5 Other Times "Wholesome" Shows Like Downton Abbey Depicted Storylines Involving Sexual Assault

At least the PBS drama didn't overlay the episode with a laugh track.

Regardless of whether you live upstairs or downstairs, in London or the countryside, in a Gray is the New Black-prison or WWI trenches, you're aware of the most sorrowful and distressing episode of Downton Abbey to date. As heartbreaking and scary it is to watch, it was a dramatic and conceptually realistic event that fits into the storyline—it wasn't like the Flukeman appeared one day as a new footman, as some individuals seemed to interpret it...

Via mirror.co.uk

Via tvline.com

Also, many Downton Abbicts voiced their displeasure that a "family drama" would depict the character of Anna being sexually assaulted. One individual even belittled all Downton Disciples as superficial twits who are merely attracted to the show for its costumes. And, online recaps were followed by a multitude of comments that expressed general displeasure with the route the program had taken...

Via tvline.com

Via vulture.com

However, Downton Abbey is by far not the first "family" show (a faulty descriptor for the PBS drama IMO) to feature sexual assault.

1. All in the Family - Edith's 50th Birthday

Via youtube.com

A man scams his way into the Bunker house and attempts to rape television's most adorable mom. Instead, he ends up with a face full of hot birthday cake.

2. The Facts of Life - Fear Strikes Back

Via youtube.com

After the headmaster's secretary is raped on campus, the school considers, but ultimately decides against, canceling a costume party the girls' are all planning to attend. While walking home alone from the party, Natalie almost becomes his next victim.

3. Little House on the Prairie - Sylvia

Via youtube.com

Fifteen year old Sylvia Webb, while on her way home from school, is sexually assaulted by a clown-masked individual. A now pregnant and socially exiled Sylvia plans to run away with new beau Albert Ingalls, but sustains lethal injuries while trying to escape her attacker a second time.

4. Too Close for Comfort - For Every Man There's Two Women

Via cracked.com

Monroe is abducted from a mall parking lot by two women who take him to another location and rape him. Despite instances of inappropriate audience laughter, justice is ultimately served when the two assailants are apprehended by police.

5. Quantum Leap - Raped

Via movies.netflix.com

Sam leaps into the body of a rape victim to not only press charges against the girl's one-time date and attacker but to also beat the shit out of him when he attempts to sexually assault her again.