Downton Abbey: The End of an Era 

Or “The Beginning of the End?” I have a lot of feelings about the end of this series, as I’m sure we all do. For the most part, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the Crawley and their extended family which, of course, includes the servants. There have definitely been developments that I haven’t loved, but that can probably be said for every TV show I’ve ever watched. But through it all I kept coming back to this family because I care about them and hope to see them happy. And I recently marathoned season 5, so I’ve been (impatiently) waiting for the premiere of the sixth and final season.

So, I’ve been trying to decide how I want to write about this first episode. I think I need to start off by saying it wasn’t what I expected, which isn’t a bad thing. We got some great stuff, including that entire Mrs. Patmore/Mr. Carson/Mrs. Hughes business. It was uncomfortable in the best way and ended so sweetly. I already love Carson, mostly because of his fierce and unwavering devotion to Lady Mary. But now my favorite part of him has to be his love and admiration for Mrs. Hughes. I was already extremely invested in this relationship. Now, I’m next level into seeing them get married and start the next chapter of their lives together.

I’m also rooting for Anna and Bates. I mean, Jesus. Can they catch a break? Yes, Anna is finally cleared for Green’s murder, but now she’s having baby trouble. We know how much she and Bates want to start a family and now we know she’s miscarried a few times. Anna seems to think Bates won’t be happy without the pitter patter of little feet. And maybe he won’t be as happy without children, but if the past 5 seasons of this show have taught us anything it’s that these two belong together. They’ve gone through so much and, quite frankly, it’s time for them to be happy. If anything else is thrown at them, I’m going to have to have serious words with Mr. Fellowes. What I’m hoping to see is them settled and happy. If that includes children, great. If not, great. I literally just want them to be happy. LITERALLY.

I’m happy Edith is starting to fight for what she really wants — a life. I hope she decides to move to London and start something with Pelham, the estate agent (at least I think that’s his occupation; I honestly can’t remember). We got a decent introduction to him at the end of last season and I’m pretty sure we’ll be seeing him again. Edith really, really deserves some happiness in her love life. But more than that, I want Edith and Mary to have more of a grown-up relationship. I know there are siblings who never get along, but I think both of their lives would be so much richer if they didn’t seem to hate each other so much. I feel like their ongoing feud is childish and unnecessary. I mean, I do kind of like it when Mary gets snippy, but I’d love to see some real, genuine love for her sister underneath it all.

I like that Mary refused to give in to her blackmailer. I wasn’t sure how things were gonna go when the former chambermaid ended up in the library with the Earl of Grantham, but I’m so happy with how Robert handled that situation. Times are changing and I think it’s hard for him or any parent to watch their children grow up and not alway make the right decisions. Don’t get me wrong, I think Mary did what was right for her and I’ll defend any woman’s right to make her own decisions about her life until I die. I also like that Mary’s taking on even more responsibility at Downton. She’ll make sure the estate is profitable enough to maintain their lifestyle or she’ll do what she needs to make sure the family is ok. Either way, I trust her. And since I think we’re going to see more of Henry Talbot shortly, I’m hoping that she’s finally met her match…again. I don’t think anyone can ever take Matthew’s place and I wouldn’t want them to. But I do want to see Mary happy. I don’t think she necessarily needs a man to accomplish that, but if there’s someone out there for her, it might be him.

Isobel and Violet. I kind of like that they’re fighting. Ok, I love it. Is that bad? Of course I want them to remain friends because I enjoy all of their interactions, but I do like it when they disagree and I’m enjoying that none of the family is safe from this battle.

I wonder if there can truly be a happy ending for Barrow. I love that he and Baxter are so close now and he seems to be getting on with the rest of the staff well enough. It would be a lie to say I don’t enjoy him making mischief, because I really do. So I think if his remaining time at Downton is to be short (as in, he’s on his way out as part of the staff), I’d like to see him go out in the blaze of glory. And it’s probably too much to ask, but it would be great if he could have a little happiness in his personal life. I know it’s not realistic to wish for him to have a fulfilling relationship out in the open considering everything, but it would be so nice to see Barrow fall in love with someone who can love him back.

I was quite shocked by Daisy’s outburst, but agreed with every single thing that came out of her mouth. Of course there’s always a right time and place to express your opinions and perhaps in front of all those people and in the way she was talking wasn’t right. But I support Daisy’s right to say it and it stick up for her father-in-law. Whatever the future holds for Daisy, I hope she gets to do what she wants. She’s got some great skills and if she wants to get out of the Downton kitchen, I hope she will.

Although I would love happy endings for everyone, I’m also hoping that things aren’t tied up in a neat little bow because that isn’t real life. I like that this family is trying to keep up with the times, or at least make sure the times don’t kill all their traditions and most of their way of life. The Crawleys have had their share of ups and downs and I’m hoping things will mostly end well for them. But if they don’t, that’s ok too.

Downton Abbey airs Sundays at 9/8c on PBS.