Anyone know why there wasn't a series 4?

I hear you! There was so much unfinished, like what would happen to Norman and Tilly, and whether Evie would succeed in her efforts to keep the haute couture line.

I just don't know why they didn't at least do one or two more shows to let us know what happened. Maybe the stars wanted to move on, or there wasn't any more money. Who knows...

I'm with all of you...just got left hanging at the end of Series 3. BUT...I have to say that it gives me a thrill to see Evie (Louise Lombard) on CSI every week. No, forensic detective work has nothing to do with designing Edwardian couture, but seeing Evie solve crimes in Las Vegas is more gripping than her truly unhealthy relationship with Daniel.

I vaguely remember reading that they couldnt finish filming it because many of the sets and props were damaged in a fire whilst in storage and they considered it too expensive to rebuild it all.

The series was fantastic, as is most British fare. The third season of the series ended with only ten episodes instead of the contracted twelve. I had not heard the rumor about the fire. However, I did hear (don't ask me to recall where) that the budget for the sets and costumes was spiralling out of control. The storylines were also spiralling out and away from the core theme of a design house. The lack of appeal of this type of show by the masses is, sadly, a commentary on the masses themselves, and not on those of us with the taste and intelligence to follow such outstanding writing. This is not the first time a grand series has been pulled from the air. "Remember WENN" and "The Lot," both from A & E, also died a quick death despite their genius. Those are just two examples that I can quickly recall at this time. There were episodes of "Upstairs/Downstairs" that were never even shown on PBS in America. Thankfully, that series has finally been released in its entirity on DVD. The Brits may say they have learned a thing or two about acting from us (Helen Mirren in her SAG speech), but American writers still have tons to learn about writing from our smarter cousins across the Pond.

What happens in the last 2 episodes...
Evie finally decides to go off with Daniel to Paris afterall and opens House of Eliott Paris. All haute couture, all the time.
She is wildly successful with outre designs and Daniel becomes the painter he's always wished to be. Both have more clients/patrons than they can handle including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
Daniel can't father children so they remain childless but Evie, wanting to explore her maternal side, asks Daniel's young sister Mary to come live with them. Mary falls in love with a count, gets married in France and eventually has 3 children. They all live together in Mary's new husband's fabulous chateau while Mary studies art. The children turn out to have artistic natures (of course) and Daniel teaches them to paint, and Evie teaches them couture design.

Bea, Joseph and Miles run House of Eliott as a ready-to-wear company. Miles gives the designs a great burst of originality and saves the day. Bea has another baby, a son, and realizes her role as the wife of a politician is demanding so finally gives in to it. Her influence with HOE slowly diminishes, but she's happy.

Jack is elected as an MP and then a Minister. A position he holds for the rest of his life with Bea by his side.

Tilly and Norman, after quitting their jobs and losing their position with Lady Westlake are delighted and surprised to receive a windfall inheritance from a distant uncle of Norman's. Enough money to buy a small pub/restaurant. Tilly divides her time at HOE and helping Norman at the pub, only until their daughters (twins) are born.

Madge and Charles eventually get divorces from their respective spouses and get married.

Agnes becomes quite popular with Music Hall and Vaudeville patrons and continues to sing. She joins a traveling troupe and eventually entertains the troops during WWII.

... or not!

Wikipedia (not the most reliable source, but still, once can assume this entry has been written by someone in the know) says that the authors didn't anticipate BBC "pulling the plug" unexpectedly, so that's why it feel unfinished.

It's beyond me how anyone could pull the plug on such a fantastic series, but apparently anything is possible.

Shall I tell you how much I loved this series?
I actually shortened my vacation in Venice for a day, so I could be home in time for the airing of the next weekly episode. ;)

I fully agree. I was very disappointed they left us 'up in the air' I also want a closure... Marilyn

No idea. I love this series and wish it had lasted longer. I agree that the end of season 3 doesn't feel like a final ending. If a series is cancelled at least finish it properly for the fans.



Go to bed Frank or this is going to get ugly .