Downton Abbey, the best thing from across the pond after the Royal Family, has come to an end after 10 sensational seasons. For those of you who have devotedly watched Downton, I applaud your dedication and please know that I too am in mourning for the loss of this brilliant show. A faithful Downton fan myself, the finale gave me all the feels--I cried, laughed, and then cried some more. Chock full of moments that will paint Downton’s legacy in fans’ minds for eternity, I thought this episode deserved some recognition. This article is literally all spoilers, so stop now if you haven’t watched the final episode yet--but really though what is more important in your life right now than watching this episode?!
Edith’s Marriage
*Sigh of relief* Finally Edith experiences something positive! The reconciliation between Bertie and Edith brought literal tears to my eyes. From that moment on I was crossing my fingers hoping that their impending engagement would face no problems because let's be honest, this is Edith we are talking about. When Bertie’s mother had her objections I got a little nervous, but had faith that Downton’s writers would not--could not--end this with Edith unhappy. I held my breath until Edith and Bertie were safe in the car off to their honeymoon. Thank you Downton writers and producers for giving Edith the moment she deserved and the moment us viewers wanted so so badly.
Edith and Mary’s Reconciliation
The Downton producers gave us yet another moment we had been waiting, wishing, and hoping for--the reconciliation between sisters, Mary and Edith. After Mary’s selfish decision to tell Bertie the truth about Marigold’s origins, it seemed impossible for Edith and Mary to ever reconcile, to ever get over themselves and share normal sisterly affection. However, yet again, the impossible became reality in the final episode when Mary realized she needed to fix what she had broken between Bertie and Edith, devising a plan to get the couple back together. Yet another element of the plot that would have bothered me for the remainder of my life had it not been reconciled.
New Life
What kind of finale would this be if there were no births or deaths? Thank goodness there were only births in this one--unless you count the onset of Mr. Carson’s illness as a death, but I’d rather look at that as a new beginning for him and Mrs. Hughes away from the manor. I don’t think I could’ve handled another death--Sybil and Matthew scarred me for life. Anyways, there was plenty of happiness to go around in the Downton house because not only was there a physical birth, but also a promise of new life in the future. Anna finally had her baby, in Lady Mary’s room no less(an attempt for some comedic relief, but something I found more awkward than laughable), and Mary reveals to Henry that she is expecting. There is little more fulfilling and joyful in this world than the welcoming of new life and the promise of new life in the future. Smiles all around :)
Barrow’s departure and return
Although Barrow’s goodbyes pretty much ripped out my heart strings--George’s inability to correctly say the letter “r” gets me every time--I personally was happy that he was departing on good terms. He seemed ready to start anew, ready to accept who he is as an individual, increase his self-understanding, and work on his love of life. That in itself was enough for me. However, Downton’s writers deemed this unsatisfactory and decided to bring Barrow back for Edith and Bertie’s wedding, and even this wasn't enough. Apparently Downton's writers wanted the end to be overwhelmingly sappy because Barrow will be returning to Downton as butler, in conjunction with Mr. Carson's stepping down. Mr. Carson’s retirement is sad, but Barrow truly deserves the position as butler and it makes me happy to know he will have a second chance at life surrounded by people that love him.
New couples
The amount of couples that paired up in this final episode was astounding and quite overwhelming! Not only did long time favorites like Lord Merton and Mrs. Crawley finally end up together(I adored the scene where Mrs. Crawley sticks it to Amelia), but new couples blossomed as well. Daisy and Andy’s comedic, playful budding relationship was a surprise to us all--and perhaps a little random--but was a nice reminder of young love. The past few episodes we have gotten the sense that there was something between Mr. Mason and Mrs. Patmore, but it wasn’t until now when Daisy conceded that they were actually able to begin something together. We also are left with the tease of Mr. Branson and Edith’s editor, Laura Edmunds, as a potential couple. Tom has always been a favorite of mine and I am happy to know that in his future there will be more than just working and giving advice to Mary.
All in all, the final episode of Downton Abbey was a happy one. Some may label it as a bit cliche and overdone, but I see it as an understanding of a bright future ahead for its characters, a tribute to the lives they had during the show and will continue to have even after the show's end. Thank you Downton Abbey for brightening my Sunday evenings; you will be missed.
