Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022)

The story opens with the marriage of Tom Branson (Allen Leech) to Lucy Smith (Tuppence Middleton) with all the Downton regulars in attendance.  After the happy event where most of the characters are reintroduced, the story resumes at Downton.  A director is interested in filming at Downton and Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) is tempted; the money could be used to repair the roof.  Lord Grantham is not keen on the idea and thinks his mother (Maggie Smith) would be horrified by the prospect.  However, Violet Grantham has something else of interest; an old flame from the south of France has left a villa to her.  She plans to bequeath it to Sybbie, her great granddaughter by Sybil and Tom.  Of course, the old flame's widow is not so keen on relinquishing the villa.  With the filming at Downton, Lord Grantham thinks it a grand idea to investigate the villa and meet the residents.

Of particular note, the movie is a silent film that must suddenly be changed to a talkie.  Unsurprisingly, the lead actress has a horrendous accent and needs dubbing.  This facet of the movie bears an uncanny resemblance to Singin' in the Rain.  All the characters get their moment to shine.  Mr. Molesley (Kevin Doyle) wins acclaim again, the often awkward part-time footman and later school teacher proves to have a talent for dramatic writing.  Of course, it wouldn't be Downton Abbey if characters didn't start proposing to one another or having children.  Yes, romances are requited and new children are added to the Grantham family.

Good popcorn fun.

Downton Abbey: The Movie (2019)

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.

Downton Pregnancy Curse

Yes, I follow Downton Abbey.  It is a surprisingly engaging show that is also a great look at a different time.  It has just closed out the third series (what we call a season, the British call a series) with the death of a central character.  This is the second major figure to die this series and I have noticed a peculiar pattern.

1. Cora was pregnant but suffered a miscarriage on account of a fall.

2. Ethel, one of the maids, got pregnant in the second series.  Her lover, an army officer, died before the child was born.

3. Sybil, the youngest daughter, died shortly after childbirth.

4. The series finale brought the birth of the future Lord Grantham and the death of his father.

No pregnancy has gone without a death.  Is it any wonder that Europe has a low birthrate?  I would advise all characters to avoid pregnancy at all costs in future series.