Downton Abbey Season 3 – A Birth and Death

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While previewing the upcoming third season of the PBS series Downtown Abbey for supporters of the newest PBS station, WUCF TV, Masterpiece executive producer Rebecca Eaton made mention of a great many things to expect when the series returns in January, including a birth and death. It kind of sucks American audiences have to wait until January to get their Downton Abbey fix when the UK gets to watch Season 3 this September on ITV. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all watch it at the same time instead of waiting months, trying desperately to avoid spoilers? Only in a perfect world would that happen. But I digress.

Eaton made it very clear, according to the Orlando Sentinel, that Matthew and Mary would indeed be getting married in the third season, much to everyone’s joy (the viewers I mean. I cannot speak for the rest of the characters on the show). Every one of the Crawley family will be eagerly awaiting the arrival of Cora’s mother, Martha Levinson, played by Academy Award winner Shirley MacLaine. She’s a new addition to the cast and will have some “wonderful” scenes with Maggie Smith, who plays Violet. Violet and the rest of her family desperately want Martha’s money, a generosity I cannot foresee being given very easily. Interestingly, Eaton goes on to say that Maggie Smith, who gives great performances and is a serious asset to the series, can be rather difficult to work with on set. I always find it odd when execs have the courage to straight up say “this person is difficult, but they get the job done.”

Lastly, and most importantly, Eaton teases the birth of a new character and the death of another. The identity of the baby isn’t nearly as fascinating as who might be dying, but we are told the unlucky man, or woman, will be a key character. Any guess who will be drawing the short straw this season? How excited are we to have Shirley MacLaine and Maggie Smith in scenes together? Post your comments and theories below!

3 Comments

1. 

   Karen119

   April 15, 2012 at 3:47 pm

   Although I’m definitely looking forward to Season 3 of Downton Abbey, I am NOT keen on Ms MacLaine’s presence at all.  If her addition to the cast is the reason for Maggie Smith’s leaving then let’s get rid of Shirley, PDQ!!!

   Reply
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     Jackie Murrell

     April 16, 2012 at 9:27 am

      Karen, Maggie Smith has asked to be written out of the show, so she can concentrate on film and theatre – nothing to do with Shirley.  I’ll still be gutted to see her go tho!

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       Brody Gibson

       April 18, 2012 at 3:42 am

       You’re both wrong. Maggie Smith isn’t leaving the show.

       Reply