‘Downton Abbey’ season 6: Should it be the last for Maggie Smith, cast?

Tonight, the formal end of “Downton Abbey” season 5 will be here, even if there is still another episode coming up in the Christmas Special next month.

Given the recent news of renewal, though, this is around the time where we have to ask an important question: Should the end of the road be here soon for Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, and the rest of the cast? Let’s take a look at the evidence.

The ratings – The numbers are down this year versus season 4 in America, and you want to try to end on a high note rather than a whimper. The show ending next year would allow it to still go out with a bang, and before it leaves the pop-culture consciousness.

Keeping the cast together – Other than possibly Lily James, there has been little talk of any cast members leaving in the near future. Still, you want it to stay that way. We don’t want to see the show without someone like Smith, Bonneville, or one of the younger cast members. Eventually, they want to do some other things.

Story – Do we really want to see “Downton Abbey” get to the days of World War II? We cannot really see any value in that. We’d much rather seen the show end a little bit before we get too close to that era. After all, the 1930s could be a little too depressing a period for the series.

Let it be known: We love “Downton Abbey.” We just want to ensure that it goes out like a champ.

What do you want to see from “Downton Abbey” next season, and do you think that it should be the end of the road for the cast? Share your thoughts with a comment, and head over here to get some further coverage of the series! Also, sign up to score some further TV updates via our official CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo via ITV.)