Downton Abbey Season 1 Episode 4
Downton Abbey
Season 1

Ep 4. Episode 4

  • TV-14
  • October 17, 2010
  • 47 min
  • 8.1  (2,331)

In Episode 4 of Downton Abbey's first season, tensions continue to simmer between Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley as the family prepares for a formal dinner party. Meanwhile, downstairs, the staff are gossiping about the new housemaid, Ethel, who catches the eye of one of the footmen, Thomas.

There is also a great deal of concern over the estate's finances, which have been suffering since the death of the previous earl. Robert, the current earl, is reluctant to cut back on expenses, but has no choice when a new tax assessment is levied. This puts pressure on the household budget, and everyone begins to feel the strain. At the same time, the Crawleys receive a surprise visit from Robert's cousin, who is seeking refuge from a scandal in London.

As the dinner party approaches, Lady Mary becomes increasingly anxious about her role as hostess. She faces criticism from her mother, the Countess of Grantham, who feels that Mary is not taking her responsibilities seriously enough. Mary is also dealing with her own personal issues, as she struggles to deal with her feelings for Matthew.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Ethel causes tension between Thomas and the other housemaids. She is a bit more forward than they're used to, and they don't know what to make of her. Thomas, however, is smitten, and tries to win her affections.

At the dinner party, tensions run high when a scandalous rumor about Robert's cousin is revealed. This threatens to ruin the family's reputation and puts them all on edge. Lady Mary is forced to take charge and assert herself as the head of the household, and she rises to the occasion beautifully.

As the evening winds down, the Crawleys and their guests retire to the drawing room for drinks. It is here that Lady Mary and Matthew finally come to a resolution about their future together. The scene is incredibly poignant, and underscores the fact that the show is not just about the goings-on upstairs, but also the relationships and interactions between the staff.

Overall, Episode 4 of Downton Abbey's first season is a great example of what makes the show so special. The writing is top-notch, and the characters are incredibly well-drawn. The tension between Lady Mary and Matthew is palpable, and it makes for some of the most compelling moments of the episode. The scene in which they finally come to a resolution is truly beautiful, and illustrates just how invested the audience can become in these characters.

Description
Watch Downton Abbey - Episode 4 (s1 e4) Online - Watch online anytime: Stream, Download, Buy, Rent
Downton Abbey, Season 1 Episode 4, is available to watch free on PBS and stream on PBS. You can also stream, download, buy, rent Downton Abbey on demand at Apple TV Channels, Peacock Premium, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Amazon, Vudu, Microsoft Movies & TV, Google Play, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    October 17, 2010
  • Content Rating
    TV-14
  • Runtime
    47 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.1  (2,331)