Downton Countdown

It will happen before I know it, it will creep up on me like that smell in NYC in August, that drifts towards your nostrils when you pass a long unattended garbage can, and I can't bear it, I just can't but I know it’s coming......The finale of Downton Abbey, though probably an episode to end all episodes, will be difficult to watch because at some point it must end. I believe that royalty or hierarchy in any form is loathsome, and that people “to the manor/manner born” are not special or perfect or better but Downton reeled me in, and held me despite my attempts to resist.

The servants and their masters were equal; all complex, all searching, all frail, and all rich in the traits that made me love them and hate them…and the costumes fascinated me, I will miss sketching them…I have listed what I will miss most, I am sure you have yours.

I will miss Thomas and his relentless jabs at…. just about everyone.

I will miss Lord Grantham’s arrogant compassion.

I will miss Isis.

I will miss Lady Grantham’s dressing gowns.

We all miss Lady Sybil.

I will miss sexy, sweet, rebellious and newly tamed Tom.

I will miss Daisy’s annoying naïveté.

I will miss Miss Patmore’s food.

I will miss Lady Mary’s unyielding humiliation of Lady Edith.

I will also miss her wardrobe.

I will miss hoping that at least once, Lady Edith would punch her sister right in the face.

I will miss Edith’s sad eyes and even sadder wardrobe.

I will miss watching Edith blossom and finally get the guy.

I will miss the imaginary stick I envision coming from of Mr. Carson’s ass.

I will miss the cop that keeps showing up in the kitchen with bad news, what on earth is his name?

I think I will miss Mr. Molesly, he’s a sweetheart, but he's the equivalent of post Edwardian milk toast.

I will miss the new Mrs. Carson and the way she could handle everything but her new husband’s dinner.

I will miss Mr. Bates’ devotion to Anna.

I will miss Anna’s devotion to Mr. Bates.

I will miss that psycho bitch Miss O’Brien and her ingenious schemes.

We all miss Matthew.

I will miss Isobel in all her self-righteous glory.

I will miss contemplating that deep down, way down, Thomas is really a wounded, beautiful, sad, lonely bird.

I will miss the hot dead Turk who died in Lady Mary’s bed.

I will miss most; the sighs, the expressions, and the words of the Dowager, I cannot do her wit justice…to hear her words is to cherish them.

I will however not miss the Dowagers creepy butler and lady’s maid.