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To begin with, the theme music. The once uplifting piano melody that captured the nation’s aspirations and the delicate nature of those dreams is replaced by the ominous chords of “One” by Metallica. A sign of a new era at Downton, indeed.
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In the premiere episode, a character becomes so overwhelmed by the British class system that he literally implodes. I won’t spoil who it is, but the initial signs include his upper lip becoming so rigid that it seems to shatter his mustache.
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The Crawley family receives an unexpected visitor: a dark-haired exchange student from Austria named Adolf. While he initially discusses Germany’s treatment at Versailles, he quickly wins everyone over at Downton with his amusing Charlie Chaplin impersonation. The direction of this character remains uncertain, though viewers are promised significant developments ahead.
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An anachronism occurs in episode 6 when Lady Edith Crawley, upon hearing that her Picasso has sold for ten thousand dollars, sends a telegram that concludes, “OMG I can’t believe dis Megalolz YOLO ☺.” It’s quite implausible that a noblewoman in 1923 would write her own telegrams rather than have a servant do it.
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Season 5 introduces an array of new characters. Notably, a well-known British actor named Philip Grayson plays a drunken man who inadvertently looks into the camera and exclaims, “Straight bananas, is it, Brussels?” leading many to believe he might have wandered on set by mistake.
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The Crawley family continues to navigate the major social issues of their time, such as the absurd law that requires the poor to punch themselves in the face when addressing aristocrats, and another that allows aristocrats to use the impoverished as horses during hunting outings.
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A hallmark of contemporary drama is the unexpected death of a main character. While I won’t reveal the details, it’s safe to say that the three-week-long Charleston marathon in episode 9 concludes in a tragic manner.
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Episode 3 pays homage to classic cartoons, particularly Scooby Doo, in a self-aware and playful way.
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Subtle foreshadowing of major historical events occurs in episode 4 when Robert Crawley mentions, “I hear U.S. President Warren G. Harding has a dicky heart. It could be fascinating if he dies this August, leaving his scandal-ridden administration to Vice President Calvin Coolidge, who has the vision to restore confidence in the White House.” To which Lady Branson simply replies, “Yes.”
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Long-serving butler Carson carries a secret that explains how he survives an accidental shotgun blast in episode 6, and sets the stage for an unexpected crossover with “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” in episode 11.
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Episode 5 features a lengthy 13-minute sequence that focuses solely on making tea and crumpets in real time.
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The introduction of the first mass-produced British automobile, the Quiggsley Silver Sprat, in episode 8 causes quite a stir among the staff. One servant spends an entire year’s wages on it, culminating in a dramatic seven-miles-per-hour car chase in episode 10, resulting in a bruised knee.
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Episode 12 addresses the harsh winter of 1922-23, during which residents of Downton keep warm by burning first-edition copies of James Joyce’s “Ulysses” and old Gainsborough paintings discovered in the attic.
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In a surprising twist, the final episode reveals that the entire “Downton Abbey” narrative serves as a prequel to “Breaking Bad,” suggesting a very long build-up to a larger story.
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In summary, Season Five of “Downton Abbey” presents a myriad of outlandish plot points and character developments that may leave viewers both bewildered and entertained. From anachronistic dialogue to unexpected character arcs, this season certainly takes bold creative risks.