> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.cascadepbs.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Episode 4
- URL: https://www.cascadepbs.org/show/downton-abbey/episode/masterpiece-downton-abbey-season-1-ep-4/
- Published: 2026-02-27T08:05:27.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-16T07:31:36.000Z
- Description: The heir crisis takes a turn. Anna unearths Bates' past. O'Brien and Thomas plot exits.
- Author: Cascade PBS Staff
- Tags: Downton Abbey, Season 1, Episode 4, #ZZZ_Episode_cecfc34c-fcbc-48ad-a8da-c28635e2b129, #episode, #ZZZ_Show_0c05d7a2-c812-4b11-9f9f-96873c347fb4, #v1.16

The heir crisis at Downton Abbey takes an unexpected turn. Meanwhile, rumors fly about Mary's virtue. Her sister Sybil takes a risk in her secret political life. Anna unearths Bates' mysterious past and O'Brien and Thomas plot their exit strategy.