Comments on: ‘Downton Abbey’ season 4 spoilers: New sources hint at Dan Stevens’ exit

By: DApper

DApper — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:39:15 +0000

It’s already been reported that he will be in the Christmas special, and that he will appear in the first ep of season 4, where I guess we can assume his fate will be determined. Whether they will write him out entirely or not is unclear, but I think it’s possible at least that he will be sent away or go missing or some other plot misadventure to explain his absence. My guess is it is left open so he can return for a wrap-up storyline at the series’ end. Maggie Smith may be in similar situation, though for different reasons. Rumors that Michele Dockery is in similar contractual limbo are concerning, for Downton can survive without Matthew as another storyline for a Crawley girl can make things interesting, but to lose both changes the family dynamic too much for me. Edith is dull, and Lady Rose is no substitute no matter how cheeky she is. Dan Stevens is entitled to pursue any professional course he wants, though the timing disappoints. It would be nice if he saw the series out as I would bet it only has one more season in it anyway. It does seem ungrateful, but his castmates don’t seem to mind–they know it is a business! I’m sure many of the cast have other offers. I’d guess DS is striking while the iron is hot. Not unusual to have an American agent and a Brit one. Lots of the actors who work on both sides do. We’d be naive to think it ain’t about money. Work is always about money, unless you are a priest.

By: Pixley

Pixley — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 10:20:01 +0000

Other passions are fine, but you can’t feed your family on “other passions.” Again, if he had other offers or was independently wealthy, this would make sense. He doesn’t.

By: Armande

Armande — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 08:36:55 +0000

Maybe he just don’t want to be typecast as “Mathew Crawley” for the rest of his life. Although it may already be too late for that. It is a shame though, won’t be the same without him.

By: Laura-Lee

Laura-Lee — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 06:46:30 +0000

I don’t think that is necessarily true. People do have other passions, aside from money.

By: Pixley

Pixley — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 02:54:55 +0000

I find this article a little naive, tbh. Dan Stevens may project an image that he doesn’t care about money, but that’s exactly why he hired a new agent and it’s exactly why he made noise about working in America. Unless he’s independently wealthy, his “literary passions” aren’t going to pay the bills for his growing family.

Of course this is about money. He’s the proverbial baseball free agent who refuses to sign until the very last minute in hopes of securing a bigger payday. And he’ll probably get it.

It’s always about money.