LOS ANGELES, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, in theaters Sept. 12, is as much a fresh start for the franchise as it is a conclusion. By dealing with substantial issues and evolving the characters, the beloved world expands rather than winding down.
The Grand Finale opens with the Granthams visiting London in 1930 to see Guy Dexter (Dominic West) star in Noël Coward's (Arty Froushan) operetta Bitter Sweet on the West End. Charles Carson (Jim Carter) is on the eve of retirement, while Andy Parker (Michael Fox) is ready for his promotion.
Upon their return to Downton Abbey, Lady Petersfeld (Joely Richardson) ejects Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) from a royal ball after learning of Mary's divorce from Henry (played by Matthew Goode, who does not appear in the film).
The film explores British society's treatment of divorced women in the 1930s, as nonroyals also refuse to associate with Mary. Her mother, Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), is up for challenging society's sexist attitudes toward divorced couples, however. In exposition, it is made clear Henry had a mistress.
Mary is also progressive for the time, in recognizing and accepting that Guy is romantically involved with his servant Barrow (Robert James-Collier).
