I just finished watching. I don't know how I feel. Shocked at what happened and how it was shown, but knew it was in the air. I just wonder how things will continue on from here.

Also, looking back on events in s. 3, it now makes sense why they are keeping Branson around w/o Sibyl. I was starting to think he was going to be like Spike...kept around b/c they liked the actor after his storyline had played out. But they need a viable young upstairs man.

I know lots of people think series 3 was a return to form, but there was something off about it for me. The rhythm of the narrative always seems rushed. I wish it was ending here because I feel like it's all downhill from here. I think Fellowes would be wise to bring in other writers. There's so much about this show that has me yelling at the TV, yet I can't stop watching.

And shirtless Branson, hello!

Warning: Sue's white-fonted comments are regarding series 3 as a whole, NOT the Xmas special!

I am dubious about the actor's choice to leave the show. You, um, enjoy your lack of success elsewhere, okay? But I kind of felt the same way about Tennant leaving Who.

I do love Thomas. He's a total bastard, but then they keep making him a woobie and I keep falling for it. (Note to keyboard: not a "wookie." That's a little different.)

I hope I didn't spoil you Jon. I'll edit to make that clear.

Dana, I wonder if he's not pulling a Caruso. I like him on Downton, but I don't know if he's all that as an actor, or all that versatile.

Full credit to Rob James Collier for making Thomas work. He's been really great. Also I was happy to see in S. 3 Allen Leech can act. I wasn't all that sure after s. 2, even if I did think he was adorable. Those endless garage scenes w. Sibyl left me cold.

Yes, I definitely find Branson more interesting now.

Although they've manipulated his character to fit the show's need. Revolutionary Republican to estate manager is quite the transformation.

Why is everybody being so mean about Dan Stevens' acting abilities? I first saw him playing a cocaine-sorting gay '80s go-getter in The Line of Beauty (take that, cousin Matthew) and he was just fine.

This has been his role with the biggest profile, especially in the States, but he already had a pretty solid resume. I think the character has been a bad fit rather than anything else, which also partly explains why he's leaving .

Fiona, I didn't intend to be mean. I did say he was fine on Downton, which is the only thing I've seen him in. I think he did well, even when the storylines had me cringing. And he had great chemistry with Dockery. (Though I expect Dockery's the one with the BBOC chemistry.) I don't think he had a profile at all in North America before Downton. So I do wonder about his wider appeal and range.

I understand his desire to leave. He also had to endure the silliest storyline (his tragic paralysis and miraculous cure) and though he was unfailingly polite about it, there was also a raised eyebrow whenever he talked about it.

You didn't spoil me, Sue -- no worries! I've seen all of S3. I was worried about Dana.

OK, I was totally confused. I didn't realize there was *another* Xmas special. I thought the talk was about last year's. Which makes no sense on many levels, I know. My excuse is my cold-addled brain.