In case you were in deep denial about Downton Abbey coming to an end after its upcoming sixth and final season, the press photo above should bring it home for you. The sun is literally setting on Downton! And this isn't the only sneak peek into what's in store. Carnival Film & Television Ltd also released a handful of other new photos. Let's overanalyze them!
But before we move on from the cast photo, can we pour one out for the people not pictured? Branson and baby Sybbie are in America. So is Rose and her new Jewish husband, presumably. And, as always, R.I.P. Sybil and Isis, the dog (*cue Elton John's "Candle in the Wind"*).
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the greatest of them all? You, duh, the mirror likely replies. The Dowager is this show. Everyone else is just decoration. She's obviously practicing her angles here or thinking about that flirty Russian or maybe this is the Mirror of Erised from Harry Potter (you know, the one that shows one's truest desires). She sees herself because what more could she want than to continue being her bad ass self?
Edith smiles through the pain for another year, while secretly plotting to torch the Abbey with everyone in it. Mary also is secretly plotting to do the same thing. Meanwhile, Cora smiles, thinking about getting a divorce and going to find that artsy London dude.
Ladies Night 1927! This friendship is a precursor to Lil Kim's opus "Ladies Night." Women supporting each other and talking about their dreams instead of men.
Lord Grantham's storyline this year will be what it always is: Waaaahhh, having a trust fund is hard, I feel oppressed and grumpy! Next!
Look at this I-don't-need-a-man-or-his-bratty-sons-to-be-happy empowerment! Every time Beyonce sings "All the women who independent, throw your hands up at me," she's thinking of Isobel.
Lock this saccharine duo up please. Or have them move away to a cute cottage. I don't care, just get them away from me. Sorry, Anna, you are who you hang out with.
Now here's a couple I can get behind! They're finally dating! What can we expect? Cute scented love notes, excessive hand holding and long ambles through the countryside, to be sure. But maybe also a hot tub scene? Just putting it out into the universe. I have a dream.
Maybe they are using their experience at Downton to play footmen in a Hollywood movie. They're famous and rich and live in LA now! No more toiling! Thomas can find other gays to hang out with! And Molesley can find non-shoe-polish hair dye! Everyone wins. The end.
