‘Downton Abbey’ season 5, episode 3 preview (PBS): The Elizabeth McGovern story

Are you enjoying “Downton Abbey” season 5 so far on PBS? In looking back at this season with the knowledge of everything that happens, what we do really enjoy about it is how the show really puts forth the effort to give you many different perspectives of how the world is changing, and how there are constant redefinings of what is socially acceptable.

Tonight, you saw some of that with the story of Mary (Michelle Dockery), and her making a bold choice when it comes to how she wants to be with Anthony Gillingham (Tom Cullen). That is going to continue in future weeks of the show, including next week, and with a variety of other characters put under a microscope.

Moving into next weekend, we’ll present some more specific teasers for this episode, but the question that we want to leave you with tonight is this: What does friendship really mean? When does friendship go to far? Does loneliness make you so desperate that you start to ignore obvious signs of trouble? Ultimately, these are all questions that we envision Cora asking herself when it comes to Simon Bricker. This is a man who has an obvious interest in being more than friends with her, and he understands her on an intellectual level. These sort of things will be used to further draw her down an emotional rabbit hole … and that is all that we will say for now.

As a whole, though, next week features many characters in precarious positions, and it really reminds us that “Downton Abbey” really tries hard to spread the wealth this season. It is far more than just one character or two in the spotlight.

What do you want to see next week? Let us know, and check out our brief take on tonight’s episode! Also, you can sign up for some further TV updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ITV.)