The upcoming sixth season of the critically-acclaimed British period-drama series “Downton Abbey” is definitely going to be the show’s last.
Dame Maggie Smith, who deliciously plays the role of Dowager Countess in the TV series, was pretty candid in a recent interview when she said that she does not see “Downton Abbey” getting past Season 6 as there is hardly anything much to go on as far as storylines are concerned.
That’s in addition to the fact that show creator and writer Julian Fellowes, has already committed to do another period drama titled “The Gilded Age” for NBC just days after “Downton Abbey” ended its fifth season on a very romantic wrap early this month.
While there have been apprehensions on Fellowes’ return since his schedule might no longer allow him to work for “Downton Abbey,” PBS confirmed last week that the show creator and writer will finish Season 6 to give it the fitting end that its well-loved characters as well as its fans have been hoping.
Final year
The network has likewise confirmed that the upcoming sixth season will be the final year for the 11-time Emmy and three-time Golden Globe award-winning TV series. It will start airing towards the end of the year and will wrap up in the first quarter of 2016.
The Season 6 Christmas Special will also be one of the most anticipated episodes of the show, as much as last year’s Christmas Special was such a humdinger for “Downton Abbey” fans. It is expected to be aired in December this year in the UK and in January 2016 in the US, details Moviepilot.
Expected to return for the sixth and final season of “Downton Abbey” are the show’s premiere acting cast that include Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Lily James, Joanne Froggatt, Jim Carter, and Maggie Smith.
Happy ending to romantic relationships
“Downton Abbey” fans are actually hoping to see a feel-good finish in at least three romantic relationships in the show.
Viewers would like nothing but a happy ending for Lady Mary Crawley, played by Michelle Dockery, which she really deserves. It looks like Lady Mary will find it in Henry Talbot, played by Matthew Goode. Although Goode is not a series regular, he is expected to return and sweep Lady Mary off her feet and become her perfect partner for life on her way to a happy ending.
“Downton Abbey” stalwarts Mrs. Hughes, played by Phyllis Logan, and Mr. Carson, played by Jim Carter, will certainly build on the beautiful proposal during last season’s Christmas Special. Fans would definitely like to see the elderly couple finally tying the knot before the show ends.
And there’s “Cinderella” actress Lily James and “The Imitation Game” actor Allen Leech, who shall be returning to Season 6 to give a wrap to their respective characters Lady Rose and Tom Branson. Whether they end up together or not on or before the show’s close is worth finding out before “Downton Abbey” finally bids adieu.