Why Did “Downton Abbey” End Matthew Crawley’s Story So Abruptly?

The death of Matthew Crawley in Downton Abbey remains a heart-wrenching moment for fans, especially those in the UK who experienced the shock of his demise on Christmas Day. To this day, viewers are curious about why the show decided to write Dan Stevens’s character out of the storyline. The answer lies in the actor’s own career choices and the narrative requirements of the series.

While most of the cast stayed with the show until its conclusion and even returned for the subsequent movies, Dan Stevens chose a different path. He was eager to expand his horizons and take on new roles. Although fans are happy to see the opportunities Stevens has pursued, this decision resulted in the loss of the much-loved character, Matthew Crawley.

Stevens had a clear conversation with Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey, expressing his desire for a definitive exit from the series. He was insistent on not leaving the door open for a potential return, likely to ensure he could fully commit to new projects without looking back.

If Stevens had been open to a less permanent departure, Fellowes might have found a way to write Matthew out without resorting to killing him off. The character could have been sent away on a work-related mission or helping other estates, similar to how the show managed scheduling conflicts for the movie adaptations. However, with Stevens wanting a clean break, the only realistic option was a permanent exit.

Given the storyline that had been established in Season 3, there was no feasible way Matthew would simply abandon Mary. Doing so would have disrespected the character’s development and the emotional investment fans had in Matthew and Mary’s love story. The need for a believable conclusion meant that Matthew’s death was inevitable, albeit heartbreaking.

The impact of Matthew’s death parallels another tragic exit: the demise of Lady Sybil. Jessica Brown Findlay, who portrayed Sybil, was overwhelmed by the level of fame she achieved from the show. According to Comic Book Resources, she requested to leave the series. Due to the character’s narrative arc, her departure could only be handled through her on-screen death, a moment that still resonates painfully with fans.

Both of these character exits underscore the challenges and emotional complexities involved in writing off beloved characters when actors decide to move on. While it opens doors for new opportunities for the actors, it also forces the show to create moments that are both impactful and true to the story, even if they are heart-wrenching for the audience.

Source: Comic Book Resources