I've read he left the show.

Dan Stevens, the actor, wanted out, and didn't want to appear even in first episode of season 4, and Julian Fellowes didn't want to recast or have a contrived issue with him being "out" or "away" all the time. At least that's what I've been reading, with interviews and such. So as we say here, Matthew is a "gone pecan". Sad.

Yes, it was a sad ending. Wonder how the new episodes will start off. Great program with wonderful actors.

I knew it was coming as the actor announced he would not be back for another season. I didn't see how they had any choice but to kill him. They really couldn't hire a replacement at this point.

I understand that the writer(s) have promised not to kill off anymore major characters for awhile.

someone had posted at the Yahoo DA group that they had seen a interview with the actor and he is in deed leaving the show..I had hoped he was still alive too..I hate how they jump over such big parts of time..so who know when they return the funeral etc could be over and done!!
Diana
Tranquil Quilting-MI

At this rate they will run out of cast members in three months.

Sunday was the first time I watched the show. No football, so... Thought the acting was kind of weak and plot silly.
But know it is popular, so each to his own taste.

Boy they didn't work too hard putting this years series on! didn't it just start a month ago? I didn't get into it because I didn't watch the other ones and figured I missed too much. All that hype for what maybe 5 episodes?

I read that both the actors that died this season wanted out of the series next season.