It is 1927 and King George V is coming to Downton Abbey. Behold the excitement, the pageantry, the test of wills between the King's servants and the servants of Downton. An occasion this momentous calls Mr. Carson (Jim Carter) out of retirement and Mr. Molesly eagerly resumes his footman post for the opportunity to serve the monarch. As one expects, Lady Violet (Maggie Smith) trades barbs with Isobel (Penelope Wilton) in the ongoing battle of wits. There are multiple plotlines that revolve around certain characters though Tom Branson (Allen Leech) shines best: man of action, giver of wise counsel, romantic gentleman. Of course, Anna (Joanne Froggatt) leads the skirmish against the invading royal servants with Carson's reluctant approval.
The movie plays as an oversized episode of the show, offering an opportunity for the gang to reunite and for the audience to catch up on the latest news from Downton. Most of the characters merely function in the storyline of the king's visit, making preparations and voicing concerns. Lady Violet has a reunion with a cousin who has no intention of letting her estate go to Earl Grantham despite him being the nearest relation. Lady Violet has other plans. Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) once again wonders if she should abandon the estate and live a more modest life, which felt like a retread storyline. Didn't they already address that? Irritated by the return of Carson, Mr. Barrow (Robert James-Collier) sallies forth to potential ruination? Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) misses her job as a publisher, finding her life of 'leisure' to be tedious. Moreover, her husband might be leaving for Africa for several months.
When Branson first appeared, I was not keen on him. An Irish Republican as a chauffer to a noble family was a bit awkward and his whirlwind romance with the feisty and rebellious Sybil was even more so. However, I have come to like him more than most of the family. He is more relatable than most of them, a common man adapting to a life among the uppercrust. I suspect his role grew for exactly that reason.
If you are a fan of the show, this is a must see. The estate on the big screen is quite impressive. A feel good movie with a dozen happy endings and plenty of potential for a sequel.
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