‘Downton Abbey’ season 5 Christmas Special debate: On Joanne Froggatt, Brendan Coyle, and hope
First of all, let us begin this “Downton Abbey” article with a sad reminder: There is no new episode of the series airing on ITV tonight. The network is making us wait a little while longer until Christmas Day, when we’re going to get that extended story with a new setting, and with quite a few twists and turns along the way.
So while we wait, why not engage in a little speculation? While there were a few cliffhangers in here, the biggest one revolved around the status of Anna (Joanne Froggatt) and Bates (Brendan Coyle), who did not exactly end the season on the best of terms. Basically, Anna saw herself labeled the #1 suspect in Mr. Green’s death, and was eventually carted off to the station.
Let’s just start here by saying that we would be completely shocked (and also a little disappointed) if it is ultimately revealed that Anna is stuck in prison for next season. We’ve already done this storyline with Bates, and there does not need to be a reversal. Plus, it would be great to see these people on the way to a happier ending after so many years of turmoil.
Ultimately, we feel like there are some other suspects out there who may have had a role in this. Mrs. Hughes and Mary at least had an idea of what was going on, and then there are questions regarding how much Tony Gillingham knew. We feel like wrapping up this story is reasonably essential in the Christmas Special; do you really want to spend three seasons talking about the same thing?
Regardless of what happens, we feel like you are probably going to continue seeing both Anna and Bates in season 6. After seeing their journey so far, losing one of them all of a sudden would almost be a little too much to bear.
In case you missed it, Elizabeth McGovern already confirmed that she will be back for the sixth season of “Downton Abbey.” Read some more on that subject here! Also, sign up to get some other TV updates on all we cover sent right to your email via our official CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo via ITV.)
Dion flowerboy
November 26, 2014 @ 7:55 pm
Julian Fellowes needs help with the writing. Enough dragging out and repeating story lines. Go watch season one and see the good things that were done.
robbieknight
November 17, 2014 @ 2:07 pm
The three possible scenarios all suck.
1. Anna is stuck in jail. Recycled, tired, and wearisome. I’m sick of seeing Anna suffer.
2. Bates turns himself in with a false confession and goes BACK to jail. Repeated, tired and wearisome. I’m tired of them both suffering.
3. There’s a magical last-minute reprieve for them both and they arrive breathless and snow-dusted at the servant’s Christmas ball (It’s a Christmas miracle! Huzzah!) Ludicrous, sappy and tired. I’m tired of the Edwardian deus ex machinas this show churns out.
Better:
1. Thomas shows up and confesses to setting them up, actually putting himself in jeopardy, but then steals Anna’s broach while dancing with her at the servant’s party afterward. Thomas becomes fun again.
2. Mary shows up with Hughes and they both spill all, followed shortly after by a breathless, guilty Baxter. The interrogation rooms are mobbed. Lots of cuts from confession to confession. Mary later comes downstairs for the servant’s Christmas party to celebrate with Bates and Anna and does some shots. Downton is fun again.
3. The jail is hit by a giant meteor, setting Joanne Froggatt and Brendan Coyle free to make steamy hot contemporary romantic comedies together. The magic chemistry is back again! Huzzah!