‘Downton Abbey’ Recap: Anna’s Painful Secret Is Finally Revealed

Plus, Mary gets a special visit from another handsome suitor! Has Matthew's replacement arrived at last? Anna (Joanne Froggatt) has worked tirelessly to keep her rape a secret from Bates (Brendan Coyle), but on the Jan. 26 episode of Downton Abbey, her tragic ordeal was brought to light -- and it went just about as badly as she thought it would.

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Reading Time: 2 minute
January 26, 2014 10:00PM EST
Downton Abbey Episode 405
Image Credit: Courtesy of PBS

After weeks of uncomfortable distance from his wife, Bates basically forced Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan) to reveal what really happened to Anna, though she did manage to avoid leaking the who of it all. With most of the truth finally out in the open, Anna agreed to move back into the cottage, and all seemed resolved — until Bates told Mrs. Hughes that “nothing is over, nothing is done with.”

I’m really hoping Bates doesn’t kill Green, but if he does, I’m just hoping he somehow gets away with it. I can’t stand seeing Anna visiting Bates in prison again; not because it was heartbreaking, but because those episodes were mind-numbingly boring!

Mary’s New/Old Man

Mary’s (Michelle Dockery) merry-go-round of suitors also continued this week with the return of Evelyn Napier (Brendan Patricks), who she seemed elated to see back at Downton. This might have had something to do with the fact that Tony (Tom Cullen) decided to go ahead with his engagement to that Fox lady.

Not too much went down between Mary and Evelyn this week, but I’m glad to see he’ll be sticking around for a few more episodes. Mostly, I just think it would be pretty progressive of her to marry someone named Evelyn.

Another Little Crawley On The Way?

Speaking of progressive members of the Crawley family, Edith (Laura Carmichael) is up to something. Not only did she seem pretty disappointed not to receive mail from Michael Gregson this week, but she also paid a sketchy visit to a doctor in London.

I can’t be the only person assuming she’s pregnant, right?

What’s Up With The New Girl?

There’s also some downstairs drama happening between Thomas (Rob James-Collier) and Cora’s (Elizabeth McGovern) new lady’s maid, Baxter. She’s basically his spy, keeping him up to date with all the “changes” happening at the abbey, but I don’t think anything will come of it.

And while we’re on the subject of things not happening, Alfred (Matt Milne) wasn’t selected to work at the Ritz, much to the chagrin of Molesley, who would have taken over his position at Downton.

So… moral of the episode: It still sucks to be Molesley.

HollywoodLifers, do you think Mary should give it a go with Evelyn? Do you think Edith is pregnant? And how much are you dreading Bates’ inevitable re-incarceration? Drop a comment with your thoughts on all things Downton!

— Andy Swift

More ‘Downton Abbey’:

  1. ‘Downton Abbey’ Recap: Mary & Tony’s New Romance Takes Off
  2. ‘Downton Abbey’ Recap: Anna Suffers Horrific Tragedy In Shocking Twist
  3. ‘Downton Abbey’ Recap: Mary & Robert Clash On Season 4 Premiere