Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale

Front Row at the Movies by Shirrel Rhoades

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“Downton Abbey” was a popular British television series that ran for 56 episodes here on PBS. This historical drama chronicled the fictional Crawley family and their domestic servants in the post-Edwardian era. It tracks the effects of world events on the British aristocracy – from the sinking of the Titanic to World War I to the Teapot Dome scandal.

In 2019, after the TV series ended, a “Downton Abbey” movie was released. It continued the storyline, with many of the original cast – Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, and Maggie Smith – returning for the movie. This time, a royal visit by King George V is marred by an assassin who attempts to kill the monarch.

A sequel – “Downton Abbey: A New Era” – was released in 2022. It follows the Crawley family’s journey to the south of France to explore the mystery of the Dowager Countess’s newly inherited villa.

And now, another sequel – “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” – is hitting the silver screen. As the title implies, this will be the last movie in the franchise. Again, it is directed by Simon Curtis, based on a script by “Downton Abbey” creator Julian Fellowes. Many of the original TV cast members, who also appeared in the previous two films, will return, while Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale, and Arty Froushan join the fray.

This time around, the Crawley family faces the threat of social disgrace due to the eldest daughter’s divorce coupled with a financial downturn.

As the Daily Telegraph describes this final in the trilogy: “It’s not a peak for the doughy franchise so much as a reverential goodbye.”

The Sun adds: “While it all feels a little dusty and over-sweetened, the sleek glamour of the fine outfits, rich scenery, top cast, and that beloved theme tune sees it through.”

Critic Robert Kojder points out that “‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’ makes for a solid finale, even with limited knowledge of the series.”

Nonetheless, it makes me want to go back and rewatch the TV series from Episode 1 to 56, plus the Christmas specials. I’m not big on stories about aristocrats and their servants, but this is a snapshot of history that is sure to hook all Anglophiles.

Email Shirrel: srhoades@aol.com