With rehearsals about to begin on the third series of acclaimed drama Downton Abbey ... what have we got to look forward to this autumn? With scripts only just being released to the cast, no spoilers have as yet emerged, but here are some of my predictions (and blatant fan-girl hopes) for this autumn ...
The third series spans a period of 18 months in the early 1920s starting shortly after the Christmas Special ... we heard Mary reference the changing hair-styles of Paris back in series 2 ... could such cultural shocks make an appearance in Downton? We’ve seen more than a glimpse of independent spirit in her two sisters, is this the year we see the rebellious side of Lady Edith Crawley?
Interviews with Jessica Brown-Findlay appear to suggest that Lady Sybil will make a return to Downton, and one can assume that Branson will follow .... we all know that Lord Grantham remains uneasy about the marriage, but how will the chauffeur react to life above stairs? I suspect that liberal, and previously middle-class, Matthew may prove a useful intermediary ....
After adding the snowy icing on the cake at Christmas, I fear it’s too much to hope that Julian Fellowes will provide a trial-free series for Mary and Matthew ... with the threat of Carlisle’s exposé, and the even greater fear of Cora, Isobel and Violet let loose on wedding plans .... things are unlikely to run smoothly at Downton for a while yet!
My current prediction ....
Having held the inhabitants of Downton in suspense, Carlisle publishes his story in fury after hearing of Mary’s engagement to Matthew. Whilst a loving and loyal Matthew promises to stand by her, Mary cannot bring herself to subject him to a share in her disgrace and calls off the wedding. However, a crisis at Downton (perhaps involving Sybil and the baby? or Mary in danger?) reunites the couple, and this time he won’t take no for an answer. Hopefully Fellowes will avoid the predictability of delaying the wedding until the end of the series, not least to open up a wealth of fresh storylines as Mary and Matthew get to grips with married life ....
But what of Mr Bates, and the ever loyal Anna? I’m still in the camp of supporting Bates’ innocence .... but whereas I thought Carlisle lay behind it, I’m now not so sure ... again, I imagine this will be a story that continues for a while, but hopefully not for the entire series. After all, I’m intrigued to see how Carson and Robert would handle Bates’ return as valet now that the scheming Thomas has taken over the role .... with a little assistance from the Crawleys, could this be the perfect opportunity for Anna and Bates to live their dream of the little hotel?
Finally, whilst I hope that given its enormous success we have at least a couple more years ahead, Fellowes has previously reported his intention to stop at a third series. Given that the central story arc has always been the future of Downton and Matthew’s inheritance, might this signal the end for Robert, with the show concluding as Matthew takes up his place as the Earl of Grantham?
