The unimaginable death of Matthew Crawley (played by Dan Stevens) was as devastating to viewers as it was to the fictional family he left behind in Downton Abbey. The shocking exit of one of Downton's popular characters seemed illogical to many viewers. The leading man, who had just become a new father, had so much potential left unexplored. Loyal viewers of the show had lots of reasons to get invested in the character. And just like the car accident that claimed the Downton heir, there was little anyone could do to change Matthew Crawley's fate off-screen.
Source：https://www.cbr.com/why-downton-abbey-killed-matthew-crawley-dan-stevens/
