I love Downton Abbey! The wide pans of people walking through all the gorgeous rooms of the manor house, the to-die-for clothing, the upstairs/downstairs plot lines, the sisterly snark, Isis, the dog, and oh, the intro music.
And I simply miss the show. The last angst-tastic episode aired months ago and since then I’ve found myself daydreaming about what they’re going to DO with all our beloved favorites.
So, here my little “wish-list” of plot twists and turns I’d like to see on Season Three of Downton Abbey. Are you listening, Julian Fellowes?
1. The Dowager Countess Violet dishes a liberal helping of sass to Shirley Maclaine (and vice versa):
Haven’t we all heard that Shirley Maclaine will be joining the cast next season as Lady Mary’s American grandmother, Martha Levinson? Ooh, I cannot wait to see sparks fly between the two countries. I do hope Martha can sass up the dowager countess with equal aplomb, don’t you? And frankly, I wouldn’t mind if Isobel jumps in the mix too. Maybe Martha and Isobel can give Violet a run for her walking stick! Though my money remains on Violet, make no mistake.
2. The return of Lady Sybil and the Irish dude she married:
I wasn’t the only one missing Lady S at the end of Season 2, was I? She was one of my favorites! Unique, smart, and beautiful, I always wanted to see what she was up to next. The end of Season 2 hinted at her return and I can’t wait to see what happens to her.
3. They stop talking about Mr. Pamuk and Lady Mary’s scandal from 10 years ago:
Very well. Perhaps, it hasn’t been quite ten years, but it feels like it. I admit this was a great storyline, but methinks it’s been played out. Let’s all forget it, shall we?
4. Lady Edith gets a man:
I’m not sure I’m the biggest fan o’ that toothy older guy she’s been traipsing after, but I would like to see Lady Edith find a man—uh, other than the married farmer. What was that about? But of course, she should not settle down…yet. What fun would that be? I will go on record, stating, however, that I’d much prefer Sir Tooth to the uber-creepy pseudo-dead cousin guy. I still shudder when I think o’ him. And it wasn’t because of his war injuries. Something about his wide eye and his overly loud, seemingly disembodied voice wigged me out.
5. Mr. Bates is hanged:
Before you throw tomatoes at me, I have to say, the tortured love affair of poor Mr. Bates and Anna (who I really like) just got to be too much for me sometime around the episode where he went to go tend bar instead of telling his wife to go you-know-what herself. While I’m a big fan of angst, the noble self-sacrifice has to be done with a very deft hand to get me on board and in this case (sorry, Bates) it just wasn’t for me. Disclaimer: Along with Elaine on Seinfeld, I wanted The English Patient to die too, so maybe it’s just me…and Elaine.
6. O’Brien and Thomas continue their dastardly ways:
In Season One I detested these two meanies, but by Season Two, I began to relish seeing what they were up to. Meanwhile, I hear a new footman is coming and he’s O’Brien’s nephew, so I expect more evil hijinks to ensue with a new villain. (rubs hands together)
7. Lady Mary and Matthew DON’T get together:
Okay, okay. I realize this may be a super unpopular take on this, and believe me, I was swooning along with the rest of the Downton Abbey-watching world at the end of last season when Matthew dropped to his knee, but don’t all shows get bad after the main love interests get together? Let’s face it, we like the drama, we like the uncertainty, we like the will they or won’t they of it all! So, here’s hoping that Downton delivers and somehow pulls these two apart again in episode one. Give me more angst!
Season 3 is set to air (in the U.S.) in January 2013 and I can’t wait. Bring on the roaring ’20s, Downton. I’m ready.
I scrounged this little tidbit from Wikipedia: “Downton Abbey’s executive producer, Rebecca Eaton, stated in an interview that during series three a couple will get married, a baby will be born, a well-known character will die.”
Here are my guesses: Edith and Sir Tooth will marry, Sybil’s baby will be born, and Bates (I can hope, can’t I?) will die.
So, Downton fans, what are you hoping for in Season 3?
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- Downton Abbey Season 3 Casting News
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Valerie Bowman writes Racy Regency Romps. You can find her on Twitter at @ValerieGBowman and on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com.
