A bar of soap and solidarity tied up episode six of Downton Abbey of Masterpiece Classic very neatly last week. It was an uplifting conclusion, until this week’s devastating final episode. I wish episode six had been the last of the season. Instead, the Crawley’s went to Scotland to visit Cousin Shrimpie, stalked deer, fished for salmon and danced a reel while the downstairs mice left at Downton Abbey played at the local fair while the cat was away.
My Recap (Major, Major Spoilers!)
Joy arrived with the birth of the long awaited heir to Downton Abbey—but into each life some rain must fall—and in this case, a monsoon hit Yorkshire and swamped our hearts. I will not pad the deep blow with my usual detailed recap but cut to the chase. After spending a very brief time with his wife and newly-born son, Matthew Crawley died in a car crash on his way back home from visiting her and the baby at the hospital. The happily-ever-after will never be possible for him or many at Downton again.
No cliff-hangers here by writer Julian Fellowes—at all—quite the opposite. More on this tragic, startling, ending in my review below, after I point out some of the happier moments during the episode that was called the Downton Christmas Special in the UK when it aired there.
Favorite moments:
“Have a bit of the tart if you like.” – Mrs. Patmore
“I don’t mind if I do.” – Joss Tufton
There is romance in the air at Downton upstairs and down. Many attempted hook-up’s for young and old added levity and humor for most of the episode. There are a lot of sexual innuendos planted throughout. Have fun catching them as they wiz by.
“I love reeling. If I weren’t pregnant I dance until dawn.” – Lady Mary
So, in the opening scenes we discover Lady Mary is pregnant. But, we are immediately distressed to learn that she is due in a month yet traveling with her husband and family to Scotland by train. This seems rather risky after all the couple went through to get in the family way, and how important an heir is to the future safety of the estate.
Duneagle Castle in Scotland
The destination vacation for the Crawley’s is Cousin Hugh ‘Shrimpie’ MacClare, Marquess of Flintshire’s estate Duneagel in Scotland. We first heard tell of him in season two when Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham placed a phone call to him at the War Office when Matthew had gone missing during combat. He is a diplomat and her cousin by marriage through her niece Susan, daughter of her sister. The MacClare’s are the parents of young Rose, the flapper we met in episode six.
“Edith. My basic fact is that I am in love with you…you know that already.” Michael Gregson
“Do I? Yes, I supposed I do.” – Lady Edith
OMG! I am getting peeved that poor Edith is being made into a naïve idiot again. No, please no.
“No man’s wanted to squire me since the Golden Jubilee. Even then he expected me to buy the drinks.” – Mrs. Patmore
The Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom was celebrated on 20 June 1887. Since this is 1922, Mrs. P. has been without a date for 35 years. No wonder she’s all giddy and girlish.
“Ten hours crawling through heather and nothing to show for it. Perhaps it’s a parable of life.” Matthew Crawley
There are a lot a parables, euphemisms and philosophy in this episode. Just watch Mrs. Hughes and Matthew Crawley very closely.
“Unless you want Rose married to a third rate colonial official with no money and bad teeth Susan better think again.” – Violet, Dowager Countess Grantham
The MacClare’s are being sent to some unknown colonial outpost. This remark is Violet’s way of letting us know what she thinks of the marriage prospects away from England. Considering that she was ready to pack up her granddaughter Mary in season one and send her to Italy or America to find a husband is a telling clue of Rose’s prospects unless she intercedes.
“You don’t want to go to the fair?” – Alfred
“I’d sooner chew broken glass.” – Mr. Carson
After all of the romantic hook-up’s, gambling, drinking and fighting, we are very happy that Mr. Carson did not go to the fair.
“A man of mystery. Edith could use some of that.” – Lady Mary
“You are horrid when you want to be.” – Matthew Crawley
Lady Mary was back to her old snarky remarks about Edith in this episode. We will cut her some slack since she is preggers and well, just Lady Mary.
“What’s going on in here?…you were just taking advantage of the cat’s absence. We’ll see what Mr. Carson has to say.” Mrs. Hughes
Mrs. Hughes catches the two footmen Alfred and James sitting on the settee in the parlor. She has a keen eye in this episode and catches inappropriate behavior all around. This usually falls to Mr. Carson’s watchful radar, so it was fun to see the Great Philosopher of Downton in action.
“Love to be in love, any time any place. I’ll not deny it Mrs. Hughes. I love to be in love.” – Joss Tufton
Telescoping I’d say.
“Does the law expect me to have no life at all until I die? Would Lord Grantham?” – Michael Gregson
“You can’t expect that he would want you to involve his own daughter, what when all you have to offer her is a job as your own mistress.” – Matthew Crawley
“No, I love her. I’m offering my love.” – Michael Gregson
“You’ve been misled by our surroundings. We’re not in a novel by Walter Scott.” – Matthew Crawley
Mr. Rochester/Michael Gregson is corrected by Matthew with a literary euphemism. What irony. This new plot with Edith’s faux beaux really stinks. I know that is not very professional, but there you have it. Edith deserves much better than a married man with a mad wife in the attic. Lady Mary, Lord Grantham and Matthew are all very suspicious and for good reason. We are all yelling at the screen!
“Either way it was the cooking he was after and not me.” – Mrs. Patmore
What a relief that Mrs. Patmore’s romantic incident with the gross grocer ended in laughter and not heartbreak.
“Are you proud of your handy work?” – Miss O’Brien
“Well, I don’t know what you …” – Miss Wilkins
“Never mind Miss Wilkins, it might do him good to let it all go for once.” – Miss O’Brien
We knew “every savage could dance” but Mr. Mosley? Hysterical!!! I felt that we had met O’Brien’s evil twin in Scotland with fellow lady’s maid Miss Wilkins, but she had obviously not earned her evil bangs yet and was no match for her. Touché!
“…be your own master and call your own tune.” – Mrs. Hughes
Great advice to Tom Branson from the Great Philosopher of Downton, Mrs. Hughes.
“There are rules to this way of life Edna, and if you’re not prepared to live by them, then it’s not the right life for you.” – Mrs. Hughes
Again, brava to more Mrs. Hughesisms. New maid Edna gets the boot for having the hots for Mr. Branson and not being able to contain it.
“Love is like riding or learning French. If you don’t learn it young, it’s hard to get the trick of it later.” – Lord Flintshire (Cousin Shrimpie)
Young, wild Cousin Rose is going to live with the Crawley’s at Downton while her dueling parents are away on diplomatic duty. I thought this was very touching of her father to say this to Lady Grantham. He wants the best for his daughter who is always fighting with her horrid mother Susan, who will hopefully be eaten by tigers in India.
“Just think. We’ve done our duty. Downton is safe. Papa must be dancing a jig.” – Lady Mary
Ahhh…another baby for Downton. This one gets to be the Little Prince for about ten seconds and then, tick tock, tick tock, he is Prince Regent.
“Yet, here we are with two healthy heirs, an estate in good order and I wonder what I’ve done to deserve it.” – Lord Grantham
“I agree. But then, we don’t always get our just deserts.” Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham
Just deserts? Oh Granny, please do not mention levelers of life right now as Matthew is so happy and we are riding along with him on the road to Downton and doom.
My Review:
I saw this episode when it aired in the UK on Christmas Day. It has been almost three months and I am still angry and sad. The writer/creator Julian Fellow offers this explanation. It didn’t help.
I have been an advocate for Downton Abbey from day one. I have blogged about it and reviewed every episode. I have co-moderated three years of live twitter parties hosted by Masterpiece Classic. I have cheered and laughed and reveled in it glorious success for PBS and period drama. I am about as big of a fan girl as they come—but I still do not agree with how this season ended so tragically for Matthew and the fans of the series.
Unfortunately, Dan Stevens who portrayed Matthew Crawley wanted to move on and do other work. He may be remembered as the bloke who ditched the mega-hit series Downton Abbey, or he could win some fantastic role that might save him and move him to the next level. It is all a crap shoot. I try to be philosophical like housekeeper Mrs. Hughes whose advice to Tom Branson was spot on “…be your own master and call your own tune.” Obviously the writer Mr. Fellowes planted that for us to just chew on.
Season four of Downton Abbey starts production in England this month. Fellowes has dug himself a big whole to fill. We shall see if the series can crawl out of it.
Further reading:
- Read my review of Downton Abbey S3E6
- Upstairs at Downton Abbey – A Cast Preview
- Downstairs at Downton Abbey – A Cast Preview
- Visit Downton Abbey at Masterpiece Classic online
- Visit our Downton Abbey archives
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I’m in the UK and since I saw this episode at Christmas I have felt that I shall probably not watch any more Downton Abbey when it returns in the autumn. I understand that actors don’t necessarily want to remain in a series long term and Dan Stevens was perfectly within his rights to move on, but to my mind the right response from the production team wound have been to draw the programme to a close at the end of the Christmas episode. DA began as an ensemble piece about life in a stately home. In addition to the fact that most of those estates failed to survive WWII (which is almost upon them), which brings the future of the series into question, two of the core cast have now chosen to be written out which will change the dynamic enormously. As a result, the production team appear to be replacing the characters who leave (Lady Rose is an obvious “new Sybil”), turning what began as an impressive period drama into a historical soap opera. The old maxim “leave them wanting more” no longer seems to bear any weight and programme makers never have the self respect to draw a line under a story. The lure of money is obviously just too strong.
I completely agree. Dan Stevens’s character will be hard to replace, and I was very angry at his leaving “Downton Abbey”.
Personally, I think that Julian Fellowes has written a brilliaint script, but Matthew Crawley’s abrupt departure from “Downton Abbey” was so… paltry.
That said, I don’t think it was easy for Fellowes to write Matthew’s death into the script. With two members of its main cast dead in one season, Season 4 of Downton Abbey will have to more than make up for this big blow (or hole). After watching this episode, I’d half a mind to abandon “Downton Abbey” altogether, but I shall reserve judgment until the next episode is released.
On another note, great review, Laurel!
I too saw this when it aired in the UK, watching it at Christmas with the family (we all cried, of course – great bonding moment). Ever since my husband and I have both been tiptoeing around the subject, trying not to say anything at all to anyone else about the series in fear of spoiling it, but when alone we have debated the ending extensively. He agrees with you, Laurel Ann, going so far as to bemoan Matthews loss as a possible shark tank moment for the series, but I am far more optimistic about the future. I’ve been a bit uneasy about this softer Lady Mary to which we’ve lately become so accustomed, always convinced that inside she was much as she always was. Her first words to Matthew after the birth of their son are telling, aren’t they? I think she only fell in love with him because he was the right person for both her and the estate’s future. She will miss him, certainly, but I don’t think she really needs him any more.
Cold, I know, and my husband vigorously defends Lady Mary, but I have always maintained that Edith has very good reason to hate her older sister so much, and that she probably knows her better than anyone else. I thought this line most telling: “I hope I’m allowed to be your Mary Crawley for all eternity, and not Edith’s version.” I predict Edith’s version will will be in full glory from here on out. A fitting twist would be if the new heir learned to prefer his increasingly bohemian Aunt Edith to a cold and dominating mother. I can’t wait for season 4!
Once again, within a month’s time, my wife and I go to bed in a depressed mood. First, Sybil, then Matthew. Yuck.
Still, Mr. Fellowes has left enough undone for another entire season. However, I hope that D.A. will not degenerate further into a personality and relational circus simply in order bolster the program’s popularity.
Confirmation of that possibility will be when someone dearly departed on the series returns from the dead (!) Yikes….
Withholding judgment until the opening segment of season #4.
Laurel Ann, we so enjoy your excellent commentary and look forward to the next installment on season #4.
Take heart, DA afficionados.
Over it’s 11 year run, M.A.S.H. saw the replacement of Col. Henry Blake, Maj. Trapper John McIntyre, Maj. Frank Burns and Cpl. Radar O’Reilly, all core characters. Rather than killing the series, the excellent quality of the writing actually integrated the new characters, Col. Sherman Potter, Maj. BJ Hunnicutt and Maj. Charles Winchester III into a new ensemble that was, in many ways, superior to the original cast.
It’s all about the writing. We must rely on Julien Fellowes to overcome any possible negative effects on the series as a whole.
I wish Mr. Stevens and Miss Findley the best and hope that their careers don’t tank as a result of leaving DA the way those of the M.A.S.H. actors did upon leaving that series.
I do have a question for Laura – What titles, if any, will Sybil Branson and the Crawley baby have? Can’t find anything about this.
Hi Pam, M.A.S.H. is a great example of character evolution, but it was a revolving door series because of the nature of the medical unit. Downton is a stationary place with limited characters arriving. We shall see.
I will answer your questions directed to our peerage expert Laura: Baby Sybil will not have a title or honorarium because she is the daughter of the daughter of an earl. Her cousin, Baby Crawley, is the son of Matthew Crawley, the now deceased heir of Downton, and would be the 8th Earl of Grantham when he reaches majority at 21.
I am not a peerage expert – so I offer my apologies to anyone offended if I blundered.
Laurel, Baby Crawley cannot become the 8th earl until his grandfather Robert, current Earl of Grantham, dies. Until then he’ll just be the Heir-in-Waiting, altho he could **possibly*8 be given the courtesy title of “Viscount So-and-so”, but I think any “in-waiting” title is only bestowed upon the son of the current earl, not a grandson.
Baby Crawley will only become the Earl of Grantham when the current Earl dies, whether that happens when he’s 1 or 21 or 31. Because BC is only the heir presumptive, not heir apparent (i.e. Robert could theoretically produce a son who would go ahead of BC in line for the Earldom), he doesn’t get any title (regular or courtesy) until (if) he succeeds to the Earldom. Until that time he’d be Mr. Baby Crawley like Matthew was. Baby Sybil doesn’t get a title because she’s the daughter of a mere Mister.
Oh thanks Ruth. I knew someone would correct me. English peerage stuff is mind boggling to Yanks like me. So only Robert’s son (if he had one) would be called Viscount Grantham as heir apparent?
Not necessarily “Viscount Grantham.” The heir usually takes as a courtesy title one of his father’s lesser titles. So f’r instance, Prince Edward is Earl of Wessex, Viscount Severn, etc. etc. His son uses the title “Viscount Severn” as a courtesy title (i.e. he doesn’t hold it in his own right, it’s a “courtesy” for his father to let him use it). Similarly, a son of Prince William could use his subsidiary title “Earl of Strathearn”. So it would depend on what Robert’s subsidiary titles are.
And yes, it’s very confusing!
Sorry, I shouldn’t have used William as an example because it is more likely his son would be Prince X of Cambridge (that being a better courtesy title than a mere Earl). A better example are the Dukes of Marlborough. They hold subsidiary titles Marquess of Blandford and Earl of Sunderland. Traditionally, the Duke’s eldest son uses Marquess of Blandford as his courtesy title while HIS eldest son uses the courtesy title Earl of Sunderland (which his how “Sunny” Marlborough- husband of Consuelo Vanderbilt – got his nickname).
Before Robert Crawley became earl he was called Viscount Downton. I read that in a ITV publicity piece before the first season. Is that right?
I hadn’t read that but it sounds like a plausible subsidiary title for an Earl of Grantham.
Courtesy titles are carried through the father directly. Unless Lord Grantham gets an Act of Parliament to altar his title, the baby is X Crawley. Its like Upstairs Downstairs in that regard. Lady Marjorie was the daughter of an Earl who was married to a commoner. Her son was simply James Bellamy though she was always ‘Lady’ Marjorie because daughter’s of Dukes to Earls are all ‘Lady’. Their husband’s do not become titled. Conversely, if Matthew had been his son and had the title of Viscount, the baby would hold the title The Honorable(Insert Name)Crawley.
Matthew was the ‘heir presumptive’ but still a commoner. If he had been Lord Grantham’s son and heir he would have had a courtesy title and sometimes even the grandson has one if all three generations are alive and depending on rank. But the titles are all courtesy only so they don’t have any of the automatic privileges associated with it i.e., a seat in the House of Lords.
There have been Dukes with more than three titles, their son becomes the second title and the grandson the third. I am not familiar with any Earls where this is the case.This may be because usually a peer is raised higher and higher over time, collecting titles and the higher they are usually the more titles they have. But they still only go through the sons and heirs.
The curse of the Turkish Gentleman! Or perhaps the curse of seeing the groom before the wedding? I have to agree with Alexa above. Lady Mary may not feel this loss as strongly we’d expect. Either way it gives Mr. Fellowes a lot to work with…haughty Mary and her son. Poor Isobel. Where will this leave her? Not that she’ll care. Maybe Dr. Clarkson can console her.
How sweet were the scenes with Carson and Baby Sybil bonding and Anna dancing the reel? As always I love Mrs. Hughes and Mrs. Patmore and the rest of the crew. Like Jimmy-James I too would have thrown caution to the wind to sit on the lovely pink sofa.
Just as an aside, actress playing Susan also played Elizabeth Elliot in 1995 version of Persuasion. She always seems to play a wretched woman.
I did not make the Elizabeth Elliot concentration. Of course that’s her! Good call! Poor Isobel, indeed. She and Mary are sure to have words about the child’s upbringing.
I’m still hoping it’s a hoax to stir up more viewers! (as if they need more viewers) Maybe, just maybe, Matthew is only injured! I mean, we didn’t actually SEE his funeral. Is it possible that he is only injured and will come back! I know it’s just wishful thinking on my part – but why not hope!!
Okay, castles in the air behind me, I shall watch next season but only for Maggie Smith’s sake. :-)
Thanks for this great review and article Laurel.
What else can we say? That was a horrible and painful finale last night. I wish that perhaps they would have just “sent Matthew away” for something for a while…it seemed too cruel. I guess keeping in mind real life can be cruel it worked.
I too hope that DA stays true to it’s good standards of it’s episodes. Amazing how “real” this loss feels isn’t it?
p.s. my husband gave me Season 3 UK version for Valentines Day…sweet, but now not sure I can watch the finale again .
Thank you for this great page.
I concur with your dismay about Edith. She could be the most interesting one in the show–she is certainly one of the few who cares about someone other than her own household.
But the Downton writer seems to keep giving us the same plots over and over: difficult delivery/dead spouse or future spouse/new male having to prove himself/semi-orphaned baby (3), etc. etc.
Life is more interesting than that.
Just when we see some spice between Matthew and Mary, He is gone. I look forward to seeing the same Men of Downton interact overtime. I was starting to enjoy the caring devotion Matthew was giving to the not so tranquil Downton Abbey. Taking out to many of the main members of the cast and having to get us used to new ones is not what I am looking forward to. And yes I to will watch season 4…
Unless Mary or someone has been DREAMING for an entire season, then Downton Abbey will probably start Season 4 — a year or more, later. Remember, the last episode jumped a year ahead when we see Mary pregnant. So, we probably won’t see a funeral for Matthew. If, in fact, he is dead!
[Dallas TV series killed off a main character named Bobby Ewing, and created a frenzy among fans. However, bringing him back was clever. In other words, his wife, Pamela Ewing had been dreaming for an entire season.]
I understand that actors want to move on but the absence of two main characters will either enhance the show or….!
I will miss Matthew, but Mary is her father’s daughter, and I don’t think she will waste away.
Knowing he’d have to kill off Matthew, I’m surprised Uncle Julian didn’t let Mary produce twin boys – an heir and a spare. Otherwise little Matthew…I’m assuming the baby will be named after his father same as Sybil’s daughter was named after her…that little boy will have to grow up encased in cotton batting to ensure he reaches adulthood. Otherwise there’ll be another search for a Crawley heir…(the chimney sweep Cousin Violet spoke of in Season 1?)…OR the re-entry of Cousin Patrick with proof that he IS Patrick. At which point Edith would dump Gregson, marry Patrick, and knock Mary out of the running as the (future) chatelaine of DA.
Funny, the “It’s all been a dream” scene in Dallas occurred to me, too, as a way to bring Dan Stevens back if his “new opportunities” don’t work out! Uncle Julian DOES have to find a new way, though, of dispensing of actors who don’t renew their contracts, else the Crawley family will have a hard time finding spouses for family members. Making characters new parents and widows/widowers on the same day is a ghastly tradition!
Since the writers knew Dan Stevens was going to leave the show, I also wished they had simply wrapped up Downton Abbey. I love the show and will hate when it has to end, but I wouldn’t have minded it ending if that meant that our favorite characters would still be alive!
However, despite the sadness of Matthew’s death, I did think it was an excellent finale overall. I loved the Scottish location, and I even found myself liking Rose, surprisingly. I think she will be a fun character in Season 4. But, I have to agree about Edith. Seriously, this new romance really just weakens her character once again, and I think it is an extremely lame plot line. I also could NOT stand that maid Edna (Jane 2.0 anyone?)
Overall, a fantastic season. I have no idea what to expect from Season 4.
I’m certainly glad I was forwarned before watching (knew Dan Stevens would not be returning and had accidentally read a spoiler), so that I could brace myself. Still, I feel a little betrayed that this is the way Fellows chose to deal with the actor’s departure. There was another option: recast the role!
I know it would have been an adjustment for us to get used to someone else as Matthew, but I think we could have done it and carried on. We all have our favorite Mr. Darcy, for instance (Colin Firth, obviously), yet our devotion/loyalty to the character and story surpasses everything else. Another man playing Darcy doesn’t prevent me from enjoying a well-made production of Pride and Prejudice. I think it could have been the same with Matthew Crawley.
Great point Shannon about the many actors who have portrayed Darcy. They do have the advantage of also having a whole new set of actors to work with. In the case of recasting Matthew, it would have been tougher. Dan Stevens was such a strong presence the poor actor who replaced him would have been so overshadowed. You might find this article by Maureen Ryan in the Huffington Post enlightening. She makes a very good argument for why Matthew had to die.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maureen-ryan/dowton-abbey-finale-shocking-death_b_2708001.html?utm_hp_ref=tv
Her point is what would the writer Fellowes have done with his character if he had stayed?
Downton Abbey has become such a phenom and cash cow that they could not have ended it with episode 6, though it felt like that was what the writer wanted to do.
There is always the possibility that he will come up with something clever for season 4 and surprise us all. I am all for retiring gracefully when you are on top.
Thanks, Laurel. Interesting article. And there’s a reason most romantic story lines end with the wedding. We want our favorite couples to live happily ever after, but that’s no fun to watch/read. The story’s in the conflict.
I must admit series 3 has seemed much more “Downer” than “Downton” Abbey, but I am committed to series 4. I grew tired of hearing more about the Swires after their deaths than we ever saw of them while living. And the way this series began I thought Lady Mary might possibly drive Matthew to leave her so that Dan Stevens could depart the cast. Rather than the crash actually killing Matthew perhaps he will be in perpetual coma in the hopes that Dan will return for the show’s eventual wrap-up one day, waking up in time to proclaim his love for Lady Mary and ask after his plans for the estate. I foresee a “do it for Matthew” theme as the turnaround of the estate is pursued next series. I will say what I found most surprising was my sympathy for Thomas. He and O’Brien have been the deliciously evil schemers but this series moved O’Brien up to sociopath status. Her nephew was hazed when he joined the staff so she decided to punish Thomas by destroying his life and livelihood?! She leapt past Vera Bates on the wickedness scale. Here’s hoping series 4 brings us just as many plot thickenings to commend and lament.
This episode made me go O.O I couldn’t believe it ended that way!
I thoroughly enjoyed Season 1, but not much of Season 2. I enjoyed most of Season 3, but I was annoyed by several plot devices — I thought Bates was too masochistically self-sacrificing regarding his awful first wife (resulting in undue stress for Anna) and Matthew’s agonising over whether it would be honorable to accept the money left by Lavinia’s father was similarly annoying (and a somewhat artificial plot device). TV critic Jace Lacob spent some time at Oxford University, and is an enthusiast for quality British TV — here’s his take on the DA finale ==> http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/02/18/downton-abbey-why-last-night-s-season-finale-has-fans-seeing-red.html
Thanks for sharing Jace’s article George. He was my fellow co-moderator of the Downton twitter parties and very knowledgeable and funny! Sadly, I agree that the character of Matthew Crawley was dead before the milk truck took his life. What could Fellowes have possibly done with him after he saved Downton financially and sired the heir?
I was ;utterly shocked and heartbroken that Matthew was killed off. First Sybil and not Matthew. He was a good part of DA and now two babies without a parent. If it is true that Dan Stevens wanted to leave the show there had to be a better way than kill him. Since he is taking more of an interest in the estate, why not have him out and about in most of the series and when he has to return try and get an actor that looks like him. I couldn’t go to sleep last night thinking about his untimely death. I think it was unfair to get rid of him that way. Friends that I spoke to today are really upset and angry. I hope it turns out like Dallas and it was all a dream!!!!
Read this “Daily Telegraph” interview with Dan: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/downton-abbey/9765334/Dan-Stevens-Why-I-left-Downton-Abbey.html
I have really enjoyed season 3, I am a loyal fan and I just hope in season 4 they don’t kill off Branson. I don’t have any criticisms of the writing I like JF he’s great
(Lots of people say they won’t watch next season they will be back curiosity will get them)
I was devastated by Matthew’s death as well. I just wish it wouldn’t have been so widely publicized in the U.S. before the season even started that Matthew was going to not be back for next season. It made me expect the death instead of being surprised. I really hope they start airing the series in both the U.S. and U.K. at the same time.
I think one of my favorite moments in the episode was Mrs. Hughes consuling Tom Branson. It was great the Tom actually had someone he could talk to about his feelings. I look forward to seeing what is next for that character.
Anyone who heard that Dan Stevens was not returning for Season 4 should not have been surprised of his demise; it had to happen sooner or later. It would have been worse to replace him with another actor. It is akin to yanking off a band-aid from a hairy arm — you have to do it and get it over with; that is what Julian Fellowes did with Matthew — he yanked and took all of us with him. At least it is over with. I don’t think there is any chance to resurrect Matthew, Season 4 will end up with a whole slew of new characters.
I ran across a spoiler, so I knew what was coming. I will watch season 4 but without much enthusiasm. I truly believe DA can survive without Dan Stevens, but I’m not sure it will succeed without Matthew Crawley. I wish they had recast the role.
Gosh, I saw a spoiler, too, which sort of ruined the impact of the last episode for me. However, I guess I am in the minority. Matthew Crawley was getting whiny and annoying to me and was taking away that fierce edge that I loved so much about Mary. Frankly, there were a couple scenes this season when I was expecting her to strangle him over the money issues and estate management. Their relationship just did not seem to suit her, not really. Frankly, I am excited to see what the future holds for DA! Oh, and what about that injured cousin/heir that popped up during the war?!?!
I share your minority views — Matthew was growing increasingly annoying to me. I, too, was involuntarily “spoiled” so was waiting to see how he’d go. His departure bothered me much less than the death of Sybil. Even though Matthew got on my nerves almost as much as his do-gooder mom, Isobel, I did think they shared a touchingly sweet farewell wave as he was on the train heading for Scotland. I look forward to Mary letting her mean side fully air out. And I am also still wondering about Patrick/whoever he is. Maybe he was just a one-episode con-man. I do wish they’d quit giving Edith doomed romances and bad luck.
Reblogged this on Magnolia Blossom's Blog and commented:
I loved this post by Austen Prose about Downtown Abbey, Season 3. BEWARE—SPOILERS!
I really, really wish Dan Stevens didn’t leave, but if he’d been recast I would probably have been more irritated. I have faith that Fellowes will be able to keep going with a great story. If Tom goes too, I might be done; If Violet goes, I’m definitely done. (Seems a pity to miss such a good pudding!)
My other fear is that the show will just keep going and going. I hope that there is a tidy end planned and it doesn’t get drawn out and silly.
I adore Downton Abbey. I’ve watched each episode (twice) and will watch Season Four as well. Yes, there have been disappointments but they have been trumped by moments of pure glory.
DA is gorgeous and elegant: it is also, at its core, a very grand soap opera. And the basic rule of soap opera is that no one really ever dies, and that the door is always open – regardless of how inane the plot may be – to a fan favorite. Dan Stevens is, indeed, a fan favorite. After a year away he may decide that the security of Downton far outweighs the great unknown. Was he killed? How do we know beyond a shadow of a doubt? There is always amnesia as a plot device and a miraculous cure (i.e., his miraculous cure in Season Two) – just in time for the end of Season Four or the beginning of Season Five (we should be so lucky). Stranger things have already happened.
Whether or not the ending was the right one, he deserved a better send off for time well served.
I was spoiled for this ending shortly after Christmas. (This is what happens when you follow a lot of Brits on Twitter and follow links without thinking.) As I’m still in the middle of S2, the whole concept was just… mind-boggling. I can’t say it shocked me, given how cagey Dan Stevens has been all summer about his return.
I did wonder what you thought of it, Laurel Ann. A patron came in my library today and declared metaphorical war on all things British because of this episode, so I think you’re in fairly good company with your sadness and anger.
There’s a witty cartoon about “Downton Abbey” in the current (or forthcoming) issue of The New Yorker. It’s online now in the cartoon section.
Here’s an enjoyable YouTube rendition of Downton’s theme music with clever words. Tina Fey should give this young lady a job! ==> https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IinCH-cHJPs
I think I’m in the minority in that Dan Stevens does little for me – too much of a milquetoast. (and a weaker EF than Hugh Grant) I could not see why Mary would fall for him being as strong as she is.
It was Sybil’s death that haunted me. As long as the Dowager Countess is still a part of the show, I’m in!
I agree with you about Sybil, AA.; her death was the one that was hardest to stomach. As for Dan Stevens… put me down with the “recast the role” brigade. Remember, we all survived the second Dumbledore without too many scars. :-)
I also agree wholeheartedly about the Edith role. Gregson is SO very bland of a character. Edith has such a great chance to be so much more. Think about it, so many of the great young female writers were popping up around pre-WWII Britain, writing all these clever, witty, hysterical novels; how about writing that Edith goes the Bloomsbury and moves with all the other bright young things… why stick her with a fuddy-duddy such as Gregson (although, I will say, I DID like Strallen and I will never forgive Julian Fellws for what he did to the Sir Anthony character. I mean a man goes off to war, comes back injured and you have a war hero “wimp-out” at the alter?!?… of all places. I don’t buy it.
I am not certain that there could have been a good way to exit Dan Stevens from the show. My issue with the episode was that it lacked energy almost as if Fellowes disliked writing it. The whole thing felt like mourning and a little rushed. Maybe he hoped he would change his mind up until the very end. I watched the UK version in the fall…so I had time to digest it before my mother saw it. I am in the minority but I began to feel that Matthew was a little superfluous. I believe it was because Fellowes knew he was leaving and didn’t want to develop any good plot lines that needed more development and exploration.
I believe this opens up a whole new world of possibilities to explore the aristocracy in the 1920s. The death itself could transform the characters into doing unexpected things.
Its all about the writing and energetic new story lines.
I think it becomes a little tricky when new characters are introduced if they are thrust on us without any depth. I kind of liked the actor that played Evelyn Napier. He could reappear and it wouldn’t be too strange.
Possibilities include: a tug of war over the baby between Mary, Isobel and the Earl. What does this mean for Mary and her place at Downton? How many years will pass? Without Matthew to check the Earl does it fall to Tom?
Lots of possibilities if the acting holds up and writing is tight.
HA HA! Evelyn Napier, I’d forgotten about him. Pity he’s just a poor Honorable; so he’s no catch. (Sorry couldn’t resist). I did like his character, but who would he be with now. Mary won’t have him and he’s got Edith’s bad conduct pegged. I guess that leaves this new niece. JF could have done something with him.
I completely agree. He just begged for a recurring or something. True he isn’t titled enough and he wouldn’t have Edith. Very right on that one. I just hope some things happen for Edith. She has changed so much since the War and I can’t help hoping she will do something really scandalous. What would be really great is if she got herself a young dashing Duke. I don’t like that creepy Publisher guy. I feel sorry for his situation but Edith deserves a little better.
Still in shock about Mathhew, won’t ever get over it. But, we do have to anticipate the new season…I’m sure it will be great! I loved Downtown from day one. Most people joined the band wagon later. However, I find that the PBS broadcast has deleted many scenes. Clarify one thing if you can…did PBS broadcast the full love scene with the duke and Thomas and the search and burning if the love letters?
Rose
PBS’ Season 1 cut scenes from the UK version aired on ITV but it was the other way around in Season 3: American viewers saw scenes that were not included in the ITV broadcasts. Go figure.
Hello all,
I ordered the 3rd season from WNED/PBS and there were deleted scenes, so I’ve been watching Vision t.v. here to get the missed scenes and better understanding. I’m still upset at the cheap ‘model’ they used for the overhead shots of the Scottish castle with sheep not moving and fake trees. I do so wish they’d give Lady Edith some good clothes to wear – some of the choices are awful for her and she is quite pretty. SHe looked the best in series 2. Not really bothered about Matthew leaving now because there was tooooooooooooooooooo much foreshadowing of his leaving and it annoyed me. Still sad about Lady Sybil dying but I understand why. I feel for Ethel’s character because of the difficulty of that time but don’t like her character at all or DAisy much either. The scene with Mr. Carson and baby Sybil was too cute! Happy that Julian Ovenden will be in series 4 but not bothered about the series until it actually arrives here. Doesn’t seem to be much passion between Robert and Cora: they’re cute but they kiss awkwardly sometimes it seems to me. They were cute at the Servant’s ball however. Still don’t understand why Lady Edith coudn’t have Sir Anthony when they were all gaga for either Mary or Edith to have him in series 1 and; Robert was willing to let the wicked Thomas come back to Downton after the war because he’d been wounded in the service of his King. Still think series 2 is the best and enjoy that when I want to relax. chow,