Downton Abbey’s Rape Scene: What’s More Shocking?

A well-known saying goes “Truth is often stranger than fiction”. It could as easily be said that “Truth is often more brutal than fiction”.

Before the beginning of the third episode of Season Four of the globally popular period drama, Downton Abbey, viewers were warned that Sunday night’s episode contained some scenes that “viewers may find distressing”. Less than an hour later, outraged viewers took to Twitter and Facebook to vent their anger over the rape of the character of Anna Bates.

I’m outraged. But I’m not outrged that my one of my favourite TV drama’s included a rape storyline. I’m outraged over some of the public’s reaction to it. You see, the anger that viewers have been expressing since the scene was shown has centered on how disgusted they are that sexual assault was included as a storyline in the show – a show that is on after 9pm and has previously featured storylines of traumatic death.

The only criticism I have of ITV is that it should’ve said the scenes feature “sexual violence of a graphic nature” rather than it’s more generic phrasing; as a courtesy to those who know they would feel affected by depiction of such a crime.

But the rest of my criticism is saved for the general “outraged” viewer. Typically, The Daily Mail went full-steam on the “sick and sensationalist” storyline with typical restraint; providing a voice to the 90 or so viewers who made a complaint about the episode’s content.

But what about the others? What about those of us who don’t live a life that is spared the brutalities and truths of life? Those of whose who applaud when primetime programs, such as Downton Abbey, take the opportunity to portray something which is heartbreaking, devestating – and all too common?

Actor Nigel Harman, who’s character was the rapist in last night’s episode, appeared on “This Morning” on Monday to defend the program. Yes, he admits that he found the storyline shocking. But he also said that “for a show like Downton Abbey it really leaps  out as a bold and risky idea.”

The show’s writer, Jullian Fellowes, has previously portrayed many of the difficulties facing women in the emergin 20th century where the show is set; from sexist inheritance laws, the horror of war and the stigma of being or bearing an illegitimate child. Are we to pretend that rape simply didn’t happen then, or now?

Photo: Julian Fellowes

Or are we to only expect show’s like Downton to deal with “soft” issues? A feminist struggle over inheritance or the right to raise a child beyond the confines of aristocriacy is much easier to stomach on a Sunday evening while having a glass of wine.

Discussions about sexual violence and it’s unaceeptableness needs to be discussed publically. If this happens through it’s portrayl on a TV show, does it diminsh the importance of the conversation? No. People will and should always be distressed and affected by stories of rape. But it doesn’t mean that we should shy away from the discussion because it makes us feel uncomfortable.

Rather than vilify Downton Abbey for having the audacity to include a storyline that vivildy shows the horror, trauma and aftermath of rape, perhaps we should take a harder look at ourselves.