American born tycoon Mr. Harry Gordon Selfridge (played by Jeremy Piven) brings his retail store to England. The flashy man expects that he’ll have as much success on that side of the Atlantic as he has had in America. His stores have been known to jump on board any popular new trend and showcase it. Working this hard has had a negative effect on Mr. Selfridge’s personal life and in this season he is going to work hard to make it up to his family.

Season number one happened in 1908 and we have jumped forward to 1914. As you know at that time the world was on the brink of World War I and Londoners want a little decadence before the horror they know is coming.

As with many period pieces coming out of England this one features great writing, strong acting and fantastic wardrobe.

Episode 1: It is 1914 and the store is celebrating its fifth anniversary. Harry is thrilled when his wife Rose (played by Frances O’Connor) returns from Chicago to celebrate their wedding anniversary even though everything is not exactly smooth sailing between the two.

Episode 2: Despite some interference from Thackeray (played by Cal Macaninch) Agnes (played by Aisling Loftus) manages to do wonders with the Empire Celebration. War is on the horizon and Americans begin leaving England for the United States.

Episode 3: Henri (played by Grégory Fitoussi) is back and Harry offers him a job back at Selfridges. England declares war on Germany.

Episode 4: Selfridges has to do without many of its male staff as they have enlisted and are fighting in the war. Harry keeps trying to help with the war effort.

Episode 5: Miss Mardle (played by Amanda Abbington) takes in a Belgian refugee named Florian Dupont (played by Oliver Farnworth). Victor (played by Trystan Gravelle) asks Agnes out.

Episode 6: The war is ongoing and Selfridges takes German products off its shelves. Bill Summertime (played by Jay Villiers), a man who works for British Intelligence, asks Harry if he will visit Germany as a spy. During an argument Thackeray accuses Henri of being a spy causing the Belgian to be arrested.

Episode 7: Henri is arrested and tells Agnes that he only went to Germany to search out his former lover Valerie. Rose worries when she cannot get in touch with Harry then finds out he is in Germany on a spy mission.

Episode 8: Harry returns from Germany with some news for Summertime. Journalist Frank Edwards (played by Samuel West) has written a story for the newspaper accusing Harry of betrayal.

Episode 9: Sales at Selfridges is affected by the false newspaper story. Knowing he was wrong Edwards resigns from the paper.

Episode 10: Josie tells Florian that she thinks she is too old for him and he is crushed. Agnes and Victor give Harry their notice as they are going to open a restaurant together.