First and Last Scene | Downton Abbey

Join us with a journey through time as we delve into the captivating world of Downton Abbey through its poignant bookends - the very first and last scenes that framed this remarkable saga.
First scene from: Series 1 Episode 1: It is April 1912, and news arrives of the sinking of the Titanic with the loss of Downton's heir James and his son Patrick. The Dowager Countess Violet hopes that the title and estate will pass on to the current Earl Robert's oldest daughter Mary. However, Robert decides not to name Mary his heir, and after discovering that a distant cousin is set to inherit instead, invites the young man to Downton.
Last scene from: Series 6 Episode 9: Mary endeavours to build bridges but Edith's secret continues to pose a threat. As Henry settles into the role of husband, the scars left by Charlie's death are slow to heal. Carson struggles to come to terms with new developments. Spratt's successful moonlighting venture is threatened by Denker's interference, and Daisy may have missed her chance with an admirer. Isobel receives devastating news and when the Greys' scheming takes a sinister turn, she and Violet join forces.
This is the official KZbin channel for Downton Abbey. Immerse yourself in the much-loved British historical drama, relive some of your favourite moments and tragedies, and keep up-to-date with the latest news.
The costume drama series, Downton Abbey, written and created by Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes, stars Academy Award-winner Maggie Smith as a Dowager Countess of an Edwardian English country house in 1912. The series portrays the lives of the Crawley family and the servants who work for them, in a time before the last vestige of a century’s old tradition were stripped away by World War and the modern age. The all-star cast also includes Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern.
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[@12classics39]

The introduction of Mrs. Hughes with the closeup of the keychain in her hand is brilliant. We immediately know she’s in charge without any dialogue to spell it out.

[@simonspeksnijder4455]

Yes, indeed, very much so.

[@cmtippens9209]

I glossed over her hand on the chatelaine the first time I watched it. I was so caught up in trying to get names of characters and their relationships to one another. But, yes, it does tell a lot about her role amongst the others, for sure.

[@TabaquiJackal906]

I love that the first impression we get of her is this serious, possibly dour woman with all the keys, chivvying the house....and then we get to know her and what a delight she is! :D

[@cmtippens9209]

@@TabaquiJackal906 - Yes! The way she first nagged at Daisy about "...building a fire, not inventing it." I thought I was going to hate her. But her caring, funny side started showing the true person she was & I fell in love with her.

[@thetraveler4527]

Very Felliniesque! 😊

[@m.layfette6249]

The juxtapose of the hustle and bustle downstairs to the grace and ease when Lord Grantham walks down the staircase is Pure cinematic poetry.

[@cmtippens9209]

Everyone on the show has described it as a swan - gliding along with nary a ripple on the surface, whilst below, the feet are paddling like crazy to keep it moving. 🦢

[@PokhrajRoy.]

“Heavens, girl! You’re building a fire, not inventing it.” is a line for the ages.

[@robinhollenbeck367]

The ink would smear and smudge ones fingers, thus ironing the newspaper to set the ink, a common practice by some until soy ink hit the press in 1987.

[@olly-kai]

The way Lord Grantham notes the poorer folk below decks... "on their way to a better life" shows his great humanity. ❤

[@TimeLady8]

It sets the tone for his character in a single line of dialogue.

[@israelh2638]

The aristocrats of that era probably cared very little for the fate of the steerage class on the Titanic

[@m.layfette6249]

"You're late when I say you're late." Thomas Barrow being snarky since 1912.

[@mournettab6128]

Believe it or not my 22 year old son and his best friend binge watched this series. They went on and on about how intelligent the writing was, the plot twists, hating on certain characters, the excellent acting,, the beautiful costumes and settings. I had to watch for myself. From the first episode I was in love with this show. IF there is anyone out there who hasn't watched this series, what are you waiting for? I miss it terribly

[@nonameperson-]

I would like to forget the show and start again 😊

[@thelmadickinson6811]

My DVR (back in the old days before streaming) was set to record Masterpiece Theater on PBS. Though it recorded, I didn’t watch it until season 1 was over. When I got around to it, I binged it in one day and it was torture waiting in season 2 to premier.

[@carolablue5293]

My sister has not watched it and she's not living under a rock!

[@agnes2381]

Je ne me lasse pas de cette série ❤cela aurait été bien une suite à l’aube de la seconde guerre mondiale

[@darkness2160]

Agreed. I binged it all last month except the movies. That’s on my to do list.

[@cherrytomato6139]

Out of all characters created for this series the Dowager is totally brilliant. No wonder Margaret Smith has obtained highest honors for TV, film and theatre acting. She is superb. Even in this little last episode her remark about not having choice but going to the future is a masterpiece.

[@dianapeek6936]

Its the writers words, don't forget that.

[@jimenaiotti6768]

I AM Isobel: Exact!!!

[@margaretmacey3473]

Maggie Smith

[@minui8758]

We all call her Maggie in England

[@susiejones4610]

She’s my favorite!!!

[@happycook6737]

I absolutely love all of these people and often forget they aren't real. What a great series! May it continue.

[@the8thchurch461]

Same here. I don't want to believe they are not real. lol

[@MyMags8]

Graham Norton said, when he saw some of the cast from the kitchen/downstairs at an award show, he said to himself how lovely they were all given time off from their duties at Downtown Abby. He then realized he’d embedded them all into real life……

[@xenon8117]

@@MyMags8It wasn’t all lovely, Lord Grantham is just sitting in Downton going “Where’s my kedgeree?”

[@greengardengreen6666]

Downton Abbey for me, is the best Tv escapism show ever created..❤️❤️

[@SISSYKAY]

I agree! I watch it all the time.

[@the8thchurch461]

No other escapism for me too

[@dublinjazz1]

How I envy anyone who's watching DA for the first time. It's undoubtedly one of the best series ever.

[@e.i.3077]

The show started with Edith’s first love dying and ended with her being married to the love of her life. ❤

[@ticketyboo2456]

Also she progressed from being a whinging, boring well let's face it b*tch to being a resolute and capable business woman with an actual backbone.

[@madhusmita1243]

I never saw it that way! Thank you for adding this 😍

[@ladyinred3735]

Love how Lady Mary grew from being selfish to being so gracious.

[@msairs]

i don't know how selfish she could be by falling into line and duty and marrying someone she didnt love.

[@lxtatar7773]

Not selfish - bitter

[@KawaiiStars]

​@@msairsbecause when it came time for her sisters, she wasn't as kind, in the end maybe, but leading up to each of their final choices no

[@katie7748]

​@@lxtatar7773Both. She's simply awful.

[@nuriagiralt617]

@@msairs Mary didn't marry anyone she didn't love.

[@gellisbarber1786]

Maggie Smith's super subtle breaking of the fourth wall at the end is just the chef's kiss.

[@Tttxxxj]

“If only we had the choice” 😂 love that it ended with another of her zingers. Loved this show ❤

[@SueProv]

Very touching. The bookends of a marvelous series and the content within are precious to me.

[@cynthiaslebodnik6945]

It's wonderful seeing the beginning and ending of this awesome saga. Having just been to visit Highclere, I can picture each area, from the dining room, the main hall, and walking down the Grand staircase.

[@zyxw2024]

How long is the tour?

[@leonperry3137]

⁠@@zyxw2024as long as u want, but at least 40 mins going at a good pace. Plus at least another 40 mins if u visit the Egyptian collection

[@cynthiaslebodnik6945]

@friend12105 The inside tour is done at your own pace. Outside, there is an area to get high tea, ice cream, and other snacks. Plus walking trails and gardens. The tour I was on allowed 3 hours, and that was plenty of time without feeling rushed.

[@raywellswork]

@@zyxw2024 I would highly recommend it. And forever more when you watch Downton you`ll be going "I`ve walked down that Staircase" or "I`ve been in that Library"

[@shanewall9092]

Wow that’s a tour I’d love to do. I didn’t realise it’s the real interior of the house. When you do the tour are you allowed in most parts of the house, or it’s just a small part?

[@marfa1861]

I think it is THE BEST ever!! The beginning just pulls you right into the story..and you are hooked!!!🥰

[@bushwickbaby]

I've always loved how Mary went to the window as the bicyclist rode past---the family's fortune about to change with the arrival of The Times.

[@1Neuseelander]

Her room had a fire despite Daisy saying it wouldn’t be done until she descended.

[@stahppls2293]

​@@1NeuseelanderDaisy said the one she was working on is the last one before they ascended, she's already done Mary's while Mary was asleep

[@pipermccool]

Edith was kind of a pill early on, but was definitely redeemed. “Edith’s to be a marchioness!” And ❤️ Thomas, in the end.

[@gabrielalopetegui]

What a perfect intro to each character in the first scene…this show was and is brilliant!!❤❤

[@bettymanoulian4645]

The best series EVER!! I continue to watch an episode or two (or three) every day. Even purchased a second set of DVDs just in case something happened to the first set!!

[@whatsit177]

Yes I wore out my first set so I do have a second

[@the8thchurch461]

I watch it everyday too.

[@dreamsteddybearsmaster]

Ah so nostalgic!!! Forever a heartwarming and memorable series, legendary for its plotlines & iconic cast/performances plus storylines!!!

[@naturazpolski9213]

The final was just perfect, and the song was the purest form of great finale for this masterpiece

[@katherinewilson1853]

It was so touching, with Carson calling Mrs. Hughes, "Elsie," and his crying at Lord Grantham's hand shake.

[@danielperrin8375]

I think the best produced series I've ever been privileged to experience. I watched them all live and am spiritually expanded for seeing people face the challenges of life which are, to us all as we face them, deviating and still come out bigger than when we they went it. Proud examples of what humanity can express when it's important enough to try.

[@MonkyPocks01]

Downton Abbey and Schitts Creek are my two absolute favorites. Two incredibly different shows that invoke the same utter joy in me. Thank you endlessly to all those with a hand in each. ❤❤❤

[@lila026]

They're some of my favourites too! I sometimes think about "Downton but make it Schitt's Creek." The Crawleys lose their wealth and now have to live in a backwater town somewhere. Also, Carson and Johnny could totally be siblings.

[@kartikpandey1353]

Now that you mention it, both Johnny Rose and Mr Carson look ALIKE. I confused Rose for Carson when I first saw Schitt's Creek, and that's the reason I started watching Schitt's Creek

[@Robert08010]

I'm sure the Dowager Countess would have something witty and scathing to say about your second choice. Something like "leave it to an American to name my show and Shitt's Creek in the same breath!" But it was a fun show too, just such an odd rhythm about it. Imagine Robert and Cora, Violet and Thomas Barrow have all been thrown out of Downton and move to America. Isobel would be running the motel. Can't even begin to imagine who would play the Mayor, perhaps Molesley? Or Alfred's father.

[@TakeTheRide]

I so miss this show. It's a masterpiece.

[@katherinewilson1853]

I adored Thomas. I know few people did, but I loved his character. He was complex and had a different energy. Everyone else had very clear motives. I also liked Anna and Baxter. They really brought a clearly feminine energy to the house without multiple immaturities or psychological problems.

[@stahppls2293]

Love looove Thomas

[@ChocolateFantasies]

It struck me here how Thomas was the one pouring out drinks for everybody at the end... I doubt the Thomas at the start of the show would've done that on his own 💞

[@kop-uv2dx]

@@ChocolateFantasies exactly... he went from slimey, backstabbing creature only out for his own advantage to a relatively kind and nice fellow...

[@jgrab1]

They all aged except the dowager countess. She must be 118 by now.

[@ashlynnhunt5214]

Bates comforting Robert after Cora’s miscarriage of their son in season 1. Robert congratulating Bates on the birth of his son in season 6 ❤❤❤

[@Bobrogers99]

The last episode tied up many of the loose ends. Perhaps they didn't "all live happily ever after", but we were given hope.

[@normasouthwood3182]

I loved every second of the series, and the films. Always had a real soft spot for Tom the chauffeur.

[@arijohn8413]

Just finished binge watching DA for the first time omggggg so good!

[@Betehadeso]

2nd time for me n still the same feeling. Pure classic magic!

[@sherriekirby1585]

LOVE this show!!! Please bring it back but I will miss Maggie Smith the most, she was fantastic 😍

[@nicobsm111saintmichel7]

Happy to have had found this series, and was sadden when it was over--all good things must come to an end. Hence, be happy & grateful for what you have before it is gone.

[@hipchic18]

How l wish I could watch I for the first time again. I will never get tired of watching it.

[@Alex-mp8ro]

I don’t mind bingeing it repeatedly, because I always see or discover something new.

[@alessiab4706]

The love I feel for each every single one of these people is incredible. I feel like I know them and they're all my friends and I wish them happiness forever♥♥♥ amazing show and cast

[@user-hf1pg2ey6l]

Some of the best actors in one of the best period pieces in modern times. Well done all.

[@themermaidstale5008]

I got goosebumps while watching the first episode.

[@muzaffarahmad457]

This drama really touched my heart. I started loving conversations

[@deborahpinkey1264]

I miss this show SO MUCH!!!

[@cris_ros]

Lady Mary is always sweet to Anna ☺️

[@ctheflower7818]

Downton Abbey - Enchanting from start to finish ❤️🫶❤️ Wish the Series could go on & on & on. The Cast couldn't have been more Perfect. Each & every one of them made their way well into our hearts 💕 Thanks A Million Downton Abbey Cast & Crew ❣️ We love you all and so appreciate you sharing you & your hearts and incredible talents with all of us ❤️

[@junebyrne4491]

The casting was just wonderful.

[@catcauldron217]

Oh! The genius that is Julian Fellowes 👏👏

[@AliWade1971]

Well that made me cry. Definitely need to start watching from the beginning again

[@stephaniemcpherson2558]

Oh how I wanted to just jump into the tv screen & live in that world with them!! 😔

[@grease58]

I LOVED the whole "pomp and circumstance" of the early (circa 1912-1914) scenes/stories.

[@PrincessofEllabur]

1912-1925

[@markcolburn6632]

I could watch the whole thing again and be just as entertained if not more.

[@the8thchurch461]

You get more entertained the more you watch it.

[@dianadaschel8646]

I have watched it multiple times. It’s the best.

[@the8thchurch461]

They have created the ultimate masterpiece. It is a legendary piece that will never be beaten or tiresome to its many fans.

[@arcar66]

How lovely. Yes, Bookends indeed. Thank you for the whole series...it was wonderful.

[@taraevans1108]

I kind of love the fact that Lady Crowley was the last to speak in the series... and they she was wishing for the past... again. =)

[@ladyinred3735]

I can perfectly picture Lord and Lady Grantham behaving as noble as Isidor and Ida Strauss if they were in the Titanic. Heartbreaking but admirable at the same time. Such rich people materially and inside their hearts as well.

[@jayt9608]

She may not seem the type, but I could see the Dowager doing the same. Getting on a life boat would just be too overcrowded, undignified, and inconvenient. Far better to remain in the salon with a last cup of tea while listening to the orchestra.

[@UndeshkoS]

Absolutely love the series, it feels like such a life lesson all in all. The first time I was just hooked and amazed by the series. All the other times I watched it afterwards (and still do) there is something in every episode that gets me teary eyed mostly because it often teaches humbleness

[@m.layfette6249]

"It's electricity not the Devil's handy work!"

[@Robert08010]

I loved how they imagined there were vapors.

[@user-nb9xl1cf4m]

One of the Best TV Series in my life😊

[@deniseball7764]

Loved that the first scene was of the "staff" doing the everyday .... set the tone of things in this show

[@PaulCashman]

What a splendid series! I stumbled across it by complete accident -- it was being shown on a TV in a barbecue joint, of all places -- and I was hooked immediately.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I remember watching the finale as it was premiering and it was a bittersweet ending.

[@adb7771]

My favorite TV series! I purchased all the seasons on DVD and all the movies! Downton Abbey is timeless ❤❤❤

[@Elena.Shah75Shahusvarova]

Смотрела, смотрю и буду смотреть!!! Фильм на века!!!!

[@mariancarol8332]

Oh, the last scene always makes me cry.😢

[@zyxw2024]

And then there were the two films.

[@Wilsonn_esquire]

Such a journey and a fine journey it was.

[@osorom8954]

DA is such a heartwarming cinematic experience

[@cellpat2686]

Good to remember how it all started and how it ended. I only hope we get more movies. RIP Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess.

[@stormy8092]

From the beginning the music draws you in. I have never been so impressed with the writing, the directing, the scenery, the acting, the entire package that was Downton. The cast seems to have that magical chemistry that perfect blend that is so rare in television. Magic I say. Absolute beauty and magic. Thank you for such a great series not to soon be outdone.

[@elenapowell6497]

An amazing & excellent series, TV at it's very finest, superb writing that incorporated UK and international history, meaningful character development, fine actors (who looked like real people), beautiful costumes, gorgeous sets, interesting plot twists, etc. When the series ended, I think many of us felt sad, maybe even a little depressed. Thank God we can re-watch it. 😊

[@vitaliysuprun3176]

Chef d'œuvre! ❤❤❤!

[@exquisitesplendor7175]

No matter what anyone says, the best stories have happy endings, and at the end of a story, we all want to hear the words, "and they lived happily ever after". Case in point, no one gripes about how DA ended, unlike GOT, which people are still mad as hell about to this day., and probably will be until the day after forever.

[@SRBang0409]

Such a brilliant show, my fav! I hope they continue it sometime ❤❤❤

[@user-mc3nz6zl9q]

Только что отсмотрела все 6 сезонов, ушло 2 недели. Оторваться от судеб героев было невозможно, настолько насыщены событиями были серии. Огромное спасибо всём актёрам, здесь не было проходных персонажей. 👏

[@joannekucks4343]

I never missed an episode on my PBS tpt in Mpls/StPaul. Lovely to see that first episode introducing the characters and house. ❤️☕️🍩

[@createone100]

Mrs. Hughes has such a lovely singing voice. ❤

[@gabrielalopetegui]

Nothing will ever match Downton Abbey❤❤❤❤

[@nuriagiralt617]

The Gilded Age may. It's still soon :)

[@marccheban194]

That was a stunning final scene - visually and emotionally powerful and perfect!

[@me.monako]

Loved Downton Abbey.

[@danielsullivan9271]

These are the best shows on TV that are real. Real life that most people go through. Many people are wonderful kind but flawed like everyone else.or set in their ways or going through many valuable lessons in life. The villains are tough but of course. Good people come out fine in the end after many things that were horrible that happened to them. Some people say it is nothing but some things are a lot in normal peoples lives. I love most of them upstairs and down stairs. Some people change over time too. Juilen Fellows is a genius that all the characters are important to the story!! Some people we thought we knew, we understand them more. One thing I notice, they are all basically good hearted people. We need that element in more stories. I like everything Julien does. Belgravia and the Gilded Age Dr Thorne. I cannot get enough. I want more!

[@lynfawcett221]

A glimpse into life as it used to be.

[@m.layfette6249]

"And they're off" "No rest for the wicked."

[@l.a.3479]

*they're

[@Robert08010]

I love the details. At 0:52 to 0:55, that 3 second shot of Mrs. Hughes keys made me think of her as the jailer for most of the first season.

[@coyotesayswhat]

I still shed a tear at the end thank you Julian

[@debraconner2493]

I like how it all came back around & MR.Barrow was elevated to head butler by Mr. Carson good stuff.

[@laken1804]

I wish that Sybil's Character lasted longer in the show.

[@MandieTerrier]

Jessica Brown Findley would only commit to three seasons

[@laken1804]

@@MandieTerrier oh, I see.

[@arlenesmith9990]

I Love this movie. I can watch it over and over

[@sergionavarrodiaz5747]

Maggie Smith, the best performer ever, she is perfect

[@gjm1953]

This ending was the most satisfying wind up to a series that I have ever seen. You know that a TV series was good when watching old episodes make you really, really want it to go on.

[@dianemartin8000]

I loved this series! Couldn’t wait for the next episode! Everyone I knew followed it even my Vietnam landlord and all his extensive family! Excellent television for several years! Thanks for the memories!!!

[@angelapleasants8285]

What a superb show!!

[@l.a.3479]

Mrs. Hughes has a nice voice.

[@the8thchurch461]

I love her!

[@suriyawichchetmethinee8748]

They made amazing job! Especially, when I come back to see the first ep.and found that everyone look so young (I mean how their look and outfit style) than the latest ep.!!!

[@leepeiying6011]

This, is a tv series that filled with love~ I can feel every happiness and positivity from this show everytime I watch it, despite there were some close-to-depressing-scenes (you know which ones)

[@krishnagopalsrivastava2084]

What a marvelous juxtaposition. In the opening scene , the servants are frantically arranging the rooms, the authoritative key, the tragedy of the Titanic, the conventional picture of the English manor. In the ending scene, the masters and servants joyfully wishing each other new year, couples kissing and ending on a song of good cheer!

[@cal205]

Totally unrealistic of course. But a gripping and kind soap opera.

[@naomiwilliams7316]

I have the entire DVD set. Love, love, love it.❤

[@mommiesaurus]

I have a pitbull named Daisy Mason and a calico cat named Lady Edith. My two favorite.

[@AnneOfCottage]

Wish that Mathew and sybill were here how lonely without them 😢

[@MandieTerrier]

This is my favorite show

[@Shachinya]

Как же я люблю этот сериал!Всех актеров и героев,а Мегги Смит в роли Вайолетт-это кинематографический шедевр!🎉🎉🎉❤

[@fatimabarreto3172]

Minha série de paixão!! Já assisti várias vezes.

[@justRuwanthi]

I miss this show :(

[@user-sr2er6do4u]

I love Downton Abbey. Love the costmes and all the goings on at their estate.

[@theresacarlton9560]

I did not start watching this show till the 5th season. OMG!!! I was addicted...The following season 6 they announced it would be over. I ordered the previous seasons on Amazon and watched them over and over. I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!

[@Betehadeso]

Everyone's so young at the start!