“I have plenty of friends I don’t like.”
If you can believe it, it’s been three years since the release of the first Downton Abbey film. And now, the Crawley family and the staff of Downton have returned to the big screen for Downton Abbey: A New Era.
Jaap Buitendijk / ©Focus Features / courtesy Everett Collection
If you’re a fan of the show (and first film), you’ll definitely want to check out Downton Abbey: A New Era. It’s like a warm, comforting hug from an old friend, and let’s be honest, who DOESN’T need that right now?! As always, the costumes and production design are GORGEOUS, and there’s a lot of wonderful wish fulfillment for so many characters. Basically, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll wish you could live in that world forever.
Ben Blackall /© Focus Features / Courtesy Everett Collection
Of course, one of the best parts of Downton Abbey is the Dowager Countess herself, Violet Crawley — played by the legendary Maggie Smith.
Pbs / ©PBS/Courtesy Everett Collection
So, in celebration of the latest addition to the Downton legacy, here’s an appreciation of some of Violet Crawley’s best, funniest, and most brutal moments over the years…
1.
Like the time the Dowager gave a cold, but honest, reception to her potential, future in-law:
2.
And the time she said this HIGHLY relatable line about friends:
3.
The time she made this perfect set up for a joke:
4.
The time she felt she wasn’t clear enough:
5.
The time Lord Grantham tried out a new fashion trend (black tie) and the Dowager threw this shade at him:
6.
The time she threw this roadblock down:
7.
The time she laid down this fact:
8.
The time she took (another) jab at enemy-to-best-friend Mrs. Crawley:
9.
The time she questioned technology:
10.
The time she wanted to make it clear she wasn’t a romantic:
11.
The time she wanted to clear the air about her allegedly meddling with Mary and Matthew’s romance:
12.
The time she tried to give Edith advice after she was left at the altar:
13.
And then proceeded to get frustrated with Edith a few seconds later:
14.
The time she got brutally honest about handling the very arrogant Dr. Philip Tapsell:
15.
The time she took this lil’ jab at sweet Mr. Molesley’s dancing:
16.
The time she agreed with Branson about illogical British aristocracy titles:
17.
The time she sat in a swivel chair, nearly fell off, and was still able to make a joke about it:
18.
The time she made sure to remind Lord Grantham who’s the mother and who’s the child (when he was acting up):
19.
The time she took YET ANOTHER jab at Mrs. Crawley:
20.
The time she actually supported Mrs. Crawley (and also gave more sage advice):
21.
And finally, the time she said this ICONIC line:
