"Downton Abbey," Down with Dignity

I like the way that the second episode of Downton Abbey examines labor. By contrasting Crawley's desire for meaningful work and self-sufficiency with the leisurely pursuits of the family, we see the problematic differences between those who do not work with those who do.

Fortunately, we are prevented from sympathizing too thoroughly with Crawley when he tells the valet that his occupation is a silly job for a grown man to have.

The episode explains the need for dignity by contrasting the head butler's former and later life. Carson's "Cheerful Charlie" companion serves as a mouthpiece for the possibility of revolution, giving Matheson an opportunity to point out that many of those who are supposed to benefit from revolution would also lose the most—to the extent that they retain bourgeoisie values.

I like how Crawley accepts his valet's help by the end of the episode, agreeing to honor his work. Yes, he could put on his coat himself, but it's nice to have someone whose job it is to do these things. Ultimately, the episode doesn't know how to respond to the revolutionary, but I appreciate the way that it pays tribute to the work that goes into mastering a skill, even if the skill in question is servitude.