What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey: Season 4, Episode 6 (B+)

There was an awful lot of drama in this hour, and a lot of it had to do with some people who don’t often get to take center stage. Alfred returning to Downton so soon after his departure – though it always feels like ages could have gone by in between any two episodes of this show – was a bad idea from the start, and having him stop by despite Carson’s efforts to keep him away was entertaining, and managed to provoke quite a rivalry between Daisy and Ivy that won’t be productive for anyone. Thomas going in Bates’ stead with Robert to America is probably only going to encourage him to pry further into his sworn enemy’s business, and that’s not going to good. The telling way in which Bates looked at Anna’s true attacker is worrisome, and let’s hope he doesn’t get himself carted off to the gallows before the end of the season. Isobel taking care of Violet while she was sick in between insults about the food and the various nurses was entertaining, and it’s good to see that she came out of it okay and the two can now be even closer catty friends. Mary playing in the mud is not something I had ever expected to see, and it’s good to see her unwind for once. Edith’s trip to London was full of big news, and she’s sure to have a battle ahead of her in terms of the life she’s looking to lead. As usual, Rose continues to defy conventions and expectations of her, but it’s not as if anyone seems to care enough about what she’s doing for it to get her in trouble. Tom seems to have made a new friend, which is good, though let’s hope it doesn’t lead to the Grantham family trying to cast him out if he finds a new love.