Anyone know why the character left? I know the actress might of wanted to leave but I wish they had given a reason... or, at least, hinted at a reason. The only thing I heard was she left one morning and that was it.
shareO'Brien wanted to travel, she had a discussion with Susans maid who complained about having to go to India. O'Brien was 'good with hair' and helped Susan when they all were visiting Duneagle.
I'm sure we can assume that she managed to hint about her wish to Susan.
I think two other things as well: Being at Downton Abbey would forever remind 0'Brien of the 'soap incident', and her relationship with Cora was further damaged when Cora believed the rumor, started by Thomas, that O'Brien was going to leave.
shareYes. As well, the fact that Bates now seems to know about the soap incident--he really doesn't, just the code word--would scare her even more. That's two, maybe three people with real power over her, all of whom hate her guts.
share"If she's got a boyfriend, then I'm a giraffe."
It's a shame that they didn't have her in a cameo learning about Mrs. Hughes becoming Mrs. Carson.
"Great theater makes you smile. Outstanding theater may make you weep."
She went to join the Marchioness from Dun Eagle in India. They said it pretty clearly.
shareI also thought her departure was awfully abrupt.
I am convinced the actress wanted out for some reason. Such a shame because she was an excellent villain and quite believable in her contradictory loyalties.
Much better than Thomas who I thought was ridiculously written. I find it hard to believe any house would put up with his obvious faults, let alone a great house like Downton.
She was a great character.
I read somewhere that writers had difficulty continuing with her in the cast. So she disappeared. No mention of her again.
No reason was given for her departure.
That's what I read and it has been a few years. If anyone knows more please reply.