‘Downton Abbey’ season 4: Are we about to meet Michelle Dockery’s [spoiler]?
On the same day of the “Downton Abbey” season 3 finale in America, we are inching ever closer to finding out some key information about what is coming up on the fourth season if the hit ITV / PBS drama series. Want to know some more information? If you want to avoid spoilers for Sunday night, stop repeating now.
According to some new reports, “Miranda” star Tom Ellis is currently among the frontrunners to land the role as the love interest to Michelle Dockery’s Mary for both the fourth and potentially fifth season of the show. This role was originally announced via a casting call last month, and there have been countless names and faces considered.
Let us be clear that this announcement in no way is meant to guarantee that Ellis will land the role, but given his status at the moment as a hot commodity in Britain, he has to be considered a favorite for the part. However, the question that remains is just whether or not the fans of the show are going to be okay with Lady Mary moving on following Matthew’s death. While Julian Fellowes is likely to incorporate a time jump between seasons (as he traditionally does), it will still feel like a relatively short time since the end of Dan Stevens’ character for the fans. Reaction has been mixed, to say the least, when it comes to Mary finding someone new, with many protesting by saying that they would rather see the character be sad for a little while first.
If Ellis ends up landing the part, what would you think about the casting? Be sure to share your thoughts below, and also head over to the link here in order to read some more on what to expect for “Downton Abbey” season 4.
Update: Ellis has since been cast instead in an ABC pilot.
Photo: ITV / PBS
Josh
February 23, 2013 @ 1:19 am
done, you said it, I was just saying to my wife they could have had him lost somewhere or lose his memory or anything… this would have allowed for the possibility of him coming back if Dan Stevens wanted back in down the road. By the way Dan, that was a dumb*** move dude, you aren’t gonna get a better gig than this… GLOBAL popular show man. Season 4 is screwed before it even starts. The tension and chemistry between Matt and Mary was a driving force for the show. Season 1 and 2 especially were so revolved around the two of them. Poor foresight. Very disappointing.
done
February 22, 2013 @ 9:58 pm
To repeat, Dan Sevens didn’t kill Matthew, Julian Fellowes did.
He could have been sent away to work, lost at sea for a time, ill abroad. the possibilities were endless.
done
February 22, 2013 @ 9:55 pm
Why is my earlier comment pending approval? Censorship??
done
February 22, 2013 @ 9:54 pm
@Lok
It IS just a show, unfortunately, most people ‘get over it’ by changing the channel.
Permanently.
done
February 22, 2013 @ 9:54 pm
I’d like to point put that Dan Stevens didn’t kill Matthew, JULIAN FELLOWES did.
He’s just being conveniently left out to dry.
Matthew could have been sent abroad on a sensitive diplomatic or intelligence gathering assignment for years or travelled to America and been injured or lost and unable to be found or brought home by boat, just as Sybil could have stayed in Ireland.
The options were endless and Fellowes chose the most painful.
He CHOSE to kill off both characters and after that yuletide insult, I won’t be watching again, because there WILL be more deaths.
After all, neither Sybil nor Matthew was the first death, now where they?
BTW Julian Fellowes has a new show on NBC, so he won’t be sticking around for most of the season either, now that it may have gone bad.
Charlie
February 21, 2013 @ 2:48 pm
Why have Mary and Mattthew even meet, such emptiness. In watching, I have sort of felt as if I was watching a novel unfold, to have relationships end by death or remove them from the Abbey (prison), takes me out of the story, which I only enjoy as escapism from the violence and modern horrors of today’s living. Why have Sybil die, when she represented a youthful view of the times, just don’t have them in the story as much… Yes, it is only make believe, however, in a really interesting story done well, you are taken into a fantasy, to escape. The choppiness, depression, stopping short of a character is not enjoyable and is depressing. If I wanted that– I would just look out of my window. It is a shame, as I really enjoyed the escapism.
Sharon
February 19, 2013 @ 3:32 pm
My husband and I are very disapointed that Matthew was killed in season 3. We wish Matthew and Mary could have had a few more episodes together. It won’t be the same without him! I hope Dan Stevens don’t bail on his next project. So Sad!!
Anne
February 19, 2013 @ 12:42 pm
I am done. This show was a true escape from the reality of everyday life. It is so well done you could put yourself in a scene. Do not need to be so disappointed in what was a a calm part of my week. This was a big mistake as far as I am concerned. Especially from a writer that could make you believe so strongly in his story line and characters. Fact is, this ending diminished the entire point of the Matthew/Mary romance. Why bother, if this is what was going to come of it all? No season four in this house, unless Matthew recovers.
Diane
February 19, 2013 @ 12:13 am
My husband and I are very disappointed in the fact that Dan Stevens is leaving the show it is our very favorite. As for this Ellis person you will need to clean him up with hair on his face he dosen’t look like anyone should for the show. Try not to have anymore people diying in season 4 or I am sure you will lose the people.
Katherine
February 18, 2013 @ 11:16 pm
It is still posible to keep Matthew aive. There will be more than sufficient drama sorrow and suffering as the series is heading into the Great Depression, and with it the challenge of keeping Downton in tact. Please work further with Dan Stevens and the possibility of his continuing with the series, his character is essential to the story line. Happiness can survive and CAN keep the drama (theater) alive.
Mirian K-E
February 18, 2013 @ 10:30 pm
After reading all the previous comments, I do not have more words to say than :
The show was ruined by the death of Mathew I doubt I’ll watch further episodes. Dan Stevens however, will soon learn that he has screwed the pooch…!
Where will you be in such perfect character that will make us to forget you As Mathew in Downtown Abbey?
Do you think that any new movie will have the rating of millions you had every Sunday on PBS?
I am so sorry I think you will realize you made a big mistake.
think about Julie Andrews, she was and will be forever the perfect Nanny, and We and the mayority of kids that see her will remmember her for that.
We have enough of real tragedies around here in USA, and for a while I though that England could give us an axample of a perfect couple full in love that goes to bed happy to be in the arms of each other.
I am so sad.. and upset. why you had to do that…
Eiligh
February 18, 2013 @ 10:13 pm
It really is a spoiler now that Matthew is gone. Downton won’t be the same without Matthew. Hope that Dan Stevens would reconsider to play his part in Downton. I am hyped bout Season 4 but I’m hoping to see Matthew in it. The romance between Mary and Matthew that drew more audience.
Evelyn
February 18, 2013 @ 9:57 pm
I can’t believe Matthew is gone. I won’t watch any future episodes. I’m so disappointed.
Sandra
February 18, 2013 @ 7:09 pm
Downton will never be the same without the beloved Matthew. With all the tourists flocking to High Cleare; didn’t anyone get the idea that the show was a big hit and Stevens was one of the main reasons for that. We love you Dan Stevens. Find a way to come back to Downton. Please reconsider if possible.
anonymous
February 18, 2013 @ 2:31 pm
i too am so disappointed. not sure if i can continue to watch. some of us watch shows like downton to have some stability and normalcy in life. to see happier simpler times. i dont wish to create artificial sadness in life when there is plenty of the real thing around.
vicky
February 18, 2013 @ 1:55 pm
I loved the family and the inter action between them. Matthews deathwas a real downer, I thought for once we had a show with a happy ending plot. You could have found a nother actor to play Matthew not kill him off. I don’t know if I will watch season 4 I wanted to be uplifted not watch a downer.
Anonymous
February 18, 2013 @ 1:53 pm
I hardly got any sleep last night. I didn’t realize how emotionally invested I was in this series. I was so pleased to see Dan Stevens as a major character in Season 1. I loved him in the 2008 production of Sense and Sensibility and wondered where he had been since. It’s going to take me a while to recover from the emotional roller coaster ride of Downtown Season 3. Good luck to Dan Stevens. I hope we get to see him in more quality productions like Downtown.
Gina
February 18, 2013 @ 10:45 am
I’ve been watching from the beginning of the first series. I’ve purchased DVD’s
for myself and for friends, and have encouraged anyone who wouldl listen to watch
what I consider to be the best shows on TV. Today is a sad day for me, as I loved
Mary and Matthew as a couple. Matthew, you’ve ruined it for me!
Jan
February 18, 2013 @ 10:43 am
I’ve been watching from the beginning of the first series. I’ve purchased DVD’s
for myself and for friends, and have encouraged anyone who wouldl listen to watch
what I consider to be the best shows on TV. Today is a sad day for me, as I loved
Mary and Matthew as a couple. Matthew, you’ve ruined it for me!
RAY
February 18, 2013 @ 9:42 am
I am upset at the death of both Sybil and now Matthew. They were two characters I enjoyed watching (my favorites). I only wished that you didn’t kill off Matthew or we didn’t know about his fate until season 4. Maybe, my wishful thinking, he would’ve reconsider and came back. He and Mary made such a wonderful love story and I never cared for Mary before she and Matthew were married. Now, characters like O’Brien and Tom Barrows are characters that could leave and I would be Ok with that.
Lok
February 18, 2013 @ 2:34 am
With whatever actors theyve got and can work with…they’re making such a good job!! Good luck to the ones who left the show and kudos to the writers for adjusting…doesn’t matter…very entertaining…oh and PEOPLE GET OVER IT!!!!! IT’S ALL FAKE…just a tv show!!! No need to get mad!!!!!
Alice
February 18, 2013 @ 1:31 am
AN INCREDIBLE SERIES. I do wish the season was a bit longer, however the amount of professional work and detail that goes into it is monumental. I am anxious for the next season and hopefully many more.
Silvia
February 18, 2013 @ 1:29 am
So sad that my most favorite love story in years ends this way. I don’t want to watch season 4 now either. Seeing Mary with someone else will just feel horrible. Dan Stevens, why leave your fans like this? Because of you, mostly, we watched the show. Why? The story line will have no meaning for me any longer without Matthew and Mary together. For me, my most favorite show of all times has come to an end on season 3. No more.
Annonymous
February 18, 2013 @ 12:20 am
As sad as I was to see Matthew pass…unfortunately life is a journey…a journey with mountains and valleys and a hidden gem around the corner. I love the British way to bravely carry on…put the best foot forward…make the best of things. Excited to see Season 4 unfold.
Anonymous
February 18, 2013 @ 12:16 am
I’m very upset about Matthew’s death, and mostly upset with Dan Stevens for wanting to leave the show. I adore Tom Ellis on Miranda. I wouldn’t mind seeing him with Mary. She can’t be expected to be alone forever.
Janey
February 17, 2013 @ 11:41 pm
Dan Stevens how could you!!! Please change your mind and bring Matthew back alive and well to Downton. I agree with so many of the comments above – I just won’t enjoy the show anymore without Matthew and Mary’s love story in it. Such a horrid season finale. Really not relishing a fourth season now.
Robbin
February 17, 2013 @ 11:38 pm
I think killing Matthew was dreadful. I adore the show, but Fellowes always has to do something so upsetting one considers not watching it anymore. There is enough sadness in the world.
Karis
February 17, 2013 @ 11:23 pm
I am so bummed. Matthew was a leading character. How can this be? I read he might be replaced by Tom Ellis. He is quite handsome but Matthew had depth, charm, good looks, humor, a great smile and integrity. Writers.. don’t pair Mary with an old dope! Or better yet, bring Dan Stevens back!
j.d.gault
February 17, 2013 @ 11:12 pm
The show was ruined by the death of Mathew I doubt I’ll watch further episodes. Dan Stevens however, will soon learn that he has screwed the pooch…! .
.
Connie Pippen
February 17, 2013 @ 11:08 pm
I had to purchase season 1’2′ & 3. I can’t wait for season 4. This is such a thrilling, happy, sad, full of expectation movie. I am inthralled with it.
TRACY
February 17, 2013 @ 11:07 pm
I’m not going to watch season 4 now that Matthew has died. I very disappointed with the story line, this was the only show I waited to watch every week and now I no longer want to watch. I really don’t want to wonder what horrible thing will happen next. I liked Downton Abbey because i thought it was different from all the junk on TV…. guess
I was wrong.Really, can’t there just be one happy ending…ever ?????
Anonymous
February 17, 2013 @ 10:59 pm
They cannot kill both Sybil and Matthew!Lets just hope they don’t name the baby “Matthew”
Nell.
February 17, 2013 @ 10:58 pm
First Sybil and now Matthew. Two of my favorite characters. I’m heartbroken. Don’t touch Maggie Smith!
Ellen Kittle
February 17, 2013 @ 10:51 pm
I am so sad about Matthew’s death. The love story of Mary and Matthew was so wonderful and sweet and I hate that it ended so soon. I really don’t care for that story line one bit.
David Mason
February 17, 2013 @ 10:51 pm
Thank you for a great season. Why do all the nice people have to die? They were a perfect couple. Perfect.
Kathryn Zande
February 17, 2013 @ 10:48 pm
Couldn’t he have waited to do one more episode in season 4. Now we have to be sad until next season.
Dulce
February 17, 2013 @ 10:44 pm
Why did you have to kill off Matthew???
I don’t think I want to watch another season after this.
Nancy batchelder
February 17, 2013 @ 10:44 pm
Matthew is the best character in Downton next to Sybil. They’re killing off all the best!! However, I can’t wait for season 4. Hooked!
Anonymous
February 17, 2013 @ 10:41 pm
When is season 4 beginning. This is a great show…finally, something worth watching on Telivision!
Anonymous
February 17, 2013 @ 4:43 pm
They spoiled my favorite show by killing off Lady Mary’s husband.
Anonymous
February 17, 2013 @ 2:50 pm
Seen all of Season 3 and wouldn’t think of spoiling it for anyone. Downton is one of the best shows on TV, can’t wait to see Season 4.