Warning: This post contains spoilers from theDownton Abbeymovie.
Read at your own risk.
Its hard to imagineDownton Abbeywithout Violet (Maggie Smith).
Jaap Buitendijk/Focus Features
Downton Abbeythe movie is no exception, withViolet in exceptional form throughout.
But the ending brought a bittersweet close to her story on the big screen.
You are the future of Downton, she reassures Mary.
Im leaving the family and the place that I treasure in talented hands.
But how did this scene come about?
Was it Julian Fellowes compromise at Smiths request?
Weve got a nice, tender, and bittersweet moment, he reflects.
Its sad, but theres also something uplifting because its about the love within the family.
Its still a happy ending to the film although its really not news we want to hear.
If the character actually died, that wouldve just been very, very sad and not really veryDownton.
And it was no different for the actors involved.
I know Michelle found it a very emotional thing to work on and it certainly delivered.
She has a great relationship with Maggie and they like working together, he says.
Will it be one sans Violet, our beloved Dowager Countess?
Her prognosis at the films end seems to suggest as much.
But perhaps not as Neame teases, The doctors have got things wrong before onDownton.
Downton Abbeyis now playing in theaters.
