Nicolaas J
Season 4 of Downton Abbey is all about healing, resilience, and the quiet strength it takes to move forward after unimaginable loss. Coming off the emotional wreckage of Season 3, this chapter could have stumbled—but instead, it rises gracefully, offering one of the most poignant and beautifully crafted seasons yet.
Michelle Dockery delivers a tour de force as Lady Mary. Her grief is palpable, raw, and deeply moving—but even in sorrow, she remains fiercely composed. Watching her transform from a shattered widow into a steely, sharp-minded woman ready to take the reins of the estate is nothing short of inspiring. Dockery plays every shade of Mary’s evolution with stunning control and grace.
Maggie Smith, as always, is a revelation. The Dowager Countess is a fortress of tradition and wit, but Season 4 lets us see more of her heart than ever before. Her guidance to Mary, delivered with that signature mix of bluntness and wisdom, reminds us why Violet Crawley remains one of television’s most iconic characters. Every scene she’s in sparkles with intelligence and depth.
Hugh Bonneville brings a steady hand to Lord Grantham, struggling to stay relevant as the world continues to shift around him. Bonneville plays his reluctance with humanity and quiet sorrow, showing us a man trying to protect what he loves in a world that’s moving on without permission.
The writing in Season 4 is sensitive and restrained, allowing grief and change to unfold organically. It’s less about dramatic spectacle and more about the quiet, aching beauty of endurance. The newcomers add fresh intrigue, the downstairs staff bring familiar warmth and drama, and the estate itself—Downton—is as much a character as ever.
Season 4 is a season of rebuilding, full of grace, introspection, and emotional richness. It doesn’t shout; it hums with life and quiet power. A stunning continuation of a beloved story, and proof that Downton Abbey still has so much to say.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
04/25/25
Full Review
Wyatt E
Probably the slowest and sadest season of the TV series, but non the less suspenseful and drama filled to the very end, with retuning faces as well as new ones, as the characters have to evolve (as well as the estate) to keep up with the changing times as the roaring 20s take hold
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
05/29/24
Full Review
matthias s
"Downton Abbey Season 4 certainly had its moments of brilliance, but it also stumbled a bit along the way. As we return to the grand estate, we're greeted with the aftermath of Matthew's tragic demise, which leaves a noticeable void in the storyline. However, Lady Mary's journey of grief and resilience shines through, offering a poignant exploration of loss and love.
Amidst the drama, we witness the blossoming romance between Lady Rose and Jack Ross, a jazz singer, which adds a refreshing twist to the aristocratic setting. The downstairs drama is as lively as ever, with Thomas Barrow scheming his way into trouble yet again, while Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson's relationship takes an unexpected turn.
While Season 4 may not reach the heights of its predecessors, it still captivates with its sumptuous setting, impeccable costumes, and stellar performances. Despite its flaws, Downton Abbey remains a delightful escape into the opulent world of the Crawley family."
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
02/10/24
Full Review
David C
It's a hard Season, with a harrowing trauma for the Bates', and some other family heartache. It stands up well against previous Seasons
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
03/14/23
Full Review
Audience Member
This season was not my favorite. Losing Matthew really hurt my interest. But meeting new characters most definitely helps.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
01/09/23
Full Review
dave d
It's a step back from a great show, to just a good one. The ensemble cast has too many tentacles which make this season slow and harder to follow. It's also boring at times, but it's a wonderful soap opera that's worth watching!
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
03/30/23
Full Review
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Episode 1
Aired Sep 22, 2013
Following Matthew's untimely death, Mary is struggling to come to terms with her loss, while Robert and Violet disagree on how best to help her through it.
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Episode 2
Aired Sep 29, 2013
Mary is beginning to emerge from her grief and starts to take an interest in the running of the estate, but she meets resistance from her father.
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Episode 3
Aired Oct 6, 2013
An extravagant house party at the Abbey gives the Crawleys a chance to reconnect with old friends, but some guests prove more welcome than others, and along with the celebrations come deceit and heartache.
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Episode 4
Aired Oct 13, 2013
Amid the fallout from the eventful house party, Mary faces a pressing question about her future, while Carson reveals surprisingly intimate details of his former life.
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Episode 5
Aired Oct 20, 2013
Change is in the air when an exciting opportunity for Alfred creates tension between Ivy and Daisy, Isobel appeals to Violet's charitable nature, but it does not come without a struggle, and Branson considers a new future for himself and baby Sybbie.
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Episode 6
Aired Oct 27, 2013
A birthday party is planned for Robert, but Rose's contribution to the event surprises those above and below stairs, a new farming venture on the Downton estate comes with dramatic repercussions for Mary, and Edith receives troubling news.
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Episode 7
Aired Nov 3, 2013
Cora's playboy brother, Harold, is in trouble, so Robert must travel to America to help bail him out; a new farming venture at Downton sees Blake and Mary putting aside their differences.
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Episode 8
Aired Nov 10, 2013
Rosamund comes up with a plan to help Edith, but Violet, Edith's gandmother, sees right through it; Isobel is the object of someone's attention, while Mary asks Gillingham for a very big favor.
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Episode 9
Aired Dec 25, 2013
The London Season
It's the summer season and, as part of Rose's "coming out," she is to be presented at Buckingham Palace. The family and servants are at Grantham House, their London residence, preparing for the busy social season.
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