Series writer Julian Fellowes wants fans to know he had no option
Lord Julian Fellowes says he had no choice but to off a favourite character on Downton Abbey .
The writer behind the popular series says it was the only credible exit for the character played by an actor who wanted to leave.
“We would have loved to keep him,” Fellowes said. “We didn’t really have any option.”
The departing actor told the Daily Telegraph he desired freedom and it was time to move on:
“It felt like a good time to take stock, to take a moment. From a personal point of view, I wanted a chance to do other things. It is a very monopolizing job. So there is a strange sense of liberation at the same time as great sadness because I am very, very fond of the show and always will be.”
Fellowes said the star will be missed. “I’m pretty sure he’s got a terrific future.” He added that there will be no “miraculous Dallas -style re-appearance” of the character.
Meanwhile, in other D.A. news, Dame Maggie Smith told 60 Minutes she has never watched the show in which she stars. “Because it’s frustrating,” she explained. “I always see things that I would like to do differently and think, ‘Oh, why in the name of God did I do that?’”
Here’s how Tweeps responded to the season ender:
[<a href=”//storify.com/MacleansMag/dang-just-dang-tweeps-respond-to-downton-abbey-se” target=”_blank”>View the story “‘Dang. Just dang.’ Tweeps respond to Downton Abbey season ender” on Storify</a>]<br /> <h1>’Dang. Just dang.’ Tweeps respond to Downton Abbey season ender</h1> <h2></h2> <p>Storified by <a href=”http://storify.com/MacleansMag”>Maclean’s Magazine</a>&middot; Mon, Feb 18 2013 04:47:04 </p> <div>Downton Abbey season finale…OMG!Joyce C</div> <div>Downton Abbey season ender: Dang. Just dang. #fbMark Green</div> <div>I have never seen Downton Abbey. Clearly 80% percent of my friends are fans and they are furious. #downtonpbsKatharine Tapley</div> <div>Downton Abbey ; how could you? :(diane e carney</div> <div>Not Cool Downton Abbey. http://wp.me/plFL7-4TtAmy Locurto</div> <div>Literally lost sleep over Downton Abbey last night. It is all way too much for me.. #emotionalLesley</div> <div>Shocker on Downton Abbey. http://pulse.me/s/iCdoiTina Swarens</div> <div>Did #Downton Abbey jump the shark?Jeff Furtaw</div> <div>so sad with downton abbey!! good gravy #why Christina Sather</div> <div>*Downton Abbey outrage comment!*Doctor Daniel Crosby</div> <div>I KNEW there had to be a plausible explanation: MT: Julian Fellowes: ‘No option’ @Telegraph http://soc.li/k4b9E3OCharlene Gary</div> <div>I think I’m still depressed after Downton Abbey last night.michaelasamaniac</div> <div>And the lesson to be learned from tonight’s Downton Abbey is: Don’t drive happy.Meg Cabot</div> <div>Everyone in Downton Abbey is dead by now.braden graeber</div>