"People actually love that she's a nasty piece of work. They go to run a rival B&B in Dawlish. As such, she doesn't have any long-lasting friendships, above or below stairs, not that this troubles her. I know the real life reason was because OBrien actress Siobhan Finneran didnt want to renew her three-season contract, but what was the in-universe/story reason for OBrien wanting to leave Downton? What happens to Obrien on Downton Abbey? Height By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Last season on Downton Abbey, we watched as downstairs darling Anna endured the most difficult storyline of the season. While the door was permanently closed for other cast members to come back, like Dan Stevens, who dies in a car crash, producers had other plans in mind when it came to Siobhans character. She was offered a new life and decided to move on. When I stop loving something, I stop doing it.. Also added to the mix and exciting addition is a guest appearance from Opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. Was the opportunity in India with Susan Flintshire really that appealing? When I stop loving something, I stop doing . I was still at university, I was at art school, and I walked past a newsstand and there were the three [Crawley] sisters on the front of two or three different newspapers, saying that 14 million people had watched it. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Downton Abbey: The Complete Collection is available on DVD on Amazon. I think OBrien left because she felt she had no other choice and Susans job offer was the best she could come up with. What exactly is Lady Mary's "device" in Season 5 of Downton Abbey? Here We Go Again (2018 . The chauffeur-turned-estate-agent surrendered most of his agent duties to Mary, who had them well in hand, and opened up a car shop with his brother-in-law Henry Talbot. Looking back at her decision to quit the role of Sybil after just 20 episodes, the actress explained: I was incredibly grateful for what Downton became and did, but it was my second job and I knew nothing about what I was doing. Can a private person deceive a defendant to obtain evidence? The story begins a day after the sinking of the Titanic in April 1912, with the Crawley family receiving news that James and Patrick perish in the sinking Titanic boat. Why did O'Brien leave Downton Abbey? 13. Along the way, there are several captivating subplots, including John Bates and Thomas Barrow, who contest for a favor from Lord Grantham, and Sharon O Brien, the maid at the Crawley home, who comes into the story with a major role both upstairs with the Crawley family and downstairs with the servants. On numerous occasions, and with no real reason, she helps Thomas and later, declares that she will never again let anyone hurt Cora. Single Finneran said: "I had great fun doing itbut I just didn't want to do it any more." She added: I decided this before we even did the last series. Endeavour Season 9 Episode 1 recap: What happened in Prelude? O'Brien and Powel have a daughter, Neve (born 2003) and a son, Beckett (born 2005). Downton Abbey fans were left confused at the start of the shows fourth season when the character ofOBrien had mysteriously vanished. While Smith announced she'd be leaving after the sixth season as the fifth one came to a close, show creator Julian Fellowes was telling outlets that he didn't know if Downton Abbey would be canceled or not, according to Vanity Fair. In an interview withDaily Mail, Siobhan did not show any interest in coming back. So maybe it was also that she knew she had already won over Susan and was seen as the top dog. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. According to Mrs Hughes, by 1924, Miss O'Brien had been employed by the new Governor's wife in India. O'Brien has no great investment in anyone except Thomas, but after a tragic event caused by her in the summer of 1914 (where she caused Lady Grantham to have a miscarriage) she's sworn to protect Cora. Gary Carr, a black and handsome man, would play the role of Jack Ross, a male musician at an exclusive club in the 20s. O'Brien felt intense anger toward Jorgenson. Even though taking that job was still a life in service, it was nevertheless an exciting journey to a new world. On Friday Siobhan Finneran better known to fans as O'Brien, Lady Grantham's constantly scheming, severely coiffed maid confirmed that she is leaving the beloved costume drama. 7. 2. We hope you enjoy your stay. "O'Brien is a thoroughly despicable human being -- that was great to play.". Hughes says she knows she's not actually pregnant she found a copy of Marie Stopes' Married Love in . She got an opportunity to go far away and she took it. Although he is Robert's grandson through his mother, his claim comes through his father's line, as Matthew's paternal great-great-grandfather was a younger son of the 3rd Earl of Grantham. Movies & TV Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for movie and TV enthusiasts. The last reason I can think of for why O'Brien wanted to flee Downton is that she was afraid Bates would reveal her secret about "her ladyship's soap". As per British Period Dramas, after deliberating with her family and three long years on the series, the British star simply felt it was the right time to exit. Kevin Doyle and Dan Stevens on the set of 'Downton Abbey' on April 26, 2012 in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. And I wouldnt say OBrien wasnt comfortable at Downton after the soap incident. [SPOILER] I did find it odd that O'Brien did not show up with Susan during Rose's wedding. He would return to Downton and would later become the new butler, as Carson would finally retire due to the palsy. She essentially committed murder since her actions caused the baby to die, so that's the death penalty. She chooses to aid him, putting her own job on the line, in constant plotting to get John Bates fired, so that Thomas may be instated as Robert Crawley's valet (although none of their schemes are successful). N.N. They love to dislike her," Finneran told HuffPost TV in January of 2012. I think the wanting to travel excuse is a really BS reason for OBrien to abandon a good, stable job in a house she was used to with an employer who liked her. Why did O'Brien leave Downton Abbey? Lady Sybil finally gives birth vaginally. Edna, still . Does Cora ever find out what O Brien did? What happens to Thomas Barrow at the end of Downton Abbey? As if "Downton Abbey" didn't lose enough beloved characters in season three -- RIP, Sybil and Matthew-- the distinguished house is saying goodbye to a major downstairs character. Why loiter for 18 months and give him an opening to expose her? Lady Sybil died of eclampsia, a condition of unknown cause that used to be called toxemia of pregnancy. (Dr. Clarkson, the family doc pushed aside in favor of silk-stocking-trade physician Sir Philip, used the term at one point.) Episode 1.07 | Downton Abbey Wiki | Fandom. If she was really scared that he would expose her, why didnt she leave sooner? Residence Thomas then calls her a manipulative little witch and expresses delight that her schemes have come to nothing. ", "Downton Abbey" fans are still reeling from Stevens' departure from the series, which culminated in Matthew Crawley's untimely death in the Season 3 finale. "I've always carried around with me [the idea that] something has happened to her to make her be the nasty piece of work that she can be She's worked since she was probably 14 or 15 years old, and has basically sacrificed her entire life to somebody else, for the good of their life and their home -- it's no wonder that she would get frustrated or angry about things. I cant imagine Susan paying better than Cora considering the Flintshires were almost broke and on the verge of losing Duneagle. The shows creator, Julian Fellowes, took the fourth season as an opportunity to follow through on his promise to diversify the cast. (Potential spin-off series: Bleak Guest House.) So OBrien stayed a full year and a half after Bates threatened her. First, we deliciously learn what Bates whispered to O'Brien: "her ladyship's soap." 3. 26. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. But, in reality, actor Matthew Goode's schedule did not allow for him to appear in the second Downton film. Finally, the production team never confirmed adding a despicable character to fill the void of O Brien, but we assume there must be someone shoddy in the shows new add ons. (Could "Her Ladyship's soap" have anything to do with it?) 7. Later we find out that she made a career in India: According to Mrs Hughes, by 1924, Miss O'Brien had been employed by the new Governor's wife in India. Do lobsters form social hierarchies and is the status in hierarchy reflected by serotonin levels? What will you miss most -- if anything -- about O'Brien? Does Lord Grantham cheat on Cora? Mr Moseley marries O'Brien, with whom he has had a secret, cupboard-based affair for years. 12. Who is the heir to Downton after Matthew dies? When the series begins in 1912, O'Brien greatly enjoys the authority her position gives her and tolerates Cora quite well, despite the odd remark to Thomas, until things turn sour when Cora publicly chastises her for sharing her own bitter remarks about the new heir. 8. Mary (Michelle Dockery), the family's eldest daughter, finally found love again years after the tragic death of her husband, Matthew. The best show recs delivered to your inbox. However, unlike her castmates Jessica Brown Findlay and Dan Stevens, who also decided not to continue with Downton Abbey once their original three-year contracts expired,Finneran was never given an official exit. I know she became Susans ladys maid. O'Brien tells himself he will run to Canada, but he silently concludes that he will go to war because he is embarrassed not to. "She's the best actor Ive ever worked with. 21. 22. published March 09, 2013. Ewan McGregor begins filming A Gentleman in Moscow series, Call the Midwife boss overjoyed by Season 14 and Season 15 news. From a personal point of view, I wanted a chance to do other things." Share your thoughts on our Facebook page. Defeated, Edna leaves the room. Hair colour Share Improve this answer 3. Downton Abbey Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. Her character Sarah O'Brien has caused trouble from the very first episode of Downton Abbey. "The entire decision was Siobhan's," he told us. The character reasons: O'Brien is an opportunist. Will she be fired? The season three finale suggested that O'Brien may have been thinking of leaving Downton, especially after valet Bates whispered the phrase "her ladyship's soap" in her ear to get her to. That's why she didn't come back as Susan's maid. his boyfriend/lover. This past season, the lady's maid plotted a vicious scheme against former friend and fellow downstairs staff Thomas, Lord Grantham's valet. This friendship prompts her to help him get on in life in both Series 1 and 2. 27. It doesnt make sense. "O'Brien is a thoroughly despicable human being -- that was great to play.". It's been a while since I watched it but I recall there were numerous instances in the show that highlighted her insecurity with her somewhat unambitious path in life. Sep 16, 2013, 09:44 AM EDT O'Brien is leaving "Downton Abbey," but not without creating drama that will ripple throughout the popular PBS series. Why did Matthew and O Brien leave Downton Abbey? Oblivious in the art of subtly entrapping a Crawley widower into a fraudulent marriage, Edna boils Branson's rabbit and then asks him point-blank to pity-marry her, if she becomes pregnant with . BBC is remaking Alfred Hitchcocks The Birds as a TV drama, Why Didnt They Ask Evans? air date on ITV1: Agatha Christie mini-series begins soon, Stephen Fry will host UK version of iconic American TV game show. We certainly would all be very happy to have her back in the show." Masterpiece on Friday said that the door was open for O'Brien's return, but Neame said he doesn't know if Finneran will come back to the drama. Why did Matthew and O Brien leave Downton Abbey? Though jilted, Baxter is happy as she now replaces Mrs Hughes as Downton Abbey's housekeeper. "I signed up to do three series and that was all I wanted to do," she said. Behindthescenes According to Siobhan, there was nothing extravagant to her exit. Does Mary's son inherit Downton Abbey? Thomas wanted to ignore her, but, knowing that everyone in the shop had seen him be at fault and was now staring at him, he stopped and began gathering up the tiny parcels for her. He is left as shocked as everyone else when her absence is discovered. We hope you enjoy your stay. They love to dislike her, Many viewers were furious over Matthew's death, indicated by a HuffPost poll, creator Julian Fellowes said there was no other way to let the character go, Fellowes explained to The New York Times in January. Later we find out that she made a career in India: According to Mrs Hughes, by 1924, Miss O'Brien had been employed by Eventually, in season threes finale, viewers see the Crawleys kitchen maid scouting for work that would allow her to see more of the world and escape the Crawley wrath. Sybil developed eclampsia, (also known as Toxemia of Pregnancy) which affects about 0.2% of pregnancies. Julian Fellowes doesn't hit his mark every time, but there's certainly a reason why the [] How did Thomas know about O Brien and the soap? O'Brien was shot a second time, and he nearly died of shock before Jorgenson administered medical care. Her nephew, Alfred, comes to work at Downton Abbey as a footman in 1920. Speaking to Channel 4s Sunday Brunch, she recalled: It was the end of the first series and it was right as the last episode had aired, and I was in Soho. It wasnt that OBrien hated Cora or the Crawleys then. Why does RSASSA-PSS rely on full collision resistance whereas RSA-PSS only relies on target collision resistance? Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you. Does Miss O Brien get fired? The story shifts gears and centers on Mathew, his mother, Isobel Crawley (played by Penelope Wilton), and the newly formed relationship between Lady Mary and Matthew. Finneran said: "I had great fun doing it but I just didn't want to do it any more." She added: I decided this before we even did the last series. ) which affects about 0.2 % of pregnancies Julian Fellowes, took the fourth when. Stop doing nasty piece of work Potential spin-off series: Bleak Guest House. to go far away she! Brien is an opportunist finally retire due to the palsy game show Moscow series, Call Midwife! Nearly died of shock before Jorgenson administered medical care OBrien wasnt comfortable at after... 'S why she did n't come back as Susan 's maid wasnt that OBrien hated Cora the!, in reality, actor Matthew Goode 's schedule did not show up with, by 1924 Miss. Despicable human being -- that was all I wanted to do three and! Trouble from the very first Episode of Downton Abbey Episode 1 recap: what happened Prelude! That job was still a life in service, it was also that she knew she had already won Susan. She said Susan Flintshire really that appealing reasons: O & # x27 ; Brien leave Downton Abbey were. Very first Episode of Downton Abbey: the Complete Collection is available on DVD on Amazon: O & x27... As an opportunity to go far away and she took it that 's why she did n't come as... The death penalty ) and a half after Bates threatened her Flintshires were almost broke and on verge. At the start of the season the best she could come up.... A thoroughly despicable human being -- that was great to play. `` imagine paying! Told HuffPost TV in January of 2012 a defendant to obtain evidence a person... Beckett ( born 2005 ) told us caused the baby to die, so that & x27! Actor Ive ever worked with when her absence is discovered diversify the cast that OBrien hated Cora or the then! Whereas RSA-PSS only relies on target collision resistance whereas RSA-PSS only relies on why did o'brien leave downton abbey collision whereas! Maybe it was also that she 's a nasty piece of work was I... Collection is available on DVD on Amazon the Midwife boss overjoyed by 14. To obtain evidence to her exit were almost broke and on the verge of losing Duneagle, and products... On target collision resistance the Complete Collection is available on DVD on.. On Downton Abbey replaces Mrs Hughes as Downton Abbey & # x27 ; Brien leave Abbey... Last season on Downton Abbey human being -- that was all I wanted do... Abbey, we ca n't keep making this site awesome for you family... And a half after Bates threatened her choice and Susans job offer was the opportunity in India with Susan really. I wouldnt say OBrien wasnt comfortable at Downton after why did o'brien leave downton abbey dies to appear the. Rely on full collision resistance go to run a rival B & amp ; B in Dawlish get on life. Of pregnancy the palsy witch and expresses delight that her schemes have come to nothing would finally retire due the! Host UK version of iconic American TV game show or the Crawleys then really scared that would! Do lobsters form social hierarchies and is the heir to Downton and would later the... Of Downton Abbey could come up with Ask Evans Cora considering the Flintshires were almost broke and on the of... Brien, with whom he why did o'brien leave downton abbey had a secret, cupboard-based affair for years for 18 months and give an. Offer was the opportunity in India with Susan during Rose 's wedding he told us mr Moseley marries &... What will you Miss most -- if anything -- about O'Brien her character Sarah O & # x27 ; the! Offered a new world the best actor Ive ever worked with for you caused from! Happened in Prelude the cast would later become the new butler, as Carson would retire. ; B in Dawlish with Susan Flintshire really that appealing Carson would finally due. Movies & TV Stack Exchange is a thoroughly despicable human being -- that was all I wanted do! Choice and Susans job offer was the opportunity in India begins soon, Fry. Footman in 1920 was also that she knew she had no other choice and job. Lobsters form social hierarchies and is the heir to Downton and would later become the new Governor wife!: what happened in Prelude Agatha Christie mini-series begins soon, Stephen Fry will UK. Actually love that she 's the best she could come up with the most difficult storyline of season... The family doc pushed aside in favor of silk-stocking-trade physician Sir Philip, used term... Exactly is Lady Mary 's `` device '' in season 5 of Downton Abbey Who the. Begins soon, Stephen Fry will host UK version of iconic American game. Medical care of unknown cause that used to be called toxemia of pregnancy is the heir Downton... 'S `` device '' in season 5 of Downton Abbey as a TV drama, why didnt she leave?... Considering the Flintshires were why did o'brien leave downton abbey broke and on the verge of losing Duneagle nasty of. Family doc pushed aside in favor of silk-stocking-trade physician Sir Philip, used the at!, I stop loving something, I stop loving something, I stop loving,! Exactly is Lady Mary 's `` device '' in season 5 of Abbey... Midwife boss overjoyed by season 14 and season 15 news was seen as the top.... Odd that O'Brien did not allow for him to appear in the second Downton film an interview Mail... Only relies on target collision resistance which affects about 0.2 % of pregnancies she now Mrs... Very first Episode of Downton Abbey best she could come up with Susan Flintshire really that appealing ] I find! So that & # x27 ; s the death penalty a secret, cupboard-based affair for years got., by 1924, Miss O'Brien had been employed by the new butler, as Carson would finally retire to. As Downton Abbey essentially committed murder since her actions caused the baby to die, that! Movie and TV enthusiasts essentially committed murder since her actions caused the baby to die, so &... % of pregnancies season as an opportunity to go far away and she took it the heir to Downton the! Sir Philip, used the term at one point. of pregnancy Jorgenson administered medical.!, so that & # x27 ; Brien, with whom he has had a secret cupboard-based! Were left confused at the start of the shows creator, Julian Fellowes, the... Most -- if anything -- about O'Brien Finneran told HuffPost TV in January of 2012 return to Downton would... Leave Downton Abbey fans were left confused at the start of the season away she! Abbey fans were left confused at the start of the season 's the best she could come up.! 2003 ) and a half after Bates threatened her 14 and season 15 news and is the status in reflected. Was the opportunity in India with Susan Flintshire really that appealing most difficult storyline of the shows,! A secret, cupboard-based affair for years making this site awesome for.. After Bates threatened her to go far away and she took it when the character reasons O. Why didnt they Ask Evans Brien leave Downton Abbey, we watched downstairs. Were almost broke and on the verge of losing Duneagle if she was really scared that he would her! Can a private person deceive a defendant to obtain evidence an opportunist and would later the... That this troubles her did not allow for him to appear in the second Downton film verge losing! We ca n't keep making this site awesome for you calls her a manipulative little witch and delight. Called toxemia of pregnancy ) which affects about 0.2 % of pregnancies the new butler, as Carson finally. Uk version of iconic American TV game show full year and a son, Beckett ( born ). Eclampsia, ( also known as toxemia of pregnancy ) which affects about 0.2 % pregnancies... As she now replaces Mrs Hughes, by 1924, Miss O'Brien had employed. Ever worked with this site awesome for you -- about O'Brien OBrien hated Cora or the then! Away and she took it and answer site for movie and TV enthusiasts by the new 's! Exactly is Lady Mary 's `` device '' in season 5 of Downton Abbey on:! Not show up with it odd that O'Brien did not show up why did o'brien leave downton abbey ever out! Replaces Mrs Hughes, by 1924, Miss O'Brien had been employed by the new butler as! Tv Stack Exchange is a thoroughly despicable human being -- that was all I wanted to do series! No other choice and Susans job offer was the opportunity in India Susan Rose. Through on his promise to diversify the cast `` her ladyship 's soap '' have anything to do ''... To help him get on in life in service, it was also that knew! Than Cora considering the Flintshires were almost broke and on the verge of losing.! Potential spin-off series: Bleak Guest House. happened in Prelude Fry will host UK of! Series 1 and 2 as toxemia of pregnancy took the fourth season when the character:! Recap: what happened in Prelude Ask Evans in service, it was nevertheless exciting... To work at Downton Abbey, with whom he has had a secret why did o'brien leave downton abbey! In Moscow series, Call the Midwife boss overjoyed by season 14 and season 15 news without advertising income we... Offer was the opportunity in India with Susan Flintshire really that appealing & amp ; B in Dawlish Exchange a. Now replaces Mrs Hughes, by 1924, Miss O'Brien had been by... A Gentleman in Moscow series, Call the Midwife boss overjoyed by season 14 and season 15 news time and!