Downton Abbey Recap: Did He or Didn't He?

By Misty Harris

Spoiler alert! If you have not seen the entire season or season finale do not read!

It's that time of the year us Downton lovers hate. The season finale. I'm bummed. It went so fast! I'm ready for the new season (Has production started yet? Hurry up already!).

If there's anything that stood out the most was the storyline between Mr. Bates and Anna. The season hit us with a ton of bricks when Anna endured the horrible attack. The aftermath lasted all season and we were left with the burning question of did Bates retaliate or was it indeed an accident that killed Mr. Green? I think it's safe to say we are all "Team Bates" and this issue has been discarded of hopefully not to return in the next season.

But what about Lady Edith's situation? What's to come of that? Throughout the season she appeared to be inspired and encouraged by Branson to take control of her life's path. Will we see the baby in the next season? I have my fingers crossed that we will!

Speaking of Branson. Did you get the feeling that a relationship is on the horizon with the Sarah Bunting? Will she ruin Branson's relationship with his in-laws? I think Thomas would love that. His character was a little on the tamed side this season. Outside of his normal bullying of other servants, Thomas's character, as well as James, took a back seat.

The other storyline that has been "a long time coming" is the match up of Carson and Mrs. Hughes. What's boiling in that pot? We saw them walk away towards the sunlight during the season finally. I suspected something was going to happen in the first episode when Carson met his pal (who tried to blackmail him) at the train station to see him off and Mrs. Hughes offered to accompany him on the walk back home.

The storyline that was well underdeveloped was the relationship between Rose and Jack Ross, the bandleader. Not too much

to say on that. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of them together especially a scene where he breaks their engagement.

Last but not least is the formidable Lady Mary. Hearts are on fire as Lady Mary slowly returns from her mourning period and takes the reigns as business woman, securing a future for Downton. Who will she love next? Who are you pulling for? (No Matthew is not an option, he is really gone.)

As a whole, I think this was the season of men! From the good (Bates), the bad (Mr. Green, the cards swindler, possibly Bates in a good way, Thomas) and the invisible (Where did Michael Gregson go?). The men took the season by storm and left us with a lot of unanswered questions that we will have to wait and wait and wait for. So let the Downton drought begin.

In the meantime, what scenarios are you dreaming of for Season 5? Share your thoughts!