Downton Abbey episode one: love is in the air, Lord Grantham v Carson (SPOILERS)

STV
16 September, 2014



Downton Abbey is back on our TV screens this Sunday September 21, and today we can share a breakdown of what to expect from the first episode from series five.

A new Labour government is in power, leaving the aristocratic classes uneasy as the prospect of social change becomes a reality, and their way of life begins to come into question.

Plans for a war memorial in the village unexpectedly pit Lord Grantham and Mrs Hughes against Mr Carson, something that leaves the butler and his master very uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, romance is in the air, as Tom Branson’s head is turned by local schoolteacher and political activist, Sarah Bunting, and Lady Mary is finally ready to move on and find love again. And with many suitors to choose from, she’s going to have a bit of fun before making her choice...

READ MORE HERE: http://shows.stv.tv/downton-abbey/latest/292283-downton-abbey-episode-one-love-is-in-the-air-lord-grantham-v-carson/

Downton Abbey: Hugh Bonneville reveals all about the new series STV 31 August 2012 13:25 BST (STV)

“This series the outside world still impacts on the house, but it’s in a much more nuanced way.”

Hugh’s character, the Earl of Grantham, does have fresh troubles to face, however, with the aftermath of the war having an impact on Downton Abbey, and he has to fight hard to stop things from falling apart.

Other problems facing him are the arrival of his mother-in-law, played by Shirley Maclaine, but unlike his character, Hugh welcomed the new arrival with open arms.

“I was there in the hall when Maggie [Smith, who plays the Countess of Grantham], and Shirley first met,” he said. “Often in the dinner scenes, with me sitting between Maggie and Shirley, I thought I’d died and gone to heaven listening to some of the stories about the people they’ve worked with.

“I think she [Shirley] is a remarkable woman and Maggie and she got on famously. It is a mark of Downton Abbey’s international reputation that actors like MacLaine want to appear on the show.”

Downton Abbey returns to STV and ITV on Sunday, September 16 at 9pm.

READ MORE: http://entertainment.stv.tv/tv/188080-downton-abbey-hugh-bonneville-reveals-all-about-the-new-series/