Return to Downton Abbey and in its own polite, low-key PBS way it starts the adrenalin flowing for season four, which starts here Jan. 5. “Return” is divided into several parts, which happily are not surrounded by pledge drive pitches. One segment talks about the women of “Downton Abbey,” both upstairs and downstairs, and remarks on how they had strength

CLICK HERE TO WATCH----->> http://www.tvheer.com/return-to-downton-abbey-premiere-episode

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and resourcefulness that men of that era didn’t always expect to see in their womenfolk.

This special, interestingly, does not dwell on the issue of women’s status as much as “Downton” itself does. Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates in “Downton Abbey” Nick Briggs/Carnival Films Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates in “Downton Abbey”

Several actresses on “Downton,” including Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary), have talked about how the “Downton” characters

confound the prevailing expectation that women of the upper class were expected to change clothes four or five times a day

and rest in between.

“Return” spends more of its time highlighting select storylines, which probably foreshadow some areas of emphasis in the

upcoming season.

That includes the overarching question of whether a legacy estate like Downton could continue to exist in the 20th century.

At the same time, “Return” also savors one-liners from Maggie Smith’s Dowager Countess.

It’s an afternoon tea conversation about “Downton,” not an academic discussion.

"Downton Abbey" season 4 can finally be watched by US viewers who will get a preview "Return to Downton Abbey" recap hosted

by Susan Sarandon on Sunday, December 1 on PBS at 9pm before the first episode of "Downton Abbey" season 4 airs on January

5, 2014. PBS has posted it's first early trailer online giving US viewers a look at what they can expect for the upcoming

season of "Downton Abbey". UK viewers have already watched the entire season on ITV and are now awaiting "Downton Abbey"

season 5. US viewers watching on PBS will be given the opportunity to catch up in the interim.

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In the "Downton Abbey" season 4 preview and recap, "Return to Downton Abbey" hosted by Susan Sarandon it does not look like

we will be getting to watch full episodes. According to a PBS press released the "Downton Abbey" recap will consist of

behind the scene footage, interviews with the creator and cast members and video clips of favorite moments. "Downton Abbey"

season 4 will pick up following the shocking death of Matthew, according to PBS Chief Programming Executive and General

Manager of General Audience Programming Beth Hoppe, "We invite viewers to dive back into the Roaring Twenties as excitement

for the new season continues to grow. This special shines a light on the most compelling aspects of 'Downton Abbey' and

previews the intriguing things to come."

"Return to Downton Abbey" will be structured around several major themes, "The Changing World of Downton Abbey," "The Women

of Downton Abbey," and "Love and Other Relationships at Downton Abbey." Cast members to be interviewed include Michelle

Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, Joanne Froggatt, Elizabeth McGovern, Jim Carter, Shirley MacLaine, Sophie McShera and Laura

Carmichael.

In "Downton Abbey" season 4 and the "Return to "Downton Abbey" preview and recap the major questions that will be answered

are as follows:

How will Lady Mary cope now that Matthew is gone? Will she find love again?
How will cousin Rose affect the social order at the majestic English country estate?

ARLINGTON, VA; October 10, 2013 -- A welcome treat for millions of viewers eagerly awaiting the debut of the new season of

“Downton Abbey” on MASTERPIECE on PBS on January 5, 2014, RETURN TO From left, Elizabeth McGovern as Lady Cora, Hugh Bonneville as Lord Grantham, Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess and

Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary in “Downton Abbey”

Title: 'Return to Downton Abbey'
Network / Air Date: PBS, SUnday at 9 p.m.

You won't learn much new about “Downton Abbey” from this hour-long warmup show.

It will make you remember why you like “Downton” so much,