As Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale closes out the Crawley family’s story, the cast is reflecting on the themes that have defined the beloved franchise. For Hugh Bonneville (Robert Crawley) and Kevin Doyle (Joseph Molesley), the series has always been about embracing change—even when it’s uncomfortable—and giving voice to those who were often silenced, including queer characters.
Robert Crawley’s Stubbornness
Bonneville admitted Robert is “pretty slow to accept change.” In the second film, he promised to hand over the reins to Lady Mary, yet in the finale, he’s still holding on. “Anyone who is facing retirement without a clear game plan knows that uncertainty,” Bonneville explained, describing Robert as a “cornered animal” struggling with what comes next. Still, he noted, Robert has a way of surprising everyone: “You think he’s going to go one way and actually he’s refreshingly up to speed.”
Doyle, however, teased that he’s never thought of Robert as particularly stubborn. “He’s always been open to change, hasn’t he?” he said, prompting Bonneville’s quick reply: “Yes, but he never actually does it.”
Exploring Uncomfortable Truths
For Doyle, one of the show’s greatest strengths has been its ability to highlight how unsettling change can be. He pointed to storylines like the Black jazz singer downstairs, which shook the household, as examples of Julian Fellowes’ determination to show society in transition. “That’s been one of the glories of the show,” Doyle said. “It does dare to show how uncomfortable sometimes change can be.”
A Queer Happy Ending
One of the most meaningful evolutions has been Thomas Barrow’s storyline. Bonneville praised Fellowes’ approach: “He handled Thomas Barrow’s story particularly really delicately, showing the context in which a gay character simply couldn’t function, couldn’t be out. And yet within our fictional world, there’s a sense of tolerance and understanding about him.”
By the end of the film, Barrow finds himself in a new role and in a happier place than ever before. Bonneville noted, “He ends up in a really good place… he says he’s happier now than he’s ever been.”
A Legacy of Compassion
Bonneville summed it up best: “Julian Fellowes writes with enormous compassion about all sectors of society… he’s championed the underdog in a great way.” For both actors, that compassion—toward women breaking barriers, outsiders finding acceptance, and queer characters finally getting a happy ending—is what makes Downton Abbey endure.
See Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale in theaters now.
