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Let’s start with the theme music. The once uplifting piano melody that symbolized a nation’s aspirations has been replaced by the ominous notes of “One” by Metallica. Yep, it’s a whole new chapter at Downton!
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In the premiere episode, a character becomes so overwhelmed by the British class system that they literally implode. I won’t reveal who it is, but let’s just say their upper lip stiffens to the point of catastrophic moustache failure.
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The Crawley family welcomes an intriguing new guest: a coal-haired exchange student from Austria named Arnold. He passionately discusses Germany’s treatment post-Versailles, but also charms everyone at Downton with his spot-on Charlie Chaplin impersonation. It’s going to be interesting to see where the writers take this character.
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Watch for a glaring historical faux pas in episode 6. After hearing her Picasso sold for ten thousand dollars, Lady Edith Crawley sends a telegram that reads, “OMG I can’t believe dis Megalolz YOLO ☺.” It’s hard to imagine a noblewoman in 1923 crafting her own telegrams instead of dictating them!
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Season 5 introduces a slew of new characters, including the well-known British actor, Percy Wobble, who plays a drunken man that looks straight at the camera and shouts, “Straight bananas, is it, Brussels?” He might have just stumbled onto the set by accident!
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The Crawley family grapples with some rather outrageous social issues, such as a law requiring the poor to punch themselves while addressing aristocrats and another that allows nobles to use the impoverished as makeshift steeds.
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You can’t have a contemporary drama without a shocking character death. I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say the Charleston marathon in episode 9 ends in a dramatic twist that no one saw coming.
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Episode 3 pays homage to Scooby Doo, complete with a mystery that is both affectionate and self-aware.
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In a moment of subtle foreshadowing in episode 4, Robert Crawley mentions, “I hear U.S. President Warren G. Harding has a dicky heart. If he dies this August, it could leave his scandal-riddled administration in the hands of Vice President Calvin Coolidge.” To which Lady Branson simply replies, “Yes.”
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Our long-serving butler, Mr. Carson, harbors a secret that explains how he survives an accidental shotgun blast in episode 6 and sets up a crossover with the Terminator series in episode 11.
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Episode 5 features an astounding 13-minute sequence focused solely on the intricate process of making tea and crumpets.
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A wave of excitement sweeps through the estate in episode 8 with the arrival of the Quiggsley Silver Sprat, the first mass-produced British automobile. One of the servants spends an entire year’s salary of sixpence on it, leading to a thrilling seven-miles-per-hour car chase in episode 10, which results in a knee bruise.
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Episode 12 tackles the brutal winter of 1922-23, where 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 twist that will leave fans speechless, the series finale reveals that the entire Downton Abbey saga serves as a lengthy prequel to Breaking Bad. They’re definitely taking their time getting to that point!
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In summary, Season Five of Downton Abbey is filled with questionable choices, unexpected deaths, and hilarious missteps that leave viewers both entertained and scratching their heads. From new characters to absurd plotlines, it’s a ride that’s as unpredictable as it is engaging.