Downton Abbey Christmas Special: Did it live up to the hype?
Downton Abbey returned to screens last night, but was it a Christmas triumph or a festive flop?
Downton Abbey returned to screens last night, but was it a Christmas triumph or a festive flop?
The Downton Abbey Christmas Special was heralded to be the highlight of Christmas Day television but with so much riding on the interlude between series three and four was Marie Claire bowled over by household’s crisis, charisma and festive cheer?
SPOILER ALERT!
Although we’d previously reported Dan Stevens who plays Matthew Crawley was leaving the show and the Christmas special would be his last Downton Abbey appearance, we couldn’t help but bite our nails the entire time until his tragic end.
DOWNTON ABBEY CAST TRANSFORM FOR NEW YORK EVENT
And tragic it most certainly was, as the twist saw cousin Matthew killed in a car accident literally minutes after meeting his newborn son and heir. The show may have left us reaching for the tissues, but aside from the death of a much-loved character we actually relished the warmly predictable plots that were neatly tied up throughout the two-hour long episode.
While the Granthams headed to Scotland to visit their cousins the real drama happened back at Downton - Jimmy Kent and Thomas Barrow reluctantly formed a new friendship. As the staff went to the local fair, Jimmy was (in Downton speak) a bit squiffy and was almost mugged until Thomas took the beating for him. Such a selfless act saw the duo finally become friends, all together now: ‘awww’.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
MICHELLE OBAMA REVEALS SHE’S A DOWNTON ABBEY FAN
Mrs Patmore had a flirtation with a local supplier who turned out to be more interested in womanizing and finding a good cook – but instead of tears, along with Mrs Hughes they simply laughed about the brief fling.
Romance was on the cards for Doctor Clarkson and Isobel Crawley but it appeared to be one-sided, although we very much hope this storyline continues with the next series. While Mr and Mrs Bates were blissfully, but not nauseatingly, in love.
Happiness was also on the cards for Lady Rose who we first met in the season three finale, will be a permanent fixture as she will now live at Downton, away from her sparring parents and cruel mother.
Although in true Downton form, we couldn’t help but get misty eyed over the mention of Lady Sybil. The most heart-wrenching moment for us was when Tom Branson broke down after a maid tried to seduce him. He simply said how much he missed his wife – and we still do too.
Bring on series four!
What did you make of the first episode of Downton Abbey? Was it everything you hoped? Or were you a little disappointed? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
Watch the Downton Abbey cast talk about how they protect story lines below:
-
I swear by knitted dresses to keep warm and stylish in autumn
The one piece you'll wear on repeat.
By Avalon Afriyie
-
I promise, these 14 suede bags are sure to take your autumn outfits to the next level
They’re slouchy, soft and incredibly chic
By Jazzria Harris
-
Looking to lose fat and build lean muscle? A dietician's cheat sheet, plus why eating enough protein is key
Not just for gym bros.
By Ally Head
-
#DuchessAtDownton – Kate Meets The Cast Of Downton Abbey
Kate Middleton takes a tour of the Downton Abbey set
By Caroline Leaper
-
Awards Season Kicks Off With Golden Globes 2015 Nominations
From Jennifer Aniston to Keira Knightley, see the full list of nominees here...
By Marie Claire
-
We Did Tell You George Clooney Was Going To Be In Downton Abbey…
The first look at the highly anticipated Lord George Clooney...
By Marie Claire
-
Pippa Middleton And Michelle Dockery Are Our New Favourite BFFs
Pippa Middleton and Michelle Dockery met years ago. Have they been secret BFFs ever since?
By Mariel Reed
-
Downton Abbey Glamour Can Now Be Yours, With Lady Mary's Wedding Tiara Up For Hire
Luxury jeweller Bentley & Skinner are renting out Lady Mary's original 45-carat diamond wedding tiara
By Marie Claire
-
The Downton Abbey News We've ALL Been Waiting For (Phew)
Downton Abbey's Gareth Neame sheds more light on the show's future. And we all do a sigh of relief...
By Jessica Bridgeman
-
Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery Gives Lady Mary A Badass Makeover... And The Results Are Amazing
Watch the Downton Abbey spoof video everyone is talking about...
By Marie Claire
-
Downton Abbey’s Future Receives Big Blow By Creator Julian Fellowes
Downton Abbey could end sooner than you think – creator Julian Fellowes has dropped some heavy hints in a new interview about the show's fate...
By Jessica Bridgeman