15 Things You Should Know Before Seeing the ‘Downton Abbey’ Movie

11. Mr. Carson Retires

As Downton Abbey winds down, Carson is stricken with “the palsy,” Carson has no choice but to retire and let Mr. Barrow take his place.

The movie’s plot summary reveals Carson finds his free time cut short when Mary calls on him to return to service. The tremors that force him to abandon his post are no longer an issue. Carson’s return will undoubtedly result in a power struggle between himself and Mr. Barrow. Who will come out on top?

It’s more likely the two will be forced to ban together when the Buckingham Palace staff descends upon Downton and take charge of the preparations.

 12. Daisy Becomes a Revolutionary, Sort of

Once a mousy scullery maid, Daisy (Sophie McShera) comes into her own on Downton Abbey Season 6. She continues her education with Mr. Molesley’s help and passes her exams. She still has a soft spot for Mr. Mason and advocates for her father-in-law when he loses his farm.

As she fights tirelessly to secure Mr. Mason a new position, Daisy expresses some dissatisfaction with the social hierarchy which gets her into a bit of trouble 

After several heartbreaks, also Daisy enjoys the attention of a very smitten footman, Andy (Michael Fox).  It looks like wedding bells could be on the horizon for Daisy as she and Andy are still very much an item almost two years later. 

13. Mrs. Patmore Opens a Bed and Breakfast

During Season 6, Mrs. Patmore opens a Bed and Breakfast, but her first guests turn out to be adulterers, giving the place a bad name. Having sunk everything she has into the business venture, Mrs. Patmore is devastated until the Crawleys devise a plan to save the place from forever being labeled a “house of ill repute.”

Almost two years later, and Mrs. Patmore is still running the kitchen. But she’s in for some stiff competition from a fancy French chef played by Phillipe Spall. 

14. Mary and Isobel Get Closure

Fans were as devastated by the death of Matthew Crawley as the entire Crawley family. Many hoped the character would make an appearance in the movie in some way (most likely a flashback), but Matthew will continue to rest in peace.

Before declaring her love for Henry, Mary goes to say her final goodbye to Matthew at his grave. She vows to always love him, She encounters Isobel who assures Mary she’s delighted that her daughter-in-law plans to remarry. 

Isobel also begins a new chapter in her life when she decides to marry Lord Merton (Douglas Reith). It promises to be a short chapter since he’s terminally ill with pernicious anemia.

The couple learns at Edith’s wedding that Bertie isn’t dying at all, and Isobel is happily stuck with the old boy.

15. Robert and Cora Have a Rough Year

Robert and Cora deal with some challenges as a couple on Downton Abbey‘s final season. Cora enjoys a flirtation with an art historian and struggles to be heard, and find a place for herself in a new world where women are encouraged to find purpose outside of their homes. 

The Earl of Grantham suffers a health scare when an ulcer erupts, and he must undergo emergency surgery.

As if the stress of his daughters’ roller coaster love lives isn’t enough to burn a hole through his stomach, his beloved dog Isis dies, making Robert Crowley’s life sound like a bad country song.

But in the spirit of new beginnings, life goes on, Robert gets a new pup to love, and he learns to adapt to a working wife. 

Expect Robert and Cora to sit on the sidelines and let the next generation take the reins when it comes to the royal houseguests. 

What excites you most about the Downton Abbey movie? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Downton Abbey opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, September 20, 2019.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

20 Television Characters and their Hogwarts Houses