‘Downton Abbey’ season 5 character debate: Hugh Bonneville’s Robert Crawley
Now that “Downton Abbey” season 4 has come to a close in the United Kingdom, we can kick off what is a new series at the site in discussing some of what could be coming up next for characters on the show. Before we go any further, though, be warned that there are SPOILERS ahead if you live in America. Stop reading now if you want to remain spoiler-free for at least a little while longer.
Every day, we are going to take a look back at some of the main characters and what they went through this season, only to then shine the focus on what could happen next year … and what we’d like to see happen. Given that he is the man at the center of almost everything as the Earl of Grantham, it only seems appropriate that we start off with Hugh Bonneville and his character of Robert Crawley.
Where we last saw him – Robert had a very quiet season 4, and was mostly present to assist others through their troubles and express his opinion. He was over-protective of Lady Mary early on, oblivious to the finer stories of the servants, and after a brief detour to America to help out Harold, he eventually was a driving force in the Christmas Special behind ensuring that the Prince was not shamed in the press.
What could happen – Do not be too surprised at all if we end up seeing a massive continuation of the story with Robert and Tom battling it out in some way, based on the wedge that Thomas threw in there with what he saw. This was one of the few open threads. Away from this, however, it feels like most of his time will be focused on trying to preserve the Abbey.
What we’d like to see happen – Some sort of substantial and meaty story, similar to what we saw in season 2 in terms of importance. Bonneville was sorely underutilized this year, and he is the first name that pops up in the credits. We want to see him grasp hold of the era better, and start to take charge and make some decisions. If nothing else, be more proactive in the day-to-day and less out-of-touch with everything. His daughters have stolen the spotlight from him for much too long.
What do you want to see from Robert on “Downton Abbey” moving forward? Be sure to share below.
guest
December 31, 2013 @ 3:09 pm
Robert’s finest moment in two seasons was the cricket match episode. He was on his game working his lordly power over law enforcement, righteous footmen and even reluctant batsman Tom, made peace with his sons in law and had a glorious response to learning Jimmy had freaked out when Thomas kissed him–all played expertly by Hugh B. who left us knowing Lord G was not only large and in charge, but fundamentally kind and good-humored. But Robert had virtually nothing to do this series. He began simply as a vessel to show the era’s backward overprotective treatment of fragile women by their men and blustered a little about avoiding change (again). Thankfully, that didn’t last long, but after his two-scene mini-story in helping that farmer guy, he had little else to say or do. He had no story even at his own birthday party! Hardly a scene with his adoring wife (who has even LESS to do than Hugh does), or his former bromance partner Bates. A door was opened when Bates confided some marital disharmony and Robert offered one single line of support–but then they NEVER discussed things again, even when Robert was sent to America and Bates didn’t want to come. (Why does JF make Robert that dense? He really isn’t ever written as an unkind or insensitive person. He just went through marriage troubles himself. Why can’t he at least suspect something is very wrong with his only friend??) The Christmas special teased a major Robert/royals storyline with the letter and for just a moment it appeared Bates and Robert might take on the caper together…only to turn the whole thing over to perky little Gidget, assisted by cousin Mary and the Pig Man. (WHY??) It was a rare opportunity to let two strong characters and leading men actors play off each other a bit in a different scenario than two lines while putting Robert’s waistcoat on. But no. No interaction with Cora as they brought out Rose either–another opportunity to at least mention dearly departed Sybil. It must have been a bit bittersweet event, but nope–it was all about Gidget having a happy day. More screen time is spent mooning over Alfred the Dull than for either Sybil or Matthew. As for Season 5, which I suspect will be the last, here’s hoping JF lets the grown-ups chat a bit and moves focus away from the Melrose Place teen drama upstairs and down. It would be no surprise if Hugh B or Elizabeth want to leave. They are horribly underutilized in favor of the kids now and I fear Hugh is hanging around just for the grand meals in the dining scenes. Maggie and Penelope Wilton have carefully crafted scenes with each other, Carson has Mrs. Hughes (yay), and Anna and Bates and Mrs. Patmore and Ivy all have their bits. JF has no idea what to do with the Granthams and so resorts to Robert being backward (again) and Cora rolling her eyes and doing needlework. As far as viewers know, they’ve never even met their grandchildren. I hope series 5 allows Robert to begin to evolve and grow in his modern world, I hope he does NOT resist Tom having a love life (though that teacher seems a bit pushy for a match with him). It would be nice to see him take on a fatherly role for Tom and for his invisible grandson and heir. I know the aristocrats were hands-off and all, but it’s telly and he waited his whole life for a son, and now seems curiously disinterested in the fatherless boy. Even Uncle Carson had a cuddle with Sybbie and evil Thomas is prone to playing coochie-coo with the baby girl. WTF? And please by god let the man take an active role in getting Edith’s secret child off the farm and into the nursery at his house! He once acted on Thomas’s behalf, doesn’t his own daughter deserve the benefit of his influence? Please let him prove he loves his long-suffering middle child. Is that too much to ask?
noway11
January 5, 2014 @ 12:29 pm
Agree in full with the above. And may I +1
the nickname here of Lady Rose? The Gidge is a total annoyance. Methinks Gidge would do well back in America.