‘Downton Abbey’ season 5, episode 4 spoilers: Is Elizabeth McGovern’s Cora going too far?

What we are seeing right now with three generations of women on “Downton Abbey” season 5 is somewhat strange, somewhat surprising, but also somewhat understandable, when you look at the characters involved. (Warning: Spoilers lie ahead for Americans!)

For example, take a look at Cora. Elizabeth McGovern has been playing a woman who is by and large repressed. Robert ignores her, and often does not take her thoughts or ideas into consideration. He also frequently acts rather condescending towards her, especially when he has no reason to do so.

This is why the character is responding differently to Simon Bricker (Richard E. Grant). The art historian treats her with respect, and shows a genuine interest in actually getting her opinion on things. She may not be an art expert, but she is company. Sometimes, that is really all that you need in order to get by.

Do we feel like Cora would ever be unfaithful to her husband? It would have to be a drastic situation where she was going into a tailspin; then again, she has already done more with Simon than many married women were allowed in their lifetimes.

As for how there parallels work with some of the other stories going on right now, Mary (Michelle Dockery) has already made a controversial decision to be with Lord Gillingham before marriage, while it was revealed in this past episode that Violet (Maggie Smith) had a secret relationship of her own much earlier on in her life. These are all stories that will be further addressed on Sunday; as a matter of fact, early scuttlebutt is that Mary will finally make that “choice” that has been hinted at and hyped up for such an extended period of time.

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