At this point, is the Downton Abbey franchise like a houseguest who has overstayed their welcome? One who is lingering a little too long at the door when they should gracefully bow out and bid farewell?
Although some might argue that six seasons and three(!) films is overstretching, I have a confession: if Julian Fellowes announced right now that he planned to launch two more movies and a spinoff series, I would absolutely be on board.
Yes, it’s true that perhaps this franchise has grown a little overindulgent at this point. And maybe we all would have been fine with just one movie to wrap things up, instead of three. However, I adore all these characters so much, and I’m never quite ready to say goodbye to them.
If you too love these characters and don’t care that by this point some plots are being (lightly) recycled, I think you’ll be delighted by the latest film, as I was. The costumes and the sets are decadent, as always, and there’s plenty of entertaining banter. This feels like an extra long Downton episode – and I have no complaints about that.
I always have a hard time narrowing down my all-time favorite TV show, but I think Downton might be it. It has one of the best ensemble casts I’ve ever seen work together on a show, and while the series has plenty of witty humor and soapy intrigue, it also offers many heartfelt and human moments as well. There’s a special montage at the end of this movie that pays tribute to some of the characters who have left the show previously, and it’s a nice way to bid farewell (I may have had a little moisture in my eyes – simply allergies, of course).
As for whether “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” is actually the last Downton story that will ever be told? I personally wouldn’t bet on it. I know that Julian Fellowes is not actively looking for my opinion, but I would be very interested in a limited series that shows life at Downton during World War II and how those events impact the family. Perhaps the abbey could be used as a shelter for those taking refuge in the countryside during the Blitz.
Wednesday Season 2 finds its groove, setting the stage for an exciting season 3
For reasons I couldn’t quite pinpoint, the first half of Wednesday: Season 2 left me underwhelmed. It didn’t feel as exciting or fresh as the first season, and while I enjoyed it, it didn’t wow me.
Thankfully, the second half of season 2 (released in a batch in early September) has made up for that. The fun chemistry between Wednesday and her werewolf roommate Enid is back. (Minor spoiler: While body swap comedy isn’t exactly a new concept, it’s used to great effect here, and was one of the highlights of season 2 for me.)
I’m more excited now for season 3, for some spoiler-y reasons I’ll get into more below (if you’re not caught up yet, you might want to pause reading here):
- Wednesday’s impending road trip with Uncle Fester sounds delightful (Fred Armisen is so great in this role).
- I’m also excited by the prospect of seeing more of Larissa Weems (Gwendoline Christie) as Wednesday’s new spirit guide, and also to uncover more of the mystery surrounding Billie Piper’s character.
- With the apparent closure of Nevermore Academy, it will be good to expand the show’s setting to new locations and situations.
- Finally, I’m really curious to see how Morticia’s sister Ophelia is woven into the plot.
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