Rosamund: What do you think makes the English the way we are?
Violet: Opinions differ. Some say our history, but I blame the weather.
A two hour Downty means you will need a cup of tea to go with this recap of the very last episode . . . and wasn’t it wonderful!? Run, go get your tea, I’ll wait!
I had a scientific revelation during Downty last night. I realized just how important good news is to the human psyche. ♥ Each time something wonderful happened I had a physical reaction, I could almost feel my endorphins popping, my heart warming. We need to include more of this in our daily diet. I think we would live longer with big helpings of good news in our lives.
Two hours of it. Thank you Julian. I could barely see through the camera because of the laughing or the tears.
Did you love the chemistry between these two? What a difference now that they are an old, committed, married couple. Oh dear, I already have a lump in my throat and this is only the first photo! But they were so sweet!
Him wanting to find something better to do than race car driving, and her, SO supportive and sweet.
And jokey and mooshey and cute!
The other thing, there must have been a hundred kisses in last night’s episode, did you notice? Everyone was kissing everyone!
I loved her outfit here, in the beginning when he was so worried about his future.
And this gorgeous cocktail party on the lawn, must be cocktails before dinner because look what they are wearing. I don’t think they would do black tie for a barbecue. For that matter, they probably wouldn’t do a barbecue.
Where will we go for this kind of elegance in the future without Downton? Could someone please tell me? 
I loved how Henry had become one of the family. Mary let him just drive off with her previously reviled sister, alone across the English Countryside, under the wild sky, past the sun-splashed lamb-filled meadow to take her for her rendezvous with her lovely Aunt Rosamund for din-din at the Ritz.
In London. And despite the perched hat, how kind he was to her. Like a brother. For a moment I thought perhaps Julian would make something shocking happen between these two. But then I thought, maybe if it was Season Two, but never here, never.
She shares with her new brother that pretty much for sure Marigold’s father, Michael Gregson, is NOT coming back. Which surprised me, because I had pretty much figured out he WAS. But no, Spinster Edith will be putting Marigold in school in London and live out her life alone forever. While Henry was fretting all the time, what would he do in the future. Note: Edith’s dress sort of goes interestingly with the drapes, circularly speaking.
But there was never anything to worry about, because the three best friends, young and alive in 1925, could do anything.
Making a life for themselves in a time that really, for people like them, there were no lives except taking care of huge houses. So they are the mother of invention. I would definitely drive to York to buy a car from them. Just for the conversation alone!
Henry was worried Mary might not like it, it might be beneath her.
But ARE YOU KIDDING? Heck no, she LOVES it, loves him, loves everything! And P.S. for a little frosting on the cake, she whispers to him that she is going to have a baby!!!
Could she have been any better last night? She was personally responsible for several of my endorphin pops . . . she’s visiting her “spiky” Granny when she gets an idea! Very mysterious.
And then later, when Edith shows up at the Ritz with her Aunt Rosamund . . .
wearing a lovely outfit with sexy arm bracelet, delicate beads, interesting filmy dress piece around her neck, which is a good thing because . . .
She discovers there’s been a set-up and that instead of her Aunt, she will be dining with Bertie, richest man in the world who recently dumped her and who has the mother we fear.
He declares his undying love for her and says he canNOT live without her and wants her to marry him immediately, with Marigold and all, damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead. With only a slight hesitation in the name of self-respect, she goes for it, and moments later . . .
Robert is telling Cora that they are going to Brancaster Castle to meet Bertie’s scary mother and have a party to announce the engagement. And everyone is thrilled!
And off we go . . . because wherever they go, we go!
And that dinner at the Ritz was all Lady Mary’s idea. Total redemption. And there’s that new puppy.
And there’s Edith’s new home. (Brancastor aka Alnwick Castle)
Despite the fact that the scary mother has already said that she wants her son to rebuild Brancaster as a Moral Center (frightening thing) to which Robert rolls his eyes and says the immortal word we all love to hear, “Golly.” Edith makes short work of that by telling the mother the truth about Marigold. Which the mother is not happy about and calls Edith Used Goods. Gasp.
But Bertie is having none of it, and will walk over his mother’s body to get to Edith. So far so good. We are proud of Bertie’s backbone.
But we don’t know what might happen at the announcement dinner, to which the entire world had evidently been invited, because the mother seems bound to ruin things. (Who are these people? I always wonder if Julian’s niece is there, all the sisters and brothers of the actors, because it does look like a nice party and it would be good to get some double duty out of it).
And for instance, who are those two women? I don’t recognize them. I think maybe Julian’s entire family, and the family of his friends wanted to make history by being on the last episode of Downton Abbey.
Anyway, Robert comes to the rescue of Bertie and Edith with a whispered last minute threat to his mother, “If you want to keep your son, you better do what he wants.”
And so she bites the bullet and announces the marriage of her son to Lady Edith who then becomes the future Marchioness of Hexham.
It’s a done deal!!!!! Perfection. Based on honesty, which the scary mother truly comes to respect Edith for. Well-done Edith!!!
And mummy is thrilled just like the rest of us. Love the crown.
And more kissing occurs. And Marigold will grow up in Brancaster not in London. Hopefully Edith gets to keep her magazine, but it didn’t come up.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Carson is spilling wine and feeling bad because he’s developed shaky hands and everyone is worried.
See? Worried.
And if they’re worried
We’re worried
Meanwhile the evil butler Barrow, turned child-adoring wonderful man is leaving Downton for a new position. Having been more or less shoved out the door for this entire season by Carson.
Miss Baxter kisses him goodbye and he tells her, “You believed in me before I believed in myself.” That’s the truth! And off he goes to his new job . . .
As one of only three servants in this dead-quiet house of mirthlessness that really ought to be instantly turned into an antique store so I can go shop there immediately.
First thing I would buy is A. all the small lamps, B. the horse boxes, and C. the candle snuffer. Poor Barrow. His life has just narrowed down to nothing. Talk about lonely.
And while he’s trying to adapt. . .
Isobel is telling Violet (in a room filled with delicate softly-worn furniture) that Lord Merton (Dickie) has a dread disease and that she is now crying all the time and wishes she had married him, but his hideous daughter-in-law Amelia, slams the door in her face, and she and his rotten son Larry seemed to have kidnapped him and won’t let her see him.
Violet is having none of that. Lightening flashes in her eyes. Because, “It’s good to be in love whatever age.”
And advises her shocked best girlfriend, let’s do what my father always said, “If reason fails, try force!”
So off they go, right making might, to break down the door to rescue Dickie, which they literally almost have to do because that woman is so nasty . . .
And Isobel tells him, get your things, you are moving in with me. And Dickie gives these creatures the house and sets himself free . . . even though he is still dying from pernicious anemia, at least, we think, his last moments will be happy.
So Lord Merton and Isobel get married because they are in love and need each other. But still more joy to come, because they are told by the doctor he doesn’t have pernicious anemia after all, only plain sensible handleable anemia! The regular kind!!! Hooray! And he was smart enough to marry a nurse!
And then there is Anna, big with child that she is clearly carrying a little low, and feeling a bit achy.
And who is there to once more save the day?
Mary of course. “Don’t be ridiculous,” she says, “I’ll give you one of my nightgowns, get into my bed.” Carson’s reply when he hears Anna is having her baby in Lady Mary’s bedroom? “Surely not.” He was already upset by having a pregnant ladies maid in the first place, but this, in his estimation, took the cake. Poor Carson. Nothing is going right.
But darling Henry is all aflutter when he runs to tell Bates!
And Anna and Bates have a son! Not twins, like I hoped, which would have been over the top Julian-wise, I’m sure, more American than English. I’m perfectly happy with this bouncing baby boy. More endorphins of joy.
And there they are, celebrators in chief, with the champagne for the new mummy and daddy. Aren’t they sweet?
More kissing. And their baby will be brought up in the nursery with Mary and Henry’s baby. Could anything be better????
And all the while, women are growing in power. Denker puts on nail polish. “Nude.” So racy. Still a holy terror, this woman.
Mary gets a hair dryer. Hey! I didn’t have a hair dryer like that until the 70s or something! We had a box, with a big plastic hood! But here it is in 1925 in England!
Daisy has a love interest we’ve all hoped for for a long time, Andy. He likes her.
Despite her disapproval . . .
. . . and great advice from Mrs. Patmore. Daisy isn’t in to Andy at first, because, as Groucho Marx (and Mrs. Patmore) said, “She won’t belong to a club that would have her as a member.”
Until one day, she sees this, and we see the endorphins visibly racing across her face. Women love men who can fix things. It’s a common truth.
She’s “never changed her hairstyle in her whole life” but now, because of Andy, she wants to look cute at Edith’s wedding, so she borrows the hair dryer and gets the scissors and decides to take matters into her own hands.
But when we see her next we realize there’s been a problem . . .
It didn’t work out quite the way she hoped.
And Andy, not having the brains he was born with, laughs.
And, Anna, hairdresser to the star, takes over and fixes everything. Because there can never be too much kindness in the last episode of Downton Abbey. 
And Andy loves it and loves her, and they go to live happily ever after on Mr. Mason’s pig farm, along with of course, Mrs. Patmore, because Mr. Mason makes it clear he wants her there. Sigh. Joy. Exploding Endorphins.
All the while Robert is irritated because his wife Cora has an interest that isn’t about him. He complains that she spends too much time at the “wretched” hospital.
But then the adorable Rose returns, a new mother herself, and wiser than ever before . . . and in the nick of time . . .
Because after her welcome-home dinner where Mary looks incredible in red
And Rose shines in pink . . .
And Edith sparkles in silver . . .
Rose takes Robert to watch his wife in action at a meeting for the hospital.
And he is impressed to see her
being so important to so many others, and instead of being jealous anymore,
Robert realizes that not only is Cora good, kind, and beautiful with excellent taste in hats, beads, nightgowns, and glassware . . .
That she is a whole person with needs of her own and he is proud, PROUD of her, and loves her very much. Tears.
And Granny forgives Cora for taking her job . . .
And there is still another kiss. I mean could it get any better?
Well, yes, it is lovely when Edith thanks Mary for giving her her life back and Mary says they are blood and they have to try harder to be nicer to each other in the future. OH MY. Did you ever imagine this day would come. . . .?
And Mary continues her streak of kindness, she won’t announce the baby until later (she whispers in the church) because she doesn’t want to steal the moment from Edith. The ultimate sacrifice has been made. It is official!
It just didn’t end. Edith was radiant in her wedding gown, the woodwork was gorgeous, and the flowers were wonderful.
Lots of guests to witness her aura of light, and her dad is so proud of her.
And she marries for love while her mother looks on sobbing from inside, like me.
She was a beautiful bride . . . his ascot is lovely. Her headband is tickety boo, too.
After Edith changes her clothes to go on her honeymoon, she says goodbye to her new mother-in-law . . .
. . . who turns out to be a doll and they kiss of course.
And Edith’s editor, Laura catches the bouquet, which is perfect because Tom needs a wife and he already made it clear to Laura how much he likes strong women.♥
But at the reception that is also a New Year’s Eve party, complete with toasting and a beautiful Christmas tree, Carson has a terrible time with the shaking. Something clearly must be done.
And who happens to be there to help out? Our boy. The sad one who misses all his friends at Downton terribly but is resigned to his sad new life.
And the deal is made that Carson will retire, and Barrow will take over as Butler, but Carson will be in their lives forever and the two most important men at Downton Abbey shake hands and express deep gratitude to each other. This is killer.
AND THEN, just when you think you can’t take it anymore
Mrs. Hughes begins to sing Auld Lang Syne and it echoes all over the house
And joyous Barrow pours wine for Mr. Moseley who now has his own cottage and a permanent teaching job, and I would have to say, the future MRS. Baxter Moseley . . . if he ever has the nerve to ask her.
And the singing echoes out into the snow, and across the land, “should auld acquaintance be forgot . . .”
And with that, every T is crossed, every i is dotted . . .
And just like Gone with the Wind, Downton Abbey is a story with history and characters that we will never forget. Well, done Julian Fellowes and everyone who put this wonderful thing together! We enjoyed every fragment of it!
And now, what can I do to take your mind off the pain? How about some new FREE STUFF? Springtime computer wallpaper, stationery, a Mother’s Day crown, things you can print out for you and your friends? Just click there, and it’s yours! From me to you with love.
And remember these little darlings? The dancing cupcake toppers?
The easiest do-it-yourself project in the world?
We have them, in time for Easter, which comes early this year, on March 27th!
And don’t forget these wonderful Springtime Recipe Cards (you could also use them as postcards or even cocktail invitations for your next lawn party, or Easter egg hunt).
And the recipe cards would be a great gift along with our Lamb Cake Pan, perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, Earth Day, or a new baby. See the tricky way we figured out how to keep the head on the cake? Here’s the How-To along with the RECIPE for the most delicious cake . . .
And here’s what is cheering me up . . .
These are what’s called “the signatures” for the new book. Like little pamphlets of 16 pages each, this is the way it looks before the book is bound.
But they are the real thing . . . Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams, in full color on the same paper that will be in the actual book . . . SO exciting . . . they did a wonderful job, all printed in the USA!
Here’s the way they look if I start spreading them out . . . They will ship from the printer in about 3 weeks, and you will have yours as soon as we receive them. Kellee and Sheri are gearing up at the Studio, getting lots of extra help so you won’t wait any time at all. And all of the information is up on GoodReads.
And here is one last thing to cheer your day. It’s a video one of our Girlfriends sent me, a darling interview with Maggie Smith I know you will love . . .
Bye for now Girlfriends. Don’t forget, a new WILLARD is coming April 19th, be sure you’re signed up because this one will be a doozy including a wonderful Giveaway I’ve been planning since last fall! By then if everything goes right, you should all have your books!♥
I love this so much! Great summation!!
(Did you see Lord Grantham give Bertie a sharp look when the vicar asked anyone with just cause to “speak or forever hold your peace”? Memories of the old fellow who jilted Edith at the altar, hmm?
It was perfect. And Mrs Hughes singing Old Lang Syne made me all weepy.
Thanks for this!
I missed that look, but I thought Mrs. Hughes was perfect!
Mrs. Hughes has a lovely singing voice.
Sturdy and Downtonish.
… golly, dear Julian Fellowes !!..thank you so much !!..the last showing of Downton Abbey was pure perfection !!.. it couldn’t have played out any better !!.. ‘love happy ever afters, don’t you ?!?.. p.s..’so ready for your upcoming book !!..it’s almost here !!..with much gratitude, as always..
Nice to hear from you Mary. I need to go get the tears out of my eyes!
I cried happy tears all the way through..and wasn’t Lady Edith radiant, walking down the aisle with her father ..I loved it all !!!
Luminescent!
Wonderful recap Susan. I think Julian had to make it endorphin producing so we wouldn’t all end up in the depths of despair. It worked, I was crying tears of joy at the end and feeling absolutely at peace.
There is one thing that would make this all come full circle – Elizabeth McGovern needs to play you in your movie.
I’m afraid Elizabeth McGovern will be Granny’s age before this movie comes out! 🙂 I’m with you, feeling at peace but still a little bit sad. Sometimes I’m not a great fan of the clock.
Awesome recap, as always! I cried all the way thru it, just like last night! It truly was a perfect ending!!
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
I didn’t mean to put this comment in the “reply” section!
Plus, you were in your 20s and early 30s, so we need a young actress to play you!!
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
Or someone who can go from 20-ish to almost 40. Listen to me, I’m almost taking this seriously. LOL, I really don’t expect it to happen, but while were thinking about it, why not?
Yes, why not!!!? This is so awesome!
🙂
Golly indeed! What a wonderful finish to a wonderful show. I laughed and cried (my daughters shaking their heads at my tears 😊). And just now reading your recap – I’m all teary-eyed again.
Guess it’s time to pull out Season One! ☺️
These comments have kept tears in my eyes for hours! 🙂
Downton’s ending was perfect! I came away with the thought “They all lived happily ever after.” Of course, we know that’s not true in real life, but at Downton it is. I’ll have to find something else to watch on Sunday nights, but I was so content with this ending that I’m ok with it. And I couldn’t help but think that Barrow will have the same great relationship with the next generation that Carson has with Mary. He will have his family, and that’s very nice.
Yes, I think you are just right about that Melina!
You recapped it beautifully, Susan! My favorite line, Cora to Robert~ “A long and happy life together, we two, to watch the children grow. That’s all I want.”
…..and they all lived happily ever after! Gosh, we are going to miss it!!
Loved seeing your book come together. So exciting!!!
Isn’t that what everyone, rich or poor, wants? No matter where in the world they are? That’s what Julian knows, that we are all basically just alike. xoxo
They sure do. Love that Julian closed with such wonderful quotes, and kisses, lots of kisses! …Every single day, we are grateful for another day! That’s what I love about you too Susan. You encourage everyone here of the beauty and gifts all around us, and to enjoy every day we have been blessed with. Your blog is a beautiful gift! ♥
I am speaking to the choir here, that’s the thing, we are kindred spirits!
Did you see that Julian cast Mr. Alistair Bruce (the fantastic historian in charge of keeping everything on set authentic to each period in England) as the BUTLER who greets Robert and Cora at Brancastor, leading them into the room where Bertie’s mother is waiting!! A wonderful cameo for the star of Manners of Downton….OMG what an episode. Kissing and weddings and happiness, oh my!
I thought that was him, he really played his part to the hilt, wow!
Oh, wow!! I didn’t notice that! Thank you for calling attention to that! Mary S. from Fresno, CA
*sigh*… Just…*sigh*…
oh yes . . .
Oh my, Susan! You nailed every emotion and aspect again! I was sooooo happy that there were no sad endings. I had a fearful moment that Mr. Fellowes was going to have Carson leave us. But, phew! What a glorious “fix” for his condition. I wondered as you did if the crowd scenes contained family members or DA crew members. I did spot the producer Liz Trubridge at the engagement dinner table, looking splendid. And did you notice that the butler at Brancaster Castle who led Robert and Cora to the drawing room was “The Oracle” Alistair Bruce? I’ll bet it was a huge family celebration of everyone involved. I must now get the complete dvd series and binge watch from the beginning. Thank YOU for this fun debriefing time! I shall miss it. But then, we have Isle of Dreams talk to look forward to. And meeting you on the book tour. And then your trip to England! So much goodness! ♡♡♡♡♡
We are a lucky group of Girlfriends because even when Downton is gone, we still have each other! xoxo
A sweet group of kindred souls! Love it! ♡♡♡
I loved your recap of last night’s episode. I think I’ll wait a week or two and then watch the whole series from the beginning. Thank goodness I bought each year’s episodes. I did love that Isobel and Dickie got together in the end. So much good news at last!
Did you notice that the protocol fellow from last week’s filler was the butler at Brancaster Castle?
That’s what I thought! And he was so patrician wasn’t he!
Golly gee! Julian made every wish and dream come true! Bravo for British writers and drama – the elegance, the fashion, the integrity and refined telling of a story – forever memorable. Your recap was “spot on” as always, Susan. Now I am waiting for “Willard” and more enjoyable reading. This is our Spring Break and beginning tomorrow sunshine and 70s – another dream come true! Congratulations on the “signatures.” You must be dancing throughout your beautiful home. Can hardly wait!
I am dancing. I’ve almost worn out those pages, flipping through them, trying to pretend like I never saw them before so I can figure out what to think!
Most series endings have disappointed me. This was LOVELY! So enjoyable. As it ended last night, I was thinking “what will Susan write tomorrow?”. You did not disappoint, either. 😉
Thank you Brenda . . .yes, they wrapped it all up in a glowing little package of joy for all of us!
mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/downton-abbey-fans-love-julian-7490851
good news!
more is coming!
Hope we get it! Thank you Hilde!
Oh my goodness! I will miss your Downty posts almost as much as the show itself! Well done! What a perfect ending…I went to bed so happy and you are right! We needed some happy cheer and feeling good about things. So looking forward to your new book, too!
Happy springtime! 🌺
Happy springtime to you too Barbara!
Wasn’t it heavenly? I was singing Auld Lang Syne along with all of them, tears in my eyes. Yes, we’ve had quite a run, haven’t we?
We certainly have, and all together, very wonderful!
Lovely, funny, and all so happy. I loved every minute. The last verse -” a cup of kindness”… We yearn to hear and see as of late. Thank you Downton. Perfection. Lani
Such a wonderful song to end a wonderful series.
Susan, I love your reviews, and you notice details I completely miss. I really have to start paying attention to life! (Although I do believe I’ve missed some things because I didn’t understand their English accent.)
I, too, am so sad to see Downton end, but I think Mr. Fellowes did an excellent job imagining and writing the ending, skillfully tying up loose ends and so many happy endings. Mary and Edith settled in happy marriages and having settled their differences, Isobel and Lord Merton married and good news about his health, a baby boy for Anna and Mr. Bates, Barrow the new butler at Downton, Carson seemingly content to retire with a pension but still able to oversee the Abbey, and a new partnership for Tom and Henry in their car dealership. And Bertie’s mother came around rather quickly — I suspect if this were not the finale, it would have taken most of another season to solve that one.
And we can imagine future happiness for Daisy and Andy, Mrs. Patmore and Mr. Mason, and perhaps Tom and Miss Edmunds, the new editor of Edith’s magazine. Will Mr. Molesley and Miss Baxter finally get together?
I think we can assume Denker and Spratt will continue to duke it out over at the Dowager House.
But I still have a few questions: Will Mrs. Hughes retire with Mr. Carson, or will she continue her duties at Downton? Will Edith continue working on the magazine now that she’s married and apparently almost royalty? If these were addressed in the episode, I missed it!
This series was so well written and produced, the actors were excellent, costumes/makeup/hair styles/sets were all amazing. I will miss it, but I have the DVD set so I can see it again, like a favorite movie you watch over and over.
And I understand Mr. Fellowes is working on a new series — I look forward to that !
I know, lots more questions need to be answered. I think we just have to make those parts up in our imagination. Until the movie comes out!
Wasn’t the end of Downton wonderful? Julian did himself proud!
I love your Easter preparations: lamb shaped cake and chicks to decorate the cupcakes. Love those recipe cards too!
Well done for the latest book soon to come from the printers!
Thanks so much Sandra!
Oh, my, my. Loved every minute of this last episode. Reading your recap is like watching with a friend-thank you very much! (I wish hats would have a huge resurgence…loved them all!)
Me too, all kinds of styles and fabrics and shapes. It would be something.
I think I need to make a compilation of all of Maggie Smith’said great one-liners throughout all the seasons! They were great last night once again!
She’s a natural when it comes to those things! Wish I could talk like that. But even when I repeat them to Joe, he just looks at me as if I’m crazy. I think they have to come with the English accent!
Yes, the British accent makes one’side speech quite magical. And with Maggie Smith, her poker face when she says these brilliant lines! 🙂
So funny!
I anticipate your recaps as much as I do each Downton episode! I cried again (as I did through the whole show last night) reading your recap. Oh, such a wonderful completion to all the stories – thank you, Julian, for the gift of Downton!! I’m in raptures even as I mourn the end of the show. Thank you, Susan, for recapping so beautifully and for being responsible for our next source of anticipation – your newest book!! I SO can’t wait! Bless you for all your hard work!
Thank you so much Sally and I share your raptures and mourning!
I loved your recap, it made itall come alive again, I will have to rewatch the last show several times😪. I am really going to miss it on Sunday nights, hopefully there will be a movie. Thankfully I have your book to look forward to, I asked for it as my birthday gift!
Yay!
You always notice so much more in the episodes of Downton than I did. I have all the DVDs at home so will have to have a recap when it’s a horrible cold and wet day. Very exciting news about the book and looking forward to getting my copy.
Won’t be long now, I can’t believe it myself!
Didn’t that 2 hours just fly”~~ afterwards — yes I had tears ..and.. honestly thought “oh I can’t wait to read Susan’s blog in the morning”…
your response(s) are ”spot~on”!!!!!
Oh thank you so much Sandi! xoxo
I couldn’t believe how wonderfully Julian let everything work out! Oh, I cried HAPPY tears! Now I must get the DVDs and see it again! Glad your book ( and Willard) are on the horizon, they make Sprong Fever more bearable ! 😸😸😸😸
I do like “Sprong” fever . . . spring has spronged!
Pure perfection. We’re going to miss this series SO much! But Julian has indicated that there may be a movie in the future, he’d like to include as many of the cast members as possible so logistics would have to be worked out…but if we wish it maybe it will be so!❤️
Fingers crossed! I wonder how people in the movie theater will like me taking pictures of the screen? 🙂
Thank you so much for bringing it all back again. It was a wonderful finale and all the good things happened. I knew Bertie would come back and claim ” he couldn’t live without her ” . (classic line) I truly like Robert Grantham. He is so nice, so so nice. I mean anyone who says “Golly” as an expletive, has a warm, friendly heart. Mary is also nice, gets it from her Dad, nice to the help anyway and now since she’s pregos nice to Edith as well. Probably because she has such a fine tall handsome man to take care of her. Yes it was a joyous ending. And since I never was a regular until the last season I’m going to watch the series from the beginning and see it all. TaTa Thank you for your wonderful blog and I will miss your recaps so ever much.
Thank you Marilyn!
Oops! Spring NOT Sprong! The ONE time AutoCorrect DOESNT work!
Auto correct is always correcting my words that I don’t want it to! Once in a while it helps me, but usually it fixes things that aren’t supposed to be fixed!
Sooooo true!
😊💖✨🎹🌟🎶🍀 Bravo Sweet Sue….Well~Done~To~You!!! & Bravo To Julian Fellowes…He Invited Us In & For Six Glorious Years We were Such a Part of This Wonderful Family….Both Upstairs & Downstairs…..I Must Breathe…Wiping Tears….Basking~In~The~Glow of Downton~Abbey…. 🙂 From The Moment The Musica Began to Play… Knowing This Was The Finale…The Tears Flowed…& The Joy & Love & The Connection That Filled My Heart & Soul….Simply Amazing…. 🙂 My Wings Are Still All~A~Flutter….. Bertie Came Back (Yay Mary!) The Wedding…. Edith Glowing…The Sisters Made Peace…. Tom The Best Brother…Mr. Barrow!!! The Children… Mr. Carson & Mrs. Hughes Mary & Henry & A New Baby! Anna & Mr. Bates & The New Baby (In Mary’s Bedroom) Mary Helping Anna!!!! Cora & Granny & Rose!!! & Isobel….Happy At Last!!!! & Daisy & Andy & Mrs. Patmore & Mr. Mason & Mr. Mosley & Miss Baxter….& Cora & Robert shall Watch All The Children Grow….With Shiny Ribbons & Bows Julian Wrapped Up Our Downton~Abbey Sweetly & Perfectly…..Like The Best Christmas~Gift The Best Birthday~Gift….We Can Now *Sigh*Then…. Breathe…..Feel…..Rejoice…..We Shall All Love Downton~Abbey Forever…..The Theme To Downton~Abbey Has Beautiful Words…& It Begins “Did I Make The Most Of Loving You….” & The Answer is YES!!! Thank~You Sweetest Sue For These Downton~Abbey~Tea~Chats……It’s Been Truly Delightful! 🙂 xoxo Poof! 😊💖✨🎹🌟🎶🍀 P.S. Very Very EXCITING about Your (OUR) New Book! Getting Closer!!!! 🙂 P.P.S “Golly~Gum~Drops”!!! 😊💖✨🎹🌟🎶🍀
I know, it wrapped up just like we wanted it to!!! Lucky lucky us!
Confessions…..Well, I confess that I didn’t start watching this program until January when I purchased the series. I also confess that I found Season 6 at Walmart….and couldn’t resist getting it….and so, finished the series already. Up early yesterday…..headed to bed….couldn’t sleep… I used the DVR to record the BAFTA hour long program about Downton prior to the last episode. So got back up and watched not only that, which by the way was so fun…I also watched the last episode again. One of the things they said over and over on the BAFTA presentation was the “attention to detail” made during the series. It couldn’t have been more true. Watching it over again gave the opportunity to really pay attention to the details. I would have loved living in that era……above the stairs…lol. I adore the clothes! The dresses, the hats! All of it. The dress Edith wore at the Ritz….Wow! My favorite hat was the one Lady Grantham wore when they headed out to Edith and Bertie’s for the announcement……It was white with the black band…..but when she looks up….the inside is like the outside of a sun…..you can see it when she looks over right before they speak to Barrow. There’s that detail again. I’d love to have that hat!! Well, it’s been pretty quick for me….not the last 6 seasons as I got it the first of this year. But, I will watch it over and over……and pay even more attention to everything this time as I know what’s going to happen…lol. It’s been fun reading your blog even though I hadn’t seen it the serious. Plus you always insert the positive in life to it. Thanks so much for that Susan. Looking forward to seeing you in Danville and also I hope back down at Morro Bay this spring. Safe travels. Sorry this was so lengthy. 🙂
Cheers,
Jan from Northern CA
Loved reading it Jan . . . we have all the same favorites! Wait until you go back in time when they all wore lots of linen . . . the clothes were just amazing! See you in Danville!
I watched the episode again this morning on the PBS website and loved it even more the second time. Bargain alert: They’re selling the whole series on DVD (what they call the U.K. edition, including the Christmas episode) on the PBS shopping site. Price, I think, is ridiculously low, around eighty-four dollars. Did my share of crying last night. Kind of expected Edith’s wedding to go awry and held my breath when I heard, “Does anyone know why these two should not be wed?” But huzzah, huzzah —- everything turned out just fine. Oh, I will miss it; at least it lives on in those DVDs.
Around here, if you give money to PBS, they give you the whole set . . . I think you had to give at least $250, but that seemed more than worth it to me. Plus you support PBS and without them, there would be no Downton Abbey (among other things!).
Oh, joy! LOVED watching and savoring the Downton Finale! Reading your blog and the shared memories make it even sweeter. I thought it perfectly done…and the hats! I have saved the final season on my DVR, so I can rewatch it, like Gone With The Wind.
Please share another PBS show with us, if you will. It is so enjoyable to share it again with you the next morning.
I have booked my flight to come and see you on Pasadena! I have never been to a book signing. When you have the time, maybe you can let us know the protocol.
xoxo
Someday we’ll find the perfect show again, I have no doubt. But right now, I’m about to start packing for a cross-country book tour . . . I’ll be gone for 2 whole months! I’m so glad I’ll see you at Vroman’s! It’s really very easy, just come at the time designated ~ I’ll read from the book or give a talk or something and then everyone can ask questions, and then I sit behind a table and everyone brings up their books and I sign them and talk to them a bit. It’s always fun, and the line of people waiting is way more fun than any other part of it . . . I can always hear them talking and laughing together and wish I could get up and go hang out in the line with everyone else!
It will be such a fun time meeting you! See you in June and enjoy your fun trip. xoxo
Thank you Melin!
I have loved, loved your recaps of Downton Abbey! Thank you for sharing them with your fans! Looking forward to your next book being out!
Sally
PS Wish you were coming to a book signing in Indianapolis, IN!
It is very hard not to be everywhere when you really wish you could! Maybe next time Sally! What’s your favorite bookstore in Indianapolis?
It was absolute perfection . Thank you for so many screenshots to really study. I love it. Edith was always my favorite character and her wedding dress was absolutely breathtaking.
It really was, the way they did the lighting, it was romantic and lovely!
Lovely…lovely…lovely. watched them receive the BAFTA Award earlier. So many great moments revisited! And the finale itself…it was just right. Just Right. And sweet Sue, your Recap…as always…spot on. Like watching with a dear friend that you can compare notes with for days after. Ahhhh…love the peek at what’s ahead for all of with your new book. Counting the days until y’all are in Austin at Book People! 101 days! I don’t count today…We’re already in it…& not the 18 of June because that’s The Day! Thanks for giving do many of us those Happy pops of endorphines! We sure do love you girl!
Austin! I. Can’t. Wait. Never been there and have always wanted to go! 100 days now!
Susan, did you see the program after Downton where the Julian was given the award and some of the cast did “tongue in cheek” little skits”?
I was so happy that it was all one big happy ending. We need more of those.
And did I hear and understand correctly….they already have a Christmas special planned and are working on a movie? Or was it wishful dreaming on my part?
I don’t think they had it here . . . I missed it, but I will go look for it on Youtube! Did you ever see that skit they did at Christmas where they made fun of themselves? It was adorable!
John Legend put words to the Downton song and performed it last night on Jimmy Kimmel. It is a hoot and a half. Google it and enjoy! How unique and fun.
I am such a stick in the mud, I didn’t love it!
Good golly! I miss them all already~ Such a lovely ending to the show. The snow falling and the castle were so beautiful….PBS has been having a contest to win a trip there in July.. you can enter each day.
Nice to know that!
Me again, just watched the link you gave for Maggie Smith. I have to say, you just never knew what she was going to say…..but I knew it would be something good…..she was just so blunt…but honest! One of her last lines was so memorable…..when she and Isobel were toasting the New Year….Isobel states “What else could we drink to, we’re going forward into the future, not back into the past”…and Violet says… “If only we had the choice!”. What and ending! Fabulous! So glad it ended well with hope for all.
Cheers again!
Jan from Northern CA
It really was the perfect ending, wistful and funny. xoxo
Sigh…wasn’t it grand? Thank you for the recap, Susan. I’m so bad at summarizing things, and you did a wonderful job. I don’t know what I’ll do on Sunday evenings from 9 -10PM anymore!
Perhaps I’ll try to make Isle of Dreams last by reading it ssllloooowwwwwllllyyy on Sunday evenings for an hour at a time! (Nah – I’m sure I’ll spend every waking moment living in Martha’s Vineyard once I get my book!)
Thanks for everything, Susan. Just knowing your blog and your artwork and your recipes, etc., are here make my world just that much happier!
I made Isle of Dreams 80 pages longer so that no one (in right mind) can read it in one day . . . hopefully it will last for you a bit longer this time! But you are right you WILL spend every moment of it living in Martha’s Vineyard, that was one of the things I loved about it the most, getting to show and tell this place from a total outsider point of view, a person who never had a season in her life before she moved to the Island. Thank you back Susan! Love having us all here!
Susan,
I know you are coming to Chicago in May. If you can somehow manage to get here before May 8th, please try to see the “Dressing Downton” exhibit
(driehausmuseum.org/dressing_downton) so you can see some of the gorgeous costumes in a beautiful setting. I hope you can manage it because I know you would enjoy it!
Thanks for all the wonderful re-caps. I looked forward to them as much as the TV episodes!
I would love to, but I don’t think so because we’ll still be in Cincinnati then, but thank you for the link anyway, I’m thinking we will see it somewhere, it seems to be moving around the country!
I was so excited to get to your blog today. I was feeling elated last night with Downton but sad that’s it’s the end. But I knew you would replay it perfectly with words and pictures. And you did. Better yet, I can retread this as many times as I want! Thank you so much. What should be our next series? Nothing will compare to Downton, but we can try! Enjoy the coming spring!
Someday we’ll find it!
Thank you the wonderful, as always, recap, Susan! Downton last night was, in a word, “perfect”. I lost it when Mrs. Hughes started singing Auld Lang Syne – that song gets me every time. Whatever will we do without Downton?? A while ago I read that Julian Fellowes is writing a new period drama for NBC called “The Gilded Age”, based on the elite and tycoons of New York, late 1800’s/early 1900’s. Oh, I hope this is true!
That has been my very favorite rumor too, but I don’t know if its really happening or not!
I loved it so much, I watched it twice (have the DVD)! To use the phrase of
a critic, “it was a glorious ending”!
I think I’m going to like it better the second time, especially after all these wonderful comments.
Oh, Susan, what a beautiful job you did recapping DA for us! Wasn’t it wonderful? I couldn’t tell who the little children were in Edith’s wedding, but was hoping one might be Marygold! What are we going to do on our Sunday nights now? Wouldn’t a spin off be great if they took Daisy and Mr. Mason and took off with a country tale? Only hoping. Love your blog so much.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
That would be lovely. I wish someone would drive across England! 🙂 I guess I’ll have to do it!
My heart is full of joy!Thank you Jillian ,to end our affair with Downtown in a Merry way.Susan your recap was pricless. I too laughed and cried.I will miss it,but as my mother use to say to me as a girl,all good things must come to an end.I love your blog,and wait so patiently for your book.I see myself getting nothing done until I read your book.I also look forward to your reports from your trip.Mary Elizabeth
It should be fun, crossing the country, but I really can’t wait to cross that ocean and bring you along with us!
Jullian
I hate to do this, but . . . Julian. 🙂
I love the recap! And I cannot wait for the new book. I read the others – read Falling in Love with the English Countryside twice – once out loud to my husband – he loved it! And if your life story becomes a movie it would be perfection. Have a wonderful week.
Thank you Vicki, you too!
Oh Susan, what a fabulous ending! One can only imagine that there is so much pressure in a “final episode” but this one truly delivered and I am so grateful it had nothing to do with tragic ends for a change as this seems to be the often path. It can be done! I agree, what a difference a good story makes and the “good feel”, the warm fuzzies it lends. You did a fabulous recap. The entire show was such eye candy….just stunning and if further awards are given, they have been earned on all fronts. And I would be lying if I did not admit to man crushing on Henry….goodness! There I said it…and I can’t quite possibly be alone! He and Mary made the most darling couple! There is seemingly so much story that could be left to tell but as all good things come to an end, their happy ever afters will well suffice for us “fairytale girls”! Will dearly miss Downton but its been another wonderful thing for us to all share! And speaking of wonderful things…..looking so forward to the months ahead all all you have in store and have in store for us! I will be seeing you again! xo
I can also imagine the pressure to make the last one “perfect” — it was so well done and not over the top and just wonderful. Hope to see you soon Tina!
You are so correct Susan, it was a bittersweet loving good-bye to a wonderful show. I even loved after the show was over, some of the actors said “Thank You” to their many wonderful views over the six years. It was a sadness that comes after reading a wonderful novel you couldn’t put down. So in British terms I’d like to say to all who were evolved with the show; WELL DONE!!
I second that emotion!
But the last episode was great I felt everything ended as I hoped. Will miss Sunday night episodes. Hopefully the upcoming warmer weather will help me and others get on. I am looking forward to meeting up with u in the next couple months. My Joe is a gem also and happy to drive me. We will antique along the way so it will be a great getaway. Joan
Meet you there Joan, and doing just the same things!
“Sometimes I’m not a great fan of the clock.” You and Granny!! I loved how Granny was pining a little for the past and Mrs. Crawley shot her that “look” at the very end! And I loved it that the whole series ended with the friendship of two ladies “of a certain age.” Nice.
“The last scene that Maggie Smith filmed was with Penelope Wilton, and afterward Penelope said, ‘When I was younger, Maggie Smith was my hero and now she is my friend,’ and everyone cried.” from NY Times article nytimes.com/2016/03/08/arts/television/downton-abbey-edith-bertie-dinner-director-interview.html
That look! So perfect for Isobel . . . she does it so well, and always when she’s talking to Violet. Very nice. Smart of Julian, once again. Charming.
Like you, I was absolutely thrilled with “Downty” last night. At every turn, there was so much happiness intricately woven into the story. And it was all so believeable! We laughed, we cried, and could not have enjoyed it more. I was also taken towards the end when Mrs Hughes and Carson called each other Charlie and Elsie. Too sweet! And I did not know it was going to be a 2 hour episode, so that was even more exciting!
The next thing I am looking forward to is your new book, “Martha’s Vinyard, Isle of Dreams” which I have pre-ordered. Thank you for giving me something special and new in the very near future.
Be Well, Ann
Thank you Ann! I love how we’ve all been it together!
Questions
What is Edith’s new name?
What is Marigolds new name?
Who named Marigold?
What is Isobels new name?
Is Isobel or Edith higher in rank?
what is the puppy’s name?
What happened to The dowagers maid?
I know, there’s a list as long as my arm of things we want to ask. If only Julian was on Twitter! One answer, Edith is MUCH higher than Isobel in rank, WAY! The dogs name is Tia, and the dowagers maid probably becomes a stand up comedian.
I LOVE your picture of the ‘over the top’ happy Barrow pouring wine. He looks bursting with happiness. Edith’s dress was so beautiful. Oh golly gumdrops I loved everything about the finale.
Didn’t he look HAPPY??? Loved that too!
hi susan!! I loved every second of it and your recap is just wonderful… How appropriate Auld Lang Syne was….. a Scot poem written by Robert Burns in 1788. It is used to bid farewell to not only the end of a year, but as closure to other occasions…….this definitely qualifies as closure!!! Perfect for Mrs. Hughes. And of course, the Dowager has the last word…. I knew she would….
Isobel :” We’re going forward to the future not back into the past”
Violet: “If only we had the choice” [giggles]
I love her and everything she is and stands for. Her son is just like her and Mary is on her way. So it’s happy endings for all !!! Bravo and GOLLY!!!!
love,
cindy
Bravo!
I loved every episode of Downton and I loved every Monday after reading your review and the glorious photos. Your photos helped me really see the dresses in much more intricate detail. This series was a gift in all our lives. We have to cherish it. Hopefully in the future there will be something that comes close to its perfection. Call the Midwife depicts a different lifestyle but I do love it…starts again in April. Only PBS brings class and intelligence to television watching…..thank you PBS so very much.
Thunder and huge lightening wake up call here in Southern California this morning….glorious rainstorm…and we need it. See you in June in Montecito !!!
I feel the same way about PBS. So often it speaks to intelligence and curiosity and history and all those things we love. Rainstorm! How great!
Susan, did you see the review of Downton in today’s Boston Globe?
bostonglobe.com/arts/2016/03/06/downton-delivers-happiest-endings/bBy21Tt9hHC8AqaKAJhGgI/story.html?s_campaign=8315
Almost as good as your blog!
LOL! “Almost!” 🙂
Well done, Julian! Well done, Susan! It was a very happy ending….but I sat there thinking, that’s it? I want MORE! We NEED a movie to start here at this ending!!!!! I want to see all these new beginnings in their lives!!! Thanks for the free printables to ease our pain!
Happy to do my little part!
I took today off from work, and was thrilled to curl up & read your recap of DA. I’ve still never seen a single episode, but thanks to you, I’ve kept up with the show. It sounds lovely – and now I have something to watch during summer vacation this year! Thank you!
You’ll love it Connie, as I’m sure you know!
Going to miss your Downton reviews! Love, love, love the clothes from the final episode! Going to miss it so much! Some watched with a pint of ice cream, mine was a bag of Cheetos!
Yummy!
Loved this recap. Definitely a keeper for when I need a little Downton fix. Two things I loved. The extra ration of kisses were sweet and wonderful, but my favorite was when Robert kissed the puppy before handing it off. And Anna! Did I finally hear her call her husband “John” after the baby arrived instead of her usual “Mr. Bate’s”? Mr Fellows gave us a happy ending. So funny you noticed all of the strangers at the tables. I think you are right. Everyone wanted a piece of this finale. I would have –accidentally– dropped a spoon in my purse. Arline in So. Cal.
Yes she did, I just saw that part again, it wasn’t the Baby she was calling John, it was Bates! LOL on the spoon. I’m afraid I would have WORN out my camera!
Hip Hip Hurrah Susan … recap Well Done!! As the same for Julian Fellowes …
let’s wait for “the movie” … they were able to bring back X-Files that way!
I think I can watch these 2 hours over and over again … everything and everyone were just smashing … bring out the champagne … and especially now in San Diego, the rain rain rain has finally come!
With Much Love and Aloha, Evie
I just looked up the new 3-part series Julian did in England . . . everyone can go HERE to read about it. Interesting!
And thank you Evie!
Ooh that looks good!
It does look good despite the snarky comments by the reviewer about Downton Abbey.
So glad you enjoyed the last episode of Downton, Susan. I so wanted to tell you everything works out fine! Loved reading your recap, it seems ages since we saw it over here in UK. We watched the first episode of a new Julian Fellows drama last night, Doctor Thorne. Not sure it’s going to match Downton, but it was enjoyable.
Did you receive my email re. Scotland ? Hope so!
Gill
I did Gill and I printed it out and added it to our gathered information. So helpful, thank you for doing that! Doctor Thorne, eh? Have not heard of it. Let us know if it gets good!
Lovely commentary on last night’s episode. ..Everything worked out as we hoped…with the Carson-Barrow story a real surprise. So glad Barrow remain at Downton even though we won’t see him. Maybe the rumored movie can jump ahead a few years so we can update what happens to them! What a ride!
Agreed! Was wonderful!
“Downton Abbey” is over and so are your wonderful commentaries, Susan. Let’s all find another common television show so we can share thoughts!
We will someday, I have no doubt!
Happy Endings for Everyone! Could not have been any better!
Thank you, Susan, for your weekly Downton recaps. They were lovely. And I had tears in my eyes and joy in my heart as I read this offering, just as I did during last night’s presentation……..Will miss it so much, but will revisit frequently via DVD.
Happy to have you here Sam!
Susan,
Thank you for all the wonderful recaps of Downton -Mondays will not be the same without them. Some girlfriends and I got together with scones and Downton Abby tea to watch the end of this beloved series. We laughed and cried and then at the end we all sat quiet and looked at each other as to say – that’s it – it is really the end. I hope Julian knows what joy he brought into our lives with such a beautiful story full of unforgettable characters who developed into real people over these past six years.
Luckily we all have your lovely new book and the tour to look forward to this summer!
Even reading your words chokes me up and then I start laughing at myself. When will I get over this???
Buckets of tears were shed last night in happiness of how wonderful Downton was…but also in sadness that it was all over. I’m not sure what I expected the final scene to be – but Mr. Fellowes exceeded my expectation and it was perfection.
And now I read your spot on recap and I find myself bawling again as your beautiful “musica” plays in the background. Thank you for letting me “feel” it all again, and then giving me another perfect ending with goodies and a precious Maggie Smith interview. When she talks about not putting herself in a position where Americans can “get to her” it helped me end with wonderful giggles. Now my Downton chapter is tucked away and I’m completely content.
Blessings. xoxo
I felt the same way Carrie, tearfully content!
It was absoluetely wonderful:)
Perfection.
I wish I had had a glass of champagne.
Perfection!
Forgot to ask – did you watch the program before the finale, BAFTA Salutes Downton Abbey, or something like that. It was sooooo good!!
Mary S. from Fresno, CA
I didn’t see it . . . but I hear it’s on Youtube, so I will go looking!
This was my favorite finale ever. I was bursting with happiness for all the folks at Downton. I love happy endings and everyone got one. Thanks to the cast and Mr. Fellowes.
Oh Susan…
“this dead-quiet house of mirthlessness that really ought to be instantly turned into an antique store so I can go shop there immediately.”
That made me laugh out loud!!! I will miss Downton but I will miss your recaps just as much!
And Edith is happy at last! Beautiful wedding. Beautiful baby boy for Anna and Bates. Mary is pregnant. Barrows is happy. Daisy and Andy. Mrs. Pattmore and Mr. Mason. Perhaps Tom and Laura . And Isabel and Dickie. And the world of Downton will live on in our collective imaginations. Can’t wait for your new book to arrive. Hugs.
It was a wonderful episode, so fitting for the end of the series, and I think they resolved all of the issues quite nicely. My daughter pointed out that they all seemed to have someone or a potential someone at the end except Barrow, but for him it seemed quite enough to be accepted back and made butler, and have the friendship and acceptance of Carson and the others. And he knew they really wanted him there! How much he has changed since the beginning, how much many of them changed, and for the better! Even Bertie’s mother, who I thought was going to ruin everything for Edith at that big dinner, had a miraculous change of mind and heart, partly because of what Robert said to her, and partly because she knew Edith was being totally honest with her about Marigold. Daisy taking another good look at Andrew, Robert finally admiring Cora’s true worth, Mary making amends to Edith! Even Isobel rescuing Dickie from his selfish son and daughter-in-law by marrying him after all because she never stopped loving him, and then she finds out he’s going to live after all. Violet wonderful to everyone, except Miss Crook, but especially letting Cora know she thought she was doing a great job at the hospital.Everything was just so perfect!
Then Mrs Hughes starting to sing Auld Lang Syne, I could feel the tears coming on. My daughter Sarah looked over at me, big tears and a tissue in hand, reached and handed me a tissue too. Hubby was pretending we weren’t in tears, and it ended way too soon but so perfectly! I really want the whole series so I can watch it all again at my leisure….hmmm, birthday’s next month so maybe I should ask for it.
As usual, you did a wonderful job of reviewing it as only you can do, and we will certainly miss those Monday reviews as much as we’ll miss the show. Maybe something else will come along that we can all get wrapped up in but it will be hard because the quality of the show was just so over the top of anything else on TV today.
Now we’ll just have to look forward to Easter, spring and your wonderful new book which we’ll have in our hands very soon. Thanks for the freebies, I’ll look forward to your next entry. Have a great week!
Yes, as Rachel noted, it was illegal to be homosexual in 1925 England and probably difficult to find a partner unless you wanted to go to jail. 🙁 Yes, so much to look forward to, Barb! Here comes spring!
Yes, and if he did find someone they would have been eventually found out, especially after he was made butler at Downton. I think I remember some episodes of the original Upstairs Downstairs where one of the servants was hauled away by the cops for the same thing. I think Fellows treated the subject as nicely as he could and kept Thomas out of jail for us!
And thank goodness the world has changed and is changing. It’s difficult enough to be human!
It’s been a great run, and your recaps were such fun! I’ve forgotten whether you began them from the very beginning, and wonder if you might consider grouping them together under a category all their own?
I didn’t, I didn’t start until last season, when I got together with my girlfriends and suddenly found us all talking about Downton as if we knew everyone personally and I thought I bet the Blog Girlfriends would love to talk about it too! Wish I would have started it earlier!
A confession…even though this episode was shown in the UK on Christmas Night, I NEVER SAW IT because we were in Australia at the time! And so, although I knew roughly what had happened, I saw the evidence for the first time just now when I read your blog. How fitting is that Ms S Branch-Fellowes-Downton?! I was most pleased about Thomas, because I’ve felt so sorry for him for about two seasons now and so wanted him to find a ‘family’ to live within…seeing as how he probably wasn’t going to find a real partner in England in 1925 without going to jail. And he did. It all worked out…but how could it not? It’s Downton!! xoxo
OH I forgot you were in Australia! Loved Thomas too, he was a heartbreaker. Most wonderful show, it just happens to be on right now . . . I just turned on the TV and caught the ending again! Amazes me how touching it all is, of course it has all these views of lovely England so that helps. Look in your email box dear one! xoxo
Oh, I forgot you were as well…I guess I assumed you would have seen it anyway, however. Yes, I was pleased about Thomas as well. Hadn’t he suffered enough? Such a wonderful evening!
Beautiful recap, Susan!! That Scottish ballad at the end was seriously th boost perfect touch. So many emotions I didn’t know what to do with them. Well done, Jukian Fellowes indeed. I will miss this gorgeous story and its characters.
With you all the way!
Dear Susan,
I haven’t seen the finale yet, but I just couldn’t help myself by peeking onto your blog! It’s always full of fun and feel good comments. You are so funny. “Women love men who can fix things. It’s a common truth.” I was even crying just reading your comments about the last episode. My husband and I will watch it tonight…can’t wait.
Also, looking forward to reading your new book. So happy that you will be in Pasadena, Ca. in June!!
Thanks for all you do for your “Girlfriends”. We appreciate it!
Thank you back Juli, it’s so nice to have you here. xoxo
I couldn’t believe how much I loved the Downton Finale…I’m hoping that Mr. Fellowes will grace us with a Christmas Special or some sort of special presentation at some point in future.
We’re all waiting for his next move!
It was just wonderful!! The best show ever to be watched on our TVs my whole life!! Could it ever be topped?
I can’t imagine how!
Thank God spring is on the wing because Downty has left a hole in all our lives even though it filled us to the brim last night!!! So true Susan, my heart felt light and I had happy tingley butterflies in my tummy all during the happy surprises!! it was so wonderful!! Perfect recap by the way!!!
Thank you Melissa!
Golly gumdrops! I’m so glad to see everyone happy at Downton Abbey. Your recap was a wonderful way to stretch it out a bit longer for us. Thank you kindly for the “free stuff” and for the Maggie Smith interview! Spring is in the air here in central Pa. today.
Nice to hear that, send some here!
Sigh….loved your recap, just as full of pathos & endorphin producers as the show! So sad it’s over. Sir Julian will no doubt get many letters begging for more similar work. Don’t know what we’ll find to watch, but if you love the costumes (Edith’s were particularly flapper-ish in this last episode….beaded….beautiful, right?) then I like the three series ’20’s period BBC costume drama “House of Eliott” about two London sisters whose father dies & leaves them in debt but who establish a dressmaking business and eventually their own haute couture fashion house. Drama. Pathos. Endorphins. At least for a few hours! Now what will you be recapping NEXT week?!
I don’t know. I’m just about to leave the house for two months, I’ll probably do my own recap “living on the road” 🙂
I knew if I came to your blog I would be able to relive Downton Abbey’s last episode once again. So many wonderful things happened, I could hardly contain myself with joy. And Edith, finally, gets her day in the sun. When she was walking down the aisle I thought she looked like an angel. Nothing to disappoint. Everything tied with a bow and sent to us with love. Wonderful.
She did . . . it was beautiful in every way!
I could feel my endorphins popping and my heart dancing through ever scene. I so agree with you that we need to include more of this kind of happiness in our daily diet. I know we would live longer with big helpings of good news in our lives. Have you ever heard of any one dying of a happy heart!…..Just loved reliving the final episode of DA through your summation. Good job! I’m so looking forward to receiving Isle of Dreams in the mail. Like Julian Fellows, you just don’t disappoint…….Jersey hugs…….CK
Thank you Carol!
I just loved this final episode. The perfect ending to a most perfect story. I was so hoping that both the upstairs residents and the downstairs help would find happiness and everlasting love.
I know that sounds ‘corny’ but, after all, the story was somewhat similar to a fairy tale.
I went to bed feeling quite happy. It was a great six years of Downton Abbey!
I always think there’s a choice, you can go happy or you can go sad. Why not go happy? 🙂
I’m so going to miss your recaps and the show. My vote to play you if the movie about your life is produced would be Zoe Deschanel. She is so lively and a ray of sunshine….as are you Susan!
Zoe will likely be in her 50’s by the time this gets going! LOL! But she was my first choice too!
Susan,
thank you, thank you for the wonderful recap of the last episode of Downton Abbey. We saw it around Christmas time, and I now realise how I had forgotten, and wow, how much happened during that last show!
It was wonderful ” watching” it with you again, so many thanks for that!
Plus, you are so right about the happy news and good news we all need. And I very much hope you realise what a huge part YOU play in that, by ging us so much good news, happy things to think about, cute and darling pictures, and just making us ( the readers/girlfriends) happy and feeling better in ourselves.
Thank you, dear Susan
With love from Nicoline
xx
I just turned on the TV and got the very end of Downton again, and her I am, a total mush! Thank you Nicoline!
I thought of you the entire time I was watching and was excited to hear your thoughts. I am so sad that I’ll never see another new episode of Downton. It was a once in a lifetime experience. Your review was perfect, as always! I wish you watched “Mr. Selfridge” so you could review it too! 🙂
I just turned on the TV here, and guess what’s on? The last episode of Downton, right now! Tears!
I love your summation! I was laughing all over again. I completely agree with everything you said. I will miss Downtown Abby but it was fun wasn’t it. Thanks Julian Fellows for a great ending. Even though it ended with happiness I still cried! But like you I laughed. I will miss Violet the most. I hope they put out a CD with all her Violetisms! Wouldn’t that be great! Never can remember them when I want.
I cried from mostly happiness. And that bittersweet thing of joy and loss at the same time.
I agree. There’s a lot to be said for happy endings. We need more of them these days!
I noticed that the last line of the show was said by the Dowager Countess. ♥ I don’t remember what it was though. 🙁
Isobel said, “We’re going forward into the future, not back.” And Violet said, with a little laugh, “If only we had the choice.” I forgot to add it. I wrote it down, it was perfect wasn’t it?
It was fitting that she had the final line in the whole series! ♡
It was perfect!
Thank you! I knew you’d have it!!
It was the perfect ending ! You are so right….happy endings and good news are good for our health.
Now we have to all go find ways to get them!
I think I will miss your recaps and the conversation here as much as Downton Abbey. What a joy to share it–thank you so much.
I watched last week’s episode again just before this week’s so had a full 3 1/2 hour DA binge–never long enough! I Googled Bertie’s new castle and saw it was Alnwick, as you just posted, and gasped–Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Two reasons to hope to go there now.
The Maggie Smith interview you linked to was hysterical–she is the real thing. As I love museums, this is one American she may just not be able to avoid–too funny. And she hasn’t even watched Downton Abbey but has the boxed set, priceless. I wish they would create a little book, perhaps illustrated by you, Susan, of all her sayings. They are words for the ages. Love the way she told off that awful, conniving bride-zilla. Cheering from north of Boston!
When the vicar asked if anyone had any objections to the marriage, and p-a-u-s-e-d, I was terrified Mr Gregson was going to walk thru the church door…but Julian wouldn’t do that to us so near the end. He did tease us tho.
Well, what a ride it’s been. Will miss it so much and especially your Monday recaps and all the pretty ‘free stuff’. Thank you, Susan. And ps, I finally and belatedly wrote a 5-star review of FTG on Amazon. Cannot wait for the new book. (The Virginia who wrote a review awhile ago is not me. My Amazon name is not Virginia.)
There is no such thing as “belated” when it comes to 5-star reviews on Amazon, Virginia, you are a dear for doing it. Thank you! And me too, a bit terrified when the vicar asked about the objections! They held that just for a second, but it was a long one! xoxo
Susan,Thank you so much for a fantastic re-cap! Julian needs to hire you as an assistant. xo Annette
I would love that! Although I would be very shy to ever do such a thing! I would rather be the fly on the wall!
All the kisses had that wonderful smooch-y sound! My husband turned to me at the end and said “whatever are we going to do on Sunday nights now?”
You have a keeper! 🙂
I absolutely loved the interview with Maggie Smith! What a sense of humor! And, did you notice….they were drinking wine during the interview?!!! Loved the ‘sneak peek’ of your latest book….before stitching! So exciting! Right up there with waiting for Santa! xo peg
LOL, oh Peg! You are so funny! NO, I didn’t notice the wine!
Wait, you forgot the single most romantic gesture I have ever seen on TV or in the movies for that matter. It was after Daisy got her hair cut and Andy took a lock of her hair. He didn’t ask, he didn’t make a fuss of it, he just took the lock of hair to keep. Every woman and teen watching from my living room all reacted so deeply with a loud awwwwww and some tears.
I didn’t see that! Did he take it from the sink?
I think it was on the counter. I thought it was lovely too Diana. Sweet.
Yes, so sweet! And Daisy’s heart melted!
That was a lovely moment. Andy and Daisy!
I saw that too and thought how subtly romantic… a lovely gesture from days gone by. *sigh*
It’s the details in this show that made it so extra special.
Well, I think the finale of Downton was everything we had hoped for. It was just beautiful, absolute perfection. And the hats, how gorgeous were they? I think if there is such a thing as reincarnation, I’d like to come back in 1925 and wear those fabulous dresses and hats.
In England!
Yes, definitely in England!
Birds of a feather . . . meet you there!
Oh Susan, I too loved your recap, it made me love the last episode even more! Must admit I was a bit sad all day yesterday thinking about the end of Downton. But Julian really did it well. I love endings like this, to movies, to series all of it. And when I heard the conversation with Isobel and Violet thinking the English are the way they are because of the weather. I thought to myself, I wonder if Susan will mention that in the blog, and you did. 🙂 So cute. So exciting about the book, and one of your book store visits is kind of near me in Pasadena at Vrotman’s! I wanted to go the last one there, but couldn’t, I hope to make it there this time, I would love it so much! Thank you for all you do.
Hope I get to see you there Paula!
Oops, just realized I said weather conversation was Violet and Isobel, but it was Rosamund! I know you know that but thought I’d correct myself, lol. I guess I’m going to have to watch it again, I missed the part where Andy took a lock of Daisy’s hair that the girls were talking about. How sweet is that?
Golly! I cried just reading your recap! What a wonderful ending to the wonderful series!! Even my dry-as-toast-unromantic-cynical-husband watched and at the end said, “That’s the best finale I’ve ever seen!” Which made me cry just a wee bit more!! xoxo
Oh, that is so sweet. Julian, he’s got the magic!