Yeah, my first ex didn't show up to court either. For some reason he thought if he didn't show that it wouldn't be final. He even tried telling me that the courthouse was closed due to inclement weather so that I wouldn't go...imagine his surprise when I told him that the final divorce papers were on the front seat of his car. He tried "buying" me back by giving me an expensive watch the same morning before I left for court (one that he stole from his mother who got it as a Christmas gift the week before, but that's another whole story). Thinking back, wow was it crazy. Yes, I initiated the divorce but being that he had a child with his best friends wife you'd think he would have stopped trying to pursue me. He didn't stop for another 4 years and that was only after he married her.
Some people are just idiots. You can't explain their actions or reactions or lack there of...no point in even trying.