8.2/101,816 votes#1 - Episode 1
Season 5 Episode 1 - Aired 9/21/2014
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.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.9/101,642 votes#2 - Episode 2
Season 5 Episode 2 - Aired 9/28/2014
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.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.0/101,595 votes#3 - Episode 3
Season 5 Episode 3 - Aired 10/5/2014
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.
Director: Catherine Morshead
Writer: Julian Fellowes
8.0/101,593 votes#4 - Episode 4
Season 5 Episode 4 - Aired 10/12/2014
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.
Director: Minkie Spiro
Writer: Julian Fellowes
8.0/101,569 votes#5 - Episode 5
Season 5 Episode 5 - Aired 10/19/2014
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.
Director: Minkie Spiro
Writer: Julian Fellowes
8.2/101,579 votes#6 - Episode 6
Season 5 Episode 6 - Aired 10/26/2014
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.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.3/101,573 votes#7 - Episode 7
Season 5 Episode 7 - Aired 11/2/2014
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.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.6/101,659 votes#8 - Episode 8
Season 5 Episode 8 - Aired 11/9/2014
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.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
The Best Episodes of Downton Abbey Season 5
Every episode of Downton Abbey Season 5 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Downton Abbey Season 5!
A chronicle of the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the post-Edwardian era—with great events in history having an effect on...
Genre:Drama
Network:ITV1
Season 5 Ratings Summary
"Episode 1" is the best rated episode of "Downton Abbey" season 5. It scored 8.2/10 based on 1816 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 9/21/2014. This episode is rated 0.3 points higher than the second-best, "Episode 2".