1. Bates, Are You A Murderer?
This has been a key issue since the long ago days of Series 2, though in Series 3 it appeared resolved with the testimony that resulted in Bates being freed. Of course, this is unlikely to be the conclusion of an issue that is Bates' main storyline. After all, his appearances in the show largely focus on his relationship with his wife Anna and the possibility of him being a murderer did add a little spice to his role in the show. It is likely that this reoccurring storyline will be further discussed within this coming series, hopefully in a way that finally provides the closure that fans have been waiting for. Vera Bates wasn't a character that was loved but to know who killed her feels essential, especially after Bates and Anna suffered so much due to the whole affair. The issue of whether Bates did or did not kill his wife could fill an entire article on its own but instead lets consider the ramifications if he did: the scandal that would result at Downton, the effect on his poor new wife - and the fact he would be back to prison quickly. After the horrific events of Episode 3, this plotline has gained even more significance. One of the reasons that Anna feels obliged to remain silent about her ordeal is out of worry for what it will cause her husband to do as he is a "convicted felon" and will certainly hang if he is found guilty of murder once more. This has added a horrific layer of tension to the downstairs and certainly nullifies any comments that could be made about the life of those downstairs being much less desolate than that of the upstairs family lately. We can only hope that Anna does not fall pregnant and is not left with a constant physical reminder of her attack, as I am starting to suspect might be the case. While there is the initial issue of the effect that the brutal attack on Anna will have on her relationship with Mr. Bates, there is also the issue of what he will do. What will his actions show about him? I can only hope that there isn't more sorrow or horror on the way for Anna. If she found out now that Bates really did kill his wife it would break her I think, due to the physical nature of what has been done to her. Well, that's what I think - please let me know any comments you have!