As "Downton Abbey' debuted the premiere episode of its sixth season, more questions about the future of the Crawley family have been posed by fans.
Despite the new season being the hit ITV series' final one, it seems that the circumstances for the royals remain uncertain. Set in 1925, the social and economic trends continue to evolve, especially with the integration of technological advances. Even improvements for the education among the underprivileged have become evident.
However, for the Crawley clan, it seems that Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) has taken the helm and is taking charge of their estate's finances. As for the Earl of Grantham Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville), he is addressing the dire situation with even greater austerity.
The reality of their condition is realized by Lord Grantham and his aristocratic family when their neighbor, not capable of maintaining their property and its staff, had to put their huge Mallerton estate up for auction.
Consequently, this is also deemed a troubling issue for the downstairs employees at Downton, who begin hearing news of layoffs.
As seen in the premiere, Lady Mary's laid-back attitude may have surprised fans when she is blackmailed by a woman who saw her spending a weekend of pleasure with Lord Gillingham. As a sign that things are winding down at Downton, the eldest Crawley daughter also tries to avoid bringing more drama into her life.
Meanwhile, lady's maid Anna (Joanne Froggatt) cannot stop thinking whether she has already been completely cleared of the charges accusing her of murdering Mr. Green. While fans are looking forward to a fresh beginning for her and Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle), the couple is finding it difficult to conceive.
Meanwhile, the premiere episode's tone had been set lighter with certain scenes of humor, thanks to Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan) and Mr. Carson (Jim Carter) who act like self-conscious youngsters when attempting to discuss the subject of sex prior to their wedding.
Dropping hints about what could be coming next to "Downton Abbey' before it finally ends, Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) and downstairs cook Daisy (Sophie McShera) successfully address their own issues in terms of gender and education.
"We can expect all the things that everybody has come to know and love about "Downton,'" Froggatt teased of the final season. "There's drama, there's intrigue, there's romance, there's a bit of tragedy, not too much"¦but it's a great final season."
The 35-year-old actress is also confident that fans will be pleased by the period drama's ultimate ending.
"I think everyone will be happy with where we leave the characters. I'm excited to see how it goes down," she added.
While the final installment has already begun airing since Sept. 20 on ITV, "Downton Abbey' season six begins on Sunday, Jan. 3 on PBS in the United States.
