As promised, today ITV released the Downton Abbey series 4 trailer which gives us our first detailed look at the highly-anticipated season.

Watch the Downton Abbey series 4 trailer below. The preview heartbreakingly kicks off with Lady Mary in a conversation with Dowager Countess deciding that she should start a life rather than ending hers in the wake of Matthew’s passing. In the rest of the trailer we see endless shots from the forthcoming episodes including glimpses at new characters who may serve as suitors to Lady Mary:

Earlier today, we learned that new episodes will begin airing on September 22.

What do you think of the ‘Downton Abbey’ series 4 trailer?

Despite Matthew’s loss, executive producer insists that the best is still to come for Mary and the show’s story lines. “[His death] clearly will make a huge difference,” he said, “But I can assure you that it’s given the show a whole new impetus. We’ve gone off in a whole new direction and it’s very exciting to see the whole new season come together.” Though Matthew will undoubtedly leave a large car shaped hole, Neame promises that the creative team has “Some great new ideas. The show’s in really good health.”

He added, “The show will feel the same as it’s always felt. But hopefully with great new stories, and a new energy.”

Related: See photos of Lady Mary’s three potential new suitors – which is your favorite?

Downton Abbey series 4 premieres September 22 in the United Kingdom and January 5, 2014 in the United States. Hypable will have full coverage of the season as it airs on ITV and then again as it airs on PBS.