“And they all lived happily ever after.” That’s the main sentiment that viewers will take away from Downton Abbey‘s series finale, at any rate. After six wonderful seasons of nonstop drama and refined storytelling, the Emmy-winning series bade farewell to the Crawley household and gave them a send-off that would earn even the dowager’s approval. (And that’s really saying something!)
From an elegant wedding and a surprise pregnancy to an actual baby birth, this final episode became a must-see affair. Let’s talk about it!
Lady Mary’s Redemption
While it’s true that there’s never been any love lost between Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) and Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael), Mary made a huge attempt at rectifying their relationship when she arranged a surprise meet-up between Edith and Bertie Pelham (Harry Hadden-Paton).
He confessed that he still loves Edith and wants to marry her, even though she had lied to him about Marigold, which eventually resulted in Edith getting the wedding and happily ever after she so very much deserved. And as an added gift to her sister, Mary decided not to reveal that she’s pregnant (!!!!) until after the wedding so as to not spoil Edith’s big day, which might just be the nicest thing her character has ever done.
Baby Bates
Speaking of pregnancies, the time finally came for Anna (Joanne Froggatt) to give birth to a son. And since there was no time to get her to the hospital, it all ended up taking place on Lady Mary’s bed, so those sheets are definitely going to have to be cleaned.
All You Need Is Love
Love was certainly in the air at Downton, even more than usual. Not only did Daisy (Sophie McShera) and Andy (Michael Fox) realize that they’re perfect for each other, but Cousin Isobel (Penelope Wilton) finally gave into her feelings for Lord Merton (Douglas Reith) and agreed to marry him. Even Tom (Allen Leech) got in on the action by appearing to flirt with Edith’s editor, Laura Edmunds (Antonia Berth). Good for him! That guy deserves a second chance at love. (Also, call me?)
Meanwhile, Molesley (Kevin Doyle) — who is now closer than ever with Baxter (Raquel Cassidy) — decided to resign from his services at Downton after accepting a full-time teaching position right in the village, proving once and for all that sometimes it pays to be the underdog.
Carson’s Condition
It’s hard to imagine Carson (Jim Carter) not being Downton’s head butler. However, after his palsy condition worsens, causing his hands to constantly shake, he made the decision to step down, and Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) hired Thomas (Rob James-Collier) back to take his place. A few seasons ago, this would’ve hardly been considered a good thing — considering Mr. Barrow’s troublemaking background. But Thomas has worked hard at becoming a much better person this season, which made his promotion, in an odd way, feel almost deserved. Good luck, Barrow! You have some very big shoes to fill.
Tell Us: Was Downton Abbey’s series finale everything you wanted it to be?
