It’s time to say goodbye to Downton Abbey, but showrunners promise an optimistic end! Get a sneak peek of the two-hour series finale, airing at 9:00pm ET|PT on PBS Masterpiece.
You guys, we need to talk because I’m still not over the last episode of Downton Abbey. Sure, there were several happy moments to celebrate, but one horrible, heartbreaking moment won’t let me enjoy any of that (I’m looking at you, Mary Crawley!).
All season long, Mary had been throwing veiled (and not so veiled) insults are Edith and her relationship with Bertie Pelham. And it continued in Episode 8, even when the family learned that Bertie would be the new Marquess of Hexam. First, Mary refused to believe the news, and even when it was confirmed, she was so sure there was no way Bertie would still want to marry Edith. Mary was so jealous and it was evident. However, rather than fix her own relationship with Henry Talbot, she forced the reveal of Marigold’s parentage (in the middle of breakfast for goodness sakes!). Sure, Edith should have told Bertie the truth, but I can’t blame her for being scared. And I was so hopeful that Bertie would forgive Edith, but no go *CRIES*
Mary deserved to be chewed out and I thought Branson and Edith were both truthful… Mary was a bitch! Yet she still gets her happy ending… after Lady Violet talked all the sense into Mary, Henry agreed to take her back, and she got her wedding with the man she loved. And what’s more, Edith forgave Mary and came to the wedding.
I tell you the truth, I couldn’t enjoy the wedding! Even after Mary went to Matthew’s grave, even though Mary claimed to be deeply sorry, it wasn’t enough. Sure, Edith would have her publishing company and her daughter (and there would be plenty of joy there), Mary cost Edith her chance at great love. Unlike Edith, I’m not able to forgive that.
Yet, there were some wonderfully hilarious events too:
- Mrs. Patmore wouldn’t think her B&B being labeled a “house of ill-repute” was funny, but that entire situation was hilarious! And we can laugh about it now that Robert and Cora helped redeem the reputation with a nice lunch.
- After a rough start in the local school, Mr. Molesley was really able to inspire his students and share how their education could open doors.
- MR. SPRATT WAS CASSANDRA JONES! Who knew he was so witty?
What were the moments that stood out most to you?
Well tonight is the two-hour Downton Abbey series finale, and I not at all ready for the end. Things for the most part seem to be wrapping up, though I still wonder about Thomas Barrow, Bates/Anna, and Edith too.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, executive producer Gareth Neame assured us that we shouldn’t be worried about Downton’s final episode:
“Although the show has light and shade and it’s got good and bad things going on in it — there have been big shocks and surprises even in the finale season — the overall direction of travel is one of optimism,” Neame explains. “It really felt that because these characters are so beloved, they had to have decent endings.”
…
“We knew that people would hate [Mary] for that moment,” Neame says. “Having brought her to this real low point, she can then swing back. We had the huge fight between them, which has been brewing for a year, but then you have the lovely little personal moment between them when it’s Mary’s wedding. Of course, for this finale episode, you have Mary actually try to go out and make her sister’s life work and make her happy.”
OK, I’m HERE for this optimism! If Mary somehow helps Edith and Bertie get back together, I would 100% forgive her.
Check out the summary of tonight’s show (written by Julian Fellowes, directed by Michael Engler):
After six passionate and poignant seasons, the curtain comes down on “Downton Abbey.” How will fate resolve the stories of Edith, Mary, Thomas, Anna, Robert, Cora, Daisy, Carson, Violet, Isobel and all the other occupants of this unforgettable house? (via PBS)
Two-hour Christmas special and the series finale. Mary endeavors to build bridges with her sister while Edith’s secret continues to pose a threat. As Henry settles into the role of husband and stepfather, finding his place at Downton proves more difficult. (via IMDB)
Speaking of optimism, watch this clip from the Downton finale where Mr. Molesley gets an exciting opportunity:
This makes me so happy… I wonder if this means Mr. Molesley and Miss Baxter can take their relationship to the next level too.
Take a look at 19 images from tonight’s episode for more insight, including the return of Lady Rose MacClare-Aldridge!
I’ll be live-tweeting (@WeSoNerdy) all two hours of the series finale, starting at 9:00pm ET|PT. Tune into PBS Masterpiece and join in!
