- To start, the iconic theme music is no longer the uplifting piano melody that captured the essence of a changing nation. Instead, we’re treated to the ominous tones of “One” by Metallica. Yes, it’s a new era at Downton.
- In the premiere episode, a character becomes so overwhelmed by the oppressive British class system that he literally implodes. I’ll keep it a secret, but let’s just say that the early signs involve his upper lip becoming so rigid that his mustache crumbles.
- A surprising new guest arrives at Downton: a coal-haired exchange student from Austria named Adolf. While he rants about Germany’s mistreatment at Versailles, he quickly endears himself to the household with his humorous Charlie Chaplin impersonation. The writers have hinted at some “major developments” for this intriguing character.
- Episode 6 contains a glaring anachronism when Lady Edith Crawley reacts to news of her Picasso selling for ten thousand dollars by sending a telegram that concludes, “OMG I can’t believe dis Megalolz YOLO ☺.” It’s highly improbable that a noblewoman in 1923 would craft her own telegrams rather than dictating them to a servant.
- Season 5 introduces a host of new characters. Notably, British character actor Philpot Scraggs portrays a drunken, confused man who looks directly at the camera and yells, “Straight bananas, is it, Brussels?”—as if he stumbled onto the set by mistake.
- The Crawley family grapples with significant social issues of the time, including ludicrous laws that require the poor to harm themselves when addressing aristocrats and the absurd notion that aristocrats can use the poor as steeds if there’s a vowel in the month.
- No contemporary drama would be complete without the shocking death of a main character. I won’t spoil the details, but the three-week Charleston marathon in episode 9 concludes in a devastating manner.
- Episode 3 pays homage to Scooby Doo with a self-aware, playful twist.
- Episode 4 features subtle dialogue hinting at historical events. When Robert Crawley mentions, “I hear U.S. President Warren G. Harding has a dicky heart. It will certainly be interesting if he dies this August, leaving his scandal-plagued administration to be stabilized by Vice President Calvin Coolidge,” Lady Branson replies simply, “Yes.”
- Long-serving butler Carson harbors a secret. This revelation explains how he survives an accidental shotgun blast in episode 6 and sets the stage for a crossover with Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles in episode 11.
- Episode 5 includes an excruciatingly long 13-minute scene dedicated to the preparation of tea and crumpets in real-time.
- Motorcar mania hits the estate in episode 8 with the debut of the first mass-produced British automobile, the Quiggsley Silver Sprat. One servant spends a year’s wages on it, leading to a nerve-wracking seven-miles-per-hour car chase in episode 10, during which a knee is bruised.
- Episode 12 addresses the brutal winter of 1922-23, where Downton residents keep warm by burning first-edition copies of Ulysses and Gainsborough paintings found in the attic.
- In the series finale, it’s revealed that the entire Downton Abbey storyline serves as a prequel to Breaking Bad, suggesting a very, very long build-up to future events.
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Summary:
Season five of Downton Abbey is filled with outrageous and often absurd missteps, from musical choices to improbable character arcs. The show explores social issues, introduces quirky new characters, and delivers unexpected twists, all while maintaining its signature blend of drama and humor. The season culminates in a shocking revelation that ties the series to Breaking Bad, leaving fans both entertained and bewildered.