"Shock and disgust? My, my. I think I need to hear it now." That is such a grandma way of adding a bit of levity and comfort to a heavy conversation. Gotta love Mrs. Hughes.
Poor Thomas. When he says " I'm afraid it will shock and disgust you" he sounds like a little boy confessing he did something terrible. It makes you see how vulnerable he is and how tortured he feels.
@supernumery You do realise that it's normal for people to empathize with characters from TV shows and that this does not mean that they actually believe them to be real, right?
The relationship between Thomas and Mrs. Hughes is underrated. It's extremely difficult for him to trust anyone, so it says a lot about her that he chooses to confide in her about himself and risk rejection. When he gets acceptance instead, it seals her status as the closest thing to a mother that he has.
I think Thomas is the most well written character in the show. You hate him, you love him, feel sorry, despise him at the same time. Also the actor is very talented and good looking.
I felt bad for the actor when he said in an interview that he has had trouble getting roles because producers only think of him for gay roles. Guess his acting was too good! I always assumed he was in real life, his acting was so convincing.
also mrs Hughes is I belive a very intuitive and observant woman she can read that Thomas is very strict to himself in some personal matters and don't belive he committed any real crimes so she try and console Thomas. What a wonderful lady.
Bates and Thomas honestly have the most interesting relationship on this show. They both have some really dark sides to them while also being capable of great compassion. So similar and completely opposite at the same time. Neither would bat an eye at the other being tossed out but neither would see the other ruined. I love watching them play off each other.
Except that Thomas has tried many times to ruin Bates. I’m no fan of Bates but he’s really not the same as Thomas. I get that the latter has suffered because of his homosexuality but it’s really odd to me how so many people paper over his viciousness
The panic in O'Briens voice combined with the look on her face and the fear in her eyes when she's speaking to Jimmy is just genius. Siobhan Finneran is one fantastic actor.
@@kylaarmstrong-benjamin8066 she placed a bar of soap on the floor where Lady Cora would be sure to slip and fall. That’s how Cora lost the baby and it was a boy.
@kylaarmstrong-benjamin8066 she forced Lady Crawley to have a miss misscarige. She left a bad of soap under the bath tup so she would slip and fall on her belly.
Anna: “I don’t know why you’re doing this. You don’t even like Thomas.” Mr. Bates: “Because I know what it is to feel powerless. To see a life slide away, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.” Anna (smiling): “Quite the orator. Have you thought about standing for Parliament?” I love Mr. Bates. He is such a good man. Even kind to someone who wasn’t kind to him.
I once read a great fanfic which said that after seeing how much Thomas has truly changed and how good he is with the children, the Bateses make him their baby's godfather.
OMG me too I still love the way it ended such pride he showed knowing mr carson was giving him his support ..I can hardly wait to see the movie !!! AHHH !! LOLOL
When Bates whispered to O'Brien's ear "your ladyship's soap" it was checkmate. We didn't know until a little bit later in the episode what was said, but I was wondering what gave her the look of horror and made her cave so quickly. That would do it. Thomas gave Bates quite the weapon.
I have huge admiration for how the Miss O'Brien actress plays her character. She's so spot on, so subtle and yet you can always tell how she's feeling. Her looking terrified when Bates whispered those words to her, and then when she was speaking to Jimmy -- she was utterly petrified! I actually believe that that terror (and the deep guilt that she still felt) are what motivated her to leave Downton as soon as she got an opportunity at a different job.
@@eb4676 there's an episode in season 1 that would allow it to make sense to you. Let's just say that Cora was pregnant one day and lost the baby. O'Brien was a big part of why that happened.
The moment when Bates took up for Thomas, I was even more impressed with his strength of character than before and that is saying quite a lot considering I already held him in high esteem.
@@davidthaler7018 Downton Abbey was nominated for lots of Emmys. Maggie Smith even won a couple. If a British show has US distribution, which Downton Abbey did on PBS, then it is eligible for Emmy nominations. I probably should also say: Where is Rob James-Collier's BAFTA!
I love the way Mrs. Hughes treats Thomas when she hears of his misfortune almost like a mother.. even Mr. Carson come to think of it.. though he can't except it being a rigid man he sympathsis with Thomas's situation and tries his best to understand him ..
@@jackwilliamthorne8377 I’m pretty sure the “misfortune” is being found out and losing your job because of who you are. As Mrs. Hughes says, everyone knew already.
I swear, this show has the most interesting approach to a homosexual man in this time period I have ever seen. It seems that all other media set in this time period has all the characters turning against them, but in this one, everyone seems not to understand it, but to accept it. They recognize he's the same person they all grew to care for, they just now realize that he has "a mental condition," which is also true for the times. They even defend him in ways realistic to the time period. No one ever specifically says "It's okay to love other men," but they do say things like, "That is just the way you were born. You can't change that, and this is not your fault." All of this is perfectly realistic to the time period, but also breaks from the stereotype of "shun, shun, shun."
There were more homosexual men and women living their lives with 'companions' and 'bachelor friends' than we ever see....not saying it was embraced or anything, but people knew, and more than the media lets on, some just didn't care. (See also - 'Gentleman Jack', or Anne Lister who is credited with being half of the first [unofficial] married lesbian couple in the UK.)
The BBC drama Man in the Orange Shirt (part 1) is very similar and excellent. It is on UT in various small clips, but with autoplayer on you get the whole drama.
TabaquiJackal906 A lot of places had their own virtual version of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. As long as people were quiet about it, everyone just nonverbally agreed they wouldn’t say anything.
I suspect it wasn't unusual for some people agreeing to marry someone that they knew full well was gay but at a time when love wasn't really the reason for marriage it had to be done. It's known that certain aristocratic women overlooked the fact that their husbands had male lovers but as long as they had sex with their marital partner to at least have children then your main duty as a wife was kind of done after getting pregnant. I'm not so sure if a husband would have tolerated his wife having lesbian lovers though. Historians strongly suspect some famous lesbians in the past but apparently it's far more difficult to verify a gay woman in historical research than a gay man. You never see lesbians in period dramas like Downton Abbey either and I guess that's just because people aren't really sure how society treated lesbians compared to homosexuals.
Thomas Barrow was a character living in the wrong time. Rob Collier really captured the essence of this complex character. An outstanding acting job on his part and on the rest of the cast.
"It's being nice that got me into trouble" 😭💔 That line broke my heart to pieces. Thomas can never be allowed to be himself with someone he loves...but I really hope the movie will remedy to that! #GiveThomasBarrowABoyfriend 😊🙏
This is about the time my hatred for Thomas did a 180 and I was suddenly desperately protective of him and so afraid he was about to exit the show. He ended up being one of my favourite characters
Bates is often the hero and is a very good man, but sometimes you can see the darkness within him and it's intense. His prison scenes, him with Vera, and his threat to O'Brian. I wouldn't want him angry with me.
@Jamila Malluf Thomas is a complicated character, he maybe kind of evil and rude but he's also a darling, just watch him with the kids, with Sybil, the ill soldier that took his own life, Baxter later on or Andy. Nothing is black or white, him seeming to be completely "black" does not in any way that he is. I would love to have him as friend...
@Jamila Malluf The world isn't black or white, there are a lot of grey shades. And there is always a way to save something ruined, it may take a lot of time and energy but save everything. Thomas never did anything extremely horrible (don't mention that sweet little baby, O'Brien killed it, Thomas only kept the secret. And what should he have done with that info, get O'Brien into prison? That would have been so unnecessary. It's not that I don't think she did something horrible, I just don't want anybody to go to prison, there are other ways to punish people.). He made mistakes, maybe a lot of them but he learned from them in the end. There is no way you are going to tell me that he was evil in the end, cause he wasn't. He was a man struggling with who was in a world where he wasn't allowed to be himself. He never had love in his life, it's not weird that he doesn't know how to behave kindly, cause almost nobody was kind to him. Don't blame him for being the person the world made him be. It's not his fucking fault!
What made Downton Abbey exceptional was the development of each character. There's no black nor white, it's grey. Thomas Barrow was the kind of character that we hated first then later we empathized with him because who he was. He's just a survivor. Downton Abbey wouldn't be spicy without him. He's a part of that big family.
I think Thomas is my favorite character. I always felt sorry for him even when I didn’t like him very much. But he is a wonderful actor. I’ve seen him on some other shows and he is so funny and down to earth. ☺️
I've never entirely liked Thomas, but he's always been fascinating even during his villainous times. The characters who I wouldn't call gray are Anna, Mrs. Hughes, Mr. Moseley, Miss Baxter, Lady Sybil, and Lavinia Swire (I may have forgotten a few), but even they are well developed and interesting.
@@rowanaforrest9792 I agree. Some characters on the show (especially Thomas) are grey, those whom you mentioned (plus Matthew) are angels, and O'Brien is pure evil. Yet they all are developed very well and they all feel like real people. Every sort of person you could possibly meet in your life - personality-wise - lives somewhere in Downton.
@@12classics39 I knew I forgot a non-grey character: Matthew! I'll also add Lord Merton, Bertie Pelham, and Mr. Bates, because although Mr. Bates certainly has his dangerous side, he is always moral. I don't think Miss O'Brien was entirely evil, though she was as grey as Thomas. I say this because O'Brien changed her mind about the soap trick against Cora and tried to undo it but was moments too late, and she never stopped feeling deeply guilty for Cora's miscarriage. (I think that guilt was what finally drove her to run away to India when opportunity arose.) O'Brien also did some other things for honestly the right reason. She's another character who, though mostly a villain, was always fascinating thanks to the actress and the writer. You are right that every sort of person you could ever meet is represented in the Downton Abbey series. :)
Barrows being so vulnerable and stuttering makes him sound like a kid who just never was able to feel comfortable in his own adult body. I know he wasn’t always a good person, hell, I’d say most of the time he *wasn’t* a good person, but there’s a bit of a reason to it. Does it forgive him for some of the worse things he’s done, of course not, but the man is just a boy who was always told he was disgusting and had no other outlet to take out that anger.
David Thaler except for Thomas which he did pass judgement and that was out of ignorance , I don’t recall another time The house had rules and standards and he made sure they were kept.
I've never watched Downton Abbey. Yes, I live under a rock. This video has made me want to watch the entire series. This is brilliant writing and acting.
Thomas was the reason I watched DA...always wondered what his life was like in all aspects...How difficult it must have been...he deserved to find joy and love...
God bless Mrs. Hughes. She was certainly a force to be reckoned with but also one of the most compassionate characters in the series. And Thomas definitely grew on me. After O’Brien left the audience saw a different side to him. He was just a broken man trying to find his way in a judgmental world.
Thomas's character is another one who I distained in the beginning but his evolution transformed him into a beautiful man. The actor portraying him is brilliant. I felt emotional and protective toward him as I saw glimpses of his characters evolving humanity and change of heart. I didn't like it when he was trying to be a better man and people weren't extending the olive branch more easily.
@Jamila Malluf lol 😂...you gotta be able to see things deeper and yes I'm fully aware it's a show but even in shows u can see how the director and writers are leading the character to a new development in there humanity. Take care
The only reason I think the olive branch wasn’t easily accepted was because he was doing and saying mean things to people downstairs for years!!!! Ms Baxter was one example of his shortcomings!!! his complexity of a character is amazing
This plot also showed how O'Brien and Thomas used to be. She told him about her ladyship's soap. And yet he doesn't say her secret, during the cricket game Bates says to Anna that Thomas just said that but he didn't explain.
He also said jimmy wasn t to blame at all . Everyone realized jimmy had flirted ( because o brien) . And he did not say he was teaching andy to read. Funnily he only uses secrets you DONT want him to know . But if you told him your secrets it is usually safe
Ah, but Miss O'Brien didn't tell Thomas that her trick with the soap caused Cora to fall and miscarry (which, in fairness, she was going to stop except Cora got out of the bath on her own before O'Brien could retrieve the soap bar). I remember how marvelously the actress portrayed OBrien's extreme guilt and remorse about that. Thomas didn't know the significance of "her ladyship's soap," only that O'Brien felt badly about it. Maybe he assumed she'd been stealing the soap and Cora had been very upset. I don't think even Thomas could have kept a secret that enormous.
@@marionarda2790 I think the reason Thomas didn't explain that he was teaching Andy to read was because that was Andy's secret. Andy was ashamed of being illiterate, so Thomas wasn't going to embarrass him. Thomas was always very kind to Andy, with no ulterior motive whatsoever (very unusual for Thomas).
@@rowanaforrest9792 I agree, he has a soft spot for Andy but I think that there's also the vexation to not be trusted by his coworkers after all these years, as he says to Carson. They assume that he's putting Andy into trouble and he'd like them to trust him without telling Andy's secret that everyone would have accepted but it's a matter of pride. Carson is very rude to him during this subplot which triggers his fall into depression and su*cide attempt.
The interesting thing about Thomas is that even after Miss O'Brien had his secret all over the place, he didn't even tell Bates what she did. Her ladyship's soap. That's all he told him.
Rob James-Collier acting is pretty good here, note how hurt he is by Bates agreement that he'll be glad when he's gone, it's subtle but that's why it's good 3:56
@@Martindyna Since the first episode Thomas wanted to be a valet instead of footman. At some point Carson noticed wine missing but had no idea who the thief was. When the position of valet became vacant, Thomas was not happy about an old friend of Lord Grantham who can't even walk without a stick getting the job and O'Brien and him plotted against him. Bates found out that Thomas is the thief, so Thomas and O'Brien went to Carson and told him that it was Bates.
I can't stop watching these scenes. This is why Thomas is my favorite. I remember how much of a nightmare I was when I realized I was gay. I can't even image if it was 1912 instead of 2012....
Oh, sorry, I think both Mrs Hughes and Mr Carson , even if very well outlined are a bit un realistic as characters ! They cannot always be so perfectly wise ! Both actors are exceptionally good, of course, but as a character I think Mrs. Patmore more believable ! Very good actress, too ! Sorry, in Italy the film is not programmed anywhere ! Sob !
When Thomas says "I'll be gone soon. You'll be glad of that" to Bates, that bit of information hits differently when you know what takes place afterwards. Bates had no idea that Thomas had been pushed that far into a corner. "Perhaps you should try being nicer." "It's being nice that got me into trouble." I know he was referring to how the house reacted when he tried to teach Jimmy how to read (thinking he was trying to make a pass at the lad; Thomas liked him, but I'm going off point here). The household weren't in the wrong to expect something bad from Thomas (the servants knew that he was still a bitter, mean-spirited man at that juncture) and it's hard to dispel an opinion about a person when said person constantly reinforces that truth. I think people who have been maltreated and thus, develop a fear of being harmed learn to naturally sharpen their claws if they want to survive.That being said, I'm glad that Thomas was able to start healing towards the end. When George offers him that orange in bed, we really see the real him and it is beautiful.
Thomas was such an interesting character because sometimes he was SO easy to hate, but then a few scenes later he could make you really sympathize with him and want him to be happy. There is no excuse for some of the horrible things he said and did throughout the series, but it is obvious that he had a hard life and always had to hide who he was. He even states several times that there are few people who had ever shown him kindness. It's no wonder he was so terrible at times. Thomas is one of my all-time favorite characters on Downton Abbey.
@Amber I got the feeling that Rose's mother never wanted to have her; that Rose, somehow, by her mere existence seemed like a threat to Susan (Rose's mother). She (Susan) hated her husband too (because of his financial failings, as well as possibly, other reasons.
Oui mais vers la fin au procès quand elle témoigne elle essaye maladroitement de le défendre et se sent triste pour Anna, concernant l histoire du savon à cause d un quiproquo elle croit que cora veut la virer mais quand elle apprend la vérité elle est horrifiée de ce qu elle a fait, ce n est pas une mauvaise personne au fond mais juste quelqu un qui veut s imposer
As sad as it is, if they’re going to keep the movie authentic to the time, it would be very hard for Thomas to have a proper relationship. Living in that era, the best he would be able to hope for would be to find someone he could occasionally see in secret, all the while fearing being caught.
Look up Montague Glover and Ralph Hall. Two gay men who lived together in a peaceful relationship throughout the 30s (and Glover himself had many lovers during the 10s and 20s, without ever fearing too much about it). Hall (a RAF airman at the time) even wrote love letters that were clearly gay to Glover, and the army censor of the time never said anything about it
I felt so sorry for Thomas, for as much bad he did with his plotting. He was really alone as O’Brian turned in him. Thanks to Bates and Mrs. Hughes who managed to help him out of it. Tbh I am surprised Thomas didn’t become a professional cricket player.
You should I love this show in the beginning when I first saw it on PBS I want to share I would like it but the more I watched it where I got into it and I bought the whole series on DVD needless to say I don't have them not by my own choice but I re-bought all seasons here on UA-cam! I am gay and I think that Thomas character is done right mean guy! But I just absolutely love Lady Mary! OK Google need serious operation because it's putting in words I didn't say and words I did say it's not puttin them in!
Mrs Hughes stood up for him.I may not have liked everything he did,but what's fair is fair.He was being led on.He didn't know Jimmy didn't like him that way.But John Bates saved him nicely.
Poor Thomas....living under the awful, exhausting, horrifying weight of his 'secret', always on edge, never truly able to be himself, always afraid..... I think he became a better person after O'Brian left, in small ways (he was so lovely with the children, and *that* breaks your heart, too, because in that time, he'd never be able to have a family or a child.....), and then in large. I want as happy an ending as is possible for him. Love him so much!
I really enjoyed Tom Barrow’s character on Downton Abbey! As a gay man I could relate to him! I really hope they find a way to bring him back to the show if they make another movie 🎥
One of the best series I saw, they handled with great class issues that at the time it was unthinkable to tolerate their exposure, it is a pity that they have removed it from Netflix ......
"Then give me the weapon, and I'll do the work." is it just me or is that line kinda romantic LOL. if only it was someone other than Bates that said it
When he saw the look on O’Brien’s face, like the cat who ate the canary, he knew she had something to do with it and even though he’s not a fan of Thomas, knew it was unfair.
Only those who desire redemption deserve it… Thomas was a pretty terrible guy in the beginning. But, he learned some lessons and began to trust & care. Change is always a long, hard journey…
It’s really horrific that in this time period a man loving another man would’ve been punished. O’Brian caused Cora’s miscarriage and the one they’re talking about locking up is Thomas…
To face the possibility of execution just because of who you are. Yes, Thomas had many bad qualities, but Mrs Hughes could see past all that to see he was just a human being, nothing less. And to be honest she seemed to have that 'mother' view of most of the staff. O'Brien on the other hand was the real monster.
"Shock and disgust? My, my. I think I need to hear it now." That is such a grandma way of adding a bit of levity and comfort to a heavy conversation. Gotta love Mrs. Hughes.
Poor Thomas. When he says " I'm afraid it will shock and disgust you" he sounds like a little boy confessing he did something terrible. It makes you see how vulnerable he is and how tortured he feels.
I know. It makes me sad everytime.
@supernumery You do realise that it's normal for people to empathize with characters from TV shows and that this does not mean that they actually believe them to be real, right?
poppybell87 That scene broke my heart! I just wanted to give him a hug 😭❤️
Jamila Malluf you suck at character analysis
Jamila Malluf ...and speaking of rage...
The relationship between Thomas and Mrs. Hughes is underrated. It's extremely difficult for him to trust anyone, so it says a lot about her that he chooses to confide in her about himself and risk rejection. When he gets acceptance instead, it seals her status as the closest thing to a mother that he has.
I think Thomas is the most well written character in the show. You hate him, you love him, feel sorry, despise him at the same time. Also the actor is very talented and good looking.
Hear, hear!
I felt bad for the actor when he said in an interview that he has had trouble getting roles because producers only think of him for gay roles. Guess his acting was too good! I always assumed he was in real life, his acting was so convincing.
"Shock and disgust? My! My! I think I think I have to hear it now." Haha. It's lines like that that made DA a joy to watch.
Read this in a Scottish accent.
also mrs Hughes is I belive a very intuitive and observant woman she can read that Thomas is very strict to himself in some personal matters and don't belive he committed any real crimes so she try and console Thomas. What a wonderful lady.
Mrs Hughes was always a treasure. Her cancer scare had my heart in my throat
Bates and Thomas honestly have the most interesting relationship on this show. They both have some really dark sides to them while also being capable of great compassion. So similar and completely opposite at the same time. Neither would bat an eye at the other being tossed out but neither would see the other ruined. I love watching them play off each other.
Well said! They are actually not so different underneath
I love this comment so much. Spot on.
Beautifully put.
I don't know, Thomas would see Bates ruined XDD
Except that Thomas has tried many times to ruin Bates. I’m no fan of Bates but he’s really not the same as Thomas. I get that the latter has suffered because of his homosexuality but it’s really odd to me how so many people paper over his viciousness
And for me, Mrs Hughes was the fairy godmother of Downton Abbey.
Yes, she was.
Amen
A fairy godmother who's not afraid to tell the younguns to get their shit together. She's in my top three favorites of all the characters.
Great take! Without her, everyone's world would come crashing down
Yes, but was there any way she could have cut Ethel some slack? I guess not.
The panic in O'Briens voice combined with the look on her face and the fear in her eyes when she's speaking to Jimmy is just genius. Siobhan Finneran is one fantastic actor.
Love her, HAPPY VALLEY!!!!!! It’s a wonderful show and she completely shines
Siobhan gives the name O’Brien a nasty taste. 😂😂😂
What was her secret?
@@kylaarmstrong-benjamin8066 she placed a bar of soap on the floor where Lady Cora would be sure to slip and fall. That’s how Cora lost the baby and it was a boy.
@kylaarmstrong-benjamin8066 she forced Lady Crawley to have a miss misscarige. She left a bad of soap under the bath tup so she would slip and fall on her belly.
Mrs Hughes has earned my eternal respect after this. Even today, not many people would stand up for him like that.
she's the best! 😊
Anna: “I don’t know why you’re doing this. You don’t even like Thomas.”
Mr. Bates: “Because I know what it is to feel powerless. To see a life slide away, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.”
Anna (smiling): “Quite the orator. Have you thought about standing for Parliament?”
I love Mr. Bates. He is such a good man. Even kind to someone who wasn’t kind to him.
Now that would be an amazing spin-off! Bates runs for parliament.
I think he might have been one of the earliest to spot that Thomas was changing.
I once read a great fanfic which said that after seeing how much Thomas has truly changed and how good he is with the children, the Bateses make him their baby's godfather.
He's just the right sort of person who should be in parliament!
Honor, integrity and does the right thing, because it's just the right thing to do!
"Shock and disgust? My my! I think I have to hear it now!" Ughhh Mrs. Hughes is such a wonderful, progressive, nurturing character!
9
ALways liked how Mr. Bates could be one of the nicest and kidnest people, but when he needs to be he can be one of toughest people in the room.
it breaks my heart, to see Barrow crying alone in the yard. i wish i could just go and hug him and tell him, you'll be alright
...in 80 years or so.
I like to think Mrs Hughes did something like that
Thomas & Edith were two of the most _tortured_ souls at the Abbey; It was very heartwarming to see them both get a _happy ending_ .
Anna too
Thomas is so beautiful. 😍 Once he stopped being a jerk, he became one of my favorite characters. I hope he gets a happy ending in the movie.
Every time he redeemed himself he started being a jerk again when it came back to his character
I'm sure he'll get a happy ending alright...
OMG me too I still love the way it ended such pride he showed knowing mr carson was giving him his support ..I can hardly wait to see the movie !!! AHHH !! LOLOL
spoiler he did
Id be thrilled to give Thomas a happy ending
I loved Hughes approach to this. She was open and understanding to the point of asking Thomas for a kiss when he departed. Bless that woman.
“i’m surprised to find that you’re a fan of mr. oscar wilde” Sis Went Off
When Bates whispered to O'Brien's ear "your ladyship's soap" it was checkmate. We didn't know until a little bit later in the episode what was said, but I was wondering what gave her the look of horror and made her cave so quickly. That would do it. Thomas gave Bates quite the weapon.
Too bad that Thomas was so ungrateful to Bates even after this.
I have huge admiration for how the Miss O'Brien actress plays her character. She's so spot on, so subtle and yet you can always tell how she's feeling. Her looking terrified when Bates whispered those words to her, and then when she was speaking to Jimmy -- she was utterly petrified! I actually believe that that terror (and the deep guilt that she still felt) are what motivated her to leave Downton as soon as she got an opportunity at a different job.
What does that even mean ?
@@eb4676 there's an episode in season 1 that would allow it to make sense to you. Let's just say that Cora was pregnant one day and lost the baby. O'Brien was a big part of why that happened.
Honestly I wish Anna and Bates had figured out what “her ladyship’s soap” meant and told Cora so O’Brien would’ve gotten the sacking she deserved.
The moment when Bates took up for Thomas, I was even more impressed with his strength of character than before and that is saying quite a lot considering I already held him in high esteem.
I love how Thomas always steps out of shadows. It makes him look so cool. Also, where's Rob James Collier's Emmy?
Reminds me of Shelby and Eugene Choi
He doesn´t need one.
It’s a British show so I believe he’d be nominated for a BAFTA award, not an Emmy.
@@davidthaler7018 Downton Abbey was nominated for lots of Emmys. Maggie Smith even won a couple. If a British show has US distribution, which Downton Abbey did on PBS, then it is eligible for Emmy nominations. I probably should also say: Where is Rob James-Collier's BAFTA!
@@davidthaler7018it’s shown in the USA so it’s applicable
I love the way Mrs. Hughes treats Thomas when she hears of his misfortune almost like a mother.. even Mr. Carson come to think of it.. though he can't except it being a rigid man he sympathsis with Thomas's situation and tries his best to understand him ..
accept not except
@@jackwilliamthorne8377 exactly. Even all these comments here claiming to be 'allies' are using homophobic language.
Mrs Hughes, the Mom friend
@@jackwilliamthorne8377 I’m pretty sure the “misfortune” is being found out and losing your job because of who you are. As Mrs. Hughes says, everyone knew already.
I swear, this show has the most interesting approach to a homosexual man in this time period I have ever seen. It seems that all other media set in this time period has all the characters turning against them, but in this one, everyone seems not to understand it, but to accept it. They recognize he's the same person they all grew to care for, they just now realize that he has "a mental condition," which is also true for the times. They even defend him in ways realistic to the time period. No one ever specifically says "It's okay to love other men," but they do say things like, "That is just the way you were born. You can't change that, and this is not your fault." All of this is perfectly realistic to the time period, but also breaks from the stereotype of "shun, shun, shun."
There were more homosexual men and women living their lives with 'companions' and 'bachelor friends' than we ever see....not saying it was embraced or anything, but people knew, and more than the media lets on, some just didn't care. (See also - 'Gentleman Jack', or Anne Lister who is credited with being half of the first [unofficial] married lesbian couple in the UK.)
The BBC drama Man in the Orange Shirt (part 1) is very similar and excellent. It is on UT in various small clips, but with autoplayer on you get the whole drama.
TabaquiJackal906 A lot of places had their own virtual version of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. As long as people were quiet about it, everyone just nonverbally agreed they wouldn’t say anything.
I suspect it wasn't unusual for some people agreeing to marry someone that they knew full well was gay but at a time when love wasn't really the reason for marriage it had to be done. It's known that certain aristocratic women overlooked the fact that their husbands had male lovers but as long as they had sex with their marital partner to at least have children then your main duty as a wife was kind of done after getting pregnant.
I'm not so sure if a husband would have tolerated his wife having lesbian lovers though. Historians strongly suspect some famous lesbians in the past but apparently it's far more difficult to verify a gay woman in historical research than a gay man. You never see lesbians in period dramas like Downton Abbey either and I guess that's just because people aren't really sure how society treated lesbians compared to homosexuals.
It was mostly shun shun, families like the Crawleys were rare.
Thomas Barrow was a character living in the wrong time. Rob Collier really captured the essence of this complex character. An outstanding acting job on his part and on the rest of the cast.
"It's being nice that got me into trouble" 😭💔 That line broke my heart to pieces. Thomas can never be allowed to be himself with someone he loves...but I really hope the movie will remedy to that! #GiveThomasBarrowABoyfriend 😊🙏
I would gladly volunteer!
Yes please... I would love to see him with a boyfriend😊
@@---zr3jq go watch the movie if you want to see Thomas happy 😉
Sara definitely😊.
The movie won’t disappoint especially with thomas’ story 😉😉
One of my favourite parts is O’Brien falling back to Earth with a huge bump because of just 3 words Barrow gave to Bates... “Her Ladyship’s soap” 😂
This is about the time my hatred for Thomas did a 180 and I was suddenly desperately protective of him and so afraid he was about to exit the show. He ended up being one of my favourite characters
Bates is often the hero and is a very good man, but sometimes you can see the darkness within him and it's intense. His prison scenes, him with Vera, and his threat to O'Brian. I wouldn't want him angry with me.
@Jamila Malluf Thomas is a complicated character, he maybe kind of evil and rude but he's also a darling, just watch him with the kids, with Sybil, the ill soldier that took his own life, Baxter later on or Andy. Nothing is black or white, him seeming to be completely "black" does not in any way that he is. I would love to have him as friend...
the baby secret would have been the only secret that would have got her sacked as Cora is blind to her bitchiness.
@Jamila Malluf The world isn't black or white, there are a lot of grey shades. And there is always a way to save something ruined, it may take a lot of time and energy but save everything. Thomas never did anything extremely horrible (don't mention that sweet little baby, O'Brien killed it, Thomas only kept the secret. And what should he have done with that info, get O'Brien into prison? That would have been so unnecessary. It's not that I don't think she did something horrible, I just don't want anybody to go to prison, there are other ways to punish people.). He made mistakes, maybe a lot of them but he learned from them in the end. There is no way you are going to tell me that he was evil in the end, cause he wasn't. He was a man struggling with who was in a world where he wasn't allowed to be himself. He never had love in his life, it's not weird that he doesn't know how to behave kindly, cause almost nobody was kind to him. Don't blame him for being the person the world made him be. It's not his fucking fault!
@Jamila Malluf copy pasting?
I’m convinced Bates is half psychopath. The looks he gives and threats he makes freak me out. Just like you, I think there’s a darkness there.
What made Downton Abbey exceptional was the development of each character. There's no black nor white, it's grey. Thomas Barrow was the kind of character that we hated first then later we empathized with him because who he was. He's just a survivor. Downton Abbey wouldn't be spicy without him. He's a part of that big family.
💐💍🍷🍷🥂🍾🍻🍺🍺☕☕🍵🍵🍹🍹🍸🍸🥃🥃🥛🍼 de casa de vn de novo e não sei o que fazer para o que eu tenho pra mim e não quero ser mãe e não te amo muito meu coração e não
I think Thomas is my favorite character. I always felt sorry for him even when I didn’t like him very much. But he is a wonderful actor. I’ve seen him on some other shows and he is so funny and down to earth. ☺️
I've never entirely liked Thomas, but he's always been fascinating even during his villainous times. The characters who I wouldn't call gray are Anna, Mrs. Hughes, Mr. Moseley, Miss Baxter, Lady Sybil, and Lavinia Swire (I may have forgotten a few), but even they are well developed and interesting.
@@rowanaforrest9792 I agree. Some characters on the show (especially Thomas) are grey, those whom you mentioned (plus Matthew) are angels, and O'Brien is pure evil. Yet they all are developed very well and they all feel like real people. Every sort of person you could possibly meet in your life - personality-wise - lives somewhere in Downton.
@@12classics39 I knew I forgot a non-grey character: Matthew! I'll also add Lord Merton, Bertie Pelham, and Mr. Bates, because although Mr. Bates certainly has his dangerous side, he is always moral. I don't think Miss O'Brien was entirely evil, though she was as grey as Thomas. I say this because O'Brien changed her mind about the soap trick against Cora and tried to undo it but was moments too late, and she never stopped feeling deeply guilty for Cora's miscarriage. (I think that guilt was what finally drove her to run away to India when opportunity arose.) O'Brien also did some other things for honestly the right reason. She's another character who, though mostly a villain, was always fascinating thanks to the actress and the writer. You are right that every sort of person you could ever meet is represented in the Downton Abbey series. :)
The goodness of Bates, and the kindness of Mrs Hughes, is unparalleled. Period.
Rob James-Collier is superb in this taxing role. I hope that he moves forward.
I feel like I say this on every video, but this show was the rare show to give characters so so much depth, multitudes, growth, etc.
"Well give me the weapon, and I'll do the work!" Them's some fine words!
Thomas is such a complex character. You can feel so many emotions watching him. In the end he got the ending and redemption he deserved.
‘Get back in the knife box, Miss Sharp’
I’m stealing this line😂
Me too! Couldn’t stand Ms. O’Brien but this line is golden. Along with anything the Dowager says.
Let's not forget the enormous personal growth of Bates. 💜💚💙
Been rooting for him since day one. 😎 Even before O'Brien tripped him. 🫤
“Get back in the knife box, Ms. Sharp!”
Note to self: Must use this line every chance I get in 2020 🙌
Amen
Ms O'Brian can be nasty and akin to evil but can she turn a phrase. I cackle every time she says that line
Oh dear, if you only knew what 2020 was about to bring you.
@@zkarebear Oh dear, if you only knew what late 2020/early 2021 was about to bring you.
I loved this line!
Thomas was one of my favorite characters. Lots of hurt there. Can’t wait to see him as the butler of Downton in the film !
The scene around 3:20 is so incredibly well shot. The lighting, the smoke, the tension, aahhh
All I can confirm without spoiling it is Thomas did find happiness in the Movie. 😄
YaaaAaaaAAAAY
That makes me so happy
Bless Mrs. Hughes ❤️ Thomas treated her horribly and she gave him so much compassion and sympathy. She’s an angel 👼
Mrs. Hughes is such an amazing woman! She is a mother to every single person in that series in one way or another. Such a kind and big heart ♥️
Seeing Thomas step out of that darkness. My gosh what a hsndsome man!! He was my favorite, for me the scene stealer of this show.
I loved the arc of Thomas' character. It was wonderful to see some happiness come into his life.
Barrows being so vulnerable and stuttering makes him sound like a kid who just never was able to feel comfortable in his own adult body. I know he wasn’t always a good person, hell, I’d say most of the time he *wasn’t* a good person, but there’s a bit of a reason to it. Does it forgive him for some of the worse things he’s done, of course not, but the man is just a boy who was always told he was disgusting and had no other outlet to take out that anger.
Mrs. Hughes is truly a kind woman. And Carson is an uppity prude.
Kathy Edens Couldn’t drag a needle outta his arse with a tractor!!!!!!
He was overcompensating. He had a "scandalous" past and was trying to make up for it.
He is just doing his job
Michael It’s not his job to sit in judgement of others on his staff.
David Thaler except for Thomas which he did pass judgement and that was out of ignorance , I don’t recall another time The house had rules and standards and he made sure they were kept.
I am so glad at the end of the series Thomas is California bound....Happy Pride!
🤣
I've never watched Downton Abbey. Yes, I live under a rock. This video has made me want to watch the entire series. This is brilliant writing and acting.
It's a great show! All 5 seasons are on Amazon! Definitely check it out!
Its available on Netflix in north America how as well. At least in the USA
Agreed. Same here.
You won't regret it. It's an amazing series.
Highly recommend it if you haven't watched it yet. It's a brilliant series with superb writing and acting 🖤
1:32 this is literally making me cry I just want to reach out and hug him and anyone who has every felt like that
Thomas was the reason I watched DA...always wondered what his life was like in all aspects...How difficult it must have been...he deserved to find joy and love...
He did when he found some real humility, but he was a nasty piece of work prior.
Please give Thomas a happy story line in the new film he does deserve it ❤❤
Ikr
i mean he was a bit of a jerk but i guess now he is a better person he deserves a happy continuation in the movie
They die exactly that 🥰🤗
Wait till you see the second one.
Please let him be happy in the upcoming movie
Preferably with happy end.
He needs to have a redemption arc. He deserves it, and we deserve it.
I agree
Same
The trailer for the movie seems to indicate he does
1:35 - T: I am afraid I will shock and disgust you! MR: I think I have to hear it know! hahahahaha
Love her.
God bless Mrs. Hughes. She was certainly a force to be reckoned with but also one of the most compassionate characters in the series. And Thomas definitely grew on me. After O’Brien left the audience saw a different side to him. He was just a broken man trying to find his way in a judgmental world.
Bates is such a good man!!! love him!!
Me 2
.
"You mean you found a way to be even nastier than ususl". Good one, Anna. 😁
Get back in the knife box, Miss Sharp.
Thomas's character is another one who I distained in the beginning but his evolution transformed him into a beautiful man. The actor portraying him is brilliant. I felt emotional and protective toward him as I saw glimpses of his characters evolving humanity and change of heart. I didn't like it when he was trying to be a better man and people weren't extending the olive branch more easily.
@Jamila Malluf lol 😂...you gotta be able to see things deeper and yes I'm fully aware it's a show but even in shows u can see how the director and writers are leading the character to a new development in there humanity.
Take care
The only reason I think the olive branch wasn’t easily accepted was because he was doing and saying mean things to people downstairs for years!!!! Ms Baxter was one example of his shortcomings!!! his complexity of a character is amazing
@@alisonmcgrory2037 I understand he had a history of cruel works.
Carson's "What!" always sends me into peals of giggles. Too funny.
Tea. That's how we English do things. Depressed? Have a cup of tea. Plotting intrigue? Do it over tea! Someone been murdered? Have a cup of tea!
I also strive to drink tea 24/7
This plot also showed how O'Brien and Thomas used to be. She told him about her ladyship's soap. And yet he doesn't say her secret, during the cricket game Bates says to Anna that Thomas just said that but he didn't explain.
He also said jimmy wasn t to blame at all . Everyone realized jimmy had flirted ( because o brien) . And he did not say he was teaching andy to read. Funnily he only uses secrets you DONT want him to know . But if you told him your secrets it is usually safe
@@marionarda2790 Safe, until he wants to blackmail you.....
Ah, but Miss O'Brien didn't tell Thomas that her trick with the soap caused Cora to fall and miscarry (which, in fairness, she was going to stop except Cora got out of the bath on her own before O'Brien could retrieve the soap bar). I remember how marvelously the actress portrayed OBrien's extreme guilt and remorse about that. Thomas didn't know the significance of "her ladyship's soap," only that O'Brien felt badly about it. Maybe he assumed she'd been stealing the soap and Cora had been very upset. I don't think even Thomas could have kept a secret that enormous.
@@marionarda2790 I think the reason Thomas didn't explain that he was teaching Andy to read was because that was Andy's secret. Andy was ashamed of being illiterate, so Thomas wasn't going to embarrass him. Thomas was always very kind to Andy, with no ulterior motive whatsoever (very unusual for Thomas).
@@rowanaforrest9792 I agree, he has a soft spot for Andy but I think that there's also the vexation to not be trusted by his coworkers after all these years, as he says to Carson. They assume that he's putting Andy into trouble and he'd like them to trust him without telling Andy's secret that everyone would have accepted but it's a matter of pride. Carson is very rude to him during this subplot which triggers his fall into depression and su*cide attempt.
The interesting thing about Thomas is that even after Miss O'Brien had his secret all over the place, he didn't even tell Bates what she did. Her ladyship's soap. That's all he told him.
Rob James-Collier acting is pretty good here, note how hurt he is by Bates agreement that he'll be glad when he's gone, it's subtle but that's why it's good 3:56
How much sympathy can Thomas expect from Bates after trying to have him fired because of his own stealing?
@@lexicornix7530 Oh I didn’t know about that storyline !
@@Martindyna Since the first episode Thomas wanted to be a valet instead of footman. At some point Carson noticed wine missing but had no idea who the thief was. When the position of valet became vacant, Thomas was not happy about an old friend of Lord Grantham who can't even walk without a stick getting the job and O'Brien and him plotted against him. Bates found out that Thomas is the thief, so Thomas and O'Brien went to Carson and told him that it was Bates.
@@lexicornix7530 Thanks !
I can't stop watching these scenes. This is why Thomas is my favorite.
I remember how much of a nightmare I was when I realized I was gay. I can't even image if it was 1912 instead of 2012....
"Get back in the knife box, Miss Sharp".
@Chiara Maria Vedovelli Knife box. Sharp.
Mrs Hughes is the best character in the show!
Oh, sorry, I think both Mrs Hughes and Mr Carson , even if very well outlined are a bit un realistic as characters ! They cannot always be so perfectly wise ! Both actors are exceptionally good, of course, but as a character I think Mrs. Patmore more believable ! Very good actress, too ! Sorry, in Italy the film is not programmed anywhere ! Sob !
It was nice to see O'Brien get what she had coming finally. And nice to see Barrow and Bates reach a truce of sorts finally.
But it didn't take Thomas very long to revert to his a$$holerish treatment of Mr. and Mrs. Bates.
@@judith_thordarson Perhaps, but I think deep down he was grateful.
But she didn’t , she was never punished for it
I’m so glad Thomas got a happy ending in the series, and I hope that only gets better in the movie! He deserves all the happiness at this point
Sometimes I forget DA had a plot with the rich folks as well.
"Oh! Get back in the knife-box Ms. Sharp."
Such fun, these dialogues
Mr. Bates: ‘I know about the soap.’ OOF.
I like how o'brian shows up to the bates' house all happy and charmed, only to leave in absolute fear
"Have you heard the phrase 'to know when you're beaten'..." He wasn't just beaten he was heart broken :/
"Give me your weapon and i'll fight the war" is also a great display of solidarity
Presumably Mr. Bates whispered something about a bar of soap.
"Her ladyship's soap"
U can see him say it, lip reading
I don't remember how he knew about that (?) It's been years since I saw the first season.
by him I mean Thomas
So he saw what happned or did he investigate? I sadly have not ime to watch Downton at the moment and iam stuck at WW1 lol
When Thomas says "I'll be gone soon. You'll be glad of that" to Bates, that bit of information hits differently when you know what takes place afterwards. Bates had no idea that Thomas had been pushed that far into a corner. "Perhaps you should try being nicer." "It's being nice that got me into trouble." I know he was referring to how the house reacted when he tried to teach Jimmy how to read (thinking he was trying to make a pass at the lad; Thomas liked him, but I'm going off point here). The household weren't in the wrong to expect something bad from Thomas (the servants knew that he was still a bitter, mean-spirited man at that juncture) and it's hard to dispel an opinion about a person when said person constantly reinforces that truth. I think people who have been maltreated and thus, develop a fear of being harmed learn to naturally sharpen their claws if they want to survive.That being said, I'm glad that Thomas was able to start healing towards the end. When George offers him that orange in bed, we really see the real him and it is beautiful.
Thomas was such an interesting character because sometimes he was SO easy to hate, but then a few scenes later he could make you really sympathize with him and want him to be happy. There is no excuse for some of the horrible things he said and did throughout the series, but it is obvious that he had a hard life and always had to hide who he was. He even states several times that there are few people who had ever shown him kindness. It's no wonder he was so terrible at times. Thomas is one of my all-time favorite characters on Downton Abbey.
The blurb for this video refers to Jimmy as Thomas' requited love. Requited means that love is returned. It is Unrequited love.
If there’s anybody I hate in this series, it’s O’Brien.
Certainly, I never forgave her for what she did to Cora
@Amber
I got the feeling that Rose's mother never
wanted to have her; that Rose, somehow,
by her mere existence seemed like a
threat to Susan (Rose's mother).
She (Susan) hated her husband too (because
of his financial failings, as well as possibly,
other reasons.
Oui mais vers la fin au procès quand elle témoigne elle essaye maladroitement de le défendre et se sent triste pour Anna, concernant l histoire du savon à cause d un quiproquo elle croit que cora veut la virer mais quand elle apprend la vérité elle est horrifiée de ce qu elle a fait, ce n est pas une mauvaise personne au fond mais juste quelqu un qui veut s imposer
The trouble with these clips is that now I feel like I must watch all of Downton Abbey over again for yet another time!
As sad as it is, if they’re going to keep the movie authentic to the time, it would be very hard for Thomas to have a proper relationship. Living in that era, the best he would be able to hope for would be to find someone he could occasionally see in secret, all the while fearing being caught.
Look up Montague Glover and Ralph Hall. Two gay men who lived together in a peaceful relationship throughout the 30s (and Glover himself had many lovers during the 10s and 20s, without ever fearing too much about it). Hall (a RAF airman at the time) even wrote love letters that were clearly gay to Glover, and the army censor of the time never said anything about it
A French Guardsman Interesting! I’ll look it up.
Michael Hester oh my that sounds like my life right now
Andi Saputro finally someone brings up Maurice!!
BBC drama, man in the Orange Shirt, is excellent similar story. (part 1). It is on Prime and even UT in small clips.
Man at 3: 28 i realized that Rob James Collier could definitely play a psychopath serial killer or a Marvel/DC villain very well.
I love how Mr. Bates hates bullying so much, he stands up for a bully. ❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥
I felt so sorry for Thomas, for as much bad he did with his plotting. He was really alone as O’Brian turned in him. Thanks to Bates and Mrs. Hughes who managed to help him out of it. Tbh I am surprised Thomas didn’t become a professional cricket player.
Why don’t we see Rob James Collier in more shows? He’s such a good actor and so handsome.
i don't watch Downton Abbey but i'm thinking of watching it because of Thomas
You really should watch it, it’s amazing.
Truly is
You should I love this show in the beginning when I first saw it on PBS I want to share I would like it but the more I watched it where I got into it and I bought the whole series on DVD needless to say I don't have them not by my own choice but I re-bought all seasons here on UA-cam! I am gay and I think that Thomas character is done right mean guy! But I just absolutely love Lady Mary! OK Google need serious operation because it's putting in words I didn't say and words I did say it's not puttin them in!
If you like dialogue and British customs during the 1900s yes. Watch it its great
It's absolutely amazing
Mrs Hughes stood up for him.I may not have liked everything he did,but what's fair is fair.He was being led on.He didn't know Jimmy didn't like him that way.But John Bates saved him nicely.
Poor Thomas....living under the awful, exhausting, horrifying weight of his 'secret', always on edge, never truly able to be himself, always afraid..... I think he became a better person after O'Brian left, in small ways (he was so lovely with the children, and *that* breaks your heart, too, because in that time, he'd never be able to have a family or a child.....), and then in large. I want as happy an ending as is possible for him. Love him so much!
I really enjoyed Tom Barrow’s character on Downton Abbey! As a gay man I could relate to him! I really hope they find a way to bring him back to the show if they make another movie 🎥
They did an excellent job with his character & he with his portrayal. I'm so glad they included a gay character.
One of the best series I saw, they handled with great class issues that at the time it was unthinkable to tolerate their exposure, it is a pity that they have removed it from Netflix ......
Mrs. Hughes, along with Cora and Lady Sinderby: the ultimate mother 😍
i love thomas. he could do some horrible things but this story line made really feel for him.
I think Mrs. Hughes was more of a mother to Thomas then his actual mother ever was.
"Then give me the weapon, and I'll do the work." is it just me or is that line kinda romantic LOL. if only it was someone other than Bates that said it
I was sad to see one of my fave series end...all good things must come to an end :/
When he saw the look on O’Brien’s face, like the cat who ate the canary, he knew she had something to do with it and even though he’s not a fan of Thomas, knew it was unfair.
God, is O'Brien just the nastiest, most spiteful person ever? I was thrilled when she was gone.
The thing that made me hated her was when she causes Cora to lose her baby.
@@leenaleewitch3731 oh absolutely. That was the final atrocity
That's because she is such a great actress..
He role was to make you hate her...and she did just that. !!!
"Oh, yes! Very nice!" Such a smug witch. Evil can look so respectable.😮
Only those who desire redemption deserve it…
Thomas was a pretty terrible guy in the beginning. But, he learned some lessons and began to trust & care. Change is always a long, hard journey…
It’s really horrific that in this time period a man loving another man would’ve been punished. O’Brian caused Cora’s miscarriage and the one they’re talking about locking up is Thomas…
i'm sorry but the line "get back in the knife box miss sharp" is too good not to use all the time
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knife
To face the possibility of execution just because of who you are. Yes, Thomas had many bad qualities, but Mrs Hughes could see past all that to see he was just a human being, nothing less. And to be honest she seemed to have that 'mother' view of most of the staff. O'Brien on the other hand was the real monster.
"Get back in the knife box, Miss Sharp". 😂😂😂
My gosh this character is magnificent.
Yes, Bates is awesome!