Season 5 – Downton Abbey

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Nicolaas J Season 5 of Downton Abbey proves once again that this series knows exactly how to balance heart, humor, and high drama with impeccable style. As modern ideas clash with old traditions, Downton delivers one of its most dynamic and emotionally satisfying seasons yet, with every storyline weaving together into a rich, elegant tapestry. Michelle Dockery continues to dazzle as Lady Mary, now stepping further into her independence with a sharp mind and sharper wit. Her confidence, her complexity, and that signature icy charm make her an endlessly fascinating character to watch. Whether navigating suitors or asserting her place at the estate, Dockery carries Mary with both dignity and boldness. Hugh Bonneville gives a beautifully grounded performance as Lord Grantham, a man finally beginning to loosen his grip on the old world. You see him wrestle with changing times, shifting power, and his own place within it all—and Bonneville plays that internal struggle with warmth, grace, and quiet gravitas. And, of course, Maggie Smith. Her Violet Crawley is as whip-smart and cutting as ever, delivering devastating one-liners with absolute precision. But this season, we get to see new layers of vulnerability and tenderness—particularly in her unexpected friendship with Isobel Crawley. Smith makes every glance and every pause matter. She is the heartbeat of the series. The season is filled with charm and tension alike—political debates, secret romances, personal betrayals, and stirring moments of courage. The writing remains top-tier, and the production values—from costumes to set design—are as lush and lavish as ever. Season 5 is a confident, mature chapter in Downton Abbey’s story, reminding us that change is inevitable—but with the right people around you, it can also be beautiful. Simply put, it’s another triumph for the Crawleys and company. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/25/25 Full Review Wyatt E Probably the most drama and suspense filled season of the entire TV series, with almost every episode keeping you on the edge of your seat with news twist and terns, as well as a few new characters, as the main characters try to steer their lives along the insane path they have stumbled onto, as well as try to steer the estate along the path a good fortune, without loosing it to the changing times, as the late 1920s roll on Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/29/24 Full Review matthias s "Season 5 of Downton Abbey is like a sumptuous feast for the senses, serving up drama, scandal, and intrigue in true aristocratic fashion! Edith's storyline takes a thrilling turn as she navigates the complexities of motherhood with her secret child, adding an extra layer of tension to the already captivating plot. And oh, the clash between Robert and simon bricker is simply riveting! Watching the aristocratic patriarch butt heads with a commoner over prized possessions is a deliciously satisfying treat for any viewer. But fear not, dear fans, amidst the turmoil, there are still moments of heartwarming charm and wit that we've come to adore from the Crawley family and their loyal servants. From Mary's romantic entanglements to Carson and Mrs. Hughes' budding romance, there's never a dull moment in the hallowed halls of Downton Abbey. So, grab your finest tea set and settle in for a delightful journey through the ups and downs of English aristocracy in Season 5!" Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/14/24 Full Review David C This is the poorest Season to date, with the dreary, poorly constructed and emotionally drawn story of Marigold. As a character throughout, Edith has forever been the forgotten middle child, and this season seems to add tedium to her character traits, which is irritating to watch. The stories of Rose, the Russian connection, and the Jewish family ties are quite intriguing, and play well. The escalated Bates' saga is protracted and far too long for it to remain anything as dramatic as it should be Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/14/23 Full Review dave d While the murder saga slows the season down a budding romance pays off by season's end. This show is able to toy with your emotions. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member By Seasons 4 and 5, Downton Abbey falls into a loop of repetitive subplots recycled from earlier seasons, most of which are dragged out too long and not given satisfying resolutions. Even good actors and high production values cannot save this season from its poor writing. Many of the characters have descended into blandness or become caricatures of themselves. Often their subplots do not even make sense for the characters, as if Julian Fellowes simply picked something random out of a grab bag to give the actor something to do. Honestly, I was going to give this season 1.5 stars until the final two episodes, which showcase some of the best writing the show has seen in years. They are a lot of fun to watch. Both rely heavily on spectacle, which let's face it, is one of the draws of the show, but they also give most of the characters fun and concise little subplots that are in-character. There is still at least one dreary subplot that has long outstayed its welcome, but the absurdity of it makes it almost humorous at this point (though it's clearly meant to be very serious). I spent a lot of this season laughing at things that were not meant to be funny, so the show still has some entertainment value. The highlights of the show continue to be Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess, Penelope Wilton as Isobel Crawley, Jim Carter as Mr. Carson, and Phyllis Logan as Mrs. Hughes. Robert James-Collier and Kevin Doyle also deserve credit on the rare occasions they're given decent subplots. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/09/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Downton Abbey — Season 5

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