‘Downton Abbey’ season 4, episode 7 video: Hugh Bonneville says goodbye to Michelle Dockery, others
Whenever someone leaves on a trip on “Downton Abbey,” this is seen as an enormous ordeal. While we are starting to slowly and surely see technology advancing to the point where travel is easier, we are clearly not at the point yet where the world has advanced to the point of many modern amenities becoming commonplace (though it is getting there). There were commercial airlines starting to operate in the 1920s, but it is not anywhere near what it would be decades later. (Warning: Spoilers ahead for Americans.)
In the video below, you can see the grand departure of Hugh Bonneville’s Robert as he takes off to America, where he is going in order to lend a helping hand to Harold, the brother of his dear wife Cora. We are going to meet this man (played by Paul Giamatti) a little bit later during the annual Christmas special.
There are a few important little updates to share just based on the content of the video alone:
1. The Earl is keen to make certain that Tom knows his place as the man of the house with him gone, and advises him to take care of his daughters and his wife … and also Isis.
2. Edith is still going to be (tear) without Michael Gregson, and has no idea where he is or what he has run off to do.
3. Mary will be still trying to handle the affairs of Charles Blake and company, but in the process of doing this moving forward, she may at least realize that they all at least have a certain amount of things in common.
4. What about the trip itself? The biggest surprise is that it is Thomas, and not Mr. Bates, who is accompanying him in the car. What does this mean? It’s a little hard to speculate, but we imagine that Bates is keeping his manhunt going for the man who raped his wife.
What do you think about this “Downton Abbey” preview in particular? Be sure to share some of your thoughts below, and click here if you are inclined to read a full description of what is coming up ahead on the series.
Photo: ITV, video via SpoilerTV
RemingtonKeys
November 2, 2013 @ 2:18 pm
A question is whether we will see anything of the lord’s trip or interaction with Thomas, or if this is just a device to get Hugh away to film Monuments Men for a bit. Does he return this episode? The next? Neither–waiting to bring Harold and Momma in law back for the Christmas show? How much time will the trip encompass, and will he find Edith in a visibly different condition than when he left? What will transpire without him in the house? Bates certainly will have a storyline with The Return of the Evil Valet. Tom will meet his new love interest. It looks as though Violet and Isobel will continue to star in an aristocratic revival of The Odd Couple. Poor Old Molesley (who would have made for a less objectionable travel companion than Thomas) continues to climb the ladder of success in the wrong direction, white gloves and all. Won’t be long now before he fills in for one of the oft’mentioned, never seen hall boys. One wonders if his striking out at cricket was the turning point for his fortunes. Mary will inevitably spar with opposite thinking Charles Blake, and apparently there will be some situational comedy related to pigs until the return of dishy Tony. No wonder Lord Grantham left. And just an aside, but why does Julian Fellowes seem to struggle with coming up with new names? This is our 3rd adult Charles, 4th if you count the illegitimate baby Charlie. We’ve had 2 Sybils, an Anthony and a Tony, Edith, Edna, and Ethel; Thomas and Tom, Matthew shared his middle name with the first name of Lavinia’s dead Papa–Reginald; and there’s been an odd obsession with garden themed names: Violet, Ivy, Daisy and Rose. I keep waiting for Hyacinth to arrive and fall into the hedge. And don’t get me started on a man named Evelyn. He could never be a real suitor for Mary. Could you imagine her writing out Christmas cards and signing, WIth fondest regards, Mary and Evelyn? They sound like an old lesbian couple who collect cats! Geez, Julian, not asking you to work in a Tiffany or Kylie, but c’mon.