Downton Abbey, Season 6, Premiere

The lavish melodrama enters its final season with pomp and popularity, almost unprecedented for a PBS show.  Viewers will return to see the final waltz of the characters we love and love to hate.  Just when it seems all the plots have been played out and resolved, Julian Fellows beacons us to consider the life of the gentry and servants for one last time.

The episode opens with the pageantry of a traditional English foxhunt.  Lord Grantham is in command in his bright red jacket.  Mary joins the men in her black riding uniform riding as the men do rather then side saddle, as her father would wish. Lady Cora informs Robert a board meeting of the hospital is coming up and he should be present.  A mysterious woman comes to the door; Carson instructs her to follow the hunting party.

Down in the kitchen, Ms. Patmore is entertaining little Marigold and George.  There is discussion regarding the upcoming nuptials between Ms. Hughes and Mr. Carson. After a moment spent looking at the hunting party, the inside story continues when Ms. Patmore follows Ms. Hughes upstairs.  The cook senses Ms. Hughes is nervous about something.  Ms. Hughes confesses she’s worried about her “wifely” duty as an inexperienced lady of a certain age.  Ms. Patmore confesses she’s a virgin too, and this conversation is very uncomfortable for both women.  Ms. Hughes is rather embarrassed to imagine being naked let alone making “the beast with two backs” despite her love for him.  She hopes Carson may not require this part of matrimony, and she wants Ms. Patmore to ask him!  (Quite an immature way to handle a mature subject, but they both hail from the Victorian era.) As Ms. Patmore heads back downstairs, she encounters Anna crying. Anna denies anything is wrong.

The hunt continues, or the riding of horses continues followed by the hounds.  The mystery woman watches Mary intently, and suddenly Mary falls from her horse.  The mystery woman smiles and makes eye contact with Mary.  Mary is muddy but unhurt.

In the drawing room, Edith speaks on the phone to the editor of her London paper. She confides to her mother she is disliked, as she is a female boss.

The board of trustees for the local hospital meet, including, Dr. Clarkson, the Dowager Countess and Lady Isobel.  The subject is whether to merge with the County hospital in York.  The Countess is against the idea; it will weaken the Grantham’s power over the hospital.  Lady Isobel thinks it will improve patient care and is willing to sacrifice her leadership position at the hospital for the betterment of the people.  The Dowager and Isobel have something to feud over for the season. Lord Merton supports Lady Isobel, but she openly scoffs at his support. (Poor Lord Merton.)

Lord Grantham and Mary return from the hunt.  The mystery woman approaches and introduces herself as Ellen Bereven, a chambermaid from a hotel in Liverpool.  This was the same hotel where Mary and Tony spent a week canoodling before she cast him off.  Ms. Bereven asks for one thousand pounds to keep this information secret.  Mary is upset but confidently asks her to go away, “You’re not the first person to try and blackmail me!”

Down in the kitchen, Thomas expresses fatigue from having to have entertained the little ones.  Mosley remarks how lucky Marigold is to have been plucked from the life of a farmer’s daughter to one of wealth.  Anna wonders if being wealthy is any guarantee of happiness. (Mary certainly is a good example of this!)  Anna is called upstairs to Mary.

Lord Grantham speaks to Carson about the “future staff requirements.”  Carson informs the Lord two maids have recently quit: one to get married and one to work in a store.  Carson reminisces about the “good old days” when their staff was much larger.  Lord Grantham notes they must “Keep up with the times.”  It seems he has finally learned what Branson was trying to impress upon him about saving the estate through change.

Lady Mary confides in Anna regarding the blackmail.  Her plan is to do nothing fearing if she consents to the demands, the woman will only come back for more. Anna confides the Mr. Green matter is still not completely resolved.  It weighs on her, but Mary senses Anna is upset about something else as well.  Anna remains mum.

In the kitchen, Ms. Patmore awkwardly asks to speak to Carson later.  She assures him it’s “Nothing bad!” His curiosity is peaked.  Bates and Anna share a private moment.  Anna breaks down when Bates mentions “All the children who need a home and all the homes, which need children.”  She confesses she’s had two miscarriages since they began trying to start a family. (As a modern woman, I can’t imagine not sharing this information with my husband.)  Bates lovingly assures her he could never be disappointed in her.  It’s a sweet moment for Downton's most tragic couple.

Upstairs at dinner Robert shares news of Branson and Cybil from Boston.  The Dowager theorizes he must feel like a “fish out of water” there.  Isobel disagrees, noting that because of the large Irish Boston population, he is rather “A fish IN water.”  It’s another opportunity for the women to argue, and soon the hospital is mentioned.  Mary notes the two women are in a “tug of war, and Dr. Clarkson is the rope.”  Poor Dr. Clarkson, will Isobel ever recognize how much he cares for her?

Ms. Patmore and Carson enter his office for the “talk.”  Ms. Patmore tries to suggest the taboo topic by asking him about, “The terms in which you intend to live.”  Carson thinks the subject is about what his habits are and he replies, “He’s not too old to change.”  Ms. Patmore suggests, “So you intend to share your way of life?”  Carson, not knowing what she means, agrees.  Ms. Patmore declares, “Good!” blushes furiously and leaves.

Robert has a conversation with his mother.  He wonders how long they can keep up the estate staff, noting wages have tripled since the end of the war and most estates are cutting back.  The Dowager is dismayed, “Why should people lose their lively-hoods simply because it has gone out of fashion?” (Meaning the service staff.) Robert wonders if they could find other work outside of service.  He knows he will have to make some cuts soon.  This conversation highlights the Fellows major theme for the series, the dying of the landed estate class.

In the library, Edith looks stunning in a gold gown, complete with a gold tiara.  She discusses the vacancy of Mr. Gregson’s former flat, and considers living there herself.  Mary, predictably, makes a sarcastic remark to her sister.  Robert asks what’s wrong, but receives no answer. (Has he not realized how much his daughters hate each other?)

Ms. Denker serves the Dowager back at her home.  The Dowager confides in her maid about the discussion she had with Robert regarding staff cuts.  Ms. Denker assures her she will keep this information secret.

In Downton’s kitchen, Ms. Beveren has returned, this time claiming to have a message from the Dowager Countess to be hand delivered to Lady Mary.  Ms. Hughes asks Ms. Patmore how her discussion went with Carson.  Ms. Patmore admits she wasn’t able to talk about the matter with him. 

Anna shows the blackmailing-maid up to Lady Mary’s chambers.  Lady Mary is horrified at the woman’s return, but asks for privacy.  Ms. Beveren swipes some toasts from Mary’s breakfast tray and declares, “You’re lot’s finished, our lots coming up!”  Mary still refuses to give her money and asks Anna to show her out.  Anna takes the woman out by the arm.  Anna clearly doesn’t get paid enough for dealing with Mary and her dirty laundry.

Dr. Clarkson speaks with Lady Crawley about the hospital matter.  He observes Lord Merton is on her side in support of the merger.  Dr. Clarkson is against the idea. Isobel insists the health of the patients comes first in her decision.

Andy informs the Bates Sergeant Willis has come regarding the Green case.  He tells them a woman claimed Mr. Green had assaulted her, and she pushed him in from of the bus to his death.  However, they still need to confirm the witness’s statement before the Bates will be exonerated.  Anna falls into despair again.

Carson and Robert share news about another estate which is being sold and its contents auctioned off. Mr. Mason, Daisy’s father-in-law, is a tenant of this estate and is unsure whether he’ll be allowed to remain on his land.  Carson implores Lord Grantham to have a word with the owner, Lord to Lord, to help the father of their former footman.

Carson and Ms. Hughes have a stunted conversation about the wedding date.  She states there is no hurry.  Ms. Denker arrives in the kitchen to taunt Downton’s staff about the proposed layoffs.  The staff are upset, especially Andy who was the last one hired and fears he’ll be the first to leave.  Ms. Patmore wonders why the Dowager has a “new maid.”  This unsettles the crafty Ms. Denker.  Thomas asks Carson privately what he knows about the coming changes to the staff.  Carson is mute.

Mr. Mason arrives to speak to Lord Grantham. Lord Grantham offers his sympathies but the new owners have already taken possession of the estate.  Robert is nostalgic as the families were good friends of the Crawleys.  He plans to go to the estate sale to perhaps procure a memento from their shared past.  Cora tells Robert the dispute between his mother and Lady Isobel is heating up. Robert notes, “No one stops her.” Cora smiles, “Yet.”

Ms. Denker is back at the Dowager’s home.  She shares the “secret” with Mr. Spratt regarding the rumored layoffs.  Ms. Denker relishes planting fear in the stuffy butler, stating, “The Lady will always need to dress.”  Implying his job may be in jeopardy.

Mary and Anna discuss the blackmail problem.  Anna encourages her not to give in to the woman, believing scandal is preferable to blackmail. (Having had experienced it with the late Mrs. Bates.) Anna offers her support, saying, “We’ll get through this together.” Despite their class differences, Anna and Mary are true friends.

Carson attempts to find out what Ms. Patmore was trying to say the previous night. He fears Ms. Hughes has changed her mind about the marriage.  Ms. Patmore still can’t speak about S-E-X.  She looks away and says, “She doesn’t want to appear ridiculous!”  She tries to tactfully elaborate about what Mr. Carson expects of Ms. Hughes in terms of performing “wifely duties.”  She asks whether he wants a “full marriage” or a companionship.

As the Bates leave Downton for the night, the subject of children comes up again.  Mr. Bates assures Anna having her is enough.  Anna is bitter and disappointed in herself. It is hard for her to not feel like a “failure” if she can’t become a mother, a feeling both ancient and modern.

Mr. Carson responds to Ms. Patmore, stating he does want a “full marriage.”  He thinks Ms. Hughes is “beautiful” but more importantly, he loves her.  Pained, he says if she doesn’t wish to marry him, so be it, but he loves her.  It’s a moving speech that should have been given to Ms. Hughes!

The Countess writes a letter while Spratt hovers nearby.  He asks if she will give him a timely notice, if she decides to terminate his employment.  The Countess wonders where he heard of this idea.  Spratt reveals Ms. Denker informed all the Downton staff earlier.  The Dowager smiles and says, “Leave it to me!”

Daisy asks Ms. Patmore if she can attend the estate sale with Mr. Mason.  Mosley informs Carson, “That maid is here again.” Carson goes to Ms. Beveren and advises her to make an appointment with Mary.  The impertentent maid shows herself into his Lordships library.  Scandalous!

Aunt Rosemund takes stock of Mr. Gregson’s former flat with Edith. She discusses the pros and cons of staying in London.  All Edith wants is a “bit of happiness.”  She confesses she doesn’t really know what she wants to do with her life but there seems to be a greater freedom if she were to live independently with her daughter in London.

Carson informs Mary upon her return that Ms. Beveren had paid a visit, and is still there! Mary goes to find the maid and her father in the library.  Robert hands the woman a check and she leaves.  Mary promises to pay her father back the thousand pounds.  He informs her, he only paid the woman fifty pounds, and got a signed confession regarding her blackmail.  If she appears again, he will give the confession to the police and she will be arrested.  Mary is impressed at her father’s Machiavellian thinking.  Her father confesses he’s disappointed in Mary but realizes she’s no longer a “debutant in her first season.”  He also did it to avoid upsetting Tony and Mabel; people Mary didn’t even consider part of her problem.  Robert tells Mary he hopes someone will come back into her life romantically.  He realizes his daughter is capable of running the estate.

Ms. Hughes apologizes to Ms. Patmore for putting her in the middle of her intimate problem.  She asks if Mr. Carson was vulgar about the topic, the cook replies, “Mr. Carson wouldn’t be vulgar if you put him on a seaside postcard!”  (A grand mental image of Carson in a twenties bathing costume made me smile.)

Edith tells her father she may be spending less time with them in the country.  He approves of her work in London and her striking out on her own.

Ms. Baxter and Thomas discuss the staff reductions.  They both feel vulnerable.

Lady Isobel stops by the Dowager’s home to see if she is going to the estate auction. Violet declines the invitation, thinking it would be depressing to look upon a mountain of items for sale.  Isobel can’t resist a jab, “We differ when it comes to the importance of things.”  Violet counters, “Does it ever get cold up there on the moral high ground?” Isobel wants peace when it comes to the hospital issue.  The Dowager recalls the Mallerton estate and how they loved to entertain royalty.  The Countess looks at Ms. Denker and adds, “I shall miss you!” This throws the maid into a panic and she hurries away.  Isobel is confused; is Violet really thinking of letting her lady maid go?  The Dowager confesses, “Sometimes its good to rule by fear!”

A parade of shiny cars makes its way to the Mallenton estate.  Edith says something in Latin roughly like, “All life is change.”  Mary chides her sister, “Will you be this philosophical when it’s our turn?”  Robert offers condolences to the Lord of the manor.  Mallerton admits he hung on until there was nothing left.  (Clearly he’s trying to warn the Crawley’s to not make his same mistakes.)

Mr. Mason and Daisy tour the house.  As a tenant, Mr. Mason only had seen certain parts of the house on special occasions.  He looks at some of the objects and describes their history to her.  Daisy becomes enraged and approaches the new owners about her father-in-law’s plight.  Robert and Cora try to stop her, but her outburst probably has cost Mr. Mason any hope of continuing his tenancy on the estate.  The former owner Mallerton reflects all this estate lifestyle will be over in twenty years. (This is fairly accurate, after the Second World War, most of these estates were sold off.)

Back home in the kitchen at Downton, Daisy realizes the gravity of her mistake.  She fears she will be terminated.  Sgt.  Willis has arrived, this time to inform the Bates, that along with the confession, a witness has confirmed the woman’s story. The Bates thank Baxter and Mosley for their help. Carson suggest Robert break out some champagne to celebrate the matter.  The Robert and Cora join the staff for a toast in the kitchen.  It is explained the woman will go to prison, but not receive the death penalty.  Mr. Bates dances with Anna, stating how happy he is to be safe, free and with her.

Robert and Cora snoop around the kitchen and look at the new refrigerator.  Robert remembers the cook hiding biscuits for him.  Carson approaches Robert and asks what he should do about Daisy; her offense is grounds for dismissal.  Robert doesn’t want to damper the party and advises Carson to punish her, short of firing her.  Cora adds he must, “Control her!” Cora tells Robert “Your mom is wrong about the hospital.”

Carson goes to Daisy and tells her she should feel “small, immature and foolish.” He adds Lady Crawley has given her a second chance.

Finally, Ms. Hughes and Mr. Carson speak. Carson is crestfallen at the thought she has changed her mind about marrying him. Ms. Hughes confesses she’s concerned she won’t please him. Mr. Carson assures her she does please him. Ms. Hughes says, “Then you can have me, warts and all!”

The foundation has been laid for the final chapter.  The episode foreshadows the possible demise of Downton, and the separation of the family.  Strangely, Robert seems to have embraced the idea of the changing times.  He blesses both his daughters in their quests to become managers in their own right. However, tiresome elements have carried over from previous seasons.  The old threats of scandal and blackmail continue to plague Mary.  The older ladies Isobel and Violet thrive on making each other miserable.  And, Daisy and Ms. Denker continue to say and do things without thinking.  The costumes and the cinematography do allow one to overlook these flaws.  I’ll take the final season of Downton, “warts and all.”