Entertainment
Julian Fellowes of “Downton Abbey” Defends Rape Scene
Domestic bliss shattered: Anna and her Mr Bates in Sunday’s Downton Abbey Photo: Nick Briggs
The wildly popular international English period drama called “Downton Abbey” took a big risk with the episode it recently aired in the UK this past Sunday. The character “Anna Bates” played by Joanne Froggat endures a rape experience by the nobleman “Mr. Green” played by the actor Nigel Harmon.
The scene has shocked fans of the show who have become endeared to the tender yet indomitable Anna who persevered through the false imprisonment and death sentence of her husband and ultimately bring about his acquittal. Some fans of the show have voiced their displeasure over the rape scene. It should be noted that the scene was not gratuitous. In fact, both Harmon and Froggat have voiced their support of the scene. The series creator, Julian Fellowes, has spoken out in defense of the episode. He said that the show explores sensitive subject matter, but never in an inappropriate or exploitative manner.
In Canada, you can catch “Downton Abbey” on VisionTV on Wednesday evenings at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST.
Regardless, Fellowes did apologize to the fans who were offended. For now, US fans of the show will have to wait until the season aires in January to watch the controversial episode. The character Anna has endured many things valiantly, but it isn’t clear if she will recover from this act of violence.
On The Web:
Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes defends rape storyline but apologises to fans for ‘going there’
http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/downton-abbey-rape-scene-creator-2351395