They're back!
As a standalone film, the new Downton Abbey leaves a lot to be desired. Almost no time is spent developing any characters -- or even introducing them to first-time audiences -- or establishing the extensive history of the Crawley family and household. The plot is breakneck and often unnecessarily messy, compounded with jolting editing that takes us upstairs, downstairs, and outside within brief minutes. And, apart from a fabulous opening sequence and a single happy(ish) ending we'll discuss anon, there is precious little closure. As a much better ending to the beloved series than the final season finale, this feature works well enough to stopper the drama. One might well hope we'll return to Downton again, though the state of that reunion could make me recant that wish.
But this movie is not meant to be standalone, of course. Instead, we are treated to a ravishing feast for eye and ear. The incredible period detail of the series is brought gloriously to life on the silver screen, rapturously transporting us to 1927, about two years after the last time we visited the Crawley family. King George and Queen Mary are bringing their entourage to Downton, and the whole town is abuzz with excitement. With preparations underway, it's only a matter of time before trouble boils over, and we are the intimate spectators of the proceedings.
For better or worse, this film feels remarkably like any number of the episodes, balanced by the unique voice of writer Julian Fellowes. His interest in the upstairs/downstairs drama reaches a Gosford Park level of tension unlike most in the serial show since the first season. When an assassin appears in town to murder the king, Tom and Mary are caught in a chase for life or death. When the royal staff attempt to bully and oust the Downton staff, the Bateses lead a campaign of sabotage for a taste of the glory and honor to serve their monarch. When an estranged cousin (Imelda Staunton) reappears at Downton, Lady Violet schemes her way into her good graces to settle an inheritance issue once and for all. When Carson is brought back to run the house, Barrow leaves angrily, stumbling upon the greatest misadventure of his life.
It is to these last two events I wish to devote my final thoughts. First, Thomas Barrow has long been one of my favorite characters and the series has dealt him few decent breaks. Here, he makes a friend from the royal staff who takes him out for a night on the town. When a gay club (or whatever such havens for "perverts" might have been called) is raided by the police, Barrow is rescued by his newfound friend. In the most natural and lovely turn of events, the two ultimately express their shared affections and promise to keep in touch. It's a beautiful arc that, to my eyes, carried the film and finally allowed Barrow a more optimistic moment than I ever thought he'd get.
Second, Lady Violet, having exhausted her schemes for the present -- making some small peace with her cousin and maneuvering Tom into the good graces of her cousin's daughter and benefactor -- excuses herself to have a quiet chat with Mary. In the most emotional scene I can remember from the series, she reveals that she is dying. While denying any pity or remorse, she encourages her granddaughter to carry out her legacy and continue to love Downton for her sake. It's a devastating moment that pretty clearly ushers Maggie Smith out of any future connection with the series, and will require you to be well hydrated in advance.
While I normally can't stand this kind of fan service, here it works magnificently because this Downton Abbey has no delusions of being anything but an extension of the series. It delivers fans exactly what we want and expect from characters we love, while dishing out more of its soapy, silly, and profoundly earnest drama by the bucket. I've done a little bit of crying during the run of this show, but after the hiatus, I certainly did not expect to weep as the opening music started up again, as Tom held his beautiful daughter, as Barrow was finally given hope by a good man, or as we said goodbye to Lady Violet.
But, damn, I really could have done without that wretch, Daisy.
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