A season of change for 'Downton Abbey' cast as the show airs its final season (Photo : REUTERS/DANNY MOLOSHOK)
While American fans of the British period drama "Downton Abbey" will have to wait till January 2016 to gather the outcome of the Crawley family, the final season of the beloved family tale is currently unfolding for viewers in the United Kingdom.
The season has begun with an upbeat atmosphere of a fox hunt in comparison to the previous season which opened with a dimly lit Manor House. The opening scene is colorful in contrast with the usual aristocracy and the familiar faces of Downton's army of helpers on hand.
Writer Julian Fellowes could never have anticipated the success the show would garner when it first broadcast in 2010. The show has been through five seasons while attracting a viewership of more than 10 million and aired in more than 200 destinations across the globe, according to the Independent.
Times have changed at Downton as it is clear in the opening scene where Lady Mary has given up riding side-saddle that was customary a few years ago according to the show's time line and Mary now rides beside Lord Grantham, much the same as gentleman of that era.
The sixth season is set in 1925 and features Hugh Bonneville's character the Earl of Grantham reflecting on the future of his stately home while news of the Mallerton estate being sold catches his attention. The estate belonging to a neighbor is a wakeup call for Robert as Sir John has to contend with even auctioning off his silver.
In the last season, the fate of Mr. Bates played by Brendan Coyle and Anna played by Joanne Froggatt was left in the balance with evidence indicating that Coyle's character is behind the murder of Mr. Green. However, this season will see more evidence and a confession acquitting Mr. Bates of charges.
During a red carpet interview at the Emmy Awards, Froggatt told E! News that the finale will feature moments of suspense and intrigue as well as a bit of tragedy.
The actress has already begun work on a Victorian serial murder story "Dark Angel " which follows the true-to-life events of Britain's first serial killer in the 1800s by the name Mary Ann Cotton.
