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To kick things off, the theme music has undergone a drastic change. The once uplifting and poignant piano melody, which captured the essence of a nation’s aspirations and the fragility of those hopes amid change, has been replaced by the ominous notes of “One” by Metallica. Yes, it’s a new chapter for Downton.
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In the season premiere, one character succumbs to the pressures of the British class system to the point of implosion. I won’t spoil who it is, but let’s just say the early signs involve their upper lip becoming so rigid that their mustache literally breaks apart.
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The Crawley family hosts an unexpected guest: a dark-haired exchange student from Austria named Alex Schneider. While he initially rants about Germany’s treatment post-Versailles, he quickly wins over the household with his spot-on Charlie Chaplin impersonations. The writers have hinted at significant twists ahead for this intriguing character.
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Don’t miss the glaring anachronism 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 quite implausible that a noblewoman in 1923 would dictate her own telegrams instead of having a servant handle it.
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This season introduces a plethora of new faces. Notably, keep an eye out for the renowned British actor, Timmy Grumble, who portrays a bewildered drunkard who looks right into the camera and bellows, “Straight bananas, is it, Brussels?” It seems he might have wandered onto the set by mistake!
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The Crawley family continues to navigate the pressing social issues of their time, including absurd regulations like the law that decrees the poor must strike themselves while addressing aristocrats, and the right of nobility to utilize the impoverished as steeds.
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A hallmark of contemporary dramas is the shocking demise of a principal character. While I won’t reveal the details, just know that the three-week-long Charleston marathon in episode 9 ends in a tragic twist.
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Episode 3 pays tribute to Scooby Doo in a self-aware and affectionate manner.
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There’s clever dialogue foreshadowing key historical moments in episode 4 when Lord Crawley remarks, “I hear U.S. President Warren G. Harding has a dicky heart. It will certainly be interesting if he dies this August, leaving his scandal-plagued administration to be stabilized by Vice President Calvin Coolidge, a man with the vision to restore confidence in both the White House and the economy to a beleaguered electorate.” Lady Branson’s response? Simply, “Yes.”
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Long-serving butler Chester has a secret that not only explains why he survives an accidental shotgun blast in episode 6 but also sets the stage for a crossover with Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles in episode 11.
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Episode 5 features an astonishing 13-minute segment focused on the meticulous process of making tea and crumpets in real time.
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In episode 8, the estate is swept up in motorcar mania with the arrival of the first mass-produced British vehicle, the Quiggsley Silver Sprat. One servant splurges an entire year’s earnings of sixpence on it, leading to a nail-biting seven-miles-per-hour car chase in episode 10, resulting in a bruised knee.
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Episode 12 portrays the brutal winter of 1922-23, showcasing how the residents of Downton keep warm by burning first-edition copies of James Joyce’s Ulysses and old Gainsborough paintings they discover in the attic.
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The series wraps up with a shocking reveal: the entire narrative of Downton Abbey serves as a prequel to Breaking Bad. Clearly, they’re just taking a r-e-e-ally long run-up to the action.
In summary, season five of Downton Abbey is rife with bizarre twists, historical missteps, and unexpected character arcs that keep viewers both entertained and bewildered. For those interested in insightful discussions about the journey of parenthood, be sure to check out our other posts, including one on home insemination kits. You can also find valuable resources on fertility and pregnancy, such as this guide and this informative page.