- To start, the iconic theme music has been altered. The uplifting, sweeping piano melody that once encapsulated the hopes and dreams of a nation facing change has been replaced by the ominous strains of “One” by Metallica. It’s clear that Downton is entering a different era.
- In the premiere episode, one character becomes so deeply affected by the rigid British class system that he experiences a dramatic breakdown. I won’t spoil the specifics, but his upper lip stiffens to such an extent that it leads to the shattering of his mustache.
- A new character joins the family: a dark-haired exchange student from Austria named Albert H. Although he starts off lamenting Germany’s post-Versailles predicament, he quickly charms everyone at Downton with his uncanny impressions of famous silent film actors. How the writers develop this character remains uncertain, but they have teased some significant plot twists ahead.
- Beware of a glaring historical inconsistency in episode 6, when Lady Edith Crawley, upon learning her Picasso has fetched ten thousand dollars, sends a telegram that reads, “OMG I can’t believe dis Megalolz YOLO.” It’s improbable that a noblewoman in 1923 would compose her own telegram instead of having a servant do it.
- Season 5 introduces an array of new faces. Notably, British character actor Philpot Scraggs portrays a drunken man who accidentally stumbles onto the set and exclaims, “Straight bananas, is it, Brussels?”
- The Crawley family continues to navigate pressing societal issues, including bizarre laws such as the requirement for the poor to strike themselves while speaking to aristocrats and the entitlement of nobility to use impoverished individuals as steeds.
- No contemporary drama is complete without the unexpected demise of a pivotal character. While I won’t give away details, let’s just say that the Charleston marathon spanning three weeks in episode 9 concludes in a shocking manner.
- Episode 3 pays an affectionate tribute to Scooby-Doo, blending humor and nostalgia.
- In episode 4, subtle dialogue hints at major historical occurrences when Robert Crawley mentions the fragile health of U.S. President Warren G. Harding, speculating on the political ramifications should he pass away. Lady Branson’s succinct response of “Yes” adds an air of ominous foreshadowing.
- Long-serving butler Mr. Thompson harbors a secret that not only explains why he survives a stray shotgun blast in episode 6 but also sets the stage for a crossover with another popular series in episode 11.
- Episode 5 features a 13-minute segment showcasing the meticulous process of making tea and crumpets, filmed in real time.
- The arrival of the first mass-produced British automobile, the Quiggsley Silver Sprat, triggers a wave of excitement among the estate’s residents in episode 8, culminating in a thrilling car chase at a blistering speed of seven miles per hour that results in a minor injury.
- Episode 12 addresses the harsh winter of 1922-23, during which the inhabitants of Downton resort to burning first editions of James Joyce’s Ulysses and antiquated Gainsborough paintings for warmth.
- The season finale reveals that the entire saga of “Downton Abbey” serves as a prequel to Breaking Bad, suggesting a remarkably drawn-out narrative arc leading to that story.
In summary, Season Five of “Downton Abbey” offers a mix of historical inaccuracies, quirky character developments, and unexpected plotlines that keep viewers engaged yet bewildered. For those interested in exploring family planning options, resources such as Make a Mom and Wikipedia on In Vitro Fertilization provide valuable insights.
Leave a Reply