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Here’s Where Downton Abbey’s Characters Ended Up on the Finale

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Downton Abbey closed its doors to fans on Christmas 2015, after six seasons unfurling the story of the Crawley family. Over the years, the characters have struggled through death, disease, war and imprisonment — and the audience has been right there with them. But the show’s finale took a delightfully happy turn, with an ending that even left the Dowager Countess smiling. Now, with the release of a feature film of the same name due to be released on Sept. 20, written by series creator Julian Fellowes, here is a refresher on where everyone from the Crawley family — including those who kept the Abbey in order — ended up in the series finale.

Lady Edith Crawley

Downton AbbeyPart Eight - Sunday, February 21, 2016 at 9pm ET on MASTERPIECE on PBS Two romances get complicated. Molesley and Spratt try out new jobs. Thomas takes a fateful step. Mrs. Patmore provokes a scandal. Isobel puts her foot down. Shown from left to right: Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith and Harry Hadden-Paton as Bertie Pelham(C) Nick Briggs/Carnival Film & Television Limited 2015 for MASTERPIECE This image may be used only in the direct promotion of MASTERPIECE CLASSIC. No other rights are granted. All rights are reserved. Editorial use only. USE ON THIRD PARTY SITES SUCH AS FACEBOOK AND TWITTER IS NOT ALLOWED.
Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith and Harry Hadden-Paton as Bertie Pelham on 'Downton Abbey'Nick Briggs—Carnival Films/PBS

Edith finally got her happy ending. Mary slyly arranged for Edith to have dinner at the Ritz with Bertie, who professed his love for the unlucky sister. Edith finally told Bertie’s mother the truth about Marigold (that she is, in fact, her own daughter with her late lover Michael Gregson). The show’s final shots saw Edith exchange vows with Bertie, making her the Marchioness of Hexham.

Lady Mary Crawley

Downton Abbey Season 5 on MASTERPIECE on PBSPart FiveSunday, February 1, 2015 at 9pm ETRose makes a handsome new acquaintance. Something is wrong with Thomas. Edith’s link toMarigold draws attention. Bricker and Robert lose control.Shown from left to right: Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary and Hugh Bonneville as Lord Grantham(C) Nick Briggs/Carnival Films 2014 for MASTERPIECEThis image may be used only in the direct promotion of MASTERPIECE CLASSIC. No other rights are granted. All rights are reserved. Editorial use only. USE ON THIRD PARTY SITES SUCH AS FACEBOOK AND TWITTER IS NOT ALLOWED.
Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary and Hugh Bonneville as Lord GranthamNick Briggs—Carnival Film & Television Ltd/PBS

Most of Mary’s melodrama took place early on in the season, so the finale showed her as a contented wife. She had her happy ending as well, of course, announcing her first pregnancy with new husband Henry Talbot. But most importantly, she asked him to keep it quiet until after Edith’s wedding.

Robert and Cora Crawley, Lord and Lady Grantham

Part FiveSunday, February 2, 20149 – 10pm ET on MASTERPIECE on PBSRose’s surprise party for Robert risks scandal. Mary meets an old suitor, and Edith gets troubling news.Shown from left to right: Elizabeth McGovern as Lady Cora and Hugh Bonneville as Lord Grantham(C) Nick Briggs/Carnival Film & Television Limited 2013 for MASTERPIECEThis image may be used only in the direct promotion of MASTERPIECE CLASSIC. No other rights are granted. All rights are reserved. Editorial use only. USE ON THIRD PARTY SITES SUCH AS FACEBOOK AND TWITTER IS NOT ALLOWED.
Nick Briggs / Carnival Films / PBS

Robert and Cora, who’ve had their own marital struggles, saw both their surviving daughters happy. They also learned to appreciate the modern direction their life was headed, with Cora modernizing her Lady Grantham title by running the hospital.

Henry Talbot and Tom Branson

The two Downton men, who both sought a higher calling after marrying into the Crawley family, opened a used car shop.

Carson and Mrs. Hughes

Downton AbbeyPart Three - Sunday, January 17, 2016 at 9pm ET on MASTERPIECE on PBSA wedding dress drama takes a disastrous turn. The breakfast battle is settled. A handsome volunteer helps Edith meet a deadline. The hospital debate gets nasty. Shown from left to right: Phyllis Logan as Mrs. Hughes and Jim Carter as Mr. Carson (C) Nick Briggs/Carnival Film & Television Limited 2015 for MASTERPIECE This image may be used only in the direct promotion of MASTERPIECE CLASSIC. No other rights are granted. All rights are reserved. Editorial use only. USE ON THIRD PARTY SITES SUCH AS FACEBOOK AND TWITTER IS NOT ALLOWED.
Phyllis Logan as Mrs. Hughes and Jim Carter as Mr. Carson on 'Downton Abbey'Nick Briggs—Carnival Films

Carson’s bout with what seemed like Parkinson’s disease rendered him incapable of fulfilling his duties as butler of the Abbey. But with the help of loving wife Mrs. Hughes, he faced his fears head on, securing a spot in the Downton household for as long as he’d like.

Thomas Barrow

Downton Abbey
Robert James-Collier as Thomas (far left) on Downton AbbeyNick Briggs—Carnival Film & Television Ltd/PBS

Barrow showed a softer side (finally!), moving on from Downton with handshakes and warm wishes for both those from upstairs and downstairs. His new job kept him bored, though, and Carson’s situation left a convenient vacancy. In the end, it was Lord Grantham’s idea to bring Barrow back, giving the tortured serviceman something to finally smile about.

Daisy and Mrs. Patmore

Downton Abbey Season 5 on MASTERPIECE on PBSPart SevenSunday, February 15, 2015 at 9pm ETEdith is found out. Mary finally shakes a suitor. Isobel and Lord Merton reveal their plans.Robert throws another guest out of the house.Shown: Sophie McShera as Daisy(C) Nick Briggs/Carnival Films 2014 for MASTERPIECEThis image may be used only in the direct promotion of MASTERPIECE CLASSIC. No other rights are granted. All rights are reserved. Editorial use only. USE ON THIRD PARTY SITES SUCH AS FACEBOOK AND TWITTER IS NOT ALLOWED.
Sophie McShera as Daisy on 'Downton Abbey'Nick Briggs—Carnival Film & Television Ltd/PBS

Daisy gave in to Andrew’s flirtatiousness and told him she’d made up her mind about many things, including to move in with Mr. Mason, where Andrew was learning the farm trade. Though we didn’t see Mrs. Patmore officially take up with Mr. Mason, subtle hints showed the two might end up happily ever—much like the rest of the characters.

Anna and Mr. Bates

From left to right: Brendan Coyle as Mr. Bates and Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates
Brendan Coyle as Mr. Bates and Joanne Froggatt as Anna BatesNick Briggs—Carnival Films/PBS

Perhaps the most beleaguered characters (debatable, considering Edith’s luck), earned their own happy ending as well, with Anna’s water breaking in Lady Mary’s room. She delivered their son to a happy Mr. Bates, though baby Bates’ name wasn’t announced.

Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess, and cousin Isobel

Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess Grantham in "Downton Abbey."
Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess Grantham in "Downton Abbey."Nick Briggs—AP

The Dowager Countess teamed up with cousin Isobel and helped her rescue Lord Merton from his evil son and daughter-in-law, who Isobel announced she’d finally marry. Violet also delighted in learning that Spratt had been writing for Edith’s newspaper as an advice columnist. And, of course, the Dowager delivered one final memorable quip during Edith’s wedding, telling Isobel that “there’s a lot of risk, but with any luck, they’ll be happy enough.”

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