DH and my Date Night last night was to see the final Downton Abbey film at the cinema!  We have not been to the cinema in ages, particularly as it now seems to cost as much as going out for a meal (!) and the other reason being there has been nothing on we wanted to see.  However this film opened on Friday.

If you have watched all the series and the two prior films then you will know that this just follows on from them.  You can see this film without have watched the previous ones but you would probably miss one or two references.  Sadly The Dowager Countess of Grantham died in the previous film and Dame Maggie Smith herself passed away last year and the film is dedicated to her.  That was the only thing missing from the film her wit, perfect timing of her little pearls of wisdom, and barbs that her character was known for.

©Downton Abbey the series.

The film begins with Lady Mary Talbot going through a divorce which in 1930 was a scandal and divorced women were treated as if they were fallen.  This then leads into the fact that Lord Grantham needs to take over the running of Downton again because of Lady Mary’s status.  We also find that Lady Grantham’s mother has passed away and the Estate is being handled by her brother in America badly which again has an affect on Downton’s fortunes.  The film also shows the older staff retiring and leaving the younger staff to take over, so very much changes happening throughout all their lives.  

It was excellent and a good tribute to everyone who has worked on the series and the three films and a nice way to end an icon of recent TV.  Especially as we get so many controversial shows now, or inane ones (the “talent” shows!) and not forgetting the dreadful “Reality” TV which is as far from reality as anything else.  So it was great to have this series and three films which are elegant and although it is probaly not the best word to describe it, but gentle programme.  I for one will miss it but the benefit of our TV viewing now is we are able to watch them all the time thanks to the streaming networks!  Netflix in the UK and the series is also now on Disney+ too.  I have started to watch the series again and Dame Maggie Smith is just the best.

If you are a fan of the show I am sure this film will soon be available to watch on TV and does not disappoint.

*******************

I haven’t forgotten about Book Club Friday but DH and my’s Friday turned into chaos not of our doing!  We were waiting for a delivery of two pieces of furniture for Youngest and they ended up coming by two separate deliveries both ends of the day and in between we had to dash off and get my car, which was in Birmingham which is a dreadful place to drive through. DH knows it well because of business so I was following him which can be a bit of a nightmare but we got home in time for the second delivery but then found that we only had two of the three boxes we needed!  Anyway I will do Book Club Friday tomorrow.

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.  Hugs & Love, Susie & Coco xx