Here’s our toast to the Dowager Countess.
Was there ever a fictional character more wry, more witty?
No one could skewer an ego or make a haughty objection quite like her.
Maggie Smith in ‘Downton Abbey’.Nick Briggs/PBS
On Sept. 27,Smith died at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of legendary performances.
But now, we must bid farewell to Smith as well.
“What is a weekend?”
Ben Blackall / Focus Features
The relationship between these sworn enemies turned trusted confidantes remained one of the most compelling onDowntonuntil the very end.
Isobel: “I take that as a compliment.”
Violet: “I must have said it wrong.").
Nick Briggs/PBS
Plus, she was always quick with a witticism or a biting retort when a scene needed a laugh.
But she started to show her capacity to evolve around season 1’s Downton Village Flower Show.
Well, ok, then.
Ben Blackall / Focus Features
And it was never not hilarious.
“Is this an instrument of communication or torture?”
she once asked about a telephone.
We love some good romantic manipulation, but Violet gets bonus points for referencing Shakespeare.
For someone initially so against their union, Violet sure changed her tune.
The two planned to run off together, but Violet ultimately decided to return to her family.
When we meet Kuragin many years later, it’s clear Violet left a lasting impression.
Refusing to give up a villa
Would you give up a villa in the south of France?
But Violet knows better than to let a good thing pass her by.
