Those of you still reeling from the season finale of Downton Abbey will want to read this article about why Season 3 ended so tragically. Spoiler Alert...Don't read if you haven't seen the last episode yet.
As you can see this article is dated December 2012. It was his idea to quit the show. It was a bold move on his part and what was Julian Fellowes to do other than write him out? I think he should have stayed until the show was over, don't you? Unfortunately I read this article when it was written and it was a spoiler for me. From now on, I will try not to read anything about Season 4 in advance. It would have been so much better to be as shocked about the ending as most of you were.
Photo: Paul Stuart - Camera Press
Of course this could all backfire and people will hold his quitting against him and decide not to follow his career. Just a thought. I think he's on Broadway in a play right now. Wonder how it's doing?
Recap of the episode from The Wall Street Journal.
22 comments:
Oh, Rosemary, a collective sigh certainly could be heard round the world as Downton's third season concluded last night. Darling Matthew, whatever will Mary do without him. We all are at a loss. And, what about Downtown itself . . . who will be the next heir . . . if a male . . . Bramson!!! On a lighter note, didn't you love the visit to the highlands. My head is spinning. I am about to visit our daughter who is waiting to watch all 3 episodes after baby is born . . .so I mustn't ruin her fun.
I shall read the article you were kind (I think) not to share until now.
Good day, my friend.
Linda
Yes, I think he should have stayed through the end of the show. I know he must do what is best for himself and I'll get over my disappointment but it seems many actors don't consider the feelings of their fans that enable them to work and earn a nice living. Now that the two nicest characters in the show are dead we'll see where it goes from there.
Dinner with friends last nite.
Watching the recording tonight.
Obviously, very best friends.
XO T
Linda and Nyla....
I am probably spoiling the show for many who have not yet watched the finale.
So sorry.
Don't read!!!
Tara...
Do not read my post.
It is a spoiler alert.
xo, Rosemary
I hope this doesn't take the predictable road.....Mary becomes bitter and nasty.
I can easily see that happening. Or maybe she will work with her father in Matthew's memory keeping it strong for their son. We will just have to wait and see!
Thank you! I couldn't see how the story was better with him dying and now I understand it was his choice, not the writer's. I will most definitely follow him. I want to see more!
I also knew that he was leaving the show....
So I knew he had to die...
The Scottish countryside was awesome..
But...on a whole...i found the finale kind of boring....sigh...
and I am SUCH a fan...
Cheers!
Linda :o)
.. OH yes, I too wondered if the public would hold his decision to leave against him. I suspect if ole Julian gets a really good plot going from here, we will all move on. I read comments on Downton's FB page, one person said "we saw it in the UK on Christmas night, imagine how we felt." The mark of a good production I guess.
Karen in CT
I was actually quite okay with this turn of events. I had read that he wouldn't be returning for a season four and wondered how the writer would bring his part to closure. I think "Matthew's" leaving opens up a whole realm of opportunities for Mary's character. Truthfully, where else could that couple go? I'm always more in love with the courtship than I am with the marriage. Their marriage/happy couple scenes were getting a bit tiresome for me. Best of luck to Dan Stevens. He's not my idea of a heart throb by he hits the spot for a lot of people. :)
MATTHEW! Mary will never get over losing him. And if she can't even get along with her own sweet sister, Edith, she surely won't tolerate that ding-a-ling, Rose.
So now it falls to Tom Branson. I hope he and Lord Grantham can call some sort of truce and get on with saving Downton. Perhaps, Mary will attempt to fill Matthew's shoes since her son stands to inherit everything.
Aren't Mr. Bates and Anna a lovely couple? Theirs is the true love story.
The scenery for this episode was breathtakingly beautiful. Even the lovely stream where Matthew and Mr. Gregson were fly fishing. And those gorgeous proud horses pulling the carriages...my husband and I said at the same instant: "Oh, just look at those horses." Black with lovely white markings.
I think Julian Fellows is having a rollicking good time, obviously given free rein. Amazing storyteller.
What a great evening. Sunday nights won't be the same for a while.
Well now I feel better that the writers didn't just KILL HIM OFF, after Lady Sybil just died!
Thank you for clearing that up! You should have written SPOILER ALERT! I was quite upset last night after he died.
I also knew ahead of time. but in a way that made it easier to take I think. I was still able to be caught up in the moment. maybe his 'unknown' twin will appear and start a whole new story line! IF he ever wants to come back.
actually I read where he is a giant hit on the heiress on broadway. kudoes dan. but we miss you!
I was left speechless! Now poor Lord Grantham can never express his gratitude to Matthew for all of his foresight in business.
Tam...
I'm glad to hear he's not a flop in the play. He would really be kicking himself if he were.
I still don't think he should have quit.
Rosemary
i think the same thing! i think he'll live to regret it sadly.
Too bad they could not have written him out somehow without killing him, like having him travel to another country, get divorced and just not come back. Oh well, I love the series and so glad that Maggie Smith is staying on. I am very curious as to what Lady Mary's response is going to be. She can be so cold and aloof, I wonder if she becomes bitter.
I, too, was very shocked and saddened last night at the conclusion of season 3. Hopefully Downton will experience a joyful birth sometime in the near future? He may want to move on to other projects, but his fan base has been collectively let down. I fear we shall never recover...
WE HAD READ OF THE ENDING BEFORE LAST NIGHT. GLAD WE KNEW SO WE COULD BE PREPARED FOR THE END OF MATTHEW. SORRY TO SEE HIM GO, I AGREE HE SHOULD HAVE STAYED. SO MUCH SADNESS IN ONE FAMILY. THOUGH MRS. CRAWLEY WOULD MARRY THE DOCTOR; I GUESS NO SUCH LUCK. LOOKING FORWARD TO SEASON 4.
Rosemary,
I knew it was coming...still, they had written Mary and Matthew's lines in such a way it made me very sad...I'll miss those incredible blue eyes.
Karen
Serves me right for not resisting the temptation to read this. Episode 2 has only just aired Down Under, so we are well behind & now I know the ending! Anyhoo, I reckon Julian Fellows would be well advised to offer George Clooney a part as a potential American suitor for the widowed Lady Mary, now that would cement the ratings.
Millie xx
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