Spoiler Alert! The SJG is about to kvetch about the season finale of "Downton Abbey." If you haven't seen it yet, go away. Now that we got that settled... I was too busy co-starring in a low-budget masterpiece to watch "Downton" Sunday night. I had to wait till Monday morning. All season, I've obsessed over Matthew, ever since I read Dan Stevens, the actor who plays Matthew Crawley, wanted out of the series. Trust me, one day, he'll look back on this decision and realize what a huge stupid schmucky thing he did, forcing creator Julian Fellowes to kill off a beloved character in such a lame manner. Every episode, I wondered how Matthew would meet his maker. I watched for hints and major foreshadowing. The finale offered 800 possibilities. Hunting trip? Of course! Matthew's going to get "Cheneyed," as in Dick, who shot his buddy by accident. Didn't happen. Fly fishing mishap? Of course! Matthew's going to get tangled up and... Didn't happen. Then I thought, oh wait, I've got it now. Edith's publisher-admirer, the older guy with the meschuggie, institutionalized wife, is so distraught that he can't get a nice divorce and marry Edith, he'll try to off himself, Matthew will intervene and... Didn't happen. Then Mary goes into early labor while Matthew is still in Scotland. Car accident? Rushing to the hospital? Of course! Didn't happen. They milk it a wee bit longer. Matthew meets his new baby boychick. The happiest moment in his life. He drops dead from joy. Didn't happen. On the way back to Downton... hang on, he's going back? Couldn't the family schlep to the hospital while he stays put? This makes no sense. Except it's a Plot Complication. Whatever. So Matthew's on the road, staring dreamily at the sky and listening to the chirping birds and not watching the road when CRASH, BOOM, BAM! Double oy vey! He collides with a lorry. The final shot of Matthew lying in a ditch, with blood running down his handsome punim? Not terribly original. Done before. Kinda pedestrian. Matthew deserved a more interesting death, don't you think? Weigh in, Downton lovers. I need to hear from you. (Shout out to Nancy Levens for posting the fabulous cartoon I immediately stole because sometimes, I'm a taker, not just a giver.)
I agree completely! I get he wanted more money and the cheapy producers wouldn't pay. But as a loyal viewer I say "Off with their heads!"
ReplyDeleteSeriously!!!! I thought the finale was disappointing!
ReplyDeleteI watched the show here in the UK on Christmas night. I sat yelling at my TV, "No! Oh, no! You are NOT going to do it like that!" But, they did. I mean, seriously, is that family not allowed to enjoy a birth without a death?!!? Twice in one season?!
ReplyDeleteCheryl! How lovely for you to comment!!!! I heard the Brits were very unhappy with this development, and now I have proof!!!
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm not actually a Brit. I'm from southern California, just over here for a year studying for an MA. I've actually heard a lot more talk about Downton Abbey from my US friends than from anyone over here. They must be watching it here, but most of my classmates are male, so...
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that?! I studied in England, too, at the University of Sussex, about a million years ago.
ReplyDeleteNice! I'm at University of Exeter, as a mature student. Interesting being here in my 40's, while all my classmates (and some of my instructors) are half my age. And, as similar as the cultures seem on the surface, there certainly are a lot of differences when you're here for a while, as I'm sure you know!
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