Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale Is Wonderful, But One Thing Frustrated Me About Lord Grantham

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Ever since the debut of Downton Abbey, it’s been one of my favorite shows, and the upcoming movie, Downton Abbey: The Final Chapter, is set to conclude the series in a satisfying manner according to my film review. However, there’s something that bothered me in regards to the Earl of Grantham (played by Hugh Bonneville). All of a sudden, he seems detached from everything around him, which feels unlike his usual self.

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In “The Grand Finale,” there are several instances where Robert appears disconnected from reality, failing to grasp concepts such as apartment living and cooking one’s own meals, even for wealthy individuals like himself. These situations could have been ideally handled by his late mother, Violet Crawley (portrayed in the series by the late Dame Maggie Smith), but unfortunately, it was not Robert who stepped up.

In the show, the Late Dowager Countess was renowned for her stubborn refusal to embrace the modern world of the early 20th century, while Robert was typically practical and grounded. However, in the final episode, it’s Robert who appears surprisingly out of touch with the times, providing a humorous contrast.

In another setting, he along with Lady Mary (played by Michelle Dockery) inspect a London apartment, which Mary plans to make their central base within the city. However, it appears Robert finds himself taken aback upon discovering that residents dwell within the same apartment building.

In another setting, Lady Edith (portrayed by Laura Carmichael), whose persona seems to embrace modern times, cracks a humorous remark during dinner, suggesting that they might all need to prepare their own meals soon. Once more, Robert exhibits a response similar to Violet’s, showing bewilderment and surprise. However, this reaction appears inconsistent with the character’s usual demeanor.

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Both instances portray Robert as unintelligent, which seems out of character since he’s been adaptable, embracing modern technology while maintaining his Victorian upbringing. It’s hard to accept that someone who recognized the potential in innovations like electricity and telephones is now unable to comprehend the present world. I find this unlikely.

Just like we all feel Maggie Smith’s absence when she’s not around, the characters in the story miss the Dowager Countess. However, Robert doesn’t seem to embody her thoughts and perspectives as some might think in the final story of Downton Abbey. He simply isn’t the right character for that role, and none of the other characters in the movie harbor any illusions about where the world or the family is heading. Although Robert may not agree with it, he doesn’t close his eyes to the reality either.

I’m still wholeheartedly recommending the film, and surprisingly, I’ve been revisiting past seasons of the series using my Peacock account. Admittedly, I miss Maggie Smith’s wit dearly, but just like the family in Downton Abbey, life continues to move forward.

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2025-09-13 16:52