AFTER a much waited period for Downton Abbey to return to our television screens, we sat down on a Sunday night to enjoy a bit of escapism.

It’s normally inoffensive, easy-going story lines and characters, and we go to bed ready for the week’s toils ahead.

However, the episode on Sunday 6th October destroyed the usual ambience with a violent rape scene.

How unnecessary. I suspect the current storyline was written by some soap- writing hack, who has no understanding of what pleasure Downton Abbey used to give to its viewers, and what they would like to see.

Can any reader suggest a suitable alternative for Sunday night viewing?

Mark Pittman Windsor Road Newport