Downton Abbey Season 6 Episodes 1-2 Reviews: The Beginning Of The End (Season Premiere)

The final season of "Downton Abbey" is upon us-- having finished it's UK run in December. The year is 1925. The aristocratic way of life continues to come under assault as more and more manors shutter their doors. Lord Grantham must cut staff to make ends meet. What will become of the poor Crawley family if they dont have any servants?

In other news, Mary is being blackmailed over her with dalliance with Lord Gillingham. She refuses to pay (or ride side saddle). Robert gives Rita a much smaller amount and forces her to keep her mouth shut (under penalty of law). Her father makes Mary agent of the estate (since Tom is off to America).

Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes prepare to wed. There is some confusion as to each's expectations in the bedroom. Poor Mrs Patamore tries to find out if Carson is anticipating a "full" marriage. Uhh, she might not be the best person to ask. Luckily it all works out in the end. That was a great scene!

Robert offers Carson the servant's hall for the reception. Cora /Mary instead offer the upstairs. Mrs Hughes wants to have the event away from Downton. Can you blame her?

Both Anna and Bates are FINALLY cleared in the death of Mr Green (thanks to some help from Molesley). Some other poor woman is off to prison instead. Of course we all know Mr Green deserved it...in spades. Don't expect the Bates to settle down to a nice happy life. Anna is very upset over not being able to conceive (having had several miscarriages). Mary takes her to a doctor in London. Anna, girl, a helpful hint-- just tell your husband what's going on. This is how you get into all these messes to start with.

Marigold is kidnapped by Mrs Drewe during the pig show. Mr Drew thinks the only way to solve the problem is to move far away from the child (which means they have to leave the farm). Robert agrees. Meanwhile Mary is still oblivious to the secret goings-on around her.

Daisy gives the new owner of Mallerton a piece of her mind (since he could make her father-in-law homeless). Luckily she doesnt get fired by the Crawleys for her opinions.

The Dowager Countess and Isobel argue over local hospital changes. Lady Edith has a run-in with her editor in London. We'll see how Edith and Mary's forays into "traditional male roles" work out. My guess is it will go great for Mary (while not so much for Edith). Meanwhile Rose is still slumming it in the Hamptons and doesnt plan to return home any time soon.

Grade: 4 Monsters (out of 5). "Downton Abbey" enters the home stretch (as season 6 will be it's last). There are 8 episodes total plus the Christmas special. The show continues to provide a fascinating look at how the other half lives (errr, lived). If only I could win Powerball and buy my own English manor (complete with servants).