As
this third series draws to a close, I realize this British series about life at
this abbey in the aftermath of World War I is filled with forms of courage, for
the aristocracy as well as their faithful long-time servants. We the viewers
watch remarkable actors showing how these individuals deal with the massive
changes in their lives.
Matthew
faces his guilt at Livinia’s death, his fears and vulnerability as he recovers
from serious wounds to his body and his psyche. Even when he is able to express his deep love for Mary, a
tender passion they both share after so many trials, he is plagued by fears of
inadequacy, especially whether he can father a child. Mary has a deep faith, and goes to London privately to find
if she may be infertile, has an operation that the doctor tells her will make
conception finally possible. She
has the courage to take action on her own rather than being stuck in Matthew’s
belief he is at fault.
Matthew
has the courage to realize the Abbey has been poorly managed and cannot become
self-sustaining without major changes, but he keeps expressing his concerns in
ways that make his father-in-law feel defensive. As the whole family mourns the
death of Sybil, Matthew chooses to befriend the grieving husband-father, Tom,
who feels out of place because he is a Catholic Irishman, not from noble blood,
and he thinks his only choice is to leave with the baby, seeking his fortune in
his homeland, bereft of the support of this family into which he has married. He welcomes the concern and caring of
Mary and Matthew, who stand by him in his dark hours. As their friendship unfolds, Matthew realizes Tom knows
about farming and the ways and needs of the simple folks who are dependant on
the survival of Downton Abbey.
When the concerns of Mary and her wise Grandmother help Mary’s mother
Cora and her husband realize their daughter Sybil would have died even if the
old family doctor’s advice had been followed, they begin to grieve together,
knowing no one is to blame for this tragedy.
In
the servant’s quarters, Daisy
slowly gathers her courage to consider a life beyond being a servant as her
father-in-law sees her strengths and zeal for life, and offers his inheritance
if she will come manage his estate while he is alive. She begins to envision a better life, and it may even
include a man partner where she shall have the respect she deserves. She is outgrowing being a lifetime
servant and all that implies.
As
this series of the Downton Abbey saga comes to an end, Mary gives birth to a
healthy baby boy. She and Matthew
have a few precious moments celebrating privately this new beginning in their
lives. As Matthew drives away,
exuberant to be a dad with his beloved wife, his life is suddenly ended by a
truck colliding with his car, which overturns and he is thrown to his
death. It’s a sad and startling
ending, and a reminder to us all that life is unpredictable, sometimes very
unfair even when you’ve been noble and courageous in overcoming obstacles. We are left in suspense, not knowing
how the families and the servants will deal with this huge and impactful loss,
so soon after the death of Sybil whom everyone loved and sorely misses. She lives on in her sweet daughter and
her strong-willed husband.
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