Downton Abbey Christmas Special

[silverducks]

Ok, so I finally had chance to watch it last night and I was definitely not happy with the ending - but I’ll come to that later.

Firstly, I just want to say that as a whole, I quite liked the Christmas special. It was nowhere near as perfect as the last, and I wasn’t too keen on setting it in summer, but for the most part, it was good.

So here are my

Comments

[visionsbeyond]

Excellent post! You took the words right out of my mouth. Right now I'm so caught up between hating Dan Stevens and JF that I'm not sure who to blame :( M/M were the star couple! I've loved them right since season 1 and weeped for them during s2 and cheered when they finally got married in s3 but gah this abrupt ending ruins it for me. I had an idea that they would probably kill off Matthew too after rumors were confirmed that DS wanted to leave the show but I never thought they'd actually do it. I thought they'd send him away or something but you're right when you said that such a thing would make no sense.
The show quality in the 2nd half of s2 and now s3 has been terrible. And now two major character deaths ? This is not looking good for the ratings.
But I've been emotionally invested in this show since s1 so I will continue to watch but yes that special quality is missing.
NO IF THEY DO SOMETHING MARY/BRANSON I WILL STOP WATCHING COMPLETELY.
I wouldn't mind if they brought back Sir Richard or Evelyn Napier for Mary. Since they decided to kill of Matthew it looks likely that they're thinking of getting Mary a new love interest.
Ugh yes the show could have been wrapped up nicely with the christmas special but nah they want to milk this as much as they can and that will severly affect the show unless JF can pull off something really spectacular next season IDK.
I'm actually looking forward to seeing more of Rose next season.
Oh yes totally shipping Isobel/Dr Clarkson! <3
If they actual have Edith marry that idiot I will be very angry. Why can't she just either get a decent storyline about her career as a writer or a proper love interest? *sigh*
Anyway great post! Here's hoping that s4 won't be a complete mess ;)

[kavan30013]

I think a lot depends on how long JF sees DA lasting and how long MD is sticking around for. Because really based on the lower ratings and critical response to the last series (before the CS) I honestly think its done at four. And if so I think Mary will go the Violet/Rosamund widow route-whereby she might have other relationships but they will pale in comparison. I think Matthew was her soul mate and while she might have other relationship I think her son will be her priority and that because of him she'll remain at Downton.

I see Branson and Mary having a relationship like Matthew/Edith where they were close friends who supported each other. Branson can help her with the estate and teach her things. Making it romantic would be stupid. JF can generate a close friendship bond between the two without it having to be romantic.

[silverducks]

I hope it is done at 4 now. I really think the show is already past its sell by date after that CS. And I feel like such a traitor for saying so, but as much as I love DA, it's gone too far away from what it once set up to be. With no more Mary and Matthew, I don't think I'll be any where near as interested in the show.

I hope we do see a nice friendship between Mary and Branson now, but I agree, any romance would be stupid.

[silverducks]

I can't hate Fellowes or Dan Stevens. I feel like they were blocked into a corner by the powers that be who just wanted to make more money with another series. I think it will come back and bite them, because I think it's gone too far off track now and people are just not as happy with it anymore. But it's too late for us Mary/Matthew shippers - and the Sybil/Branson shippers too!

I think the show has been going downhill too much and this will only make it die faster.

I think I could just about settle for Evelyn Napier for Mary, but really, a far better storyline would be to make her a strong, widow and mother - I mean, it happened to Violet, Rosamund and Isobel, so she should have lots of support. I hope they save the romance for Edith and Rose now - and downstairs too!

And yes, I do hope series 4 won't be a complete mess! I still care about so many of the characters and I want them to get a decent series.