As the velvet curtain comes down on Downton Abbey, it feels like a warm bath: BRIAN VINER reviews Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale

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As a lifestyle enthusiast, I must say that after an incredible 15-year journey spanning across six captivating television series and two mesmerizing feature films, it’s with a touch of nostalgia that I announce the grand finale of Downton Abbey. This beloved period drama, created by the brilliant Julian Fellowes, has even earned him a well-deserved peerage – a testament to its enduring impact on our cultural landscape. Now, we bid a fond farewell as the heavy velvet curtains close, marking the end of an era that will forever be cherished in the annals of television history.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I must admit that never saying never applies to Downton Abbey, but hints within its title suggest that this third film might just be the final chapter in this beloved series.

The piece is a tribute to Dame Maggie Smith. In the final scene of the previous movie, her character, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, passed away, and now it’s with great sadness that we report the same for her in real life.

Besides the main cast, other characters such as Mr Carson, the stern butler with a thick brow, and Mrs Patmore, the cook who was once known by her maiden name, are preparing to depart from Downton. Thankfully, they won’t be leaving in a hurry.

If you’re familiar with Downton Abbey, you’d understand that nothing more significant could occur to the grand mansion, except for it being consumed by fire, than Mr. Carson departing.

As a die-hard enthusiast, I can’t help but feel that he recognizes the same passion within himself, leading him to consistently reappear, much like an ex-football manager who refuses to let go of his team. In my opinion, there’s no one else out there who truly understands how to coax the right music from these veteran players like he does.

Pleasingly, it seems that not much has altered in the production. Elizabeth McGovern, who is married to the film’s director Simon Curtis, continues to deliver her lines with a soft, shy manner rather than just speaking them. Additionally, the transformation in Mr Barrow’s character remains constant. If you recall, Mr Barrow (Robert James-Collier) was previously a villainous character in Downton Abbey, often giving off an air of menace with his frequent appearance accompanied by a dark cloak.

For some time, he’s been exceptionally friendly, almost like a changed person. After accepting and embracing his sexuality, he seems to have shed any negativity, transforming into a notably different individual.

Essentially, Downton Abbey films lack a central plot as they condense entire seasons of television episodes into a brief runtime, featuring numerous interwoven narratives, much like seasonings dispersed over a traditional English kedgeree breakfast. While some storylines succeed in captivating the audience, others might fall short.

It wasn’t one of the wise choices to transform bumbling Mr Molesley (Kevin Doyle) into a screenwriter. A more significant event, however, is the finalization of Lady Mary’s (Michelle Dockery) divorce, which takes place on the day of an opulent ball at Lady Petersfield’s (Joely Richardson) London estate.

Upon hearing the news of the decree nisi, Lady Petersfield is taken aback with surprise. She anticipates royalty and views a divorced woman as inadmissible in their circle, an idea that seems inconceivable. At the same time, paparazzi from newspapers have amassed outside. A high-profile divorcee becoming headline news is customary in the upper echelons of society.

In a heartfelt and reverent manner, this production truly embodies the essence of Fellowes. The story unfolds in 1930, and every detail from the set design to the background echoes the period. A divorce could lead to irreparable social damage. The word ‘weekend’ is quite unexpected (‘I’m grateful Mama isn’t here to hear you use that term,’ Lord Grantham remarks to Lady Mary, played by Hugh Bonneville).

The Ivy restaurant has just opened on West Street, and the Grosvenor House hotel can be found on Park Lane. Currently, playwright Noel Coward, also known as Arty Froushan, is very popular in town. Ingeniously, Lady Edith, portrayed by Laura Carmichael, utilizes Coward’s fame to restore her disgraced sister, Lady Mary’s, reputation. Although the sisters have often clashed, the dynamics within Downton Abbey are changing, with tensions beginning to ease.

In this paraphrase, I aimed to maintain the original meaning while making it more accessible and natural for an English-speaking audience. By providing context for Coward’s character name and explaining that the tectonic plates in Downton Abbey have nothing to do with Wedgwood plates, the text becomes easier for readers who might be unfamiliar with those references to understand.

Lord G may find himself compelled to part with his grand London residence, Grantham House, and relocate to a multi-dwelling apartment building, an unusual notion referred to as a “stack of flats.” Essentially, it’s a vertical arrangement of separate dwellings inhabited by different people.

Indeed, our funds are quite limited at the moment, especially considering that Lady G’s brother, who unfortunately resembles Paul Giamatti, has recklessly squandered their family fortune. His so-called financial advisor, Alessandro Nivola, seems to be practically flaunting a sign saying ‘swindler’.

In simpler terms, Lady Mary’s focus isn’t on his forehead; rather, we remember from Downton Abbey that she had a past affair with Mr. Pamuk, and it seems she continues to be romantically active. I apologize for any potential discomfort caused by the use of the term “coarse.

Mrs. Bates isn’t the only one who’s expecting; it’s not Mrs. Patmore’s turn this time. Daisy, who was once naive and inexperienced, is growing more confident by the day. In fact, she has been appointed to the committee for the Yorkshire County Show, which has caused quite a stir among the local aristocracy, particularly Sir Hector Moreland.

In this version, I’ve tried to simplify the language and make it easier to understand while preserving the original meaning.

I share all this information not to ruin anything but to give you a sense of comfort. Although it may seem cliché or even implausible at times, spending two hours watching Downton is essentially the same enjoyable experience as ever, like relaxing in a warm bath. And that’s wonderful! I’ll certainly miss it when it’s gone.

Verdict: ★★★★✩

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale opens across the UK on September 12

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2025-09-04 03:34