‘Downton Abbey’ season 5, episode 8 (finale) spoilers: Anna, Bates troubles; will Allen Leech leave?

In just a week’s time, the season 5 finale for “Downton Abbey” is going to be on the air, and most of the stories that have been building are finally going to come to a head. Some of them may lead to happy circumstances, and others may very well make you cry. (Warning: Spoilers ahead!)

The synopsis below basically is a near-guarantee that life is going to fall apart for Anna and Bates just when things were starting to turn around. In addition to that, you are going to see some trickiness when it comes to Edith’s daughter Marigold, Rose’s wedding, and also Branson making a huge decision when it comes to his future:

“In the final episode, preparations are underway for Lady Rose’s big day, but tensions between the families of the bride and the groom threaten to derail proceedings. Edith’s new arrangements with Marigold seem to be working out happily enough, but it is unclear how long she and Cora can conceal the truth from Robert. Up in London, Denker reveals an unexpected side to her personality, which causes trouble for more than one of the servants. With the war memorial due to be unveiled, Mrs Patmore is still upset, but Robert has something up his sleeve. Branson comes to a heart-wrenching decision and the storm clouds that have been gathering over Anna and Bates finally burst.”

For those curious, there is not any indication that Allen Leech will be departing the show after this season, so hopefully that means that he will stick around. He brings a great perspective to the show that isn’t there with anyone else, and we don’t know where else we would get that if he leaves.

What do you want to see on the “Downton Abbey” finale when it airs next week? Share some of your thoughts right now with a comment, and head over here to get some further news, including a review for this big episode. You can also sign up now to get some further TV updates on all we cover right now via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo via ITV.)