Jasmine Sahu is well suited with this new American drama exclusive to Dave.
Lois Cameron explains why this series is much more than your average cosy period drama.
The last episode of this series sees Sherlock and Moriarty attempt to solve the final problem with devastating consequences.
With major cast changes afoot, Jacob Martin ponders whether Being Human can live up to its own scarily high standard.
Some people have been surprised by the fact that it’s now 1914, but remember, several months must have passed in the first episode alone for the characters to come out of mourning after Patrick's death. Since the untimely demise of poor Mr Pamuk, the most major events amongst the great Lords and Ladies have involved Edith finally managing to find a suitor, Sybill getting knocked down at an election count and Violet not winning the rose contest at the local fair. Even though I’m not entirely convinced by Sybill as a character, I’m finding myself slowly but surely charmed by Mary, who seems more and more vulnerable and out of her depth as the show progresses. The subtle shifts in the relationships between all these characters have been fascinating to watch over the last few episodes, and excellently played by all involved, particularly Maggie Smith and Elizabeth McGovern in the alliance of the two Countesses.
With the servants, the continued machinations of O’Brien and Thomas need to come to a head, as they’re starting to get a little repetitive, although Anna and Bates manipulating them into thinking they’d planted the stolen snuff box in one of their rooms was a comedy highlight of the fifth episode. I have to admit, though, to feeling very proud when Daisy realised just how grave her mistake had been in lying to Carson. I’m pleased that Bates’s secret isn’t that he’s still married, and I hope he doesn’t lose his job, because I seriously love Brendan Coyle and Joanna Froggatt together.
Perhaps the most interesting material of all has come when upstairs and downstairs collide, such as Carson tentatively telling Cora of the rumours that have been going around about Mary, or Edith’s manipulation of innocent Daisy to find out just what Mary has done. Of course, the Dowager Countess was always going to give the prize for the roses to Mr Molesley, but I didn’t care, because it was amazing. And Mary’s realisation that William had made his mother proud by doing so well at Downton, even if it didn’t seem like much to her, was a lovely moment between Michelle Dockery and Thomas Howes.
What makes Downton Abbey so brilliant is that, despite not much happening, the development of the relationships has made it fascinating to watch, particularly when characters from different spheres are paired to make for surprisingly touching viewing.
The 90-minute last episode in the current series of Downton Abbey airs next Sunday at 9pm on ITV1.
You must log in to submit a comment.
