The doors to Downton are open for one final gathering, and this farewell is truly fitting for our beloved Crawleys.

 

Back after another London season, Robert (Hugh Bonneville), Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) and Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) come back to Downton with their downstairs staff, and the weight of a financial crisis and the risk of complete social exclusion. But as we know after a dozen years on our TV screens, the Crawleys are unflappable.

 

With servings of a glittering social calendar dampened by (gasp)...divorce and the panic that comes with the passing of time, the 1930s are looking daunting. Robert is struggling with leaving the helm of Downton to his daughter when Cora's brother Harold (Paul Giamatti) arrives with news that the inheritance has been lost in the share market crash. But his new mysterious companion Gus Sambrook (Alessandro Nivola) is by his side to advise - so all is seemingly in hand.

 

Meanwhile downstairs, Carson (Jim Carter) and Mrs Patmore (Lesley Nicol) are preparing for retirement, making way for a big reshuffle among the beloved staff. 

 

With money woes and divorce clouding the Crawley name, Downton itself is at risk, and it seems everyone needs to practice the art of letting go. But if we know anything, it's that the Crawleys keep calm and carry on. 

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Downton Abbey: The Grande Finale is filled with heart warming nostalgia and surprising humour. It's undeniably comforting and creates a satisfying ending for a family of characters we've watched for years. It's a timely, if not slightly sad goodbye to a story, family and staff we've grown to adore.

 

Don't go without saying goodbye - the Crawleys love a glorious exit, and you're sure to love it too.