The finale of the first season of Downton Abbey ended with news of war being declared, as in World War 1.
“I regret to inform you that we are at war with Germany.”
Way to end a party, guys!
BAFTA already announced its Craft nominations, and nominations for the acting and such came out yesterday (Brendan Coyle’s Bates is a nominee!). A few on-set pictures have leaked for Downton Abbey Season Two, and we are way too excited.
So what are we anticipating for Downton Abbey’s Season Two? Before heading on to our speculation, take a look at Downton Abbey Season 2 Video Clip is Here: Anna is Crying?!?
1. Bates!
In the first season, Bates—the proud former batman with a sexy limp—arrived at Downton Abbey to serve as the Earl’s valet (and don’t say ’valet’ the French way, for goodness’ sake, it’s valet, very flat and English-style), bearing many secrets, some of which he spilled in the first season—and more to come. Apparently, Bates’ wife appears on the scene, and given how they parted—with him taking the blame for her thievery, and ending up a drunkard in gaol—you can bet it won’t be a happy reunion. Plus, poor Anna!
2. Lady Mary
Ooh, Lady Mary’s own sister has been spreading rumors about her...trollopness, and she’s been waffling about giving an answer to cousin Matthew on his marriage proposal. Matthew—who despite his common man leanings—is just as autocratic and demanding as the rest of his family, and thinks Mary’s hesitating because Mary’s mother is pregnant, and might have a son—which would remove Matthew from the line of succession. Those of us who are kind might think she is hesitating because she might have to tell Cousin Matthew that a) she’s no longer a virgin and b) the last time she slept with a guy he died. So—will Mary tell Matthew? Will Mary pop her sister in the nose? Will she get to have sex with someone who doesn’t die?
3. That Pesky War
World War I—the “Great War,” it was called, before there was a sequel, has just begun, and the Brits are totally in the thick of it. According to some sources, Downton Abbey gets used as a military hospital, which means fetching young men with injuries. Maybe Lady Edith can finally get a date?
4. Julian Fellowes’ Delicious Melodrama
Fellowes is no stranger to throwing a spanner in the works, and what with World War I, Lady Crawley’s miscarriage, Bates’ past returning with a bang, lady’s maid O’Brien change of heart (following her dastardly deed; see Lady Crawley’s miscarriage, above), Lady Sybil’s political beliefs, the Cook’s poor eyeballs and the two old ladies (the Dowager Countess and Mrs. Crawley) continuing to bicker, Fellowes will have plenty to work with.
5. New Cast: 
Zoe Boyle, Cal Macaninch, Iain Glen, Amy Nuttall, and Maria Doyle-Kennedy have all signed on as new additions for Season 2. The red-headed bombshell is Amy Nuttall, and we’re guessing she’ll be wearing more clothing when she heads to Downton Abbey (because, if not, could you just see the look on Lady Violet’s face? Apoplexy, for sure!)
And Iain Glen (who’s Ser Jorah Mormont in Game Of Thrones). Glen also plays Jack Taylor, Ken Bruen’s protagonist, and combined with the Jorah thing, makes us really want to see more of him. Here’s a pic:
6. The Entail
Violet, the Dowager Countess of Grantham played deliciously by Dame Maggie Smith, is determined to break the unbreakable entail so that the Crawley girls can have something to live on (not to mention her arch-enemy, Matthew’s mother, then wouldn’t live at Downton). Her son, Lord Crawley, is equally determined not to break the unbreakable entail. No doubt this season will feature many more of Lady Violet’s bon mots (“What is a weekend?”), and familial hijinks will ensue.
7. Daisy!
Daisy is the kitchenmaid, which means she gets to get up before everyone else in the household, lay fires, and be subject to all of Mrs. Patmore, the Cook’s, abuse. Plus she had a huge crush on the Evil Gay Footman, Thomas, who thankfully heads off to war before someone kills him on British soil. Will Daisy finally get to sleep late? Will she find love with second footman Matthew (will he be made first footman?!?)?
8. Lady Sybil
Lady Sybil is the youngset of the three Crawley sisters, the one who attended a political rally with the hot Irish chauffeur. How long will it be before she tries to find his four-leaf clover?
9. Bates, again!
Last season, Bates’ quiet strong morality wowed many of us. His attempts to fix his gimpy leg, his standing up to Thomas and O’Brien, and his trying to be strong in the face of Anna’s persistence (and we have to know, his interest)—all make for a guy you could totally fall in love with. And we did.
So—we’ll leave no. 10 up to you all—what do you want to see in Downton Abbey Season 2?
Megan Frampton is the Community Manager, Romance, for the HeroesandHeartbreakers site. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her husband and son, and wishes she owned Lady Mary’s black jet choker.
