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

While we do not necessarily want to give away everything when it comes to next week’s “Downton Abbey” episode just yet, especially since we’ll have our five teasers for it next weekend, we do figure it best to hand out maybe one simple tease tonight … but it is a big one. (Warning: Spoilers ahead!)

For the past few weeks, you have seen a story percolate a little when it comes to Lady Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), who has bonded and grown closer to art historian Simon Bricker (Richard E. Grant). These two have over time forged a pretty strong friendship, but it has become fairly clear that his feelings for her are a little more than that.

Do we think that Cora returns the favor? Not necessarily, but we do think that she is in love with the idea of someone who treats her as an equal. So far this season, we have not exactly seen such an experience from Robert. He has instead looked down at her, and she wants something more. Therefore, she has probably not spurned Bricker’s advances as she really should.

Ultimately, let’s just say that everything will come to a head in this episode, and it will in one of the biggest and most shocking moments of the entire season. It’s going to be a ton of fun for everyone to watch, and it also shows you the sort of person both Robert and Simon truly are.

Is there anything that you are hoping to see in particular on “Downton Abbey” next week? Share some of your thoughts and hopes now with a comment, and head over here to get some other news related to the show (including a review for tonight’s installment). Also, sign up now to get some further TV updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: PBS.)