'Downton Abbey' season 3: Check out the photos! Oh, the drama! "Downton Abbey" ended season two with a Christmas special that revealed quite a bit. Spoiler alert! Valet Bates was found guilty of the murder of his wife Vera and was sentenced to life in prison; Lady Sybil announced her pregnancy; and Lady Mary ended her engagement to Richard and became Matthew's fiancee. But that was waaaaay back in February. Season three is getting closer, but it's still quite a wait until the January premiere. To tide you over, check out some photos from the upcoming season: Joining the cast for season three will be Shirley MacLaine in the role of Martha Levinson, Lady Cora's mother. The drama will also introduce O'Brien's nephew Alfred, who joins the staff of the estate. "Downtown Abbey" returns to PBS on Jan. 6. Which story line are you most excited for in the new season?