‘Downton Abbey’ season 4: Michelle Dockery would worry about show minus Maggie Smith
Before you start to sound any alarm in your brain, let’s start off here by saying this: There is no evidence at all right now of Maggie Smith leaving “Downton Abbey” after the fourth season. Her long-standing opinion has been that she takes her future on the show year-to-year, and will decide a little bit later on as to whether or not she wants to continue to be a part of the series as the famed Dowager Countess.
What we are talking about here is the comment that Michelle Dockery made in a new interview with Vulture suggesting great concern as to what the show would be like without Smith, and how she worries that the departure of more original cast members (in addition to Dan Stevens and Jessica Brown Findlay last year) could signal the eventual end of the show:
“It just feels like the show gets better every year, though. I mean, we’ll see. If more people start leaving, that’s when it can’t go on. Like if Maggie Smith decided not to do any more, I think that really is the end. One of the great things about the show is the ensemble: It’s as much about Edith and Mary as it is about Daisy and Ivy. So if more people start dropping off. I just don’t think it will work.”
There would probably be an exodus of sorts if Maggie were to ever leave, but not just because she is an icon. With so many people on “Downton Abbey” often filling these dark and rather serious roles, she brings a much-needed element of balance to the proceedings, and therefore keeps things from becoming too heavy all of the time. It’s going to be heavy enough at the start of this upcoming season, as everyone is still working to move forward from last year.
What do you think: Could “Downton Abbey” find a way to persevere without Smith on board? Be sure to share some of your thoughts below! Meanwhile, click here if you want to see the first full trailer for the new season, which launches in a matter of just over two weeks on September 22 in the UK.
Photo: ITV