> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Fug the Show: Downton Abbey Season Five Approacheth! - URL: https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/downton-abbey-season-five/ - Published: 2014-12-30T15:00:38.000Z - Updated: 2014-12-23T03:50:16.000Z - Author: Jessica - Tags: #wp, #wp-gallery, #slideshow, #Import 2026-10-07 07:39 ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_4772.xml) Last season gave us a serious of quite beautifully composed shots, a trend I look forward to continuing this upcoming year. ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_5263.xml) I also expect to see this shot AT least five times, and I want us all to take a drink of whatever we're drinking whenever it happens. Add that to our Season Five Drinking Game Rough Draft, okay? ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_4408.xml) Refresher time! As you surely recall, in the PREVIOUS season's Christmas Special, Matthew WENT AND DIED and we were all DISTRAUGHT, none so much as Mary, who spent much of the beginning of the season lying like a corpse next to a photo of her dead husband and basically being a total zombie (which was, as I said at the time, completely the only way to treat that plot development; had they pretended Mary wasn't heartbroken at all, my rage would have been fiery). ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_4569.xml) And Edith kicked off the season looking very pretty, because she was in love, and then of course everything went HORRIBLY WRONG because it's Edith and OF COURSE IT DID. Now, of course, OF COURSE she's in love with someone who's in serious trouble in Nearly Nazi Germany and [she gave a baby to The Family of the Baroness from *The Sound of Music* and then she changed her mind and TOOK IT BACK](https://www.gofugyourself.com/fug-the-show-downton-abbey-recap-season-4-christmas-special-02-2014/img%5F5695?ref=go-fug-yourself.ghost.io) AND DECIDED TO GIVE IT TO THE DOWNTON PIG FARMER BECAUSE EDITH IS AN IDIOT. ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_4781.xml) In happier news, I do look forward to seeing how many wacky headscarves are foisted upon poor Edith. I just want something nice to happen to Edith. Is that too much to ask? I suspect it's too much to ask. Even Edith herself last season announced that she was pretty sure God wanted her to be unhappy and I'M SCARED SHE'S RIGHT. ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_4869.xml) Last we heard from Edith's baby daddy, Michael Gregson here -- who, as you recall, moved to Germany (cue the cry of everyone with hindsight and knowledge of 20th century world history, "NOOOOOO DON'T MOVE TO GERMANY") so that he could legally divorce his Crazy Wife In the Attic, whom I'm calling Mrs Rochester for obvious reasons -- he'd gotten in a fight with some German "brown shirts" and disappeared off the face of the planet. I feel certain that he will pop up EVENTUALLY, but I hope it's as a British intelligence agent and NOT A NAZI. Edith is always so beautifully dressed around Gregson. (Last season, we realized that Mary is crabby when she's not being appropriately romanced, and Edith goes frumpsville). ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_5021.xml) This hat was rather fetching on her, though. ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_5798.xml) And, in fairness, she even looked fabulous when she was VERY DISTRAUGHT about Gregson in the Christmas Special -- a squrrielly and obvious distress which no one in her immediate family even noticed, much the way they didn't notice how WEIRD she was acting all season. Poor Edith. She might as well have carried a sign that said, "ASK ME ABOUT THE BABY I LEFT IN SWITZERLAND." ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_4886.xml) At least Edith's Troublesome Pregnancy and Out-of-Wedlock-Surrender-of-Maidenly-Virtue DID lead to a variety of kind and well-intentioned lectures from Rosamund (WHICH EDITH IGNORED) in Rosamund's SPECTACULAR DRAWING ROOM, which is the drawing room of MY DREAMS. (Can Americans even HAVE drawing rooms?) I hope Rosamund meets someone dashing and lovely this season, who isn't just after her money. ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_4883.xml) Obviously, Mary eventually realized she needed to get on with life, and therefore made out with one of the suitors in her love triangle whilst wearing this great coat upon this majestic vista. Let me remind you of the dudes angling for her love last season -- and of the news I recently read informing me that MATTHEW GOODE IS IN THE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL and I have no idea what happens therein or if he'll ever be back or if he plays a murderer or what and I don't care. Mary and Matthew Goode forever. ANYWAY. Remember, she had those two dudes, Blake and Gillingham after her? Gillingham is rather nice and looks like Chris Messina and has poor listening comprehension, and his former valet is a rapist, now MURDERED by Mr Bates. Mr Blake, on the other hand, is a secret toff who's also due to inherit a big fat estate (which he never mentioned) who likes babies and is adept with livestock. I wonder if either of them is good enough for our Mary. Or, conversely, which of them is strong enough to withstand the fact that so far every man she's banged HAS DIED. ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_5414.xml) Can you really resist a man who prompted this moment? This may be why I think I'm pro-Blake, with the knowledge that it's totally possible we'll open on season five to find they've both shipped off to India. (Drink, if they have, right?) This is one of the few times we got to see Michelle Dockey smile this widely, possibly ever, and it's so endearing. Mary is such a prickly creature but I understand her and I always root for her. (Additionally, I feel that we should probably Drink Any Time There's Livestock As A Plot Point. I hope someone is writing this down.) ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_5727.xml) This is a great dress on Mary, and also this is the shot where I originally noted that Gillingham always looks sad, which makes me want to hug him. I have a weakness for handsome sad British men. ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_5430.xml) I also loved THIS cocktail dress on Lady Mary. Having a multitude of suitors is so good for her wardrobe! ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_4988.xml) Speaking of love triangles, we spent all last season hoping Isobel, my beloved busybody Isobel, and Dr Clarkson would finally hook up....UNTIL The Dowager Countess introduced her to [the handsome and dashing Lord Merton, who is ALSO sprung on her](https://www.gofugyourself.com/fug-the-show-downton-abbey-recap-season-4-christmas-special-02-2014/img%5F5699?ref=go-fug-yourself.ghost.io), and there is something wonderful about the fact that both of the women Matthew left heartbroken at least have Romantical Intrigue to keep them warm. I vote that, should Isobel get well and truly snogged, we should DEFINITELY drink. ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_5012.xml) She and Mary have also been left children in adorable sailor suits to cuddle, although I'm sure all kidlets have been aged up for season five. ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_5010.xml) Here's your Branson recap: He wanted to take Sybie here and take off to America, because he feels Caught Between the Classes at Downton, but the Dowager Countess kinda talked him out of it, because she's the best. He also had a series of really tiresome romantic assignations, ranging from the BATSHIT CRAY CRAY (remember when [Edna The Ladies' Maid slipped him a mickey and then tried to make him marry her, until Mrs Hughes SCHOOLED HER and tossed her out on her bum?](https://www.gofugyourself.com/fug-the-show-downton-abbey-season-4-episode-3-01-2014/img%5F4863-2?ref=go-fug-yourself.ghost.io)) to the simply irritating ([the pushy school marm Sarah Bunting](https://www.gofugyourself.com/fug-the-show-downton-abbey-recap-season-4-christmas-special-02-2014/img%5F5720?ref=go-fug-yourself.ghost.io)). ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_5372.xml) I just included this slide to note that I love anytime they use the Folly set, and also I really like Evelyn Napier and why can't HE find love??? #TEAMEVELYNNAPIER ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_5062.xml) Also under the category Why Can't Something Nice Ever Happen: DEAR GOD PLEASE LET SOMETHING NICE HAPPEN TO ANNA FOR ONCE. Last season was so shitty for Anna, what with getting raped by that terrible horrible valet and then having to keep it secret from Bates because she was pretty sure Bates would kill the valet, and then Bates finding out and making it all about him (in a nice way, but still) AND THEN ACTUALLY KILLING THE DUDE AND FORGETTING TO HIDE THE EVIDENCE. ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/murderfordinner.xml) NO MORE OF THIS, MR BATES. Is it so HARD for you NOT to shove people under trucks?! AT THE VERY LEAST, NEXT TIME, HIDE THE EVIDENCE!!! ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_5400.xml) Let's step away from My Murderface and talk about Rose's season four for second. She had a half-baked affair with American bandleader Jack Ross here, which never really took off as a plot and was basically an excuse to tread water while Rose looked gorgeous. ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_5392.xml) Here's another look at that same dress. It's divine. ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_5745.xml) After a lot of anemic blah about rebelling against her absent mother, though, Rose was finally presented at court where she was -- after a series of really convoluted shenanigans involving a purloined letter, the Prince of Wales, the Card Sharp That Gregson Once Shamed At Downton Before Getting Lost in Germany, and Bates's forgery and pickpocketry skills -- the Debutante of the Year. ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_5759.xml) The Convoluted Shenanigans Aside, I have to remind you that the Rose Is Presented At Court Stuff gave us FABULOUS costume and GLORIOUS sets and was otherwise very satisfying indeed. I do feel that we need a rule that, if anyone wears a feather on her head, we're supposed to drink. ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_5783.xml) The Rose Is Presented At Court plot also brought us a LOT of time hanging out with Sad Sack Paul Giamatti as Cora's Brother Who Was Embroiled In the Teapot Dome Scandal, like who really even cares about that? If we need to deal with Paul Giamatti The Unlikely Playboy again this season, I'll eat my cloche. (Just as long as they don't decide to bring him onto Downton to deal with their ever-complicated financial problems. They've already got Branson AND Mary AND Lord G on that. Too many cooks in the kitchen will run that estate into the ground.) ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_5609.xml) As for shenanigans of the servants last season, Daisy wore this TERRRRRIBLE HAT. The end. Not really. Other than the Bates Wants To Murder Anna's Terrible Rapist storyline, I must remind you that: (A) the new ladies' maid Baxter is sort of into Moseley (FINALLY SOMETHING IS COMING UP MOSELEY), but she's being blackmailed (with what we do not know) by EvilButler.com. Speaking of B) Thomas, he's also got his knickers in a wad over Branson lately, in a way that feels years too late. Come back to us with a better vendetta, Thomas, you sexy evil bitch. (C) Alfred got a job learning to cook at the Ritz and FINALLY ENDED THE YEARS OF AGONY THAT WAS IVY/JIMMY/DAISY/ALFRED, and (D) Ivy went back to America with Paul Giamatti, which means we have only Daisy and Jimmy to deal with. Jimmy continues to be THE WORST and I am intrigued to see who he attempts to grope on a bench in public this season. Finally, and most importantly.... ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_5835.xml) THIS HAPPENED! Will we open up Season Five on Carson and Mrs Hughes's nuptials?!?!?!?!?!!? NO SPOILERS. ## Downton Abbey Season 4 Retrospective ![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_5812.xml) Normally, I'd end on that note, but I can't do a Downton season four refresher course without reminding you that The Dowager Countess is (a) the best thing in all of the world, (b) totally fond of, and arguably, the nicest to, Branson now, (c) ideally continuing to prove to us all that it's always, ALWAYS a good idea to meddle in the affairs of others. I have half a mind that this season may open with her popping out of the library holding Lord G's Gutenberg Bible. And if she does: YOU DRINK. YOU DRINK EVERYTHING IN THE HOUSE. DRINK IT UP! [Fug the Show: Downton Abbey Season Five Approacheth!The fifth season of Downton Abbey premieres for those of us in the United States on this Sunday, January 4th, and I AM EXCITED. Let's prepare by looking back at some of the notable ensembles of season four. As ever, I am UNSPOILED -- despite occasionally seeing tweets from our British friends, which were generally along the lines of, "Oh, Edith," and bemoaning Edith can hardly be a spoiler; it's like saying the sun did in fact rise this morning -- and I trust that those of you who HAVE seen it will be as lovely and considerate as you were last season, and not spoil those of us here in the US as to what we have in front of us. I know we all really appreciated that everyone was so cool about that last season -- and, when I was re-reading those recaps to write this post, I realized how much it must have been killing some of you to hold your tongue about various plot developments (read: the pig farmer). So, as ever, thank you for being awesome. That said, let's strap on our boots and go push some people down the well. If you feel that you need a FULL refresher on what happened last season, all of our Season Four recaps await you here!![](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/content/files/www-gofugyourself-com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_4772.xml)](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/downton-abbey-season-five-12-2014/)