Matthew Crawley’s Shocking Exit from Downton Abbey
The popular British television series Downton Abbey is known for its compelling characters and dramatic twists, but none was more shocking than the departure of its beloved male lead, Matthew Crawley, portrayed by Dan Stevens. His unexpected death in the season three finale left audiences in disbelief and sparked a wave of emotional responses from fans. “There were a lot of very upset people demanding apologies,” Stevens recalled regarding the backlash following his character’s demise.
The Decision to Depart
Stevens had signed a three-year contract with the series, and by the end of that term, he felt it was time to explore new challenges. “Doing a long-running TV thing was amazing on all sorts of levels,” he explained. “But at the moment, it’s about seeing how I can keep myself challenged and entertained.” This decision ultimately led to his character being killed off in a dramatic fashion, a narrative twist that shocked both viewers and critics.
Fellowes Clarifies the Situation
Series creator Julian Fellowes later clarified that Stevens’ choice to leave the show played a significant role in Matthew’s sudden exit. Fellowes noted that the American television industry often has longer contracts, which led to some misunderstanding among fans. “It seemed to them that the production team had just decided you know,” he mentioned, mimicking a throat-slitting gesture to indicate the abruptness of the decision. “But in fact, he had just gotten to the end of his three-year contract, and he wanted to go on and do different stuff… We just had to make it work. Some of the letters I got made your hair stand on end!”
Viewership Impact
Despite the heartbreak of Matthew’s death, the series continued to thrive, as evidenced by the season four premiere. The episode shattered ratings records, attracting an astonishing 10.2 million viewers. This surge in viewership highlights the show’s ability to maintain audience interest, despite significant character losses.
Alternative Exit for Lady Sybil
In hindsight, Stevens expressed that had he informed Fellowes of his departure sooner, he would have approached the exits of his character and fan-favorite Lady Sybil differently. “I probably would have killed them together in a car crash,” he mused, suggesting a more dramatic yet intertwined end for two beloved characters, which may have been more palatable for the audience.
Ultimately, the departure of Matthew Crawley remains one of the most discussed moments of Downton Abbey. It serves as a testament to the show’s ability to evoke strong emotions while also pushing the boundaries of storytelling in television.
