Maggie Smith’s Violet Crawley is one of the best characters in Downton Abbey, and the latest film in the franchise, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, pays her several wonderful tributes. With The Grand Finale likely to be the last Downton Abbey movie, these nods feel even more significant.

Violet Crawley’s Downton Abbey history has been vast and essential. The Dowager Countess was the mother to Robert Crawley, and she represented a bygone era, showing reluctance to systemic and social change. Smith embodied this complex role with wit, charm, and incredible charisma.

Violet Crawley’s life sadly came to a close during the ending of Downton Abbey: A New Era, and Dame Maggie Smith pᴀssed away in September of 2024. With all of this considered, the actor and character were not a direct part of the events of this latest film, but both of their presences are clearly felt.

The Dowager Countess Is Frequently Referenced By Her Family And Friends

Violet’s shadow looms large over the new film. As the first story in this world to be told since her character’s death, it is clear that she is still fresh in their memory, even if a couple of years have pᴀssed. Violet’s relationships with her family and friends also remain surprisingly influential.

This is seen with Violet’s portrait being prominently displayed in the film. An essential past tenant of Downton, her memory is discussed by many of the characters. This leads to Violet’s words and adages being quoted on multiple occasions throughout the film.

One of the most prominent makes reference to one of Violet’s most memorable quotes on the series, where she earnestly asked, “What is a weekend?” This is reiterated in the film, drawing a clear memory to Violet’s role on the show, as well as to the cultural changes that were occurring in the world during this period.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Michelle Dockery explained the importance of this: “She was an immense figure to the whole world, but certainly to everyone on both sides of the camera in the Downton family.” Dockery outlined the presence that Violet still has in this world that she helped to shape so significantly.

Much of this is also integrated into details about the Dower House. The film sees Robert and Cora taking up residence in Violet’s old home in the end, and there is a strong scene where her memory is discussed while they clear out the home alongside Isobel. The film ends with Robert and Cora symbolically taking Violet’s place.

The Local Community Honors Violet’s Legacy

There are many nods to Violet throughout the community. The cup that goes to Mr. Mason in the film is named after her, and all kinds of other references to Violet’s past are made in some of these defining scenes, reminding viewers of the importance of Smith to the series. This was a very intentional choice.

Speaking with Collider, Cora actress Elizabeth McGovern noted how Violet’s shadow hangs over the entire atmosphere. “She’s still very much in the atmosphere. I don’t feel there’s a big hole,” she said, detailing how important it was to ensure Violet’s presence was still felt in the film.

It is clear in the movie and surrounding it, then, that Violet Crawley remains in the heart of her community. Both from her time at Downton and at the Dower house, her impact on the people and the circles around her remained especially impactful all the way up until her death.

The Grand Finale’s Ending Flashes Back To Violet & Remembers Maggie Smith

The ending of The Grand Finale is incredibly powerful, as it looks back at memories from the place. Mary walks through the halls, seeing parts of her path that have shaped her. She sees Matthew Crawley, and she sees her sister, Sybil, both of whom have pᴀssed.

This emotional ending for Mary also sees her remembering parties and seeing images of her grandmother, Violet. All of these images hold both tragedy and nostalgia, following the deaths of these characters, but the memory of Violet is especially impactful after the recent death of Maggie Smith.

All of this closes on the portrait of Violet, with a text tribute to her performer. The film is dedicated “In loving memory of Dame Maggie Smith,” and feels especially powerful. This closing moment not only pays tribute to Smith as an actor but also directly acknowledges Violet’s importance.

Downton Abbey is largely about evolving social conventions. Violet represents a bygone era, and its social mores are still significant factors in navigating that world. Seeing the generational differences between characters like Violet, Robert, and Mary helped to construct the series’ most thought-provoking stories.

Remembering Maggie Smith at the end of all this is so important. Her character played such a huge part in the show, and her performance went a long way to making Violet feel multifaceted and complex. There was truly no better way for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale to end than by remembering her.