Downton Abbey: Season 5
2014 · 8 episodes · ★ 7.1
Series 5
What Season 5 of Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey returns on 1924, now in the post-Edwardian era, with the Crawleys and their staff back at the Yorkshire estate. The new Labour government brings changes that reach both the drawing rooms and the kitchens. A war memorial pits Carson against Robert and Mrs. Hughes. Jimmy has to deal with the unwanted attentions of a woman, and Thomas presses Baxter with an ultimatum. Mary hides a secret meeting, and Rose crosses paths with a handsome stranger. The lives of the family and the staff remain intertwined as everyone faces new challenges.
Season 5 Episodes
5x01 Episode 1
The story moves on to 1924, when the first ever Labour government heralds a sea change that is felt throughout the nation - nowhere more so than at Downton. A suggested plan for a war memorial unexpectedly pits Carson against Robert and Mrs Hughes. Young Jimmy the footman is the object of some unwanted female attention. Thomas gives Baxter an ultimatum. Branson's growing friendship with someone Robert considers quite unsuitable causes concern. After the tragedy she has been through, Lady Mary now seems ready to find love once more. Cracks appear in Edith and Tim Drewe's special arrangement as she struggles to keep her emotions in check - something which may have disastrous consequences for the entire household.
Directing: Catherine Morshead · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: Ed Speleers, Kevin Doyle, David Robb, Fifi Hart
5x02 Episode 2
With the house recovering from the night’s dramatic events, Robert is faced with a very difficult decision. As Daisy continues to struggle with her studies, Mrs Patmore has an idea which might solve everything. Thomas has it in for Baxter. As Rose tries to convince Robert of the virtues of a wireless at Downton, Lord Merton continues his hot pursuit of Isobel. When Mary puts her reputation on the line, Anna is made a reluctant accomplice.
Directing: Catherine Morshead · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: Kevin Doyle, Fifi Hart, Julian Ovenden, Naomi Radcliffe
5x03 Episode 3
Mary's secret assignation is very nearly blown, but Violet's quick thinking saves the day. Robert is left red faced and furious when things do not go as planned. The events surrounding Green's death come under scrutiny once again. Mrs Patmore is devastated when old wounds are reopened but Carson is unsympathetic. Branson receives an interesting proposition concerning the future of the Downton estate. A figure from Violet's distant past suggests she has buried secrets of her own.
Directing: Catherine Morshead · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: Kevin Doyle, David Robb, Fifi Hart, Augusta Woods
5x04 Episode 4
Sarah Bunting continues to cause waves above stairs, but this time she may have gone too far. On returning to Downton, Thomas suffers an inexplicable illness and Baxter suspects there’s more to it than he’s letting on. Violet reveals to Isobel the surprising truth of her past with Prince Kuragin. Mary comes to a decision concerning Lord Gillingham, but things don’t go quite as planned. When Rose’s father returns to Downton, he breaks news that will shock the whole family.
Directing: Minkie Spiro · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: Penelope Wilton, Kevin Doyle, Helen Sheals, Fifi Hart
5x05 Episode 5
Simon Bricker returns to Downton to discuss the painting with Cora. Branson makes a difficult decision about Sarah Bunting. Rose encounters a handsome stranger. Determined to stop Isobel making the wrong decision about Lord Merton, Violet enlists the help of Doctor Clarkson. Charles Blake surprises Mary with a cunning plan to help her get exactly what she wants. Mrs Patmore seeks Carson's advice on a financial matter. Inspector Vyner returns with some ominous words of warning for Anna.
Directing: Minkie Spiro · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: Kevin Doyle, David Robb, Julian Ovenden, Daisy Lewis
5x06 Episode 6
Relations between Robert and Cora continue to be strained. Blake's scheming starts to come to fruition when Mary is unexpectedly pitted against her love rival. Edith receives some terrible news and decides to take drastic action. Following a mysterious tip off, Baxter becomes embroiled in the investigation of Green's death. Thomas' condition deteriorates, prompting him to finally reveal the truth to Baxter. Love is in the air for more than one member of the Crawley family.
Directing: Philip John · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: Kevin Doyle, Fifi Hart, Julian Ovenden, Tom Cullen
5x07 Episode 7
Rosamund shows up at Downton following Edith's surprise departure. Rose is pleased to introduce Atticus and his parents to everyone. Anna and Bates think about a fresh start, now that that their problems seem to be behind them. Molesley is worried after Daisy becoming disillusioned with her studies. Mary and Blake seize a chance to send Gillingham a strong message.
Directing: Philip John · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: Kevin Doyle, Fifi Hart, Julian Ovenden, Tom Cullen
5x08 Episode 8 Season Finale
Preparations are under way for Rose's wedding, but family tensions on both sides threaten to derail proceedings. Edith's arrangement with Marigold is happily working out, but how long can she and Cora conceal the truth from Robert? Denker reveals an unexpected side to her personality, which causes trouble for more than one of the servants. With the war memorial due to be unveiled, Mrs Patmore is still upset, but Robert has something up his sleeve. Branson comes to a heart-wrenching decision, and the storm clouds that have been gathering over Anna and Bates finally burst.
Directing: Michael Engler · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: Kevin Doyle, David Robb, Fifi Hart, Tom Cullen
Season 5 Cast
Laura CarmichaelEdith Crawley8 episodes
Joanne FroggattAnna Smith8 episodes
Jim CarterCharles Carson8 episodes
Brendan CoyleJohn Bates8 episodes
Lesley NicolBeryl Patmore8 episodes
Sophie McSheraDaisy Mason8 episodes
Robert James-CollierThomas Barrow8 episodes
Kevin DoyleJoseph Molesley8 episodes
Fifi HartSybbie Branson (uncredited)7 episodes
Tom CullenAnthony Gillingham6 episodes
Howard WardSergeant Willis6 episodes
Julian OvendenCharles Blake5 episodes
Catherine SteadmanMabel Lane Fox5 episodes
Andrew ScarboroughTim Drewe5 episodesAll Seasons
Season 12010 · 7 ep. · ★ 7.5
Season 22011 · 8 ep. · ★ 7.4
Season 32012 · 8 ep. · ★ 7.4
Season 42013 · 8 ep. · ★ 7.5
Season 62015 · 8 ep. · ★ 7.6Where to Watch Season 5 of Downton Abbey
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Downton Abbey Season 5 have?
Season 5 of Downton Abbey has 8 episodes.
When did Downton Abbey Season 5 premiere?
Premiered on September 21, 2014.
Where to watch Downton Abbey Season 5?
Available by subscription on Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Movistar Plus+ Ficción Total, SkyShowtime, and Amazon Prime Video with Ads (offers may vary by country).
What is the best episode of Season 5?
According to the audience rating on TMDB, episode 5x01, «Episode 1», with a 7.2.