‘Downton Abbey’ season 4: What is Julian Fellowes hoping for with Gary Carr’s Jack Ross?

When “Downton Abbey” creator Julian Fellowes chose to introduce to the series his first-ever black character in Jack Ross, he clearly did so with a great deal of thought in mind. This was someone who was not only meant to change the perception of what Lady Rose or some of the other characters thought about people of different races during that time, but it was also a chance for the showrunner to make his own point to the audience about how he would want to create a positive role model in some ways to viewers who are seeing his show no matter where they are in the world. While he may not be wealthy like the Earl or Lady Mary, he still brings quite a bit to the table.

It is for these reasons that Fellowes gives the following quote to The Sun, where he explains the importance of a character like Jack or someone like him on a show for young people:

“I think the world has been very unjust to black people. They have had a very rough time. If I was growing up now, I would want to see some winners among that group.

“I would want to see some positive role models who are getting things done.”

Perhaps the most-notable thing that we really saw from Jack in his first episode on the show was that he actually managed to make Rose, who to this point has been polarizing to the point of being unlikable, into someone that is okay for viewers to root for. While she may not be the poster child of kindness, she is someone who can see past race and into the heart of who someone really is. That is extremely important in this time, and hopefully something that will continue to play a part of this controversial season. Given that we are at the half point of it now (save for the Christmas special), this is where things really need to start changing.

If you do want to preview tonight’s all-new episode, the best way in which to do that is to start things off at the link here, and keep coming back for some more scoop related to the show.

Photo: ITV