Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery: 'I still miss Dan Stevens'

WHATS ON TV

10:13am, Wednesday, 25 September 2013

Downton Abbey actress Michelle Dockery opens up to TV Times magazine about missing Dan Stevens, inspiring Kate Middleton and becoming an international superstar…

What happens to Lady Mary this series?

"She’s stuck in limbo after Matthew’s death. For me it felt like going back to series one because there’s that coldness about Mary again. I like that side of her character, so I enjoyed playing it. As you saw from the first episode she finds it difficult to bond with her baby at first because he reminds her of Matthew. But she’s an artistocrat with a nanny so she’s not exactly a struggling single mother!"

Has Mary’s grief presented a range of challenges for you?

"I love kids, so it was hard to ignore my instincts while we were filming those scenes. I just wanted to coo over the babies. It was also really tough doing the scene in the first episode when Mary is so brutal towards Carson. I love that it’s him who pulls her out of her depression, but it’s hard to be unpleasant to Jim Carter – he’s the nicest man in the world!"

The public were outraged at Matthew Crawley's death at Christmas. Were you surprised by the reaction?

"Matthew was a really well-loved character and Dan was such a wonderful part of the show, so I think it was inevitable that people were angry – they felt they had invested a lot in Matthew and Mary."

Did you see the Christmas special?

"I was watching the episode with my family, so I sat there with a box of Ferrero Rocher wondering what their reaction was going to be. They couldn’t believe I hadn’t told them. I had lots of texts saying, 'No!!'"

Do you think that death was the only plausible exit story line for Matthew?

"He couldn’t very well just disappear never to return. It was inevitable that he had to die, but reading that last episode was just heartbreaking."

Read more at http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/downton-abbey/news/downton-abbeys-michelle-dockery-i-still-miss-dan-stevens#0UZgmhhJfVggHAcA.99

Downton Abbey series 4, episode 2 – Matthew Crawley’s message from beyond the grave (SPOILERS)

METRO
By Alice Wright
September 29, 2013

After last week’s opener we are fully back in the swing of life at the Abbey. I’m not sure how anyone can suggest it was off to a slow start after all that happened in the first week! But we are now already onto Episode Two and there is plenty more scandal and housekeeping to report…

What happened in the house this week?

The show began with the improbable news that a box of Matthew Crawley’s belongings has been unearthed. This mystery box contained an odd straw stuffed dog and a letter to Lady Mary informing her of his wish that she be his sole heir, rather than baby George. Of course her father, Lord Grantham, is rather sniffy about it and argues that it might not stand as a proper will and wants to rush it off to his lawyer to have it discredited immediately.

Dowager Countess Violet suggests that his Lordship is only questioning the letter because he doesn’t want to ‘share the crown with Mary’. Mary herself is rightly indignant that everyone has read her private letter before she gets her hands on it but starts taking even more interest in the estate.

Everyone else in the family is thrilled that Matthew has spoken of his intention from beyond the grave, and it seems Branson is relishing the thought of spending more time out and about on the land with not-so-merry widow Mary. But during a family dinner Lord Grantham embarrasses Mary by exposing her lack of knowledge after asking her opinion on using empty farmyards as a source of new revenue. Harsh, your Lordship, harsh.

Edith and editor Michael’s affair is continuing apace with more talk of him becoming German so he can be free to divorce. After declining his invitation to spend the night with him in London Edith admits ‘it is getting harder and harder to say no.’ Racy!

The plot line of Carson’s old chum Mr Grigg is resolved when Isobel finds him a job in Belfast. Mrs Hughes and Isobel try to persuade Carson to see his friend off but they don’t know that the pair fell out over a woman years ago. Maybe this goes some way to explain the butler’s aloof manner? All hope of a reconciliation seems lost until Carson relents and emerges from the steam on the train platform, like something out of the Railway Children. Grigg admits that their joint love picked the wrong man and always preferred Charlie anyway. Maybe the knowledge will mean a thawing of cold Carson is on the way?

The show ends with Matthew’s letter being declared ‘testamentary’ meaning Mary owns half of the estate, which delights everyone apart from his Lordship who obviously doesn’t agree with women running anything? Even Edith admits her father is so old-fashioned that ‘if the servants left he’d be found in a passage dead, arms stretched out looking for the kitchen’.

I See Trouble Ahead – my weekly worries

Unable to keep out of trouble Thomas Barrow is now in cahoots with new lady’s maid Edna (who we already know is a bit of a wrong-un). After she ruins a favourite piece of the Mistress’s clothing he comes up with a plan to blame the blameless Anna instead. Lord Grantham asks Bates to tell his wife to ‘back off’ from trying to get Edna into trouble, alerting Bates to the fact that his long-running feud with Barrow is far from over…


READ MORE HERE: http://metro.co.uk/2013/09/29/downton-abbey-series-4-episode-2-matthew-crawleys-message-from-beyond-the-grave-4111508/

Downton Abbey - SPOILERS - video for Episode Two - Poor Mister Molesley - GPD BLOGS

Lady Mary and the Crawleys aren’t the only ones affected by cousin Matthew’s death. Our hapless yet lovelable servant Mr. Molesley has fallen on hard times due to Mr. Crawley’s demise. Molesley was Matthew’s valet. Now that he is gone, Moseley has no employer.

In this preview clip from Episode 2 of Season four, we see just how bad things have gotten. The once dignified valet has resorted to digging ditches to stay afloat.

read more here:http://www.gpb.org/blogs/desperate-for-downton/2013/09/25/downton-abbey-video-clip-hard-times-for-mr-molesley

‘Downton Abbey’ Even without Dan Stevens, show sets premiere record See Episode 2 preview

CARTERMATT
September 23, 2013

Who said that “Downton Abbey” was going to fall apart without Dan Stevens and Jessica Brown Findlay in the cast? The ratings came out on Monday morning for the season 4 premiere, and it was clear almost immediately that ITV had something major to celebrate.

Including figures from the +1 catch-up channel (which airs programming with an hour’s delay), the show’s 90-minute premiere drew an impressive audience of 9.5 million viewers. If you were to adjust this proportionally and the same percentage of Americans that watched this show, we would be talking about how it was the most-popular show in the country by a wide margin. That’s just an example of how many people in Britain took the time out to dive into the stories of “Downton Abbey”. It was the most-watched premiere episode to date, and it sets the stage for a season of strong viewing figures.

READ MORE HERE: http://cartermatt.com/86279/downton-abbey-season-4-even-without-dan-stevens-show-sets-premiere-record/

REVIEW: DOWNTON ABBEY - fourth season out, and we have an iconic British drama ***SPOILERS***

INDEPENDENT
OWEN JONES  Author Biography
SUNDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2013

Downton Abbey was one of those national obsessions I never quite understood: it was the watercooler conversation I was excluded from. But with its return to our TV screens, I give in: the first installment of Downton’s fourth season justifies its status as an iconic British drama.

The seasons begins six months after the death of Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens), killed suddenly in a car crash, leaving his wife Lady Mary in mourning. It is now 1922, and Britain’s post-war boom has abruptly ended. This was a time of mass unemployment and swingeing Government cuts (sound familiar?). Inter-war Britain was an often traumatizing period of political upheaval, economic crisis and technological progress. “It’s a changing world,” says a servant to the Dowager Countess, played by the formidable Maggie Smith. “You don’t have to tell me,” she says wistfully. Little of the gritty reality of this early 20th-century austerity creeps into the bubble of Downton Abbey, of course.



The most fascinating scenes reveal the quiet violence of the class system, dictating people’s behaviour against their own instincts. At one point, Mr Carson (Jim Carter), the conservative household butler, cautiously confronts the grieving Lady Mary with advice, knowing that he is stepping outside the expectations of the estate’s pecking order: “I would only be so bold as this if I thought it was for your benefit.” Emotionally conflicted and clearly in need of Mr Carson’s comfort, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) avoids engaging with his suggestions by pulling rank: “I’m afraid I may have encouraged the idea you have the right to address me in this way.” The human complexities of the scene are only done justice because of stunning performances from both actors.

There is also the casual humiliation of staff who are unable to speak back. When a waiter’s attempt to serve at lunch is repeatedly sabotaged by a colleague, one of their overlords dismissively tells him: “I hope you’ll soon get back to whatever you were trained to do.” There are also hints at the prevailing sense of women being the mere property of men: this was still six years before all women won the vote. When an excursion is discussed, it is casually said that: “We’re not having the wives!”

READ MORE HERE: http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/review-downton-abbey--fourth-season-out-and-we-have-an-iconic-british-drama-8833120.html

Downton Abbey Season 4: Maggie Smith's 10-Second Teaser (VIDEO)

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Downton Abbey series four preview: goodbye Matthew, hello electric food mixer

Maggie Smith's role is even more crucial this series as newly widowed Lady Mary haunts the corridors of Downton. Photograph: Joan Wakeham / Rex Features

THE GUARDIAN

Julia Raeside

The Guardian, Tuesday 13 August 2013

Downton Abbey will break from tradition when the new series opens later this year.

Not for series four the Labrador's bottom in the opening credits. This time we begin with the midnight flit of one of the main characters. The servants are seen scurrying to and fro, gossiping about the sudden departure as the kitchen buzzes to the sound of a new-fangled electric food mixer: the unstoppable force of progress making itself felt despite the Crawley family's continuing troubles.

It is 1922 and the family are still black-clad and mourning Downton's recently deceased heir, Matthew Crawley. We rejoin them six months after the car crash that killed off the heart-throb husband of Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) during the show's Christmas day episode, which was watched by over seven million viewers. We know six months have passed because the dowager countess (Maggie Smith) is informed that a grave takes six months to settle before a headstone can be placed over it.

Exposition continues to play a large part in Julian Fellowes's oddly anachronistic dialogue. At several points in the first episode characters explain that they "choose life", must "sort him out" or that they "had a hunch" about something. Nevertheless, the impeccable timing of Smith's verbal smackdowns continues to buoy proceedings with moment after moment of sublime comic satisfaction.

The presence of Smith is even more crucial this series as newly widowed Lady Mary haunts the corridors of Downton like a sulky wraith, dropping lines from her barely open mouth like great leaden plums. Dockery's portrayal of the icy aristocrat finally fits with her stony countenance as she gets to play genuine sorrow at the sudden loss of her husband

READ MORE HERE: http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2013/aug/14/downton-abbey-season-four

SPOILER FOR SEASON 4 ‘Downton Abbey’ season 4 spoilers

spoilers: Shirley MacLaine to battle Maggie Smith again

For “Downton Abbey” season 3, much of the talk leading up to the show was all about the arrival of Shirley MacLaine in the role of Martha, and how she was poised to be a major rival to Maggie Smith’s character of Violet. However, we actually found this to be one of the bigger letdowns of 2012; while the legendary actress did a fantastic job in the role, we were expecting her to have so much more of a presence after she had been hyped up for such an extensive period of time.

Now, our expectations are set a little bit different for MacLaine’s return. ITV confirmed this weekend that Martha will indeed be a part of season 4, though it is unclear as to whether or not she will appear in more than just an episode.

READ MORE: http://cartermatt.com/51218/downton-abbey-season-4-spoilers-shirley-maclaine-to-battle-maggie-smith-again/

DOWNTON ABBEY: SEASON FOUR, EPISODE ONE Posted by John Kenney (THE NEW YORKER)

WORKING DRAFT
FADE IN:
EXT. DOWNTON—NIGHT.
CUT TO:
INT. DOWNTON—SAME.
The great house bustles in preparation for dinner. We see a quick montage of downstairs, as the staff prepares the courses.
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN—SAME.
Mrs. Patmore mixes a pudding as Daisy tends to a roast that’s just come out of the oven.
DAISY
Does this look done to you, Mrs. Patmore?
MRS. PATMORE
Why is it I have to do everything in this kitchen myself? (walking to Daisy) Here, let me see that knife?
As Daisy hands the knife to Mrs. Patmore, Daisy’s hand slips, stabbing Mrs. Patmore seven times in the neck, chest, and arms. Mrs. Patmore falls to the floor, pulling the roast and pan with her, bleeding profusely, dead, covered in red-bliss potatoes. Daisy, horrified at the accident, backs up and slips on the roast, falling, and hitting her head on the open cast-iron stove door. She, too, is dead.
Enter Mrs. Hughes.
MRS. HUGHES
This is no time to be lollygagging around, Mrs. Patmore.
A beat as Mrs. Hughes realizes.
MRS. HUGHES (cont.)
Oh, dear.
Enter Jimmy, in a huff, followed by Thomas, red-faced, followed by Alfred, confused.
JIMMY (to Mrs. Hughes)
He touched my bottom again.
THOMAS
My hand slipped as I was reaching for something.
ALFRED
Yeah, his bottom.
MRS. HUGHES
There’ll be no more talk of bottoms or touching in this house.
THOMAS
Mister Carson won’t be too happy about having a lie down now, Daisy.
A beat.
THOMAS (cont.)
Daisy?
MRS. HUGHES
I’m afraid they’re dead.
JIMMY
Crikey!
ALFRED
But I was going to ask her to Badger Counting Day in the village tomorrow.
MRS. HUGHES (heavy sigh)
There’ll be no more badger counting for these two I’m afraid.
THOMAS
What are we going to do about the roast? Mister Carson’s waiting.
MRS. HUGHES
Jimmy, help get that roast and those little potatoes on a charger and get them to the dining room. Alfred, move the bodies outside. Thomas, stop touching Jimmy. Heavens. Am I the only one who realizes we have a dinner to serve?
All scramble as we
CUT TO:
LORD GRANTHAM’S ROOM—SAME TIME.
Mister Bates dresses Lord Grantham for dinner. After a time…
LORD GRANTHAM
You’re awfully quiet tonight, Bates.
BATES
Forgive me, my Lord. I’ve no right to be. I shall turn in my resignation now if I’ve displeased you.
LORD GRANTHAM
What seems to be the matter, old chap?
BATES
It’s Anna, m’Lord.
LORD GRANTHAM
Nothing serious, I hope.
BATES
She’s dead, m’Lord.
LORD GRANTHAM
It can’t be.
BATES
I’m afraid it’s true. Hit by a lorry in the village this morning. Dragged a great distance. I’d asked her to post a letter from me to her.
LORD GRANTHAM
My dear, dear man. A senseless tragedy. And a seemingly senseless errand.


Read more: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/shouts/2013/02/a-working-draft-for-the-first-episode-of-downton-abbey-season-4.html#ixzz2MQPHeuWT

DOWNTON ABBEY: First images of Downton Abbey series four focus on Matthew Crawley’s memorial ((METRO) By Caroline Westbrook

Dame Maggie Smith is among those Downton characters who was spotted filming scenes of Matthew Crawley’s funeral (Picture: Rex Features)

The first photos have emerged from the fourth series of Downton Abbey, offering a sneak preview of key characters as they attend Matthew Crawley’s memorial.

Dame Maggie Smith, Joanne Froggatt and Brendan Coyle are among those seen in the snaps as they gather at Matthew’s graveside – with another shot showing his headstone, where he is described as a ‘loving husband and father’.

And the photos would suggest that Matthew – who was killed off in a shocking car accident during the Christmas special – will be buried next to Lady Mary’s sister Sybil, who also made a shock exit last series when she died soon after giving birth.

The much-loved character – played by Dan Stevens – met his maker after the actor quit the show, crashing his car just moments after meeting his newborn son for the first time.

Despite a huge backlash from viewers, creator Julian Fellowes defended the storyline, saying he was left with no choice but to kill the character due to Stevens’ decision to quit the show.


‘We always tried to persuade him to stay. He had done fantastically well for the series and his creation of Matthew was terrific,’ Fellowes said.

‘But this is life. Dan felt that this was right thing for him, and the right moment to move on to different areas.’

READ MORE: http://metro.co.uk/2013/03/01/first-images-of-downton-abbey-series-four-focus-on-matthew-crawleys-memorial-3522178/

Julian Fellowes, Hugh Bonneville discuss Season 4 (BIG SPOILER) FILMING STARTS IN THREE WEEKS!

DIGITAL SPY

Downton number four is on the way: Julian Fellowes reveals he is planning next series of hit costume drama By CHLOE THOMAS (DAILY MAIL)

He has created one of the most successful costume dramas in television history.

And as the nation prepares for the third series of Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes, the show’s award-winning creator, reveals he is now planning a fourth series of the ITV hit.

Lord Fellowes, 63, spoke out as he scoffed at reports that Dame Maggie Smith would be leaving the show.
The new series of Downton Abbey will premiere in September.

And speaking at the Royal Academy of Arts on Monday night, the writer told the Mail: ‘’I am sure there will be a forth series, yes although it hasn’t yet been confirmed officially.

‘But it’s a definite yes in my heart and I would be writing it and I have a pretty good idea of what I would do with it too.’

The blockbuster costume drama, which is set in the fictional stately home of Downton Abbey, features some of the cream of British acting talent including a star turn by actress Dame Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess of Grantham.


He said: ‘Dame Maggie will be in this show for as long as she wants to be and I can tell you that even if she doesn’t want to be, she won’t die, she’ll go to the seaside just in case she wants to come back.

The third series will also feature the acting talents of veteran Hollywood actress Shirley Maclaine who will star as Lady Grantham’s American mother Martha Levinson.

Her character will appear in two episodes where she will clash with the Dowager Countess of Grantham played by Maggie Smith.

And adding weight to the notion of a fourth series, Lord Fellowes who won an Oscar for writing the screenplay for Gosford Park in 2002, said that Miss Maclaine’s character is likely to return, adding: ‘I think she’ll be back actually because she really enjoyed it.


Read more:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2181868/Julian-Fellowes-reveals-planning-series-Downton-Abbey.html