Mr Selfridge - Series 2

Jeremy Piven aka Mr. Selfridge is back for a ripping Series 2. This time round, he is in for a bit of a tough time. The First World War is looming, patriotic male staff at the department store are keen to sign up for the army, problems and feuds with family, business associates and colleagues are mounting, while sales figures are dwindling. Oh dear!

As the First World War is looming, the overall feeling is that of utter patriotism, meaning that German goods in Selfridges swiftly need to be replaced. In fact, at one point there is even an outcry to ‘replace’ storeowner and yank Harry Selfridge! Enter the vile, arrogant and weasley Lord Loxley (Aidan McArdle), who persuades his long suffering wife, Lady Mae (Katherine Kelly), to get Harry Selfridge to purchase certain British goods but which ultimately will leave Harry in a compromising position, and Lady Mae in a pickle!

Meanwhile, Miss Mardle (Amanda Abbington) grows increasingly confused over her feelings for the much younger Florian – not helped by sarcastic remarks by one of the staff members. Then, scheming ‘head of fashion’ Mr. Thackeray (Cal MacAninch) grows increasingly jealous over the fact that ‘head of display’ Agnes Towler (Aisling Loftus) has been given carte blanche in all matters, well, store display! As if petty troubles with Mr. Thackery weren’t enough, Agnes further needs to deal with matters of the heart: she is engaged to marry Victor Colleano (Trystan Gravelle), yet is in denial about still having strong feelings for ‘former head of display’ Henri Leclair… How will it end for those three in Series 2? On an upbeat note, brash and bold ‘head of cosmetics’ Kitty Hawkins (Amy Beth Hayes) finally gives in to the advances of journalist Frank Edwards (Samuel West).

Mr. Grove (Tom Goodman-Hill), who battles his own demons, is given the brush-off by Harry for constantly being untidy and late, while a diplomatic Mr. Crabb (Ron Cook) has his hands full to hold staff and store together to the best of his abilities. As it turns out, that is a wise move indeed… as Harry gets involved in a huge scandal after it transpires that he has been lured to enemy country Germany on a secret mission. Meanwhile, Harry’s son Gordon (Greg Austin), preferring training at the store to studying at university, finds himself at loggerheads with mother Rose (Frances O’Connor).

However, it’s unexpected sad news from Rose (only hinted at, but obvious nonetheless) which will leave the entire Selfridge family shocked and devastated… which makes for the Series 2 cliffhanger!