How M/M via DS Non-Ironically Ruined My Life Meme: Two Weeks' Notice

[shanghaiedinla]

"[W]hat's the matter ... [t]hat you have such a February face ...?"

[Downton Abbey S3/S4 Spoilers Ahead]



Well, we know the answer to that do we not? (:points to meme title:) ... We are saying goodbye to the month of February, and I thought I would let the Bard of Avon play us out with today's quote. (Besides, I could not let my mirror shipper buddy, eolivet, down, could I?)

Speaking of eolivet

Comments

[eolivet]

Well, we know why I'm in a better place than you are, dear mirror shipper, and if the roles were reversed I'd be EXACTLY where you are: just memories and nothing else with which to look forward. I think that's what happens when you have to watch your favorite move on. :(

Here is a man who (the difference between talent contracts in the States and Britain notwithstanding) stayed with the show which made him a household name for five full seasons. When he did decide to leave, he was a bona fide star, having already done several feature films. And everyone was prepared for his departure. He gave plenty of notice for the show to write him out properly and then came back for the occasional guest spot (including one in the very last season just about four years ago).

You know, the more I think about this, the more I think notice is really being overlooked as a reason. If DS had approached JF after S2 concluded and said "I think S3 is my last season" (as JBF did), I think Matthew's departure -- even if it was ultimately going to end in a ditch -- would've felt less tacked on. JF could've spent S3 writing the perfect tragedy, and integrating Matthew's new estate ideas more smoothly throughout...maybe even softened the Swire letter plot. If Matthew had been this lovey-dovey from jump, we would've thought they were just sweet newlyweds, instead of what it ended up playing like: some grotesque overcompensation that never quite rang true.

Which only reinforces the idea that this was a very sudden decision that took JF by surprise (and that it happened due to the January Theory ;p )

I suspect he signed right after he gave his notice that he was leaving -- as a first step in his job-hunting efforts -- not before, as we once thought

That...makes complete and total sense. It explains his change in attitude, as well -- if he'd made the determination to leave for personal reasons, and then WME is telling him they'll totally be able to get him work and he's too good for DA, etc. Because that was what was reflected in his performance: "I am too good for this." :/

I REALLY hope history does remember DS' departure as horrible, though I do wonder if the American media will remember all the bad quotes and interviews. I have a feeling they'll remember Matthew in a ditch and judge JF for it. I hope I'm wrong though. :/