Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is the ending fans didn’t really need

by

In the year 2022, “Downton Abbey: A New Era” seemed to be a fitting conclusion to the saga of the Crawley family, which initially unfolded on ITV back in 2010.

As a devoted fan, I found myself deeply moved by the heartrending finale of the series, where each character seemed to have established a peaceful life. The poignant conclusion was underscored by the passing of the indomitable Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham. The last scene lingered on a striking new portrait of her, dominating prominently in the grand foyer of the stately home.

It appears that a new chapter in the lives of the Crawley family and their staff, depicted in “Downton Abbey: A New Era,” isn’t actually the conclusion as we might have expected. Instead, this film continues the story two years after the events we saw earlier, set in 1930.

What to Read Next

Despite a sequel not appearing immediately essential, fans can expect a delightful surprise with some modifications to the lives of their beloved characters, setting the stage for an intriguing continuation in the storyline as the film commences.

In the lower part of the house, long-serving butler Mr. Carson, portrayed by Jim Carter, is preparing for retirement and passing his duties to Andy Parker, played by Michael Fox. Meanwhile, Daisy, played by Sophie McShera, who is married to Andy, will be assuming the position of head cook from Mrs. Patmore, played by Lesley Nicol.

Anna and Mr. Bates are set to welcome another child into their family, though one might question if they will remember their first child given its scarcity in their daily lives. Meanwhile, Mrs. Phyllis Baxter, the lady’s maid, is frequently challenged by her husband, Mr. Molesley, who has grown increasingly difficult to tolerate as he fancies himself a screenwriter following his involvement with film production at Downton during the last movie.

The film “Downton Abbey: A Farewell to Kings” begins with the lead character, Guy Dexter, portrayed by Dominic West, performing in a Noel Coward play in London. Some members of the Crawley family are present in the audience. After the performance, they are invited backstage where they encounter Guy and Thomas Barrow, previously Downton’s butler, now serving as Guy’s housekeeper, dresser, and secret lover, who has also been cast in the play.

Everything seems quite pleasant initially, but trouble arises when it becomes known that Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) is divorcing her second husband, Henry. This revelation could potentially bring shame upon the entire Crawley family due to the ensuing scandal.

In addition to Lady Grantham’s already challenging circumstances, her financially struggling brother Harold, portrayed by Paul Giamatti, has arrived in England accompanied by the suave entrepreneur Gus, played by Alessandro Nivola.

In the following sequence, nothing may seem novel, but Julian Fellowes masterfully expands a predictable and transparent narrative by incorporating the familiar upstairs/downstairs dynamics cherished by Downton admirers. This includes a grand social occasion, a day at the races, a local fair, and a fitting retribution for one of the movie’s more pompous figures.

Laura Carmichael’s Lady Edith delivers a clever remark, fitting for the Dowager Countess, regarding Mary’s current relationship. On another note, Mrs Hughes (Phyllis Logan) and Mrs Patmore have an interaction that is both amusing and cringeworthy as Mrs Hughes casually mentions that her relationship with Mr Carson is enjoyable, information that might be too personal for anyone else to hear.

However, with such a large cast, some characters are unfortunately wasted this time around.

Joely Richardson briefly makes an appearance as the well-respected Lady Petersfield, while fan-loved character Tom Branson (played by Allen Leech) shows up to drive the plot forward and accelerate the resolution, with Noel Coward, portrayed by Arty Froushan, serving as a tool for a swift, joyful conclusion.

The storyline seems to conclude neatly for all characters, offering a poignant and heartwarming farewell that may have taken two uneventful hours to reach but feels sincere if this truly marks the end of Downton Abbey’s journey.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is released in cinemas on 12 September.

The latest print edition of Digital Spy’s magazine, featuring Oasis – Live in ’25’, is available now! You can purchase it from newsstands or online for only £8.99.

Read More

2025-09-03 23:20