Downton Abbey's final season focuses on the Crawley family and their staff navigating significant life changes. Lady Mary, the eldest daughter, seeks love and stability, while her sister Edith grapples with her career and a hidden family secret. The loyal downstairs staff, including the newly married Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes, face their own evolving roles.

The central conflict revolves around Edith's secret daughter, Marigold, and the potential fallout if her true parentage is revealed. This secret, along with personal tragedies and romantic entanglements, creates dramatic tension. Key turning points include Anna and Bates being cleared of murder, Lord Grantham's life-threatening illness, and Henry Talbot's friend dying in a crash, which initially pushes Mary away.

The season culminates with Mary marrying Henry Talbot. However, a shocking revelation about Marigold leads to Bertie breaking his engagement to Edith, leaving her heartbroken. The season ends with the Crawleys facing an uncertain future, but with a sense of closure for many characters.

Season 6 of Downton Abbey covers episodes 1-8. Here's everything that happened:

Season 6, Episode 1: Episode 1 - A former chambermaid attempts to blackmail Lady Mary over her past indiscretion, but Lord Grantham cleverly resolves the situation. Mrs. Hughes expresses anxieties about her upcoming marriage to Mr. Carson, who reassures her of his deep love and desire for a complete union. Anna and Bates are finally cleared of Mr. Green's murder when another woman confesses. The episode concludes with Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson sharing a loving kiss, solidifying their commitment.

Season 6, Episode 2: Episode 2 - Mrs. Hughes and Carson disagree on their wedding reception venue. At a livestock show, Mrs. Drewe kidnaps Marigold, causing distress for Edith. Mr. Drewe returns the child, but the emotional fallout results in the Drewe family being forced to leave Yew Tree Farm. Meanwhile, Anna seeks medical help for her fertility issues, and Thomas considers a new job.

Season 6, Episode 3: Episode 3 - Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson finally marry in a heartfelt ceremony at the schoolhouse, after Cora supports Mrs. Hughes's wish for a simpler celebration. Edith successfully takes over her magazine, sparking a new romance with Bertie Pelham. Anna receives hopeful news about her pregnancy. The episode concludes with the unexpected return of Tom Branson and Sybbie to Downton.

Season 6, Episode 4: Episode 4 - Former housemaid Gwen Harding visits, gracefully overcoming Thomas's attempt to expose her past by crediting Sybil's help. Daisy passionately advocates for Mr. Mason, who ultimately secures Yew Tree Farm. Mary rushes Anna to London, where her pregnancy is confirmed safe. The Carsons return from honeymoon, and Mary is intrigued by Henry Talbot.

Season 6, Episode 5: Episode 5 - During a tense dinner with Neville Chamberlain, Lord Grantham's ulcer bursts, causing him to projectile vomit blood across the table before collapsing. He is rushed to hospital for surgery. Meanwhile, Mary overhears a comment about Marigold, intensifying her suspicions about Edith's daughter. Edith's romance with Bertie Pelham blossoms, and Thomas secretly begins teaching Andy to read. Robert survives his surgery, but Mary's discovery looms.

Season 6, Episode 6: Episode 6 - Downton Abbey opens to the public for a hospital fundraiser, sparking family tensions. Cora replaces Violet as hospital president, leading to a heated confrontation. Mary struggles with her feelings for Henry Talbot, while Edith introduces Bertie to Marigold, concealing the truth. Molesley is offered a teaching position. The episode concludes with Thomas Barrow's profound loneliness, hinting at a desperate future.

Season 6, Episode 7: Episode 7 - Violet departs for France after exposing Miss Cruikshank's scheme. At a car race, Henry's friend, Charlie Rogers, dies in a fiery crash, prompting Mary to end her relationship with Henry. Bertie proposes to Edith, who needs time to consider. Molesley secures a teaching position. The episode concludes with Robert receiving a new puppy, Tiaa, a gift from Violet.

Season 6, Episode 8: Episode 8 - Mary finally marries Henry Talbot after overcoming her fears of losing another husband. However, Mary's cruel revelation of Marigold's true parentage causes Bertie to break off his engagement to Edith. Meanwhile, Thomas Barrow attempts suicide but is saved by Mrs. Baxter and Mr. Molesley. The episode concludes with Mary and Henry's wedding, and Edith, despite her heartbreak, attends.