‘Downton Abbey’ season 6, episode 8 review: Mary and Henry’s big moment; Edith, Thomas’ woe

Tonight, ITV played the nostalgia angle early and often when it came to the season 6 finale of “Downton Abbey,” acting as though it would be the end of the series. It’s not.

However, it did certainly play up one element of a grand finale that we’ve been anticipating for quite some time: Mary finally figuring out the truth about Marigold, and then telling Bertie all about it in a jealous rage. She had already thrown a metaphorical wall between herself and Henry Talbot, and this was her way of getting vengeance. Thanks to some conversations between Tom Branson and Mary, he did get her to change her mind and realize that indeed, this was the man she was meant to be with.

The wedding between the two was quick, and it came about almost by shock at the end of this lengthy episode. Still, her visiting Matthew’s grave beforehand was a nice full-circle moment for the two, which allowed her to move forward and realize that all was okay.

Now, we’re left to wonder the same thing about Edith. Her relationship status, coupled with whether or not Thomas is going to be okay after a horrible, violent incident.

This episode, for the most part, felt as though it was about putting the wheels in motion for most of the supporting cast, as Robert and Cora lent a helping hand to Mrs. Patmore’s bed-and-breakfast venture, while Mr. Molesley starting to wonder if his calling was really in education. This wasn’t the happiest episode in the world, nor was it the saddest. It probably didn’t need to run 100 minutes. Yet we were entertained, and a little emotional in the closing moments when Mary finally had her moment. Grade: A-.