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Series 4 began filming eight episodes on February 28th, 2013[1]. Series 4 will include a Christmas Special for 2013. The opening and closing episodes will again be feature length with series four continuing the story of the Crawley family and their servants in the early 1920s[2].
It will pick up six to eight months after the end of the 2012 Christmas Special[3], that is to say, sometime between March and May 1922. Matthew's funeral may open up the series.[4]
Julian Fellowes wants to slow down the pace of the drama, make it more subtle, and concentrate more on character development.[citation needed]
The main plot will focus on Mary adjusting to her new life and attempting to move on without the man she loved[5] and raise her son, George. She shall have at least two new suitors: Lord Anthony Gillingham - who has known her since childhood - and aristocrat Charles Blake.[6]
Tom Branson has also been confirmed to be taking on a larger role within the family, having become, in the words of Gareth Neame, Robert's right-hand-man. Something exciting will happen for him in the middle of the series. Neame also hinted Tom may have a new partner of his own.[7]
Violet and Michael Gregson will be returning. Rose will have an increased role.[citation needed] Martha Levinson will appear in the Christmas special.[8] Sarah O'Brien[9] and Ethel Parks[10] will not return. Cora's New Maid has a past with Thomas Barrow (he brings her in without a reference) who has some sort of power over her.[11] Daisy is still not doing very well in love.[citation needed]
Tom and Mary will spend more time together and grow considerably closer, but not be romantically interested in one another.[citation needed] There will be a nursery subplot involving a nanny and the children.[citation needed] Edith will get more feisty and glamorous, being as actress Laura Carmichael states, done with society's expectations, and it has been hinted her relationship with Michael will flourish.[citation needed] Better days - plus a few ups and downs - are expected for John and Anna Bates.[citation needed] Lady Rosamund Painswick will return, and there will be a tango dance scene in which she will appear[12].
The show will feature its first black character: Jack Ross, a jazz musician and singer.[13] Other new faces include Sir John Bullock,[14] Violet's old "school friend" Lady Shackleton, the Duchess of Yeovil, visiting valet Green, and a singing houseguest.[15]
Series Four will premiere in the UK in the autumn of 2013[16], then in the US on January 5, 2014.[17]
The cast, as of 31st of May 2013, was halfway through filming[18].
Dame Harriet Walter was on set on the 22nd of March to film scenes for one episode and all of her scenes are with Maggie Smith.[19]
Tom Branson will become involved with his daughter's governess, who will be portrayed by actress Daisy Lewis.
Episodes
- Episode 4.01
- Episode 4.02
- Episode 4.03
- Episode 4.04
- Episode 4.05
- Episode 4.06
- Episode 4.07
- Episode 4.08
- Christmas Special 2013
References
- ↑ This article: Dailymail.co.uk, In the bleak midwinter: Downton Abbey begin filming season four with the cast at the graveside of Matthew Crawley By J J Anisiobi; PUBLISHED: 02:46 EST, 1 March 2013 | UPDATED: 06:03 EST, 1 March 2013, with pictures, mentions them filming on a "Thursday"; the article was published on March 1st, which was a Friday. Thus, filming began the previous day, as filming is stated to have "just begun".
- ↑ ITV Commissions a fourth series of Downton Abbey, itv,com, Friday, 23rd November 2012, 4:43PM.
- ↑ Hugh Bonneville: I hope Downton Abbey quits while it’s ahead, metro.co.uk, 22nd Jan 2013, 1:19 pm.
- ↑ Downton Abbey Season 4 Kicks off with Matthew Crawley's Funeral
- ↑ Downton Abbey Christmas 2012, itv.com, Wednesday, 26th December 2012, 7:56PM.
- ↑ Downton Abbey: a guide to the new cast: By Michael Hogan: 2:22PM BST 26 Jun 2013
- ↑ Primetime Unreality TV interview with Gareth Neame. 17th June 2013 by Anna Howell.
- ↑ Shirley MacLaine to return to Downton Abbey in series four, Alice Vincent, Telegraph, 4th March 2013, 11:15AM GMT.
- ↑ Another Key ‘Downton Abbey’ Loss: Siobhan Finneran Leaving O’Brien Role, Nancy Tartaglione, 2nd March, 2013, 00:13 UK.
- ↑ To those of you who've asked, no I'm not in series 4 of Downton Abbey. Looking forward to watching it with the rest of you though!, Amy Nuttall, twitter.com/amynutts, 3rd March, 2013, 4:57 AM.
- ↑ Downton Abbey Season 4 Spoiler: Is Miss O'Brien Going to Die?, Elisabeth Kramer, Wetpaint, 21st June, 2013.
- ↑ Exhausting day in rehearsal for @PassionPlayLond followed by tango rehearsal for @DowntonAbbey, twitter.com/SamanthaBond, 3rd April 2013, 9:57 PM.
- ↑ ‘Downton Abbey’ Adds Gary Carr As Jazz Singer For Season 4, Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 1st May 2013, 10:51 UK.
- ↑ First black character appears in Downton Abbey, Gordon Smart, The Sun, 26th February, 2013.
- ↑ Shirley MacLaine Returning To ‘Downton Abbey’, 6 New Cast Members Join, The Deadline Team, Deadline, 2nd March, 2013, 7:45am PST.
- ↑ ITV commissions a fourth series of Downton Abbey, ITV Press Center, 12th December, 2012.
- ↑ Breaking News: "Downton Abbey" Season 4 Will Begin on "Masterpiece" on PBS on Sunday, January 5, 2014, the Futon Critic, 14th May, 2013, 07:10 AM.
- ↑ The Times Colonist interview with Michelle Dockery: 31st May, 2013: confirms that they are filming episodes 5 and 6 and are halfway through the series.
- ↑ Downton Abbey and Maggie Smith prove daunting for Harriet Walter