This Sunday officially marked the end of an era for American "Downton Abbey" viewers, the final episode of the final (sixth) series. Although, of course, the most avid "Downton" fans finished season six within a week of the U.S. DVD release, this Sunday was the official end of the "Downton" era. Not that you need any more reasons to be upset, but here are -- in no particular order -- 11 things we’ll miss about the world of "Downton Abbey."
1. Mrs. Patmore and her antics.
Mrs. Patmore is like everyone’s favorite crazy aunt who loves a laugh and always has amazing advice. Her frantic nature whenever a big dinner comes up, her deep rooted love and caring for Daisy, her hilarious gal pal relationship with Mrs. Hughes, and her witty, hilarious one liners are just a few things that we’ll all miss about our favorite head cook.
2. Mary and Edith's sibling rivalry.
"Now listen, you pathetic --"
"You're a bitch!"
Mary and Edith’s constant battles came to a culmination at the end of this season with Edith finally putting Mary in her place. Even though we hate for some of our favorite characters to fight, we will surely miss the exciting sisterly quarrels of Lady Edith and Lady Mary.
3. Tom Branson.
Tom Branson turned into a main character on Downton and quite the figure upstairs. Branson became a friend to both Mary and Edith as well as being integral to Downton’s transition into the modern era, both financially and as a proponent for modern ideals. Oh, and did I mention that he’s absolutely, breathtakingly handsome? Yeah, that’s just a bonus.
4. Highclere Castle.
The setting of "Downton Abbey" is the real life home of the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, Highclere Castle. After six seasons the stunning Highclere Castle has become just as much a character on the show as anyone else. In just about every episode there are beautiful long shots showing Downton Abbey/Highclere Castle in all of it’s over the top Jacobethan style. If you ever want to relive your Downton days and happen to find yourself in the English countryside of Hampshire, Highclere is open for visiting hours on certain days each season!
5. Dowager Countess of Grantham, Violet Crawley'
Dame Maggie Smith is the perfect fit for the Dowager Countess, the unapologetically blunt grandmother of Lady Edith and Lady Mary. We’ll surely miss Cousin Violet’s snarky lines and her strong grip on Edwardian life and values. As crazy as she may seem, sometimes we all see a bit of our own relatives in the Dowager Countess.
6. The accents.
There’s just something so novel, and so handsome, about all those accents. Between Lady Mary’s prim and proper BBC pronunciation, Tom Branson’s rough and rugged Irish brogue, Mrs. Hughe’s lilting Scottish drag, and Daisy’s strong Yorkshire accent there’s simply so much to listen to in every episode of "Downton Abbey."
7. Miss Sybbie, Master George, and Miss Marigold.
"She's quite a tough little thing." The Dowager Countess on Sybbie Branson.
Sybbie, Master George, and Marigold have brought laughter and brightness to the drama filled world of Downton Abbey. Between Marigold’s innocent stares, Master George’s adorable friendship with Barrow, and Sybbie’s Madeline-esque bob, each Downton child brought an element of youth and freshness to the Abbey. Plus, it was just way too cute to see Branson, Mary, and Edith playing with their children over tea.
8. Mr. Carson.
There’s just something about Carson that is entirely endearing despite his stolid, somewhat stuffy nature. His sweet relationship with Lady Mary and the adorable marriage between him and Mrs. Hughes gives us a glimpse into the big teddy bear of a man that Carson really is.
9. Marvelous fashion.
"Downton Abbey" has moved from 1912 to 1926 and fashion has moved swiftly with it. Each series, and really each episode, brings us some exquisite evening dresses, a look into casual fashion, and some men handsomely buttoned up in white tie. The fashion of "Downton Abbey" has been part of the transition into the modern era. I mean, who could forget Sybil’s stunning harem pant one piece -- oh so modern, and oh so chic.
10. Lord and Lady Grantham.
Lord and Lady Grantham are quite the pair and the perfect parents to Sybil, Mary, and Edith. Although they may have their own quarrels and drama, both the Lord and the Lady have some admirable qualities which make them such lovable characters. Whether it's Lord Grantham charming love for his dogs or Cora's constant yearning for independence and purpose, the pair are the perfect heads of household at Downton Abbey.
11. Anna and Bates.
"You are my wife, and I have never been prouder of you than I am in this moment."
"Truly?"
"Truly."
Although the couple have faced much more trouble than any people should, they still are a favorite couple among many Downton viewers. Anna and Bates have had their fair share of troubles, and it almost seems cruel to leave them, now, as their happiness is just beginning. Plus, they're just so dang cute!
