"You Think I Should Choose Life?" Asks Lady Mary in Downton Abbey's Season Four
January 5 through February 23, 2014.
Some character sketches from Season 4 ... but of course, there's a Season 5 planned for the uber-popular series of Downton Abbey on PBS' Masterpiece.
Downton Abbey's Dowager has faced more than her fair share of tragedy with model British resolve and force. In the wake of Matthew's death, Violet must dig deeper than ever before, suspending jibes and jabs, acid wit and disdainful stares, and summon the side of the matriarch most rarely disclosed but most urgently needed: gentle grandmother. Only then can she succeed, with true wisdom and strength, in leading her family back on the road to recovery.
Happiness was snatched away from Lady Mary just as it seemed to reach its peak with the birth of her son George. But the will to live, and to be happy, is not entirely extinguished in Mary; she just needs to find the work that will bring her back to life. As she begins to create a new life for herself, Mary will find herself wondering which person to be: the tough, cold creature she always thought she was, or the warmer, softer woman she became with Matthew?
Edith is accustomed to living in her sisters’ shadows and keeping her personal life to herself. Being romanced by her Sketch editor, Michael Gregson, forging a new identity among London's bohemian literati — the advantages of living a secret life are thrilling. But the disadvantages could be devastating, too, for the middle Crawley daughter, who must constantly reassure herself that she is ready for the adventure of a lifetime — no matter the consequences.
Anna radiates quiet joy as she and her husband work side by side once more at Downton Abbey. She survived the horrors of his imprisonment and worked tirelessly to secure his release. But sadly, their troubles are not over, and Anna may have finally encountered a hardship that not even her deep courage or great strength can overcome.
The pretty scullery maid Ivy may be at the bottom of the ladder at Downton Abbey, but she is at the center of the romantic triangle downstairs as the object of Jimmy's attention, Alfred's love, and Daisy's wrath. To extricate herself from this position without hurting others – or herself – may be too complicated for such an innocent and infatuated young woman as Ivy.
Handsome and charming, Jimmy is sure of his own exceptional talents, but others – with the exception of the infatuated Ivy – remain unconvinced. As he grows weary of dreary York and hungry for greater adventures, Jimmy ignites Ivy and annoys Alfred for amusement. But how far will he go to entertain himself? And will anything penetrate his reckless fun and provoke a genuine response?
Thomas could be reveling in his new status as under-butler, enjoying his friendship with Jimmy, and counting his lucky stars that Bates saved him from expulsion from Downton Abbey. But gratitude and contentment are not in his nature, and the same deep insecurities that recently revealed his vulnerable heart can just as easily manifest in resentment and scheming. When they do, Thomas' targets – and his allies – should beware.
Editor's Note: We're working on a 1000-piece Downton Abbey 'Flower Show' jigsaw puzzle, one of five show subjects given to us by the family over the Holidays, a fitting entertainment during the series.
See our earlier post about new characters for Season 4: Downton Abbey Returns With New Characters and The Bletchley Circle Plans a Second Season
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