‘Downton Abbey’ season 4, episode 4 review: Did Lady Mary, Lord Anthony Gillingham kiss?
In starting off this “Downton Abbey” season 4 episode review, there is no need to wait before trying to address the all-important question: Will Anna tell Bates about her rape at the hands of Mr. Green? Early on tonight, she was insistent that rather than revealing the truth about the horrific incident that took place, she would be much better off trying to secure a residence for herself upstairs and slowly cut herself out of Mr. Bates’ life. Her fear was simple: The man would murder Mr. Green if he found out.
What still remains a mystery to us was why Anna, being a sensible woman most of the time, did not just go to the police, have Green arrested, and then tell Bates at a time when he would not able to hurt the attacker? There was no further movement at all, and this makes the tale all the more heartbreaking.
Meet Jack Ross – The singer’s introduction was a sweet one, and not only that, he did the unthinkable: Lifted Lady Rose up as a character worthy of attention, while at the same time bringing so many of the other characters down for being particularly prejudice towards him. It would be unfair to sit here and attack the likes of Mary or Tom for the product of their time, but they could have been at least nice enough to acknowledge that Jack spared her from humiliation.
While this story came to an abrupt end this week, know that this is not the last time that you will see Jack on this show.
Mary’s own decision – While the Jack Ross story was playing out, Mary had her own statement to make concerning love to Lord Anthony Gillingham: She was not ready for a relationship, at least not yet. Not only that, but she may not ever be properly ready.
Yet, somehow, Anthony decided for some reason that this merited a marriage proposal! Seriously. He does seem to be a nice man, but his argument of “he’s dead, and I’m alive” is not really the best one. The guy’s got to have a little patience here. But in the end, she declined the proposal for the time being, but then kissed him when he asked for it. This moment was jarring to say the least. We just met the man an episode ago, and she was mourning Matthew a few earlier. We do want to see her move on, but to kiss so quickly? We’re quite surprised by that, but not angry to the point where we want to start yelling.
The story of Tom – Now, we turn to the story that has been perhaps the most baffling for most of the season so far. We don’t know why Edna was hired again in the first place, especially since she tried this little game with Tom Branson the first time. Now, it’s the same old result: Edna is gone again from the Abbey, and Tom is single and saved from a pretty terrible situation.
This episode was as a whole much superior to last week’s party, which was both uncomfortable and sudden with the rape that came out of nowhere. There was also a little note in here of the Edith / Gregson story as the two parties moved forward with their own plan, but we must beg the question: When is this story going to take precedence over some of the others?
Sound off in the comments below when it comes to tonight’s episode. We have a full preview article for next week’s episode here, so check out what’s coming up next time.
Photo: ITV
guest
October 14, 2013 @ 2:08 pm
This ep was more of a morality play, with the girls demonstrating both the dangers and burgeoning joys of womanhood in the ’20s. Rosamund was right: Things are changing, but not all things. So, Anna is still feeling dirty and worthless because a man took her honor, Edna tried to turn tables and use her own wiles to snare Tom, and Lady Edith is exploring her independence with Gregson and finally did the deed. All are now in danger of pregnancies, and all could ostensibly be ruined by them. (And Hugh B has said he has a lovely scene with Edith coming up, so one wonders about the content of their conversation and whether Edith’s heart or reputation is broken. And what the hell did she sign? Yikes.) Also, glad to see the bromance rekindled between Bates and Robert. Been a long while since they’ve had a good scene that shows their unique connection. Hope Robert somehow helps Bates sort things out and come to Anna’s rescue. Robert needs a return to the kind and gentle human side we knew in series one. We know that Lord Gillingham and his nasty valet will return for eps 7&8, so stay tuned, certainly nothing will be resolved before that and Anna and Bates’ angst is sure to grow. Tom moved a bit quickly with Edna, but I’m glad she’s gone, don’t think she returns. New nanny on horizon, though, and Tom will be smitten for sure. Hope she’s nicer than Edna (and I hope the kids get out of those prams a bit. They’re invisible. None of the three grandparents have ever even had a scene with the long awaited grandson, and except for Robert taking the unidentifiable bundle for an awkward Christening photo op, only Carson has held Sybbie.) And it appears we will have a funeral or some graveside service coming up–no one of consequence, I suspect, perhaps the unnamed ancient farmer who hasn’t paid rent since Fido was a pup, but we may get a tiptoe through the tombstones for a peek at Matthew’s and Sybil’s stones.
Nari
October 14, 2013 @ 8:53 am
It its quite rare to find a british drama series stirring so many deep and long-lasting emotions in me; to its benefit of course.
I fairly enjoyed this episode. Yet, I keep finding myself mad at Mrs. Hughes! she is known to be able to help others in their lives even if it takes going behind the person’s back ( Mr. Carson and his friend, Tom with the Edna issue… etc.). yet for Anna, she does nothing except to give her advice, not even warning Mr. Bates or Carson. Much like what she did to Mr. Bates when she somehow testified in his disadvantage.
Another annoying thing, which was mentioned here, is that Edith (looking quite lovely this season; the producers probably gave her stylist a raise) and her love relationship were barely involved in the storyline even when her lover got her father’s gambling money back. You’d expect to see some more kind appreciation! But then again, She didn’t even get a subtitle in THIS Review. I root for her despite having a bit of fear on what she had signed (that paper which she did not read and of course, her night of coitus).
As for Mary, I seriously hope that She nor Tom get involved with each other. I may be reading too much into it but the last seen of them driving away coinciding with their children returning home in their carriage.
Oh well! I hope Daisy Finds love!!