Downton Abbey, Season 5

Returning to Downton in 1924 a new labour government heralds changes that are being felt throughout the land, as well as above and below stairs. Plans for a war memorial unexpectedly pit Carson against Robert and Mrs Hughes. While unwanted female attention spells trouble for Jimmy, Thomas gives Baxter an ultimatum. Branson's burgeoning friendship causes Robert concern while Mary is ready to find love again. Cracks appear in Edith and Drewe's special arrangement as she increasingly struggles to keep her emotions in check; this may have disastrous consequences for the whole household.

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; will his meddling ruin her friendship with Molesley? As Rose tries to convince Robert of the virtues of a wireless at Downton, Lord Merton continues his hot pursuit of Isobel and when Mary puts her reputation on the line, Anna is made a reluctant accomplice.

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 don't go as planned. The events surrounding Green's death are once again under scrutiny, while 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, while a figure from Violet's distant past suggests she has buried secrets of her own.

Sarah Bunting continues to cause waves above stairs, but this time she may have gone too far. On returning to Downton, Thomas is suffering an inexplicable illness; Baxter suspects there's more to it than he's letting on. Meanwhile, Violet reveals to Isobel the surprising truth of her past with Prince Kuragin and Mary comes to a decision concerning Lord Gillingham, but things don't go quite as planned. When Rose's father Shrimpie returns to Downton, he breaks news that will shock the whole family.

Simon Bricker returns to Downton to discuss the painting with Cora, but this time has his flirting crossed the line? Branson makes a difficult decision about Sarah Bunting, and Rose encounters a handsome stranger. Determined to stop Isobel making the wrong decision about Lord Merton, Violet enlists the help of Doctor Clarkson, but things don't quite go as planned. Meanwhile in London, Charles Blake surprises Mary with a cunning plan to help her get exactly what she wants. Downstairs, Mrs Patmore seeks Carson's advice on a financial matter and Inspector Vyner returns with some ominous words of warning for Anna.

Following last week's altercation, relations between Robert and Cora are 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 measures, leaving people reeling. Following a mysterious tip off, Baxter becomes embroiled in the investigation of Green's death. Meanwhile, Thomas's condition is deteriorating, prompting him to finally reveal the truth to Baxter. It's not all bad news however; love is in the air for more than one member of the Crawley family.

Rosamund arrives at Downton following Edith's shock departure; will her secret finally be exposed to the family? Meanwhile, Rose is delighted to introduce Atticus and his parents to Downton for the first time. Downstairs, Molesley is concerned to see Daisy becoming disillusioned with her studies, and hatches a plan to bring her around. With the worst of their troubles seemingly over, Anna and Bates start thinking about life outside Downton. Isobel makes a happy announcement, but there may be trouble ahead. Violet has her hands full with her warring servants and Mary and Blake seize an opportunity to send Gillingham a strong message.

Preparations are underway for Rose's big day, 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? In London, 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. Meanwhile, Branson has come to a heart-wrenching decision and the storm clouds that have been gathering over Anna and Bates finally burst.

It's the grouse season and Rose's father-in-law Lord Sinderby has rented Brancaster Castle in Northumberland and invited the Crawleys to a shooting party. While good sport is enjoyed, a butler with an axe to grind and a scandalous secret threaten to undermine the holiday. Surprises are in store as the families become better acquainted with each other and some new faces arrive on the scene. Meanwhile the servants hold the fort back at Downton and unlikely later-life romances abound. As Anna faces an uncertain future behind bars, Bates takes drastic measures in a bid to clear her name. The seasons change and another Christmas is enjoyed at Downton Abbey. As the family and their servants revel in the festivities, there will be romance, a heart-breaking farewell, sad memories of love ones lost and a joyful reunion...