Downsizing — and extortion! — threaten Downton Abbey, while particular pre-wedding jitters threaten the Carson/Hughes nuptials. Change is afoot at the hospital. Daisy speaks her mind. Anna and Bates wait for the word. See the much-anticipated final season of the Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning drama.

After five seasons of secrets and scandals, love and heartbreak, witticisms and will-they-won't-theys, Downton Abbey: The Final Season is about to begin. Before the Sunday, January 3 premiere, get a quick refresher on where our favorite characters left off, and where the drama might take them. (#DowntonPBS)

Violet

Where she left off: She sent her former flame, Russian Prince Kuragin, back into the arms of his cold-as-Siberia wife. Resigned to a future free of "indecent proposals," the Dowager Countess and Isobel can trade quips and confidences together into their golden years.

Where she might go: Given her advanced age, fans worry that the Dowager Countess might encounter an illness too powerful for even Isobel and a restorative broth to fight. But with luck, she will remain vigorous, and if so, no doubt will channel her energy toward steering Downton into the future … or holding it back.

Editor's Note: The Cora character has other plans on New Year's Day: 

Elizabeth McGovern, who portrays Cora, Countess of Grantham, is among those confirmed to ride a float celebrating the show in the 127th Rose Parade® on January 1, 2016.

It's possible to catch a view of the Crawley family estate has been painstakingly recreated in Rose Parade float form on January 1, 2016, complete with a magnificent landscape depicting English rose gardens and rolling green lawns and a 1919 Bentley driven by the family chauffeur. The float features more than 60,000 roses in 20 different varieties including velvety 'Roseberry' and 'Cherry O' roses; fragile pink 'Titanic' and 'Priceless' roses and English garden roses, which are rarely seen at the Rose Parade. Oriental lilies, snapdragons, hypericum and a variety of orchids will provide accents throughout the garden. 

Robert
Where he left off: At peace with Marigold's parentage and Mary's decision to send Gillingham packing, and committed to securing Downton's financial future, the Earl wrapped up Season 5 in a spirit of acceptance. And under the influence of spirits!

Where he might go: Because scandal never sleeps, and time marches on, Downton's patriarch may still have more than his share of work to do to secure his family's and his estate's future. And then there's that pesky ulcer, enemy of food, drink, and all-round merriment…

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