Thank you, DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE, for a beautifully crafted, well-presented ending to such a beloved television and movie franchise. It was a total joy to watch. It made me laugh, smile, remember, and brought me to tears at the final frames. My heart was full.
Julian Fellowes, the writer and creator, outdid himself. My favorite ironic line was how the “writers are the real stars of a film. They make audiences fall in love with the characters through the words given to them.” Indeed. We did.
There were many spectacular and amazingly orchestrated moments to treasure within the story arcs. This is the secret ingredient to Downton’s worldwide, phenomenal success. The writing thoughtfully blends the little, everyday moments in life with huge, magnificent events. Outings, formal dinners, concerts, and plays. It was a proper goose-bump instant when the decadent, chauffeur-driven limousines made their entrance along the long driveway to DOWNTOWN ABBEY’s front doors. Cue the music that most know and cherish. Those opening notes are etched in every fan’s soul.
Audiences are following a wealthy community of British high society, yet it all feels completely normal. Living within a castle, complete with a staff of personnel, maids, cooks, valets, butlers, and footmen, is done with grace and ease. Viewers are whisked into both the upstairs and downstairs everyday lives. It is majestic. It is stunning. It is believable.
The ensemble fits together so smoothly. We witness not only superb acting, but also true, reality-based friendships. These tight-knit bonds make perfect sense, given that this creative cast has been together for over fifteen years. Their tribute to Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess felt genuinely heartfelt, as if they were saying goodbye to an old friend in real life. It all boils down to how well fans know this cast of characters, as well as how these actors know and understand every nuance of their characters. It is joyous.
The theme of DA was evident in every scene. The writing promoted the idea of choosing to “move forward” as we venture through our life journeys. It was the idea of all the fun and surprises that are in store for us just around the next turn. It was exciting to see their growth, their loyalty, and their moral code. These are fully developed characters that could teach our current society a thing or two. I was, however, appalled learning the rules of a divorcee. In that particular area, we have made significant progress.
DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE created “layers of cake shared among strangers.” It demonstrated a genius, subtle, story bookend at the last second. “Our lives live in chapters.” Even though we may think we all are living PRIVATE LIVES, we are infinitely bound together. My final words… “Long live DOWNTON ABBEY.”
It is playing in theaters everywhere. Don’t miss it.
