Calling all Downton Abbey Fans...

While I know that all of you are chomping at the bit for Season 3 of Downton Abbey to commence, I have been fortunate enough to be able to watch the first episode of the new season. As some of you may know, the series returned in the UK last week. Now, I would never be cruel enough to give away what happened in the opening episode, but I did want to mention that it will be well worth watching when the series returns with Masterpiece (PBS) on January 6, 2013. 

The only thing I will mention about the first episode is this:  If you are a hopeless romantic (as I am), you will not be disappointed.  The entire episode revolved around the upcoming nuptials of my favorite couple, Matthew and Mary.  There is even a "will they or won't they marry" moment the night before the wedding.  Oooohhhhhhh!!!!!!!  Did they marry?  I'll never tell!

We meet Cora's (Lady Grantham's) mother, played by the inimitable Shirley MacLaine, who arrives from America for the wedding. The best part is the on-screen pairing of Shirley McLaine and Maggie Smith, which is well-worth the price of admission! Those two powerhouses just eat up the scenery.  I would be hard pressed to say which is my favorite moment between them. Sheer brilliance!! 

I know it's still a few months away and everyone is dying for the new series to start.  I suppose you can look at it this way: it'll give you something to look forward to during the grey cold winter months!  Meanwhile, I will be watching episode 2 tomorrow.  Heh, heh, heh!!! 

<sigh> If only...