Themes of teamwork, perseverance are clear in how staff and family members throw themselves fully into challenge of smooth royal visit (viewers can draw their own conclusions about whether royal characters are worthy of such expense and consideration). Lots of talk about people's "place" and behaviors expected of them at various socioeconomic stations (filmmakers' sympathies are clearly with those who treat each other kindly, whether rich or poor).

A main character says they have an illness and don't have long to live; two characters cry together at the news.

Passionate, clothed kissing leads to implied sex. A couple has a sweet kiss and dances together before agreeing they'll write to each other (implication is that they'll have a long-distance relationship). Men kiss and dance together in a vintage gay bar in a warehouse. Married couples talk about pregnancy and childbirth.

One "damn" and a few uses of "God." Police officers call a group of men dancing together "dirty perverts."

The trappings of wealth are everywhere at Downton, from a large staff of servants to custom-fitted couture clothing, elaborate food, and huge parties.

Characters drink wine and champagne at gatherings and parties; no one acts drunk. In one subplot, a character is given a "double dose" of a "sleeping draught" to get him out of the way temporarily; this potentially deadly violation causes no repercussions.