Following all the trials and tribulations that have been endured at Downton Abbey over the past years, fans will not be surprised if matriarch Lady Cora Crawley would want some time for herself. On the contrary, Elizabeth McGovern, who takes on the role of the Countess of Grantham, discussed how the series will end on a positive note for her character, who becomes a more "independent" woman.
In the fourth episode of "Downton Abbey' season six, a well-loved face returns, which is a great surprise for both the upstairs and downstairs.
"Over the course of the show, Cora has grown in confidence and become more of an independent woman," McGovern explained in an interview with IBTimes UK. "Especially in the final season, with her children grown, she actually starts pursuing her own interests and defining herself outside the household a bit more."
The 54-year-old actress is also impressed with how her character's journey has unfurled in the past seasons. Lady Cora's life is far from selfish due to the fact that she is known to focus more on the people around her, thereby being deemed a "very nice person."
McGovern believes that her character has been given an interesting arc because of her responsiveness towards other people's circumstances. Lady Cora also remains unique to Downton Abbey because of her American roots at the heart of an aristocratic English family.
"That's what I really love about the character is that she can embrace it and loves the pomp and circumstance, she loves the dinners, she loves the menu but she could chuck it in a minute. It's not what it's about for her, it's about people," the mother-of-two explained.
All in all, McGovern believes that fighting for people and not minding about her status and the norms are what makes Lord Robert's wife distinct from the rest of the characters.
As for series creator Julian Fellowes, he admitted that unfolding the story of Cora and the rest of his characters has made it greatly difficult to say goodbye as season six becomes the show's last installment.
"The characters have been so real to me for six years. So I do think you have a little sadness," Fellowes said in an interview with Variety. "You do feel rather sorry to say goodbye to these people because I've enjoyed the creation. I'm sorry to see them go."
Nonetheless, he also explained how he felt the need to put an end to the critically acclaimed series despite its worldwide success.
"I'm very unlikely to be involved in anything that is as successful again and so, of course, I say goodbye to these golden years with a slight pang. But it seems the right time to go while we're still firing," the screenwriter said.
"Downton Abbey' season six airs every Sunday on ITV, with episode five to be unveiled on Oct. 18.
