Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale

The Crawleys, excluding Mary, attend a London theatre night featuring Guy Dexter and Noël Coward, who also wrote the play. Backstage they meet Dexter, Coward, and Thomas Barrow, now Dexter's assistant and partner. The encounter underlines Downton's connections to the era's celebrity circle and foreshadows social maneuvering to come.

On the following day at Lady Petersfield's ball, news breaks that Mary and Henry Talbot are divorcing. Mary is asked to leave because royals are expected to attend, signaling the social fragility of her position. The episode sets up the stigma that will complicate her future.

Robert and Cora return to Downton Abbey while Mary stays at Grantham House to welcome Harold Levinson, who arrives from America following their mother's death. Harold brings Gus Sambrook, a financial adviser who allegedly saved him from ruin by withdrawing investments before the 1929 crash. Their arrival raises concerns about family finances and introduces Sambrook's influence.

Sambrook and Mary are mutually attracted, drink heavily, and end up in bed. The liaison becomes a potential weapon that could be used against Mary should Sambrook pressure the family over Downton's finances.

The party travels to Downton Abbey, where Harold reveals he squandered their mother's fortune on poor investments. He proposes investing Downton's remaining assets to recoup losses and repay Sambrook.

Downton neighbours shun the Crawleys, and Robert opposes Sambrook's investment plan. Sambrook attempts to blackmail Mary over their liaison, heightening the family's tension and risk.

Tom Branson arrives at Downton with his daughter Sybbie. His return adds a personal stake to the family's affairs and foreshadows shifting alliances.

At Royal Ascot, an acquaintance reveals Sambrook is a fraudster who swindled others' fortunes and narrowly avoided imprisonment. Tom warns the Crawleys and Harold, complicating Mary's position and the community's trust.

Edith confronts Sambrook, forcing him to leave. Before departing, Sambrook has a final conversation with Mary, who tersely dismisses him and asserts her resolve to move forward.

A remorseful Harold reconciles with Cora, acknowledging his mistakes, before returning to America. The family can breathe a little easier, but the financial damage remains in the air.

Tom and Bertie Pelham convince Robert that Mary is acting in Downton Abbey's best interests, effectively placing the running of the estate in her hands. Robert and Cora decide to move to the Downton dower house, taking along John and Anna Bates as staff reorganizes begin.

Isobel, Lady Merton, helps organise the county fair, inviting Daisy and Downton's retired butler Mr Carson to join the committee. They outmaneuver Sir Hector Moreland when he objects to Mary presenting the fair's main award to Mr Mason, Mrs Patmore's husband.

Robert and Cora, the servants, and Edith express confidence and trust in Mary's ability to manage Downton Abbey. Mary begins to assume more responsibility, signaling a shift in leadership as the family plans their future.

Robert and Cora prepare to exit the Main Hall, with the household following, as they move to the Downton dower house. Mary experiences flashbacks of lost loved ones as the estate transitions under her leadership.

A mid-credits scene shows the couples enjoying each other's company, and Mary reads to her children, suggesting a quiet, hopeful future under her guidance.