I just read an article about Downtown Abbey from the perspective of the writer, Julian Fellowes; very interesting. I couldn’t write about the ending in my last blog because it had not been shown in the U.S. as yet but now that the ending has been seen in the U.S., I can express some of my thoughts on this very serious subject!
What struck me about the interview was the same thoughts that I had from the point of view of the writer. When an actor wants to leave a show, the writer is stuck with having to fill in the story that he has worked on, sometimes for years.
Is this the only medium where this happens? The actors control the story!!!!!!!!!!
Too bad! Because on television, the viewers develop a strong relationship with a particular character, his looks, his personality. It really throws the viewer off to see a main character suddenly DIE. Also, I find that I really don’t want to know why the actor is leaving while I am watching the show and involved with the story.
After the show is over, I may be interested. But definitely not while it is currently being shown.
I don’t know what the profession or industry can do about this, but I feel that as good as the show is — and it is very good — it definitely spoils the enjoyment to know that the main actor wants out because he can get more money somewhere else.
It doesn’t happen in the movies or on Broadway; in the movies, the movie ends and that’s it. On Broadway, you may see the actor only once in that part. There is not the strong identification.
Am I right?
I would imagine this is a continuing problem, especially for the really wonderful, worldwide viewership of a wonderful television series.
From the Heart 