Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (#724)


In New York for a visit, I saw a movie with a companion, and it was a real pleasure. At the risk of being trite, it was like visiting an old friend to renew acquaintances and finding them as nice to be with as ever. DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE was every bit as good as I expected it to be. The Crawleys and their staff were as impeccable, funny and genuine as they ever were, despite the dire circumstances.  Lady Mary had a divorce and all had to face the realities of disgrace in their perspective societies, And then she had to add to the misery by having a one night affair with an American scoundrel and con man who also played a role in their declining financial circumstances, as Mary assumes the leadership role in family matters. Everyone was there, from the imperious head of household staff Mr. Carson and his wife to newly promoted to head cook, Daisy, and the insecure Mr. Moseley, star struck by the appearance at dinner of Noel Coward. All was grand in this grand finale, and I for one will miss them. Grand too was the rating for this 2 hour and 3 minute triumph by critics and audiences alike. 91% thumbs up by critics and 96% by audiences.  

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