Monday 18 February 2013

Goodbye Matthew

 
Oh, why do they do this to us? They get us hooked on a character, then at the
pinnacle of all happiness, they pull the rug right out from under our feet!
Matthew's dead.
From the very beginning of Downtown Abbey the main story line for me has been the relationship between Matthew and Mary. We watched them go through a very rocky start. We watched as Mary realized she was in love with Matthew, but he was committed to another.
 
We finally saw them happily married , worrying then about whether they would pull together as a couple to see it through the financial problems facing Downtown Abbey.
They did and everything was going beautifully, especially with the birth of their sweet son and heir. Then death, Matthew's death, and it's all over.
I have to admit I was all set to blame Julian Fellows, the writer and creator of this series, but upon research I discovered that it was Dan Stevens (Matthew),
the actor himself who wanted to leave Downtown Abbey. Well, I'm crushed, as I know many of you are. Oh,  I realize life must go on.
However, I am not committing to watching Downtown Abbey next season. I just can't imagine it being the same without our beloved Matthew........
Can you?
 

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27 comments:

  1. Anonymous18 February 2013 at 07:51

    Am I the only person on the planet who has never seen this show nor know anything about it? I see so many of you posting about it, so it must be good. Looks like I need to look it up on the tv schedule and watch it. Maybe one day I won't be out of the loop anymore, but then again that's most of my life anyway so that would be a first. Ha-ha.

    Have a great week!

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  2. Christine18 February 2013 at 08:01

    Ohhhh....I'M WATCHING AGAIN!!!!

    But I do agree with you about Matthew. Such a good actor. The story line, what a shock!

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  3. Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz18 February 2013 at 08:05

    I'm a new follower this season but I was left shocked that he was written out. I guess I should have seen it coming because they spent two big scenes with him telling her how much he loved her. Such a tragic situation. It seems like this family is cursed with terrible personal tragedies! Now there are two widowed family members, and one dead daughter.
    Gees!!

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  4. Tiff18 February 2013 at 08:33

    I know, seriously? Two dead in one season!
    I'll watch next season, it will be interesting to see how things go.

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  5. Debbie18 February 2013 at 08:41

    I know! Hubby and I felt the same way! I just couldn't believe it ! Another shocking death. But like you, these two were my favorites, and I can't imagine what they will do now, haha. Enjoy your day!

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  6. Farm Girl18 February 2013 at 09:20

    I was so depressed for days after that episode. I was furious too. I mean Sybil but Matthew too. My friend in England had sent me a article explaining why Dan Stevens was leaving the show but I was in no way prepared for the way he left. Now that it has been awhile since I saw that episode, I think I can watch episode 4 now. I did feel pretty ripped off though.
    I am so glad I can finally talk about it. :)

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  7. Lovella ♥18 February 2013 at 09:37

    So sad..so very sad. Why would that man choose filiming in America to that lovely station in the UK?
    Perhaps he'll change his mind and recover from a coma?

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  8. acorn hollow18 February 2013 at 10:17

    I am yelling at the tv for Matthew to slow down. Oh how sad! I was on a live chat with Vermont public television during the show and she said that he wanted to move on.
    that the writers felt it wouldn't be right to have Mary and Matthew divorce. I am soooo sad. I will continue to watch though. So glad that, that sassy new maid was sent away so Tom could get back on track.
    I loved that Mrs Hews sp? had a talk with Tom about it though.
    such good writing I just love it.
    Cathy

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  9. It's Just Dottie18 February 2013 at 10:45

    I felt very sad last night and hated the way it happened, I watched the series because it was beautiful. Last night was not .

    I will not watch it any more.
    Dottie

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  10. Mary Ann18 February 2013 at 10:58

    Gosh! I'm a Tom Branson fan myself, but it is beyond me why a popular actor wants to leave a popular series that is going strong and so dependent on his role! GOSH. I could not watch the wreck scene, it was making me sick, but the final scene of Mary and the baby made me cry. How will they ever get over this?

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  11. debi18 February 2013 at 12:26

    Well....now when I start watching all the past shows I will know of Matthew's demise :-( LOL

    Seriously, I do want to watch, seems everyone is jumping on this series.

    Hope you are doing okay, think of you often. xo

    Hgus!

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  12. debi18 February 2013 at 12:26

    try again....

    HUGS!

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  13. wendy18 February 2013 at 12:32

    Well...SHAME ON Dan Stevens for wanting out of the show. His character was marvelous. I CRIED. But, I'll be watching next season

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  14. Annelies18 February 2013 at 12:35

    I had been given the DVD's from a UK feed from a friend. What I thought was the final episode ( the cricket match) was uplifting....the most sweet scene of baby Sybil.
    Then I was given the "Holiday DVD" which I thought would be joyous. After all Holiday just sounds like it SHOULD be joyous.
    As I told my friend later ( she had already seen the episode) what was the point. FA LA LA LA LA...and Matthew's dead. I DID NOT LIKE IT AT ALL!!!!

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  15. Kim18 February 2013 at 15:16

    Ugh, that was the worst ending EVER. I loved Matthew with Mary. But don't you want to see how Mary copes next season....? Why couldn't they kill off Isobel? She gets on my nerves :)

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  16. Cheryl @ TFD18 February 2013 at 15:20

    I haven't been watching this show and am probably the only one in blogland who doesn't. But, you know TV...they can resurrect anyone if they need to for the story. Sounds as if this was a very popular character, maybe he'll come back later on with a different actor portraying him.

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  17. Connie18 February 2013 at 15:34

    I've never seen this show, but I've heard a lot about it. I don't like it when a character I've grown to like gets killed off. That's enough to make me stop watching.

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  18. Donna18 February 2013 at 16:45

    Oh, I know. What a huge disappointment! I'll probably continue watching it though.

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  19. Primitive Stars18 February 2013 at 17:07

    Hi Cheryl, I don't watch that show but feel bad for you, Francine.

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  20. LANA18 February 2013 at 19:02

    I'll keep watching as long as Maggie Smith is on.

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  21. polkadotpeticoat18 February 2013 at 20:22

    I have heard so many good things about this show.....Heidi

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  22. Florida Farm Girl18 February 2013 at 23:08

    So glad I didn't check your blog until tonight, as I didn't see Downton last night and this would have been a shock for sure had I not gotten caught up earlier tonight. Now, just when does the "next" season being????????????

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  23. sandy18 February 2013 at 23:20

    And that's why I don't watch series. I've heard a lot about this but have not taken the plunge. Seems to be very popular though.
    I'm still making the rounds from the Grow Your Blog party. I'm your newest follower. Nice to "meet" you here.
    Have a wonderful week!
    sandy :)

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  24. The Polka Dot Closet18 February 2013 at 23:43

    I yelled NO at the TV, he was one of my favorite, some where between the upper crust and the average guy...Why would he want to leave? I feel better knowing it was his choice, can't believe he gave up such a great roll!

    Carol

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  25. Anonymous19 February 2013 at 12:54

    One word "disappointed"
    Hugs

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  26. Vee19 February 2013 at 20:42

    We have similar frustrations for sure. Do you suppose that now that the Broadway show is over that Dan might change his mind?

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  27. Susanne24 February 2013 at 16:19

    Well, I do blame Mr. Fellows for the very unceremonious way he killed Matthew off. But I'll still be watching next season.

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All of your comments are read and much appreciated.
You are dear and lovely friends!