Sympathy

I wonder if you have watched the Downton Abbey Grand Finale in the Cinema yet? The film seeks to wrap up the stories of the various much loved characters. They may therefore retire to live with their husband or wife, move to a new house or forge ahead in the world of theatre and Hollywood. 

Unlike the news in today’s real world, nothing very bad happens… and whilst being asked to leave a party is a mite embarrassing it is not earth shattering. It is a personal challenge but Lady Mary, in this case will get through it. 

It is however clearly hard to leave Downton Abbey as they all keep coming back. Mr Carson sits  down in the kitchens yet again and, even if Mrs Patmore is going to live with her husband in his house, I can’t help feeling she may well return to help Daisy from time to time. Of course Lord and Lady Grantham are not going far... nor are Anna and Bates. 

‘Retiring’ originally meant pulling back in a military sense, to regroup and consider the lie of the land. Today, the concept of retirement and pensions is a fraught one as we all live longer but pensions are underfunded and a consistent problem both for governments and all of us. However, it is not necessarily healthy to do nothing with either mind or body. 

Don was a hugely knowledgeable gardener here for 42 years - he did do less towards the end of his life but preferred to do something, to be part time. Les, a complete legend and head of security, sort of went part-time but preferred to come in most days until the age of nearly 96. It is quite often my role to explore what Team Highclere wish to do, to listen to them. I think the root of the word ‘sympathy’ is key – it is about fellow feeling, of community and being together. How can we all make it work. 

In this third film everyone does pull together and, one noticeable step change is the relationship between Lady Mary and Lady Edith. There are some most amusing barbed comments but also genuine support and sympathy between the two sisters. Equally Cora has sympathy for her feckless brother rather than frustration and fury. Julian Fellowes allows to perceive how positive it is to be tolerant as Thomas Barrow ‘s life unfolds in a happier way. Meanwhile Lord Grantham is quite often out of sorts but is brought round by his wife who is a central compassionate spirit leading us through the two hours on screen. Happy wife, happy life. 

Far earlier in the Downton saga, Mrs Patmore says to Daisy “Sympathy butters no parsnips” meaning that kind words are not necessarily practical – it is about doing not just talking. Arguably, however, better actions are the result of sympathy and kind words. The world of Downton is a wonderful sunlit respite from impetuous tragic misunderstanding and discord.

My favourite character? The Castle, always there and not retiring…