have started gossiping about Mary, which pushes her to find ways to wed Mary to anyone in order to quell the rumours. One attempt is through Sir Anthony Strallan, whom Lord Grantham describes as "at least my age and as dull as paint." Although nothing comes from the attempt, Mary is more inclined towards Matthew. Her fondness for him is more pronounced in this episode; she spends some time alone with him following Sybil's ordeal, discussing politics and conformity to class expectations, which ultimately results in the two sharing their first kiss. She reveals to Lady Grantham that Matthew has proposed to her, which would theoretically be exciting news, but her wanton behaviour with Pamuk makes her feel obliged to tell him, leaving her conflicted as to whether she ought to accept the proposal or not, knowing that Matthew would not take so kindly to her if he knew the truth. Knowing that someone as liberal as Matthew would not accept a pre-marital scandal as such just goes to show the social consequences; it's a shame, though - Mary and Matthew were always the endgame for me.
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| Left to right: Lady Grantham, Mr Carson, Lord Grantham |
Episode 7
This episode is the turning point for the characters. At the beginning of the episode, housekeeper Mrs Hughes notes to Lord and Lady Grantham that the main gossip around the area is the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. It's clear from here on that while this has no direct impact on Britain yet, people are speculating what the influence it would have on Britain when a great war could begin on the continent.
At the same time, Mary's conflict as to whether she should accept Matthew's proposal is complicated further when Lady Grantham finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. Not knowing whether the baby will be a boy (which would displace Matthew's position as heir) or not, Mary hesitates even further, causing her relationship with Matthew to deteriorate all the more. I honestly think this was extremely shallow on her part; while there was benefit to be had by marrying Matthew if he remained the heir, Mary potentially deciding against marrying him over a title and estate worsened my view of her. Of course, the aristocracy of this time will disagree, considering they believed love was not as important in the marital conquest as class prospects. Heck, Mr Carson would disagree.
Throughout the season, the cook, Mrs Patmore, experiences some difficulty with her sight, blaming Daisy on all of her faults. It was not serious when it started, but Episode 5 brings to light the severity it has reached. She drops a tray containing roasted chickens, which results in the housemaids attempting and successfully covering up the mishap; later, she accidentally pours salt all over a raspberry meringue dessert, rather than sugar. It is at this point, that both the staff and the family decide it might be best to send Mrs Patmore for corrective surgery. Although it proves successful in the end, Mrs Patmore advised the scullery maid, Daisy, to sabotage Mrs Bird's cooking, who joins the staff temporarily, in order to ensure Mrs Patmore will have a job waiting for her. The staff find out, but Mrs Bird is sympathetic, telling Daisy that "there are worse crimes on earth than loyalty." I did enjoy Mrs Patmore's arc through the season; it made her and Daisy's personalities more fleshed out, and gave us an idea of what kind of relationship they had.
The episode/season ends well, and in a way I love: with a cliff hanger. One thing I noticed about this season, and potentially with the whole show, is that whenever a character receives a telegram, one can expect either very good news or very bad news that affects the story in some way. The first episode shows a telegram containing the news that Lord Grantham's heir and the heir's son have died. The last episode ends with a telegram containing news that Britain has declared war on Germany, while the camera view shifts between the characters wondering how this news will affect them. Those who studied World War One will have an idea of who will directly be affected, but there's only so much one can guess.
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