Top 10 Things We NEED to See in The Downton Abbey Movie
#10: Tom in Love Again
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Despite coming from two completely different social backgrounds, Tom Branson and Lady Sybil couldn’t deny their passionate feelings for each other. The Crawleys reluctantly accepted this union over time, but their love story ended in tragedy with Sybil dying following childbirth. Tom was able to confide in Lady Mary, who lost her husband shortly after giving birth, leading some viewers to believe that they may become an item. Their relationship was kept platonic, though, with Tom helping Mary cope with her grief and start anew. Where Mary eventually remarried, Tom remained single when the series wrapped up. However, based on a flirtation he shared with Edith’s co-worker Laura Edmunds, Tom just may find love again.
#9: Edith & Marigold Living Happily
Often overshadowed by her older sister, the middle Crawley daughter was essentially the Jan Brady of the family. After getting left at the altar and having to hide her illegitimate daughter’s true parentage, life finally threw Edith a bone towards the endgame. Not only did she get Marigold back, but Edith also settled down with Herbert Pelham, aka Bertie. Through her marriage, Edith actually gained a higher title than Mary, not to mention a bigger house. (xref) Just as Anna and Bates got their happy ending, the series left Edith on a high note. Hopefully the film doesn’t undo all the progress she’s made and continues to see her thrive. Everything’s coming up Edith!
#8: Memorable New Characters
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While we’re eager to catch up with the Crawley clan, the film will also introduce a few new characters who may shake things up at Downton Abbey. The most notable addition is Oscar-nominee Imelda Staunton, who in real life is married to Mr. Carson himself, Jim Carter. Also joining the cast are Tony-nominee Geraldine James, Simon Jones from “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” David Haig from “Killing Eve,” Tuppence Middleton from “Sense8,” and Kate Phillips from “Peaky Blinders.” Just as characters like Lady Rose kept the series fresh during its later years, these newcomers can potentially do the same.
#7: A Significant Other for Barrow
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Throughout the series, Thomas Barrow shifts from being one of the most unlikable residents at Downton Abbey to one of the more empathetic characters. Exclusively looking out for himself, this servant isn’t above blackmailing, backstabbing, and manipulation. Behind his cold persona, though, Barrow is also a vulnerable and lonely human being. As a gay man living in a period where homosexuality was a punishable offence, we can see why Barrow is so guarded. Whenever he does let his defenses down, he always winds up getting crushed. By the show’s conclusion, Barrow at least secured his position as Downton Abbey’s butler, but it’d be great if the movie saw him find happiness with someone else.
#6: Servants Rebelling at the Abbey
Change is one of the central themes in “Downton Abbey.” Between 1912 and 1925, we saw the Crawley family tackle significant social change, as well as the changes brought on by events like WWI. At the end of the day, however, the Crawleys have always had a staff of loyal servants around to handle the cooking, cleaning, and dressing. If the film really wants to challenge the status quo, we could see Downton Abbey’s staff go on strike, demanding better pay and working conditions. This would provide especially compelling character arcs for Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes, who have devoted most of their lives to service and could finally explore new horizons together.
#5: Daisy Pursuing a New Career
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One of the youngest servants at Downton Abbey, Daisy Mason is sometimes torn between doing what’s expected of her and going after what she wants. Although she starts out as a kitchen maid, her ambitions begin to shine through as the series goes on. The final season sees Daisy pass her exams, opening the door to new possibilities. In the finale, however, she’s still working as an assistant cook under Mrs. Patmore and moving in with Andy on the farm. We’d love to see Daisy pursue a new career in the film. Considering how far she’s come already, it’d be a shame if Daisy spent the rest of her life stuck in Downton Abbey’s kitchen.
#4: Thoroughly Modern Mary
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While not quite as modern as Sybil, Mary has established herself as a pioneering woman. Decades before the sexual revolution was officially underway, she slept with Mr. Pamuk out of marriage, slept with Lord Gillingham after her husband died, and used contraception. She also helped Downton Abbey persevere through its many financial struggles and ushered in a new era with her bob haircut. When we last saw Mary, she tied the knot with second husband Henry Talbot and announced her pregnancy. It’ll be interesting to see if their marriage lasts, as actor Matthew Goode reportedly only has a minor role in the film. (xref) Whatever the future holds, we hope Mary continues to be a trailblazer.
#3: The Kids Grown up
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Sybil gave birth to her daughter in 1920 while Mary and Matthew welcomed their son George into the world the following year. Edith had Marigold in secrecy not too long after and Mary of course has another bundle of joy on the way. When the series ended, the Earl of Grantham’s eldest grandchild was approximately 5 years old. It’d be intriguing if the film jumped ahead several years, shining the spotlight on older versions of Sybbie, George, and Marigold. Just as the Crawley daughters embraced the modern era, we want to see how the youngest generation evolves with the times. George in particular could grow into an important character, being the heir to Robert’s title.
#2: References to Historical Events
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“Downton Abbey” has touched upon historical events from the very first episode when James and Patrick Crawley died on the RMS Titanic, leaving Lord Grantham is search of a new heir. Although everything works out pretty well for the Crawleys in the end, the finale notably took place in 1925, only a few years before the Great Depression hit the UK. The Crawleys have repeatedly been on the verge of financial ruin and this may push them over the edge in the movie. Seeing the Crawleys fall on hard times would provide leeway for several promising storylines, (xref) perhaps forcing the entire family to join the workforce and even having to let some of their servants go.
#1: The Dowager Countess Being Savage
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Dame Maggie Smith won three Primetime Emmys for her scene-stealing performance as Dowager Countess of Grantham. Will she win an Oscar for the role next? In any case, the movie had better give Violet Crawley enough screen time. It just wouldn’t be “Downton Abbey” without her sassy, sharp, and at times savage one-liners. Since Smith will once again be sharing the screen with Imelda Staunton, another round between Professor McGonagall and Professor Umbridge is also in order. Smith has notably expressed her reluctance to reprise this role again, joking that Violet was probably too old. If she’s ready to retire the character, though, the film could provide a bittersweet send-off for Violet.
