[HighFlyinBey++]

Did you really think this would be a spoiler-free zone with a title like that? Now SHOO, you anti-spoiler weirdos, so we can talk about the Christmas special and the rest of season 3 WHICH I HAVE SEEN without offending your delicate sensibilities.



http://theclicker.today.com/_news/20...s-matthew?lite

Who else has seen the full season?

[laskiblue]

I have, and I am p!ssed off. I wish they would have just replaced the actor in question. It's too much too soon after the other recent death, even though the events of the special were supposed to take place a year after the end of season 3. (There, I hope that is vague enough to satisfy whoever might open this thread and miss the fact that spoilers are contained herein.)

[HighFlyinBey++]

I'm so tired of pretending I don't know things because someone who doesn't like spoilers (I LOVE them) just might see it.

I can see why they didn't recast. Downton isn't a soap where you can just substitute at will. I would find that insulting. I'm not pissed so much as confused as to why they couldn't have Matthew simply disappear. It would have left the door open for either his return or the shocking news that his body was finally found, plus there wouldn't be yet a second birth-related death in the family. THAT is what irked me. They killed off not one, but TWO characters on the day their baby was born. What's next? Having the Dowager Countess drop dead when Edith has a (fictitious) child out of wedlock??

[SillyHorse]

I'm disappointed that they dealt with the actor's decision not return for another season the way they did, but I do understand the decision not to recast the character. It wouldn't bother me if they had recast him, though. I never felt the character had a strong personality, so a new actor might have been a good thing.

[SmartAlex]

I don't really know what happens in the third season and I'm already afraid DA's days are numbered. Personally, I tuned in to see the upstairs/downstairs of the Edwardian era. I would be perfectly happy for it to have ended with the Christmas special but I'm hooked and now must watch

[HighFlyinBey++]

Downton has been renewed for a 4th season for sure, and I believe a 5th as well. Five years is an average life cycle for a TV series.

I haven't seen US/DS. I should add that to my list.

[JenEM]

I spoiled myself on this today, despite NOT having seen the 3rd season.

I'm glad that they didn't recast, because frankly, I find that silly. But I think there are better ways they could have dealt with it.

[SillyHorse]

I haven't seen US/DS. I should add that to my list.

The original "Upstairs Downstairs" was one of the greatest TV programs ever. My friends all knew it was useless to call me on a Sunday night while it was on, because I did not answer the phone. I do love Downton Abbey, but I think the characters in "Upstairs Downstairs" were much more interesting.

[SmartAlex]

I think I need to try watching US/DS. I never have. But I've enjoyed DA so much I think I must.

[War Admiral]

OK dumb question, where can one watch the 3rd season online? Anywhere?

[HighFlyinBey++]

I got the link from a FB fan page for Season 4 (https://www.facebook.com/DowntonAbbeySeries4):

Full Season 3 episodes: http://watch-tvseries.net/series60/D...e-01-Episode-1

[War Admiral]

Thanks!!

[HighFlyinBey++]

Enjoy!

[EqTrainer]

In the last two days I have stayed up nearly all night every night watching it from the beginning. Thanks a lot!

Seriously, thanks a lot. It is great

[hosspuller]

Glad they didn't recast ... Bewitched was never the same after Darren was recast.

[GoForAGallop]

More important than what's his face not coming back....



....did anyone else DROOL over those GORGEOUS blacks with four whites/blazes that were pulling the carriages when they left Doneagal for hunting? (All the boys, that is.) What absolutely fantastic animals....were they Hackney Horses? Dutch Harness? Just spectacular, I've always wanted to learn to drive so that I can own just such a creature!

[HighFlyinBey++]

I drooled!!

My pony drives, though she doesn't have a high step. It really made me want to get driving her again. Too much fun!

[EqTrainer]

I cant get over the *carpets* in that house. The horses are lovely too!

[Rallycairn]

Ok, ready for detailed spoilers if you are ! I already know Sybil dies in childbirth, and I knew Daniel Stevens who plays Matthew did not renew for Season 4, so how do they get rid of him? Is he found to be dead the day his and Mary's baby is born, is that what you're saying?

Has that poor sadsack Bates been cleared? He started out as one of my faves but the rain of tragedy that has poured all over him has gotten to be too much for me.

[HighFlyinBey++]

Matthew is squashed by his own car just hours(?) after the baby is born.

Bates is free!