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The Great War is over and a long-awaited engagement is on, but all is not tranquil at Downton Abbey as wrenching social changes, romantic intrigues, and personal crises grip the majestic English country estate for a third thrilling season. With the return of its all-star cast plus guest star Academy Award®-winner Shirley MacLaine, Downton Abbey, Season 3 airs over seven Sundays on PBS beginning in January 2013. Credit: (C) Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE Usage: This image may be used only in the direct promotion of MASTERPIECE CLASSIC. No other rights are granted. All rights are reserved. Editorial use only.

 

If you’d like a quick catch-up on the most memorable scenes from the Emmy Award-winning PBS drama “Downton Abbey,” check out this five-minute video, provided by the network: http://www.pbs.org/about/news/archive/2012/downton-abbey-official-recap/

Season 2 episodes are airing Sundays throughout December, and “Masterpiece Classic Downton Abbey Season 3″ begins at 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6.

Follow me on Twitter: @MelissaHayer

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