Downton Abbey: Season 4

The fourth season of this megahit British series and top-rated PBS import opens with the household still in mourning following the death of Downton heir Matthew Crawley, who left his grief-stricken widow, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), with an infant son. Displaying dignified restraint, creator-writer Julian Fellowes addresses antiquated laws of inheritance in 20th-century England, as well as chauvinism, rape, and prejudice—the latter as fun-loving cousin Rose (Lily James) secretly dates black American jazz singer Jack Ross (Gary Carr). Lady Mary blossoms in her new role as estate manager—frustrating her father, Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville), but winning gentle support from her mother, Cora (Elizabeth McGovern). Lady Mary is also courted by two new suitors, while Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) evolves into a free-thinking young woman—pursuing a romance with married publisher Michael Gregson (Charles Edwards). Meanwhile, the servants deal with their own dramas and romantic tribulations. The extended season finale has Rose being presented at court in London and features guest stars Shirley MacLaine as Cora's brash American mother, Martha, and Paul Giamatti as her playboy brother, Harold. And a lively subplot leads our aristocrats into a little heist drama. Walking a fine line between appreciation for the rituals and codes of this long-gone way of life and offering a gentle critique of the doomed culture of privilege, Downton Abbey has amassed a huge American following that will be clamoring for this latest set. Compiling all eight episodes aired in the U.S. in 2014, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes. Highly recommended. (S. Axmaker)