Downton Abbey season 6 episode 1 review: Crawley family hit with financial

With the Abbey facing an uncertain future as times change and move on, will the Crawley family learn to adapt to what’s ahead? Granted, I don’t buy for one second that Anna and Bates won’t continue to be the show’s punching bags, but this was a badly-needed win for the characters, and for the show itself, since we aren’t always given these sorts of moments of true celebration (at least not this early in the season).

Perhaps fitting with the finality of the series, Lady Mary’s nonchalant attitude is surprising when she is blackmailed by a woman who witnessed her weekend of fun with Lord Gillingham.

Back for its final series, tonight will see Mary put into a sticky situation, when an unwelcome visitor issues her with an ultimatum.

Sharp as ever Violet got her own back on the tattling lady’s maid by pretending her position wasn’t safe, much to the delight of Denker’s archenemy, butler Spratt.

The end of last series saw Mrs Hughes (Phyllis Logan) finally engaged to Mr Carson, but Mrs Patmore (Lesley Nicol) notices something wrong, and determines to find out why. “To the other nominees, you guys make me laugh hard”.

But the usually meek and mild Daisy caused trouble for her father-in-law Mr Mason at the estate sale of Mallerton when she confronted the new owners over the sale of his farm.

And after all that, it ended happily ever after. It’s just so brilliantly performed, as the kiss itself is exactly the kind of kiss you’d expect between two people who haven’t kissed anyone in ages.

Hosted by PBS president and chief executive officer Paula Kerger, “Downton Abbey Rediscovered” celebrates the series that The Hollywood Reporter praised as “an absolute pleasure to watch”, with a mix of behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with producers and cast members, and clips of favorite scenes.

But before we recap on all the goings on inside the house – I was glad to see that the credits started as usual with the doggy bum of the gone but not forgotten Isis. She has already starred in films like the blockbuster thriller Non-Stop alongside Liam Neeson and she’s signed up to star in new USA series Good Behaviour as an ex-con.