Through sleuthing by Anna Bates and the legal skills of the Crawley barrister, testimony is gotten that proves that the first Mrs. Bates committed suicide. That means that the guilty verdict against former Downton Abbey butler Mr. Bates will be overturned. He will be released from prison in a few weeks.
But will he have his old job back? Matthew had invested his inheritance in Downton Abbey and has already begun to impose modern financial management ways on the country estate. In the coming attractions there is the financial issue raised if the estate can absorb Mr. Bates' salary. If not, then he will have to find another position.
That might not be as hard as it might have been before the roaring 20s. Things are actually changing in England and there are more opportunities available than simply having a job in "service." Mr. Bates might find himself managing a restaurant or country inn. His wife Anna might go with him, although she is deeply attached to the Crawley family, especially Mary.
Comments