‘Downton Abbey’ season 5, episode 2 preview: Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, and decisions

Tonight, the “Downton Abbey” season 5 premiere contained a variety of different surprises, but one thing that was not a shocker at all was the sheer abundance of tension. Tom Branson and Sarah Bunting found themselves at odds, Baxter’s secret was revealed, and the situation for Mr. Bates started to become progressively complicated as the story went along. (Spoilers ahead for Americans!)

The thing about this show is that it can be at times hard to predict the future, given that ITV does not give you episode titles. However, we do have a synopsis below, and it gives you a pretty solid impression of what you can expect moving ahead:

“The second episode opens with the house recovering from the dramatic scenes of the previous night – and Robert is faced with a difficult decision. As Daisy struggles with her studies, Mrs Patmore comes up with an idea, Thomas still has it in for Baxter, but will his meddlesome ways drive a rift between her and Molesley? Lady Rose tries to convince Robert to install a wireless at Downton but he is not impressed – and neither is Carson. Lord Merton continues in his hot pursuit of Isobel. When Lady Mary puts her own reputation on the line, Anna becomes a reluctant accomplice.”

The preview that aired following tonight’s installment showcased an “exchange of views,” Mary potentially dealing with more of her Tony Gillingham fallout, but surprisingly not much of the aftermath of tonight’s fire. Maybe they are saving some of the best teasers for later?

Is there anything in particular you want to see on the next “Downton Abbey” episode? Let us know right now with a comment! Also, click here for some more news (including a review for tonight’s installment), or here if you want to sign up for more updates on everything we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: ITV