Downton Abbey

Cosy escapism, commercial brand, soap opera, national treasure: call it what you will, but Downton Abbey (ITV , Sunday, 9pm) has almost since the first broadcast four years ago operated at a level far beyond the reach of mortal criticism. There’s no point in lamenting the anachronisms, wooden dialogue or the ongoing lack of evidence that Michelle Dockery has any rightful claim to a place in the acting profession, even if as Lady Mary she does have a startling ability to suck the energy out of every scene she appears in. Instead we viewers trade in our discernment for an hour or two in exchange for the rolling country, Maggie Smith’s quips as the Dowager Countess, and a seductive illusion of a world in which everyone knows their rightful place.

As series five begins all is under threat: revolution isn’t quite at the door but Ramsay MacDonald has led the Labour party into power much to the harrumphing concern of the Earl of Grantham. Actually the shake-up appears to have done the series the world of good – the plodding plot holes of the past seem no more, and the story zips along with pace, surprises and the air of a crisply crafted page-turner. Adding to the fun is the addition of some well-drawn characters, best of all Lady Anstruther, played by the always game Anna Chancellor as a woman with appetites whose roving eye threatens to play merry havoc with the order that keeps upstairs and downstairs apart.

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NOT TO BE MISSED

Animals Through The Night: Sleepover At The Zoo, BBC 4, Sat, 11.30pm
Find out what goes on behind closed gates as scores of night-vision cameras pick up the world of Bristol Zoo after hours.

Derren Brown: Infamous, C4, Mon, 9pm
Prepare to be astounded and delighted as Brown performs illusions steeped in wit and wonderment.

Ramsay’s Kitc hen Nightmares, C4, Tues, 9pm
Expat Brits poured their fortunes into eateries on the Costa del Sol and now find themselves in dire straits. But in shouty Ramsay, help is at hand.