‘Downton Abbey’ season 4, episode 7 review (PBS): Did Bates kill Mr. Green?
Every week when we review the American airing of “Downton Abbey,” we take a little bit of a different approach than we did when watching this show when it aired in the United Kingdom. Rather than go through the entire episode again piece by piece, we are instead going to look at a singular event that transpires within it.
In case you want to read our full review of the British airing, be sure to click here. Now, we are going to talk a little bit about that big story for Anna and Bates that unfolded here. Ultimately, it was as crazy as crazy could be in many ways: We learned that Mr. Green was dead, and it just so happened to be after Bates took a little time off to do a little bit of traveling.
Sure, Bates gave some conflicting information as to where he was going to be during his little journey, but were there witnesses? The thing is, we know he has this level of darkness within him, and he had basically figured out that Green was the man responsible for raping his wife. Still, this is a game-changing moment for the series, since it seems to free Anna of that crisis that she found herself in for the majority of the season.
This just so happens to also be another interesting ethical debate for the show in a way: Was the murder justified, and did Green get what was coming to him for his crime? Reaction was divided in the UK after this aired, and we can only imagine that it will also be here.
Originally, we gave this entire episode an A-, and that is something that we will stick with. It is a stellar hour in terms of writing, and while this was not the most substantial season ever plot-wise, it at least brought a lot to the table.
What did you think of tonight’s episode, and the way that the show handled everything when it comes to Anna and Bates? Share some of your thoughts below, and also be sure to visit the link here if want to read some more news related to the show. Also if you want to get some more TV updates coming straight to your email every Sunday then be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
Photo: PBS
OddOne
February 24, 2014 @ 1:35 am
It was cardsharp guy!
dinos
February 24, 2014 @ 1:49 am
2/23/14 7:42p Downton
OddOne: I believe Card Sharp Guy/Terrance Sampson, was the culprit not in Green’s demise but in the disappearance of Michael Gregson, who had beaten Green at his own game of Poker.
Dion flowerboy
February 21, 2014 @ 7:22 pm
1)Bates was on his way to confront Green and witnessed him getting struck or the aftermath of it.
2)Bates pushed him and he happened to fall into the line of the lorry.
3)Totally random accident. Bates wasn’t there. The writer likes to keep things murky with Bates’ character.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the incident is never truly resolved. That way there’ s always doubt about him. Even Anna will never truly know.
Accidents happen and karma is a bitch.
Team Bateses
Bruce
February 20, 2014 @ 8:36 pm
I suspect that Bates was off putting a down payment on that little hotel he promised Anna. They can now escape from all the unhappiness the abbey continues to bring.
stoh
February 20, 2014 @ 5:24 pm
This is the perfect place for a suprise plot twist; Bates went to London to confront Green but standing in the crowd he saw Green slip off the curb and get run over by the Bus or Truck. Doen’s that sound like a great twist?
Laster
February 18, 2014 @ 7:25 pm
Bates did not kill Green. Green is a rapist and this isn’t the first assault, he is arrogant for a reason; multiple assaults without consequence–ego. One of the earlier victims has an advocate with a mission.
Northstar
February 17, 2014 @ 10:01 pm
Bates indeed made friends or a friend in prison. It could be entirely coincidental with the timing too. But Green is a violent man, given the way he attacked Anna. He probably made other enemies. I don’t see Bates’ fingerprints on this.
dinos
February 17, 2014 @ 11:15 pm
2/17/14 4:56p Downton
Northstar: As I said in my earlier post, there is a long Queue of suspects that was tired of Green and his bragging about what he did during the concert. Mrs. Hughes is tough, but I expected her to tear Green apart until there was nothing left of him. A surprise from Tony Gillingham, he did not like Green, but how can he have a Valet, that is so personal and not approve of him? What did Green show to Gillingham that made him dislike him but WE see why he was such a maggot. What did Gillingham witness?
dinos
February 17, 2014 @ 5:37 am
2/16/14 11:31p Downton
Green was a foul character and I wouldn’t be surprised if there is big line of suspects that “Done him in…”
Elgin982
February 17, 2014 @ 5:22 am
Mr. Bates has been a sympathetic character from the outset and everyone loves Anna. But Bates isn’t foolish despite his enduring love for Anna. If he indeed has killed Mr. Green as many suspect, then I have little mercy for the character and the writer is a sadist. I may not watch anymore.
Awesome
February 17, 2014 @ 11:36 pm
You must be joking. You won’t watch the show anymore if Mr Bates killed his wife’s rapist? I don’t suppose you’ve ever imagined a loved one becoming a victim of a violent sex crime? I think a merciful murder was too good for Mr Green.
Elgin982
February 18, 2014 @ 1:04 am
Of course Green deserved death. That wasn’t my objection. Try comprehensive reading or just stifle yourself. The writer has asked the viewer to endure an overused theme with Bates as the innocent lifer in prison once too often. It’s much like the comments by the Brits who reacted after this episode. Only the dim-witted Americans would accept this kind of malpractice of fictional writing.
Vin
February 17, 2014 @ 5:17 am
I think Mary arranged the “accident”..
JudithDear
February 17, 2014 @ 4:38 am
Bates made some friends in prison; perhaps one of them killed Green.
Janine Saxon
February 17, 2014 @ 3:21 am
I think indeed Mr. Bates killed Green. I think he probably also was responsible for his ex-wifes murder. I believe we will see that his darker side is equal to his loving sweet side. He may even try to harm dear Anna, leaving her in a state of despair, which she plays very well. I see a very suspenseful season ending cliffhanger involving these two ?