Don't blame the producers, the network, or any other "they"--it's due to one person only.

Robin tells me I need to add the term "spoiler alert."  So it is added--if you haven't watched the final episode of Downton Abbey Season 3, fair warning that there be spoilers ahead!!!  If you don't watch DA, you should.  Period.












http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/downton-abbey/9765334/Dan-Stevens-Why-I-left-Downton-Abbey.html

Like many devotees of the show, I was left shocked and dismayed by the death of Matthew Crawley at the very end of Season 3 of Downton Abbey.  I've seen many people ask why "they" did this, as though it may have been the idea of the producers or the network to boot Dan Stevens off the show.  Turns out that, as sometimes happens, Mr. Stevens himself decided to end his run on DA so as not to be "monopolized" by the show, or type cast from the role.  Why do actors do this?  I ask myself, if my talents were somehow able to result in me riding on a money machine, wouldn't I let it run its course before deciding that my perch on the machine was too "confining"?  You bet your sweet patootie I would.  Just ask Will Wheaton how he feels about leaving Star Trek:The Next Generation after a few years to "pursue his career."  What career did poor Wesley end up having after TNG?  Not much of one.  At least, that's what he said in his old blog, which I used to follow.  


Anyways, farewell to Matthew.  He's saved the estate, regained his health, fallen in love, and provided an heir, so at least we are spared a repeat of some of the "cliffhangers" we've been treated to the past couple of seasons.  Now who will Lady Mary find, if anyone?