Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey Season 5 Finale: Matthew Goode Debuts, But Does Allen Leech Truly Bid Farewell?
Photo Credit: Getty images
Tonight in the U.S, it’s time to close the fifth installment on the fascinating lives of the characters of Julian Fellowes Downton Abbey. The 90 minute conclusion to its fifth season airs starting at 9PMEST on PBS Masterpiece.
In story, look for the arrival of the character of Henry Talbot, played by Matthew Goode (The Good Wife and The Imitation Game). Talbot catches the eye of none other than Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery). Safe bet to say that this gent is going to be a truly viable love interest for Mary heading into season six. Meanwhile, everyone is talking about the future of one of the series most beloved original cast members, Allen Leech (Branson). The actor who also recently appeared in the motion picture, The Imitation Game as well as Goode, has been getting several offers to appear in other projects and tonight in the season finale, the action moves to Christmas 1924 and Branson keeps reminding everyone why they will miss him when he makes his planned relocation to Boston!
Leech recently told Huffington Post Canada: “I don’t know how long I’ll be on the show. By the end of this season, you’ll know a lot more! Just tune in and you’ll be surprised. I was supposed to be on for two episodes, but Tom resonated with Julian and the audience because I think Tom is the audience. He’s caught between two classes and worlds, but he’s remembering who he once was in this season.”
Another “Downton” outing is at the epicenter of the season five finale episode where Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville), accompanied by Branson (Allen Leech) and Thomas (Rob James-Collier), head for a sporting week of shooting, no less, with Lord Sinderby (James Faulkner), who is now Lady Rose’s (Lily James) new father-in-law. Many other principles are along for this recreational gathering, but will anything go extremely awry? And, one of the other major questions for the season finale: Will Anna (Golden Globe winner, Joanne Froggatt) remain in jail for the murder of her rapist?
Downton Abbey will return for a sixth season. And as Allen Leech reveals in this video interview with PEOPLE after the jump, no matter what, he would love to be part of the cast up until the very end, and that the creators and producers will know when its time to pull the plug on the series.
So, excited to hear about the arrival of Matthew Goode? Will you be sad if Branson leaves the canvas? What did you think of season five of Downton Abbey? Watch Leech’s interview clip below, and then weigh-in!
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I so hope that Allen Leech says with the show to its end. Tom is wonderful and such an important part of the family. He helps give them some balance.
I’m very happy about the arrival of Matthew Goode. He was wonderful in “The Imitation Game.” I hope his character will be a good match for Lady Mary. She needs something to occupy her mind instead of constantly belittling Lady Edith.
Tom Branson is the reason I’m still watching. With him in the show I’ll stick with it till the end. Without him: I’m out. He is the true heart of the show for me. The character that represents the audience, the man who is the bridge between the two worlds. I would be extremely disappointed if his storyline wouldn’t get the closure it deserves. He needs to find love again and he needs to find a place in the world again, not necessarily in the house, but at least close to the family. They need him!
I adore Downton! It is wonderful, compelling drama; and in a television world where the quest for “edge” can assault good taste, it is welcome and refreshing.
I hope Tom Branson and Allen Leech stay until the program ends its celebrated run.
The character of Tom is one of the reasons I continue to watch Downton. I’m waiting to see when, and with whom, he’ll find love again. If he leaves without an imminent return it would feel like his story went unfinished and would be a very unsatisfying end.
Looking forward to the addition of Matthew Goode, although at this point I couldn’t care less if Mary found a new love or not… maybe she should join her American grandmother and go to the USA instead of Tom.
Oh, he’ll probably at least visit for the Christmas special again….with “Sibby” in tow! I’m just truly grateful that Branson didn’t end up with that Bolshie Bunting broad…..she was a real piece of work, and one of the most charmless, grating and rude characters ever introduced to the Downton canvas. It was a real relief to see the back of her!
If Branson goes, he goes. I can live with it. For me, the two most essential characters—although there are numerous other great ones!—at the Abbey are the Dowager Countess Violet and Lady Mary….I just adore them both! And while I do want to see the latter find happiness with another man after so tragically losing her husband, Matthew, I’m no more sold on this latest prospective suitor than the gushy, over-effusive Lord Gillingham….I was so happy to finally see the back of him and his clingy Mabel Lane Fox! Quite frankly, I thought that in terms of temperament, Charles Blake was more than a match for Mary, and I enjoyed their vibe….particularly since their bumpy beginning rang much like hers with the dearly departed Matthew. All I can add is that this program is such a quality, rewarding viewing experience, and with each season’s close, I am left sad and wanting more, so I hope that the rumors of next year being the last for Downton have been greatly exaggerated.
I love Tom and his relationship with the family, what a heartwarming story. I saw lots of foreshadowing for next season, I’m guessing serious health problems are coming for the Lord of the manor. Could Edith have a suitor, she was dancing and conversing with someone. I’m over Lady Mary and her suitors.
The show will go on for several more seasons, take it to the bank. January is a long time to wait. I think the short seasons keep everyone hooked, we want more.
I wouldn’t mind if season six is the final one, I think every series has a shelf life and I’d rather this one leave before it gets repetitious. On the other hand, I could see a natural conclusion to this set of characters and then time jumping a couple decades to the 1940s post WW2 and where everyone is then. Or, I could see a huge jump to the 1980s when the grandkids are trying to restore the glory of Downton.
But I’ll just enjoy it for as long as they make it
That just may be the case, Andrew. Today I read in the British press that Dame Maggie is about to throw in the towel after Season Six, and I cannot imagine the show without her! Plus, Mr. Fellowes, who is very hands on and writes all of the series’ dialogue, is set to begin work on an American version of the program…(which he cannot do simultaneously with another season of Downton.) While that gladdens my heart, I still shall terribly miss the original when its time comes to an end. Awhile back, there were rumors that a “pre-quel” with a young Cora and Robert was on the agenda, but I’ve heard nothing as of late regarding such a project…..yet I agree that there are many directions that future stories could take root. I’m for any and all of them, although if the show must end, I have always imagined a final scene with Miss Smith as an aged “Lady Mary” and a returning Dan Stevens as her now-grown son in his rightful place running the still-thriving Abbey. Makes me sad to even think of it, though. P.S. I would love to see some of the current cast imported to the US for the NBC version…especially Michelle Dockery, Phyllis Logan, Jim Carter and Joanne Froggatt!
Breaking News
DOWNTON ABBEY THE MOVIE: Official Trailer Released
Finally, Downton Abbey fans get a preview of the upcoming motion picture that is set for release in theatres on September 20th.
What we know is that the The film is set in 1927 and the plot revolves around the King and Queen of England coming to the estate for a visit and so … the Crawleys must prepare their arrival. In fact, they have to bring back Mr. Carson to help!
Featured in the trailer are series stars, who are also back for the film: Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Michelle Dockery, Matthew Goode, Joanne Froggatt, Jim Carter and Maggie Smith.
Series creator Julian Fellowes wrote the script and Michael Engler will serve as director. Engler directed the two-hours series finale.
As fans know, Downton Abbey ran on PBS Masterpiece for six seasons here in the U.S.
Check out the trailer, and then let us know if you are excited to see the movie? Comment below.
Breaking News
‘Downton Abbey’ The Movie Releases Its First Trailer
Now here’s a huge teaser that will get you wanting to see more! Those of us who loved the British period soap opera, Downton Abbey, which came to a conclusion after its sixth season on PBS here in the United States, will finally get their wish when the film version hits in 2019.
As previously reported, the series executive producer Gareth Naeme said about the film, “We aim to deliver everything that one would hope for as Downton comes to the big screen.”
Look for the film to land in movie theatres on Friday, September 20th, 2019, with it debuting internationally the week prior on Friday, September 13th.
Most of the cast is intact including: Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Joanne Froggatt, Matthew Goode, Harry Hadden-Paton, David Haig, Geraldine James, Robert James-Collier, Simon Jones, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Tuppence Middleton, Stephen Campbell Moore, Lesley Nicol, Kate Phillips, Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton and Penelope Wilton.
Julian Fellowes once again writes the script for the film for the characters he created for the TV series.
Now check out the first trailer below, when just hearing that memorable opening theme song, it brought us back to the drama and the romance of Downton Abbey.
Let us know if you are thrilled to know that the movie is set for release …. and if you are looking forward to seeing what happens to the Crawleys and others in the next chapter of their story when the movie comes your way via the comment section below.
Breaking News
IT’S OFFICIAL: Downton Abbey The Movie To Go Into Production This Summer
The highly-anticipated and rumored revival of Downton Abbey to the big screen is on! Production is slated to begin later this summer.
From what we understand, all of the original cast is set to reprise their signature roles in the motion picture, written by series creator Julian Fellowes.
Fellowes will also serve as the executive producer along with other ‘Downton’ notables behind the scenes: Gareth Neame, Liz Trubridge, and Nigel Marchant. Brian Percival is set to direct. Percival also directed the pilot episode of the critically-acclaimed and beloved period soap opera series.
In a statement, Gareth Neame expressed: “When the television series drew to a close it was our dream to bring the millions of global fans a movie and now, after getting many stars aligned, we are shortly to go into production. Julian’s script charms, thrills and entertains and in Brian Percival’s hands we aim to deliver everything that one would hope for as Downton comes to the big screen.”
Focus Features chairman, Peter Kujawski, shared: “Since the series ended, fans of Downton have long been waiting for the Crawley family’s next chapter. We’re thrilled to join this incredible group of filmmakers, actors and craftspeople, led by Julian Fellowes and Gareth Neame, in bringing back the world of Downton to the big screen.”
Downton Abbey ran for six seasons on PBS and received 15 Primetime Emmy awards and 69 nominations.
Actress Joanne Froggatt, who plays maid Anna Bates, took to Twitter with much enthusiasm at the news: “Delighted to announce we’re getting the band back together! #DowntonMovie #DowntonAbbey”
So, thrilled to hear the Downton Abbey movie is happening? Comment below.
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