Ep 1. Season 5, Episode 1

It’s 1924 and Downton Abbey is feeling the winds of change. The Dowager Countess and Isobel Crawley are still clashing over who should run the local hospital; Lady Mary is attempting to run the estate while enduring advances from one of its new suitors; and Lady Edith, now pregnant and no longer able to deny her daughter Marigold is hers, is trying to figure out a way to keep her close by.

The episode opens with a shot of Lady Mary lying on the bed with her lover. She tries to keep all of her romantic affairs a secret and is thinking about ending everything with him. She knows that she's a good person, but the situation is not ideal for her and her son.

Daisy and Ivy are both beginning to feel restless in their roles as servants. Daisy is frustrated with Mr. Carson's teaching, especially after she fails her first test. Ivy is fed up with working under Mrs. Patmore, and when she sees her chance to leave and work as a typist in London, she takes it.

But the biggest news of the year is that Downton Abbey is going to host their first-ever open house, and the Crawleys are going all out to make it a success. The house is decorated with beautiful flowers, the downstairs staff are dressed in their finest attire, and everyone is on their best behavior.

However, trouble is brewing for Edith. Her editor is furious that she’s taking time off work and she’s worried that her secret child will be uncovered. Despite this, she still visits Marigold at the Drewe's family farm and nearly gives herself away when Mrs. Drewe realizes that Edith is showing too much affection towards the child. Edith's continued anxiety over her child is reaching a boiling point, and she knows something has to be done.

Lady Mary is also feeling the heat when she receives a visit from Lord Gillingham. He wants to woo her, but before she can make a decision, Gillingham's valet pops into Downton and gives her a stern warning. Furthermore, it appears as though Tony Gillingham is not the only man who has his sights set on Lady Mary, as she receives a proposal. But while Lady Mary is initially excited about the proposal, she knows that it's only causing more trouble for her and her family.

Meanwhile, Molesley, shuffling around the house in his capacity as a footman, overhears Carson and Mrs. Hughes discussing the prep school their neighbor has founded. It’s designed for underprivileged boys who deserve a good education, and the couple decide to visit and offer something to the cause. This subplot nicely balances out the upstairs drama, emphasizing the themes of change and opportunity that have always been present in Downton, even if they’ve been more evident in later seasons.

The open house goes very well and the guests are impressed with the house. But the biggest news of the evening comes when Lady Mary sees her sister Edith and looks at the girl beside her. She knows instantly who it is but keeps it to herself. As the night draws to a close, the guests leave and the Crawleys try to relax. It’s been an eventful day, but as we know, things are never simple at Downton Abbey.

Overall, Season 5, Episode 1 of Downton Abbey sets the stage for the most dramatic year yet for the Crawley family and their staff. It’s a great episode full of intrigue, romance, and unexpected plot twists that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.