DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE – Review by T. J. Callahan
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale: AKA, The Retirement Chapter
Is it really the end of the global phenomenon known as Downton Abbey? Are silk sheets split? Will the Lord and Lady of the manor be forced to live in a layer cake of strangers? It remains to be seen, but The Crawleys and their staff will never be the same.
A dark shadow is currently hanging over the family as they enter the 1930’s. There’s looming financial trouble as well as the threat of social disgrace when Lady Mary becomes the center of a public scandal. The inhabitants of the country estate must learn to live in the rapidly changing 20th century as the next generation moves up to lead Downton Abbey into the future.
The Duke of all things Downton Abbey, its creator Julian Fellowes, gives his historical drama and sophisticated soap opera a very proper and sentimental British sendoff. Most of his subjects are in attendance. Some petticoats are ruffled. American guests are a bit gauche. There’s laughter and sorrow as difficult changes in etiquette and succession are made. Those lost are remembered. Basically Yorkshire County becomes woke.
Fans of the television series and two previous films will still experience the beautiful scenery and feel the warm familiar embrace of the posh lot. As the Dowager Countess looks down on the antics from her portrait in the foyer and Lord Grantham places a kiss on the home’s stone facade, the audience may just shed a tear or three as our old friend’s destinies are wrapped up nicely in a two hour love letter.
Nothing extraordinary. Nothing dull. Just a fond faire thee well. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale gets two pinkies up, rising to a 7 on the TeejFlixometer.
