Downton: Episode Four

I make no apology for the gratuitous and random use of a picture of MR PAMUK (above) of Series One fame. RIP, amorous Turkish gentleman. 

In the real world we’re on Series Three and it’s Episode Four (click here for blog: beware, spoilers) and, frankly, things are starting to get rather dull. So much so that they’ve had to introduce two new characters – The Handsome Footman and The Cute Kitchen Maid – just to liven things up. Oh, and some burning of Irish aristos in their beds by that ex-chauffeur chappie.

Plotwise Julian Fellowes seems to take two routes: (a) introduce major narrative threads and then tie them up almost immediately without bothering to develop them (such as Matthew’s will-he-won’t-he inheritance from Ginger Lavinia’s father) or (b) spin minor narrative threads and throw everything at the wall and see what sticks (the Ethel prostitution/adoption storyline, “Tom” as crazy Irish revolutionary, Sybil as suffragette).

I’m exhausted and we are only halfway through this series. Most importantly, though, WHERE IS SHIRLEY MACLAINE?