Report: 'Downton Abbey' Won't Lose Maggie Smith

In all likelihood, it will, unfortunately, probably be Lord Grantham who passes away in the third season. The Lord upon whom Grantham is based died in 1923, shortly after discovering King Tut's tomb with Howard Carter. They may develop an interesting plot device wherein Lord Grantham goes traveling and dies from an illness, or they may use some other dubious method. Either way, the fact that Matthew and Mary will inherit the estate is inevitable, even imminent, depending on how the writers decide to develop the story.

This is certainly good news!  I really like Dame Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess.

Now, they really need to expand the role of Lady Rosemund.(?)  I think she can be made very interesting.  Let's hope they find a suitable husband for Lady Edith this season. 

I love Maggie Smith's wit, charm, and sarcasm!!  The show would not be the same without her.

I am so glad to hear that Maggie Smith won't be leaving the show.  She is of course the Grand Dame of the show.  It will be a welcomed addition too to have Shirley MacLaine, because I think Maggie's character with the attitude about Americans, the Shirley MacLaine acting sort of like Molly Brown, might be an interesting combo.  It most likely will either be Thomas that will be deleted from the show or Carson.  Thomas did say that he spent more than what he had on those black market supplies.  Maybe some loan sharks come after him?  Carson's health has taken a few hits and it looks like it is leading up to a heart condition.  And, Mary just loves Carson like a second dad.  It will be interesting if Mrs. Crawley (Matthew's mother) and Dowager Countess of Grantham will be ganging up on Cora's mother.  Can't wait!!!!