The Downton Abbey cast is back to work, filming the British period drama’s fourth season — but it’s not exactly a cause for celebration. This new batch of on-set photos reveal the Crawley family and its associates gathering to mourn the loss of the fan-favorite character who died in the third season finale.

Unless you’re way behind on Downton Abbey — in which case, I don’t know why you’re reading this — Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens) was killed on the show’s Feb. 17 season finale. After meeting his new baby with wife Mary (Michelle Dockery), the new dad was simply out and enjoying a drive through the English countryside, unaware of the fate that awaited him.

In these photos, we see Matthew’s mom Isobel (Penelope Wilton), the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith), Anna (Joanne Froggatt), Bates (Brendan Coyle), Dr. Clarkson (David Robb) and that drunken fool Molesley (Kevin Doyle).

We also see that no-good Rose (Lily James), who totally looks like she’s laughing. She so would.

Inside Matthew Crawley’s Tragic Death

Fans worldwide were crushed when Matthew died at the end of Downton Abbey‘s third season — though not as crushed as Matthew, since he was literally crushed by the weight of his own car. And as much as the show’s creative team would have loved to keep Matthew alive, that simply wasn’t an option.

“We weren’t really faced with an alternative storyline, because I think audiences would not have accepted Mary and Matthew becoming estranged,” executive producer Gareth Neame explained. “It was too big a journey that the audience had been on with this relationship. The idea that he would go off on the journey and she wouldn’t go with him, or the idea that he would leave her or she would leave him, I think that would have been so disappointing and unbelievable to an audience. The only course open to us was that the character had to die.”

HollywoodLifers, have you come to terms with Matthew’s death? Browse these new photos, then drop a comment with your thoughts on season four.

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Downton Abbey on HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘Downton Abbey’ Casting First Black Character In Season 4 — Report
2. ‘Downton Abbey’: Meet Mary Crawley’s New Man
3. ‘Downton Abbey’ EP Defends Season Finale Death: Why He ‘Had To Die’

Oh, Downton Abbey, how we’ve missed you. The show’s Jan. 6 season premiere brought back the entire Crawley clan — along with a super-sassy Shirley MacLaine as Cora’s mother — for a wedding event full of tears, drama, and of course, bitchy old-world asides from Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess. (“An aristocrat without servants is as useful to the county as a glass hammer.”)

Unfortunately, the splendor of Downton is being threatened in season three, as a serious of bad investments by Robert (Hugh Bonneville) has basically cost everyone their fortunes. This just reinforces what I’ve always believed about Robert: He’s the absolute worst. Edith (Laura Carmichael) clearly inherited all of his genes.

OK, let’s check in with what the rest of the Abbey crew was up to this week…

Matthew & Mary: 

After two long years of ‘courtship,’ it was so rewarding to finally see Matthew (Dan Stevens) and Mary (Michelle Dockery) — who are already related, but we’ll overlook that weirdness — become husband and wife. In fact, their nuptials were one fine Pippa Middleton ass away from outshining the Royal Wedding. The only hiccup with their big day came when Matthew learned he could be inheriting Lavinia’s family’s money — you remember Lavinia, the chick who died from that wicked cold in season two — and he didn’t want to use it to bail Downton out of debt. Mary delivered a powerful speech about being on her family’s side (Emmy please!), but the two eventually made nice. Thank God.

Tom & Sybill: 

My favorite part of the episode for my favorite couple was when Sybill’s former suitor Larry Grey — whose one giant cocky eyebrow rivals any of histories’ most cartoonish villains — slipped a pill into Tom’s drink, causing him to be drunker/sexier than everyone else at the dinner party. After a brief outburst, Edith’s ancient boyfriend called Larry out on it, and everyone lept to Tom’s defense. The Crawleys stick together, and no man can stop them. No matter how enormous and absurd his eyebrow is.

Edith & The One-Armed Man: 

It’s a shame Edith is living out her sad, awkward life in the 1920s, because you know what she really needs? A sassy gay friend, one who would force her to take a step back and analyze her extremely poor life choices. For example, why is she literally throwing herself at Sir Anthony, the 100-year-old man with one good arm? Like, I get that Edith is super-unfortunate in looks and personality, but at least she’s got money and a title. That goes a long way in her weird little world!

Anna & Bates:

Oh, these two. Anna spent much of the premiere visiting Bates — who could totally play Kyle Chandler‘s much-older brother in a movie — in prison after being convicted of killing his wife. (Personally, I think she sucked and killing her should have earned him a medal, but whatever.) Determined to prove his innocence, Anna collected a list of all his acquaintances to try and see if any of them could confirm that Vera was suicidal. Maybe it would help if Anna just went back and watched season two! God, what a dummy.

The Rest Of The Help:

Downton’s downstairs department was surprisingly quiet this week, considering the impending wedding, but we did get to meet one new recruit: O’Brien’s super-ginger nephew Alfred! The mistress of miscarriages finagled a job for her nephew, but Thomas (Rob-James Collier) wasn’t exactly eager to help him graduate to valet — a decision that will haunt him for the rest of the season, mark my words. If there’s one thing you must remember as the season unfolds, it’s that O’Brien is a dirty bitch who mustn’t be trusted. Also remember that Daisy is whiney and terrible… but that shouldn’t be hard to forget.

What did you think of the season premiere? Was Matthew and Mary’s wedding everything you dreamed it would be? Drop me a comment with your review of the episode!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Downton Abbey on HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘Downton Abbey’ Season 3: Five Most Epic Moments To Look Forward To
2. ‘Downton Abbey’ Season 4 Scoop: How Mary Will ‘Move On’ From Matthew
3. ‘Downton Abbey’ Creator Reveals Prequel Plans For Robert & Cora

A lot of things can be said about Downton Abbey‘s third season — premiering Jan. 6 on PBS — but one thing is certain: It’s the most eventful, ambitious and surprising collection of episodes yet. Between the new servants, the new house guests, and the major Crawley family milestones, there will be no shortage of drama during the next seven weeks. HollywoodLife.com got an early look at the entire season, so allow us to brace you for five of the biggest story lines to come.

Mary Marries:

Without a hint of exaggeration, Mary (Michelle Dockery) and Matthew’s (Dan Stevens) wedding is literally the most highly anticipated event in television history, and we finally get the goods on the Jan. 6 season premiere. My only complaint is that the actual wedding is squeezed into the final moments of the episode. Aside from a beautiful Kate Middleton-style carriage ride through the town, you barely get to see the festivities! (At least she looks damn good in white.)

Sybil’s Baby Drama:

When Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay) returns to Downton for Mary’s wedding, she brings two very special guests with her: husband Tom — the hottest guy on the show, and no one can tell me otherwise — and a growing baby bump! And speaking of “bump,” expect a few hiccups when Sybil’s baby finally decides to enter the world this season. (What, did you expect a smooth delivery at Downton?)

Sucks To Be Edith:

We all know Edith (Laura Carmichael) is the most unfortunate human to dwell within Downton’s hallowed walls — she’s pretty much the Meg Griffin of the Crawley family, who exists solely to make everyone else feel better about themselves — but she’ll finally find some happiness in season three.  Good news for the haters, though: Edith’s fleeting moments of joy come with many, many strings attached.

Thomas’ Life Gets Compli-gay-ted:

Remember when Thomas (Rob James-Collier) kissed that guy in season one and then everyone basically forgot he was gay? Well, one person didn’t forget, and that person will use said knowledge of gayness to manipulate him in a pretty significant way this season. And while I won’t name names, I will say the manipulator’s last name rhymes with Mo’Brien. (Good luck solving that puzzle.)

Bates Behind Bars:

I’m not going to lie to you; Bates’ (Brendan Coyle) prison story line is one of my least favorites in season three, but only because it drags on way too long. Fortunately, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and by the end of the season, you’ll be glad you waited through it — especially fans of Bates’ relationship with Anna (Joanne Froggatt). Patience is a virtue, kids.

What are YOU most excited to see when Downton Abbey returns this Sunday? Drop me a comment with your wishes!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Downton Abbey on HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘Downton Abbey’ Season 4 Scoop: How Mary Will ‘Move On’ From Matthew
2. 
   http://hollywoodlife.com/2012/12/27/downton-abbey-matthew-crawley-dies-video-spoilers/
   
3. ‘Downton Abbey’ Season 3 Trailers Reveal New Couples & New Tragedies

The Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) may have finally met her match! During the American Film Institute’s tribute to Shirley MacLaine on June 24, TV Land viewers were treated to a world-premiere clip of Shirley on Downton Abbey‘s third season — she’s playing Cora’s (Elizabeth McGovern) mother from across the pond — and it looks like she’s already sparring with the show’s resident snipster.

“Oh dear, I’m afraid the war has made old women of us both,” Shirley’s character, Martha, says directly to the countess.

(If that’s what Martha is willing to say to the countess’ face, I can only imagine what she’ll be saying behind her back.)

Watch Shirley’s first appearance on Downton below, then drop a comment with your instant reaction:

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Downton Abbey:

1. ‘Downton Abbey’ Star Dan Stevens Is Expecting His Second Child
2. ‘Downton Abbey’ Spoiler: Look Who’s Finally Getting Married
3. ‘Downton Abbey’ Season Finale: Will Mary & Matthew Finally Get Together?

The Feb. 19 season finale of PBS’ Downton Abbey is all about trials, both of the court and of the heart. While Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle) awaits the judge’s ruling over the alleged killing of his bitchy ex-wife, Mary (Michelle Dockery) has her own decision to make: stay with the evil Robert Carlisle (Iain Glen), or dump him for that golden-haired babe Matthew Crowley (Dan Stevens). Oh, and did I forget to mention it’s Christmastime?

There’s also the issue of Mary’s dirty little secret. You know, the one Carlisle is using to keep her engaged to him? Without giving too much away, Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) finally becomes privy to his daughter’s encounter with Mr. Pamuk — and it changes everything.

So much drama! Let’s just hope there’s a generous helping of the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) to lighten the mood.

Check out a one-minute preview of the Downton Abbey season finale below, then tell us what you hope will happen in the comments section below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

— Andy Swift