Downton Abbey (not spelled dowton abbey, downton abby or the like) is a perfect example of both a twice nationally awarded television drama and a supreme example of business in progress. As a writer and entrepreneur I just couldn’t pass up the chance to post about this show. First of all, for those of you not familiar with the show you probably have asked yourself: what is downton abbey about and why should I watch it and so forth...
Well, let me first tell you that I too was drug into watching this highly popular British drama about a wealthy family in England set in the early 1900’s. Depicting the life of the wealthy family upstairs in their mansion of an estate and the servant life downstairs, this British drama has become a fad both in the U.S. and Britain alike (although many sources say it is more popular in the States than in its own home country).
Anyway, after my sister forced me into watching a few episodes I have to confess that the show and its characters have become something I look forward to from season to season. However, after last night’s season 3 finale I’m not sure if ‘downton abbey’ will have my audience next season or not. It was tragic, shocking and intriguing all at once. But overall, it was just another season of downton abbey. The show and its producers seem to punch beloved characters out as easily as they push them in (why I didn’t catch this from downton abbey’s season 2 I don’t know).
On the season 3 finale, Matthew dies and the audience is left with a picture of Lady Mary holding the couple’s first born son and heir to downton in her arms. With this tragedy in the rearview mirror who knows what next season will look like or what challenges downton abbey season 4 will bring. After the show my sister and I were so disturbed we decided to make predictions for next season and I thought it would be funny to insert them here (note we were in a rage when we wrote these items down).
Prediction #1: Mary goes a little insane.
Prediction #2: Branson and cousin Rose get together.
Prediction #3: The Dr. and Mrs. Crawley marry.
Prediction #4: Edith and the Editor incur much expected drama (nothing new).
And there you have it. Downton Abbey’s season 4 predictions. While the show itself is something I could go on and on about, I decided to do some research after witnessing the disturbing season finale to see what other viewers are saying and, as I thought, I got plenty of answers.
It seems that killing Matthew was a decision made from necessity and not overall plot. Dan Stevens (actor who played Matthew) decided not to renew his 3 year contract and so killing him apparently was a must (it seems this was the case with Lady Sybil as well). So, here is an interesting question:
Is ‘Downton Abbey’ moved by audience or business agreements? While its probably a little of both (as all television dramas are) the producers and script writers do a great job of making every season a must-see when they cut off the season before a complete outcome to an event is aired. On my journey to find out more answers (with the help of Google) I found that while the show’s eventful plot from season to season is true to much of history, the show, like many, is dictated more by the business world than we would all like to believe.
On a lighter note, I found some interesting photos and posts about the cast in real life that you can see here. In summary, weather you are a hater or lover of the show, Downton Abbey has swept two nations off their feet in only three years and, if the tide doesn’t turn, the show probably has at least a few more seasons to go.
