Downton Abbey’s brilliance was never in its in-depth dissection of the principles of early 20th Century British Oligarchy, the effects of European colonialism, or even the morality of servitude. It did not shy away from these topics (it often put a *small* mirror to these and other poignant subjects), but its true value came in looking at what really matters at the core of all socio-political commentary: humanity.
Set in 1927, two years after the show’s end, Downton Abbey continues the story of English estate owners, The Crawleys, and the “Downstairs” maids, cooks, footmen, and butlers who serve them as they prepare for a visit from Queen Mary and King George V. With such important guests arriving, everyone must make sure that the house is immaculate, the food impeccable, and the caste-based set of traditional royal rules immutably observed.
So… nothing of genuine importance.
Yet, this is the show’s aforementioned brilliance. Downton Abbey takes serious things that are not of much significance, thus highlighting the ideals that truly are.
As Downton’s residents excitedly prepare for the royal arrival, show and movie screenwriter Julian Fellowes weaves (seemingly) countless conflicts together and wraps them up like how one character describes the royal visit: “… a swan on a lake. Grace on the top, demented kicking below”. The Downstairs crew must stave of a Royal Staff takeover. Former chauffer/Irish Revolutionary/Present Crawley Son-in-Law Tom Branson (Allen Leech) must look into the arrival of a mysterious stranger. Butler Thomas Barrow (Robert James-Collier) must confront his place in the world after being unceremoniously replaced by former butler Mr. Carson (Jim Carter). Not to mention an upcoming wedding, pregnancy, and inheritance battle. Fellowes and Director Michael Engler weave through the nu many bedrooms, hallways, staircases and studies enough storylines to fit an entire soap opera season (which, in essence, is what the show was). But their inherent knowledge of the world allows the intermingling to still give each character (of which they’re many) ample screen time to feel needed. The performances bring through charm and weight to make the audience care for the seemingly mundane.
Led by the delightful Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan), resolute Mr. Carson, and the adorable Mr. and Mrs. Bates (Brendan Coyle and Joanne Froggatt), the Downstairs’ battles accentuate themes of integrity and honor. Tom’s ever shifting dynamic with his in-laws (especially Michelle Dockery’s Mary) shows the importance of love having a space for disagreement. Ideals of love, choice, and balancing tradition with adapting to rapidly changing times are carried with an entertaining mix of tension and levity by cast members who slip right back into their roles without missing a beat. But its performances like the hilarious Kevin Doyle’s Mr. Molesley and the masterclass that is Dame Maggie Smith’s Dowager Countess Violet Crawley that reminds us why we fell in love with these characters for 52 episodes.
Smith is worth the price of admission alone. Her quips are as ravenous and cutting as ever. Her ire, usually kept for her equally sharped-tongued sparring partner Lady Isabel (the underrated Penelope Wilton), turning to her cousin Lady Bagshaw played by newcomer Imelda Staunton (Harry Potter fans everywhere just gasped in delight at the image of Umbridge/McGonagall 2).
While fans of the show will gain more knowing the history of the intertwining lives of Downton’s Upstairs and Downstairs (Barrow’s character arc, Branson’s love and loss, the Bates’ bad luck, etc.), the expert performances and deft handling of multiple storylines will keep audiences wrapped around the happenings of The Crawley’s, The Bates’, The Carson/Hughes’ and the bevy of characters (minor and major) which they encounter. Downton Abbey delivers for fans (especially) and newbies with allure, wit, and surprising tension. Who knew a dinner could make your palms sweat? Downton Abbey gets a 9/10 rating from an extremely satisfied and biased fan of The Abbey (I just made that name up, but hey...).