What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey: Season 5, Episode 5 (B+)

This episode felt pretty standard, without too many developments that were surprising. The most jarring part was Simon making a move on Cora, who clearly wasn’t interested, only to have Richard enter and go ballistic. It’s the biggest rise we’ve seen anyone get out of Richard aside from Ms. Bunting, and it seems to have harmed his relationship with Cora more than any innocent flirting or talking about paintings could have. Tom was able to have a moment of romance with Sarah before she left, thanks in no small part to Daisy, who made her own case for the spirit and power of love. I love that Mrs. Hughes decided to speak her mind and not let Carson be the sole influencer over Mrs. Patmore and what to do with her inheritance, much to the chagrin of Carson, who was none too pleased with his advice not being taken. Thomas seems set on contributing to the investigation into Anna and Bates, but he’s not doing particularly well for himself and is sure to have his worsening condition noticed soon. As Mary continues to meet suitors and their women she has wronged, she doesn’t appear to be any closer to settling down. Edith’s fate seems infinitely more sad when she is cornered by her aunt and her grandmother, who tell her that any hopes of spending time with the child nearby to Downton are far-fetched. The news has to come out sometime, and there’s no way that it ends with Edith being happy, sadly.