‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’ evaluation: Crawley clan in a pivotal 1930

It’s the tip of “Downton Abbey.” No, actually — this time, it’s proper there within the title, “The Grand Finale.” After six seasons, 5 Christmas specials, three films and a partridge in a pear tree, that is the tip, till the following time author and creator Julian Fellowes is struck with inspiration.

All joking apart, “The Grand Finale” is a high-quality send-off for the beloved British costume drama, which follows the ups and downs of the aristocratic Crawley household — and their workers — whereas navigating the tumultuous beginnings of the twentieth century.

Whereas the earlier “Downton” movie, 2022’s “A New Period,” noticed the Crawleys venturing to France and internet hosting a film crew at their Yorkshire property, the important thing to “The Grand Finale” is that Fellowes doesn’t enterprise into unfamiliar territory. He retains us grounded within the smaller social and familial dramas, with just a few enjoyable visitor stars that nod to the 12 months wherein the story takes place: 1930.

What Fellowes has finished so properly with “Downton” is supply an escape to the previous, whereas utilizing the interval setting to touch upon points of up to date relevance. He produces an interesting rigidity within the simultaneous presentation of archaic cultural norms alongside points that really feel as pressing as ever. In “The Grand Finale,” there’s the tabloid scandal that swarms the divorce of Woman Mary (Michelle Dockery) in addition to the continuing wrestle that’s Lord Grantham’s unwillingness to go on administration of Downton Abbey to the following technology. (Returning once more to the position of the patriarch is Hugh Bonneville.)

We are able to titter on the shock and horror that among the characters show at even being in the identical room as a divorced lady — Woman Mary is rudely escorted from a ball and requested to cover below a staircase lest she come into contact with a royal — and likewise empathize with the frustration of a brand new technology that desperately desires to take over from the outdated guard and perhaps even shake issues up a bit. It sounds rather a lot just like the complaints that Gen X and millennials have with the boomers. Some issues by no means change, even when divorce is now not grounds for social expulsion.

Fellowes isn’t precisely delicate with the messaging in his remaining chapter. American uncle Harold (Paul Giamatti) declares it’s extra snug to reside up to now. Fellowes will get much more self-reflective with the character of Molesley (Kevin Doyle), who progressed from footman to screenwriter within the final movie and now calls for the popularity that he believes he deserves. It’s a must to giggle when Molesley declares to digital camera that screenwriters are extra essential than even film stars. (Heard, Lord Fellowes, an Oscar winner for his authentic script to “Gosford Park.”)

“The Grand Finale” brings again outdated buddies from “A New Period,” reminiscent of movie actor Man Dexter (Dominic West), now in a quiet relationship with former Downton footman Barrow (Robert James-Collier), and their pal, theater attraction and playwright Noel Coward (Arty Froushan), representing the brand new wave of media celebrities. In a very pleasant, star-making efficiency, Froushan delivers mischievous double entendres as Coward, virtually licking his chops in any respect the juicy materials he finds at Downton for his new performs, whether or not it’s Woman Mary’s love woes or the inside workings of the “downstairs” Downton workers.

With the late Dame Maggie Smith now not delivering her standard barbs, Simon Russell Beale has stepped in to characterize the traditionalist methods of considering. Taking part in Sir Hector who contends with Woman Isabelle (Penelope Wilton) over the planning of the county present, he mightily resists change and isn’t afraid to let her learn about it. He additionally delivers one of the vital spectacular line readings of the phrase “beekeepers and bottling fruit,” so don’t fear — the spirit of the Dowager Countess lives on.

In different subplots, the Crawleys have to handle each a monetary pickle associated to the American inventory market crash and a smooth-talking rip-off artist who goes by Gus Sambrook (Alessandro Nivola), who has inveigled Harold into an Argentine foreign money grift and Woman Mary right into a rebound tryst. He’s finally merely a tool as an example Woman Edith’s mannered English claws when she scares him off with threats to his social standing, and a method to urge the Crawleys into new administration of their belongings, however he’s a enjoyable fly within the ointment however.

With its mixture of outdated characters and new, worldly upheaval and small-town drama, Fellowes illustrates what “Downton” has at all times finished greatest, which is a social examination of how a lot issues have modified and the way they haven’t modified in any respect. Whereas among the character work doesn’t fairly develop or deepen our understanding of them, and even take them on new journeys, it’s merely a pleasure to go to one final time — or no less than till the following one. (Why fake in any other case?) World Conflict II is just a few years away. Wouldn’t you prefer to see how the Crawleys sort out that?

Katie Walsh is a Tribune Information Service movie critic.