Though this film was nice, the stakes were relatively low and while there were references of the changing times, Downton still seemed immune to those sort of things.
In this case, the King and Queen are coming to Downton as part of their tour of estates in southern England.
So, we have Tom Branson (Tom Leech) foil an assassination attempt, find a new love interest in Lucy Smith (Tuppence Middleton), Bertie (Henry Hadden-Paton) gets an opportunity he can't pass up, Edith (Laura Carmichael) is pretty sure she's in the family way, Anna (Joanne Froggatt) discovers a thief among the Queen's servants, Mary (Michelle Dockery) convinces Carson (Jim Carter) to come out retirement because she doesn't believe Barrow (Robert James-Collier) isn't up for the task, Barrow himself finds himself under arrest, Daisy (Sophie McShera) doesn't seem to be looking to forward to planning her wedding with Andy (Michael Fox) and poor Granny (Maggie Smith) has some terrible news.
First of all, since when were Daisy and Andy together? Also, Andy is a jerk and has a jealous streak when the plumber comes over and makes eyes at her. But when he admits that to Daisy, she doesn't get mad that he purposely damaged the water heater, that make her happy. So I disagree with that whole plot line.
Fortunately, Tom's made up for it. Also, Imelda Staunton's character was a welcome addition. Her younger years would make a great stand alone film themselves.
Now, this film does have way too many characters and plenty get lost in the shuffle, including Brendan Coyle's Bates. Not even Robert (Hugh Bonneville) and Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) get the screen time they deserve.
That being said, this film reminded me of why I miss this series as you are invested in the characters and the set is impeccable and the costumes are to die for. Grade: B
Side Notes:
-Lady Mary's (Kate Phillips's) husband (Andrew Havill) is a royal asshat, but instead of leaving him (she lacks her parents' support), she decides to work out her marriage and pull out the good qualities of this man, when I doubt any exist as he didn't want to bring his children to a parade as they would just a nuisance.
-Moseley (Kevin Doyle) is way too excited to see the King and Queen.
-Anna is full of machinations to sabotage the royal staff so Downton's staff can actually do their jobs.
-Mary's new child is a girl named Caroline.
-Also, why was Matthew Goode barely in this film, probably so they wouldn't need to find something for him to do until the ball.
-Edith isn't as happy as she appears. If they do another sequel, it should focus on her.
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