Cora Crawley Fires Nanny West | Downton Abbey

[@chrisdowney427]

I just love that the angrier Cora gets the quieter she is. She almost seems to drain the sound out of the room when she does it

[@mariafox9226]

It’s kinda scarier when a person gets quieter when they get angry.

[@mssrus]

She knew her absolute power as lady of the house. No amount of lying and excuses could get Westy out of her predicament. Well played, Cora!

[@jessicatripp5129]

Nanny West miscalculated. She also seemed to forget that Lady Grantham is herself non-English, and American.

[@LittleBitofHopeToo2518]

@@jessicatripp5129 I think the reference was to class more than nationality. The fact that she says "chauffeurs daughter" is such a disgusted voice supports that notion.

[@blatherskitenoir]

​@@LittleBitofHopeToo2518 no, it's because her father is Irish. Though lumped together as "white" now, they really weren't through most of history, and some pretty bad racial discrimination took place.

[@Nigelsmom2136]

That was one redeeming thing about Thomas, his genuine affection for the children and his protectiveness toward them.

[@lalouloune6156]

That woman was an horrible witch.

[@kimladue5135]

He had a soft spot for Sybil before she died

[@Becky31389]

He could always be himself around the children because they didn't judge him. I was always so glad the children became attached to him because he found joy in that

[@lilacscentedfushias1852]

There were some lovely scenes of him with the children, one pops in my mind of him being a pony for Master George 😁

[@mythloverb5931]

Something about the way Thomas says “Because I didn’t feel like it” makes me laugh every time.

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

WE'VE ALL WANTED TO RESPOND TO A BULLY LIKE THAT, AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER. BARROW TOOK THE CHANCE!

[@andreagrussu6778]

Well, he is rather sassy. And we love him for it

[@anniewallace3601]

I loved it. It is the best I've seen of saying cause your order was stupid so I didn't do it thus I have a question.

[@thenightporter]

Same; it's the "no f***s given" attitude towards her when she's acting like she's gansta.

[@amandacosta1566]

This and " I'm sorry ? " It's the way he delivers these lines that it's pure gold. His body language shows how a fine actor he is 😂😂

[@Sienna6164]

Nanny West is only crying because she got caught. She’s not sorry for what she did, she’s only worrying because she got caught and fired

[@盧璘壽로인수]

not only that, she no longer has any future job prospects

[@TheTrwebster]

Fired without a reference. Kiss any good jobs goodbye.

[@ten5h1]

Also she will not get a good reference… which was what a nanny depended on when being turned out. It does not look good for a nanny to be sacked when the children are so young.

[@notknown6605]

It’s like a death sentence. She’ll be destitute without a job or reference.

[@vanessamckeon2578]

Yeah she was🗑️🗑️💁

[@АннаУшакова-м3ю]

I like how we all agree Thomas likes kids in general, and admit his loyalty to the Family which grew each season, but forgot Sybil REALLY WAS his good friend, they spent much time in a hospital and he was BROKEN when she died

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

INDEED

[@angelafahlenkamp9311]

I'm going to have to rewatvh the while show now, thank you for reminding me of this little tid bit

[@dionte300]

Weren’t we all 😭

[@jacquelineroque5707]

I know this character is gay, but do you think 🤔 maybe deep down he might have been in love with Sybil himself 😮?

[@-aoki741]

​​@@jacquelineroque5707you said "i know this character is gay" so if he is gay he wont have feelings for women.

[@bethanyhait6880]

I know that Thomas’ actions are partly out of conniving pettiness, but he turns out to be 100% right. That crossbreed comment hurts my soul every time. Seeing Cora go full Mama Bear is pure awesomeness.

[@Ælfgifu-1]

Partly. But, there was genuine concern for Sybbie there, too.

[@a.madison9625]

I think Thomas actually cared about the children. They were the only ones who weren't judging him and they just liked him for himself. He was scheming but he was also protective of them. That scene with little George after Thomas tries to kill himself always gets me, and Mary actually became a bit more human by relating to Thomas.

[@ninaelsbethgustavsen2131]

I think I would have turned Mama Grizzly Bear myself... What a stupid woman ! She had to go without references, and would most likely end up in a Work House !

[@danieljaffen]

@@Ælfgifu-1 True. Hence why he asked Nanny West earlier in the episode why Sybbie ("wicked cross breed") couldn't have an egg like George ("little prince") with her tea. That was the first red flag he picked up on-BEFORE she told them the children were left unattended. Why are you dropping your duties (looking after children) to give such a request? Did Sybbie "do something wrong" that she can't have an egg (food) with her tea?? 🤔 🧐 Barrow has ALWAYS recognized how cruel the working class can be treated. Despite her mother born into wealth, her father is a working class brother. I'm sure he picked up on this prejudice from the nanny and expressed those concerns to Cora (who shut that matter down QUICK).

[@Ælfgifu-1]

@@danieljaffen Yup!

[@keeshiabrie]

Thomas may not have been the kindest to his fellows but he was always kind to the children. I love that.

[@angelafahlenkamp9311]

Shows his underlying character from the start, if they are good to kids then it's always adults that disappoint them and deserve all manner of bad things to happen to them....

[@jmack129]

Probably bc it was always the adults that treated him horribly in his youth.

[@AxelQC]

He loved the children for themselves, but also because he loved Sybil as his friend.

[@jameslyon2338]

You left out arguably the worst part, which is Nanny West telling a grieving Isabel she can't see her grandchild.

[@KoiYakultGreenTea]

Thankfully they already uploaded this whole sequence before a while ago and included that

[@m.layfette6249]

I honestly try not to think about that scene. It's too heartbreaking. 💔😢💔😢💔

[@rayleigh8]

But why did she do that?. What she had against isobel?.

[@KoiYakultGreenTea]

@@rayleigh8 she likes having power over the child and his ‘wellbeing’

[@fliconmigo]

@@rayleigh8 she said she was a mongrel ( illbred)

[@m.layfette6249]

I love how cool, calm and collective Cora was when she finally gave Nanny West her marching orders.

[@marclegarreta]

I would have lost it if I caught her talking to Miss Sibby that way!

[@squireob]

In all of DA, Cora only raises her voice once in anger - Series One, she hisses at Mary when Mary is being especially difficult. I think she screams when Robert is having his medical emergency, but that's different.

[@m.layfette6249]

@@squireob Don't forget in Season 5 during the house party when she scolds Robert and Carson about Not dinning with the famous Oper singer who's come to visit. Jump back to Season 2 when she reprimands the Dowager Countess about turning the house into a War hospital for the recovering and wounded. Later on in Season 2 when she scolds Carson for almost running Lady Sybil's surprise cake for her mother.

[@skylilly1]

I would have tossed Nanny West out the window or down the stairs. lol

[@callumthornelow2936]

I wouldn't. Looking at the size of her, you wouldn't have any stairs left. 😬

[@12classics39]

Abusive nannies ruined the childhoods and mental well-being of many kids back then. By getting West fired, it’s no exaggeration to say that Thomas *saved* Sybbie.

[@kristinesharp6286]

Saved them all someone would be next.

[@lemonhead162]

Yes, that's true! I remember reading that the future King George VI had a very abusive nanny who would starve & beat him!

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

SEEMS LIKE YES

[@not-a-ghost2206]

Not only that he saved many generations to come that don't have to heal the trauma of abandonment. They catched the source early on.

[@defender2222]

For those that do no understand just WHY Nanny West is in such a panic... she wasn't merely fired. She is getting no reference, which is a death sentence for her career. EVERYONE will have known she worked at Downton and having no reference means that every noble house will know she did something terrible. Basically she'll be lucky if she can wait tables.

[@marinamccleery2683]

Interesting point.

[@bethyeary8995]

But she deserved it.

[@kimcoates7569]

Well deserved. The woman was awful.

[@TsukabuNosoratori2]

Guess you can say when she was fired, she was FIRED. And it was well deserved.

[@mariafox9226]

@@kimcoates7569 honestly she’s one of the people who DESERVES to be homeless.

[@sharoncasey92]

One of my favourite scenes. When Cora realized child abuse was going on, she acted quickly and decisively, and brooked no explanations for bad behaviour. Brava to her.

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello how are you doing?

[@melaniekendall4903]

Thought it was bravo

[@anniewallace3601]

Agree! If he hadn't said something she would have starved that poor child or worse.

[@GailSiebuhr-de6sb]

Pity more families didn't stand on their moral high ground when they see or hear of abuse in their surroundings

[@juliaforsyth8332]

@@melaniekendall4903 Bravo when complementing males. Brava for females.

[@brianobrien7983]

This scene is one of the reasons I love this show. Thomas' complex relationship with the Crawley family is fascinating!

[@jameslyon2338]

Thomas protects the few members of the family who've shown him kindness.

[@sentientsquid7069]

@@jameslyon2338I agree with you but I’m wondering if there’s a scene before Thomas saves Edith where she was kind to him? I don’t recall them interacting much outside of that scene

[@xhogun8578]

@@sentientsquid7069 the child is Sybil daughter and Sybil was always gracious to everyone. Don't forget Sybil and Thomas worked together during the war in the hospital and also at the house when it was taken over.

[@dan_38]

@@sentientsquid7069 I think with lady Edith he saw the ostrocising of family members, much like he had with his own relatives. One could therefore connect that barrow saw Edith as a kindred spirit of sorts in this way.

[@docomega7862]

@@sentientsquid7069 If you're referring to the fire scene I suppose that even he has some kind of morals / limits. Making snarky remarks, blackmailing or manipulating others yes but letting someone die or at least getting badly injured is another thing altogether

[@Jemini4228]

One of the scenes that endeared Barrow to me. Defending a helpless little girl bullied by her nanny without any real personal gain shows he does have a heart in there somewhere.

[@Kingiwingi8713]

It's funny the first time that you watch you think Barrow is just being petty but isolating a child from their friends and family is actually quite cruel and an early sign of abuse. Then not allowing her the same food as George. Barrow is actually quite perceptive.

[@cobertabbey]

Barrow may love children more knowing he may never have any

[@EspeonMistress00]

Also adding that Sybil one of his few good friends who died is Sybbie's mom.

[@r6854]

Barrow is such an interesting character. He is conniving and petty, but he does have a code.

[@glassonion5474]

Q: Who is Miss Sybbie's in bred father?

[@BeautifulSyrena]

@@glassonion5474the ex chauffeur of the family, the one who kneeled before her at the living room. Now he works with the family, but he was a servant when Sybil fell in love and married him 🤍

[@dwaekkisinsanity5233]

It's not just bc Thomas likes children for baby Sybbie (although he still does, the guy _really_ loves children) let's not forget that he and Sybil worked together and actually became friends on the hospital. That comment of him being friends with Sybbie's mother is genuine and real, not just out of pettiness to prove the nanny wrong. He's also one of the downstairs people to be really heartbroken when Sybil died. I think many forget about their friendship but it's still one of the most precious ones. Thomas' personality clashes with Sybil's kindness and yet somehow they still grew on each other.

[@scz1770]

The look on Thomas's face when Nanny West tells him not to touch the children without her permission says it all. In that moment, he knew what sort of creature she was.

[@elizabethtrudgill3567]

It's the way he says 'what?' While still holding a smile.

[@briancarter8490]

Gotta love the complexity of this storyline - you think Thomas is just blindly making an accusation because she's been rude to him, but then it turns out he was actually right all along and she's delibritely mistreating the children.

[@Rainmanpdt49]

Little Sybbie had it the worst because Nanny West was starving her by leaving out the egg with tea. It's probably not the only food she's been withholding from Sybbie.

[@rowanaforrest9792]

I actually think Thomas was making a mostly blind accusation, since the only thing he knew for sure was that Nanny West was making Sybie's teas smaller for no discernable reason and isolating Sybie unreasonably. Thomas was getting back at her for her snooty and entitled attitude. The fact that he was so right about her was mostly serendipity. Nanny West wasn't mistreating baby George, though as he became a toddler and a little boy she probably would have pampered him to a sickening degree. She was mistreating little Sybie in very serious ways. I'm so glad they got rid of her before Sybie was old enough to remember.

[@XandriaJax]

He knew she was bad from the get go. Keeping eggs from her during tea time was a sign of starvation.

[@Awakening_Sunshine]

@@XandriaJax not to mention asking him not to touch the children without her permission was pretty suspicious

[@rowanaforrest9792]

@@XandriaJax Starvation may be an overstatement, but it did raise suspicion that she was deliberately withholding some of her food (I wonder whether eggs were a favorite of little Sybbie and that's why she withheld them).

[@YeoYeo32]

Nanny West made the ultimate fatal mistake… she pissed off Thomas

[@christina.v.]

Love this storyline. Nanny West ordering Sybbie to go to bed, will never not be disturbing to me. She sure didn’t look like the nicest person in her previous scenes, but that one scene always shocks me a little. And obviously I love how protective Thomas is with the children ❤️

[@farrellmcnulty909]

Okay...she's...a nanny...paid to look after the children...BOTH children. Who does she think she is to look down and discriminate against the child of a former chauffeur? What, so people can't elevate themselves to a higher station or position in life? Must they be born into wealth in order to garner respect? I hate people like Nanny West. They're no better (in fact they're worse) than the people they sneer at.

[@christina.v.]

@@farrellmcnulty909 Yep, exactly.

[@JA268]

@@farrellmcnulty909 Class ain't got nothing to do with to me. She's just another Irish hater, like everyone else in Britain . Why did they hate the Irish? Because of that Catholic vs. Anglican bullshit!?

[@thenightporter]

The actress knocked it out of the park.

[@christina.v.]

@@thenightporter Agreed!

[@Ernie1978]

Cora was always a lovely lady, and when the situation called for it, she was strong and determined. I love how she fired that Nanny from hell. Elizabeth McGovern was phenomenal in the show.

[@denagustafson6070]

Elizabeth McGovern is an excellent actress, but Cora was so bland. The only time I applauded her in this role is when she fired that evil nanny! Cora finally had a moment of gumption.

[@sarahberkner]

​@@denagustafson6070 I also like when she tells Mrs Hughes that she has a place at Downtown for as long as he needs it even if she is unable to work because she's sick.

[@denagustafson6070]

@@sarahberknershe definitely had a tender heart.

[@rheailiarome2287]

This scene is poignant I can't imagine how Cora must have felt hearing what she said to Sibby specially when one remembers that she lost her beautiful daughter giving birth to this child who became her consolation . Horrible and cruel woman and she was starving the little girl as well .

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

Especially since Cora promised Sybil that she would protect Sybbie and Tom.

[@jeremycaldwell2953]

Thomas's fierce loyalty to this family is one of the best storylines of the whole series. The man was a true hero many times.

[@O.G.H.]

You are completely misunderstanding the character of Thomas I'm afraid. He was never "fiercely loyal" to the family. This video was about his special bond to the kids of the house. He was peotective over them, but didn't really care about the family at all. He left DA the moment he saw an opportunity to better his status, but returned as the Butler when war was over and hated it until he was promoted to the chef butler. Still an entertaining character tho

[@mrmdoze]

@@O.G.H. I disagree… he is indeed a complex character with many conflicting motivations for his actions. As I recall, he only left DA when there was no position for him after his recovery from the suicide attempt… His manipulations and bullying were, in part, his reactions to living in a world that did not accept him and made him feel wrong for being who he was, And his loyalty to Downton was partly his realization that, despite those difficulties, he had a home that accepted him to a greater extent than any other place would. Through the course of the series, his evolution as a warmer person was made clear, as he softened up, other staff members change their opinions of him… But flashes of his old personality remain, as they do for anyone who experiences growth and maturity

[@jeremycaldwell2953]

@@O.G.H. I don't agree. He may have not always showed it or understood it himself. He felt hurt by the way he was treated as the family prepared to downsize, but his true feelings always showed when put to the test. He came to realize the staff was his family toward the end as well.

[@TiffanyTallent]

Well I’m only on season 2 of DA and the ONLY time I’ve seen Thomas with an ounce of a soul is when that blind soldier killed himself. Every decision he makes is self serving, manipulative, and just mean. I despise that Thomas probably won’t ever get paid back for his unkindness and schemes. Same with Mrs. O’Brien. I guess at least Thomas didn’t cause Cora to have a miscarriage, like Mrs. OB. He only made fun at other peoples’ pain of losing loved ones. I understand that people who are hurting lash out because they are struggling, but enough is enough. And the fact that Thomas is now over the house & promoted to Sergeant is atrocious. He will have to change a lot for me to like him. Ugh.

[@O.G.H.]

@@jeremycaldwell2953 Coincidentally he realized the staff were his family when he got his dream job, before he couldn't care less about anyone but himself. That's why he got along with O'Brian so well, as she was a toxic person herself like him. Thomas was the definition of an opportunist, up until the latest seasons, he always was eager to get others in trouble, and literally none of em gave him much reason for such behavior. He was gay in a time where people had no understanding for such things yes, but how was his situation worse than anyone else, like f.e Mr. and Mrs.Bates who suffered so many things (each on their own) yet none of em took this as legitimation for being a douchebag to others.

[@Clutching.My.Pearls]

Lady Sybil always treated Thomas so well, so he protected her daughter!

[@DoktorRotwang]

I didn't like Thomas at first, but he quickly grew on me. I was genuinely happy for him at the end of the show.

[@downtonabbeyfreak]

3:40 Honestly, the most terrifying person in Downton Abbey is Cora. Because when she’s furious she doesn’t cry or scream or yell. Instead, she quiets her voice to a whisper and annunciates every syllable of rage into her words. Or worse, she goes silent. Those are the kinds of people who can kill without a moment’s hesitation. I love her

[@Secretagent71114]

And the type of people that can carry a corpse half the length of the house and not flinch.

[@alphanerd7221]

I would say the characters that actually kill people are more scary.

[@rkh7360]

aka Miranda Priestley

[@simplystreeptacular]

Silk hiding steel. I *adore* her.

[@ellie2041]

After the nanny shows her true colors unknowingly in front of Cora her past behavior makes sense. She did not let Barrow or even the children's own grandmother visit with them because she was in control of them and didnt want anyone else near them. When she brought the children in to visit their parents she never said anything to Sibby or Tom, but called George a little prince and clearly dotted on him and complimented his mother. Then when she asked Barrow to ask the maids not to send eggs up with Sibby's tea she may have been punishing her or denying her food which is plain child abuse. So when we finally see The nanny outright being nasty and cruel to Sibby with Cora watching her everything comes to light. She was a nasty woman and should never be trusted with children.

[@bethanyhait6880]

Yeah. There’s nothing overtly wrong or disturbing about any of the previous scenes by themselves. The scene with Isabel might have happened during nap time. Sybbie might not like eggs. And *I* don’t like random people coming up and touching my kids, especially if I don’t know where they’ve been. But taken all together in light of the scene with Cora, they start to sound suspicious. It’s a control issue for her. Nanny West needed to be the one with the power at all times. Even to the point where she refused family members access to the children.

[@jenniferhiemstra5228]

What I fail to understand is how someone of her class believes that Sybbie is a “crossbreed” when that would normally come from the upper class…did I miss something? I feel it’s weird that some of lower class has a problem with this.

[@ellie2041]

@@jenniferhiemstra5228 apparently in some old documentaries some servants or people of lower class were content with they're station and saw it as the natural way of life. I think the nanny was either really traditional like the butler Mr. Carson the head butler looked down on Tom marrying Sybil because it was "unnatural" and wrong for Sybil to marry someone under her class. So the Nanny could have considered Sibby being treated as an equal to George as wrong and treated her less than for it. Or possibly she was jealous of Sibby's luck to be born in such a loving family who treated her and her former poor father as one of their own despite her non pure rich heritage.

[@jenniferhiemstra5228]

@@ellie2041 Excellent points…I guess if the former, I’d call that societal brainwashing 🙃🙂

[@Suzette1122]

Even some people of the lower class see other people as beneath them like Lord Sinderby (Rose’s Husbands father) butler didn’t even like serving him because of his Jewish background and as he wasn’t “grand enough” Nanny West believed she had the right to raise and care such a high born baby such as George because he was the future heir of Downtown and Sybbie was just the daughter of a former chauffeur. And she probably liked the idea of having control over him

[@aliciad8553]

This happens in high class households too. King George VI, Queen Elizabeth's father, had lifelong health issues due to him being starved by nannies cuz he was the "spare" to his elder brother Edward. His parents were often away for long periods of time so it took awhile for anyone to notice.

[@piratesswoop725]

Even Edward was not spared. The nanny would pinch him before he was taken in to see his parents before bed so they would quickly send him away.

[@LaKellita1]

Wasn't that the same nanny that would pinch the children to make them cry in front of their parents?

[@kathieprater2431]

Cora tears Nanny West into strips without raising her voice. I love Cora!

[@nategraham6946]

You know you are nothing when you get destroyed without being yelled at.

[@farrellmcnulty909]

@@nategraham6946 I don't know if you watched Seinfeld, but there was a fat character on it named Newman. He was all pompous and arrogant just like Nanny West, and when he got his comeuppance, he squealed like a stuck pig as well as she did.

[@twelfthlady847]

I love Barrow's reaction at 0:16 lol it's polite on the surface but so "Who the (rude word) do you think you are?" 😆

[@a.madison9625]

He's a very good actor, totally convincing. He doesn't get enough credit.

[@suzyukla]

I love this part! Barrow loved kids! He was good with them!

[@KLowe-of5yz]

I think because the children accepted him as he was. The children didn't judge him. Remember when Master George brought him the orange after his suicide attempt. I just love this series ... :)

[@GPrinceps]

@@KLowe-of5yz ^ You're spot on. I never realized it, but that's exactly what it is: it's not merely that he likes the children, but that they like him too without prejudice. Children aren't inherently malicious or judgemental unless they are taught by adults to be. For some reason this never clicked with me, but yes, you hit the nail on the head!

[@KLowe-of5yz]

@@GPrinceps You are right. Children are pure and innocent until unfortunately, they are tainted .......

[@bunnyslippers191]

@@GPrinceps He could be open and affectionate with the little ones in a way he couldn't with the adults. He adored Sybbie because she was Sybil's daughter and came to care as much for George.

[@alphanerd7221]

@@KLowe-of5yz No. Children are narcissists until they are raised to be better.

[@orbitalwarrior]

That's the great thing about the show, almost all the 'good' characters have flaws and the villains have good traits as well. Even though Thomas' motives weren't entirely altruistic, he showed true affection for the children. It's also logical that Thomas recognizes the rotten aspect of Nanny West, since he's no saint either. He suspected she had a dark side, based on subtle signs someone else would not notice, and even though it was merely an assumption, he was right in the end.

[@callumthornelow2936]

Indeed. As they say "It takes one to know one"

[@vixendreamer]

Actually I suspect that he has personal experience with abuse. As a person whose been abused, he's protective of children and was able to see the signs.

[@lizaharris5930]

​@@vixendreamer Yes, I'm on season 3 right now and I think so too. he knows because he was a victim.

[@thatissofetch5508]

Thomas might’ve been a sneaky piece of work towards many characters in the show-but under any circumstances, he could NEVER hurt the children or be ill towards them. That’s why George enjoys being in his company so much.

[@muttlee1213]

Spent many times thinking, "why does anyone ever believe what comes out of the mouth of Mr. Barrow or Ms. O'Brien"? Very happy that Cora did listen and respond! Love this show!

[@farrellmcnulty909]

It took a while to warm up to Barrow and O'Brien, even though I love both actors and they performed amazingly. In the first episode, they were so cruel, in fact exceedingly cruel to Bates, even kicking his cane out from under him, making him fall on his face, then sneering down at him as he lay in humiliation. Now I may have loathed the characters and wanted to kill them every week, but the actors were so spot on. It takes a really good actor to really make you enjoy hating a character so much you want to start booing and hissing at the t-v set when they show up. Having said that, it was a real loss when Siobhan Finneran left the series. Then again, O'Brien did cause Cora's miscarriage with the slippery slope, I mean slippery SOAP😀

[@nikic280]

I love this part, because you start to see that Barrow was a good person on the inside.

[@thefrenchislander]

Not in that moment really, he just didn't like the nanny and try to get her sacked, but he indirectly he did good.

[@jameslyon2338]

@@thefrenchislander It's because Sybill was always kind to him, and he suspected Nanny West was starving Sybbie.

[@htownjesse]

Barrow was always fork tongued, always.

[@cherylannemason]

@@jameslyon2338 Agreed--Thomas had a genuine sense of repaying Sybil by watching over her child, and it's established later on that he also had a soft spot for young George.

[@warroom17]

I don't care what anyone says, Thomas is one of the most endearing characters! He has a mean streak, but the more his story begins to unravel, the more we begin to understand him and his pain and anguish

[@HelTra91]

Every character had their own personal battles but Thomas's problem was he brought so many of his issues on himself and knew half of the time what he was doing was wrong and didn't care.

[@warroom17]

@@HelTra91 I agree. He was toxic and victimized but it's those layers of his persona which made him so endearing and relatable, because there are so many instances we see in which he chose self sabotage and cheered him on when he went against that behavior

[@thenightporter]

Perhaps hiding his sexuality played a role, especially in that day and age. I do believe that homosexuality was considered a crime back then. Suppressing one's true self would be very distressing.

[@thenightporter]

​@@HelTra91i agree 100%

[@joannacrickenberger7627]

I've always thought that Thomas loved children because they were to young to judge him and he could start over being a much better person in their eyes.

[@Bigguns72]

Love the way Cora's face changes while in the doorway.

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

Thomas is such a complex character. His character arc is anything but a straight line and he has grave flaws but he also has wonderful shining qualities as well. He loves the children a great deal, he risked his life to save Edith and he grew as a person so much through out the series.

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello how are you doing?

[@okpeace4687]

I like the fact that Thomas was the hero in this episode he saved little city for years of abuse

[@taval8389]

I feel bad for Thomas. He has an inner child that needs love, kindness and attention. He lights up when an authority figure acknowledges or thanks him..

[@jdmarr2259]

Nanny West's directions to cancel Sybbie's egg with tea takes on a sinister tone when you take into account the words she used against the toddler in the nursery. She messed with the wrong person when she tried to dominate Thomas. He sized her up & cautioned Cora, who caught West in action. Game. Set. Match. West was out.

[@caitlintruelove532]

Thomas was a conniving individual, but he absolutely adored the children. He was a member of staff that was being looked at for the position of butler. This meant that he was very adept at noticing and interpreting non-verbal ques. I think he noticed the nanny's actions and how she treated the two children and their parents differently. He saw that she thought she was better than the members of staff and treated Sybil, the daughter of a former chauffeur, differently and let his concerns be known.

[@mssrus]

Not only was Barrow friends with Sybil, but they worked together in the hospital during the war. When the servants were told of her death, Barrow showed intense grief. One sign of true friendship and regard.

[@ladymallowyt]

I love how calm Cora was about firing Nanny West. I can never imagine her shouting, even though the Nanny deserved it

[@farrellmcnulty909]

Her voice was too high and whispy to actually shout. I think that's why she delivered the lines as she did. James Carter (Carson), on the other hand, has a great voice for a shouter. Hugh Bonneville also had a great shouter's voice.

[@JA268]

Surprise nobody else in the family ever knew why she really got fired. And after that, it must have been difficult to find a nanny would accept Sybbie's parentage without being an Irish hater

[@farrellmcnulty909]

@@JA268 Well, they did find an Irish chauffeur, so they could have found an Irish nanny, or a liberal one.

[@rnman99]

Cora was nicer than I would have been. No overnight, no bed, GTFO my house

[@JennaKelly-x8p]

Thomas was super slimy the first couple seasons, but he genuinely loved and cared about the children. His character evolved in the most amazing way towards the end, he became softer and a tad kinder

[@julia0aike]

the nanny was lucky to have been caught by Cora and not Thomas. He would have ruined her life forever if he saw her mistreating little Sybbie. Thomas is extremely protective of those he cares about and has no limits for revenge.

[@Rebecca_English]

The thing is, Barrow did ruin Nanny West's life! Lady Grantham sent her away with no notice and no character reference. No one would ever hire her again as a nanny, even if they didn't know what had happened. The fact that she was fired so abruptly would have told any potential employer that something terrible had happened, and Nanny West was at fault.

[@callumthornelow2936]

Could you imagine if it was Branson, Carson or Robert who caught Nanny West calling Miss Sybbie a "crossbreed"

[@MandieTerrier]

A wicked little crossbreed. When all she did was cry. Babies and toddlers cry.

[@saberthecoolest]

@@MandieTerrier it's possible she was calling her that well before the incident

[@saberthecoolest]

Branson would have been incredibly heartbroken, given his own turbulent experience of being accepted by the Crawleys and trying to fit in. As for Carson or Robert...the uproar they'd have caused would be second to none.

[@rowanaforrest9792]

@@saberthecoolest More than possible. I'm certain that she had called little Sybbie that insult and a variety of others before.

[@rowanaforrest9792]

@@saberthecoolest One of my other favorite scenes was when Sybbie was an even younger toddler, and Carson heard her crying in her crib when everyone was away at that fair, so Carson picked her up so gently and said, "There now, let's have a little chat about it," and just walked her and I'm sure talked to her. At that age a toddler doesn't need to understand what you say as long as your tone of voice is comforting. Carson loves little Sybbie and all the children. He'd turn into a grizzly bear at anyone who mistreated them. So would Robert.

[@belamoure]

Great actress Nanny West you immediately hate her! Congratulations to that actress she is most talented.

[@Ater_Draco]

Diane Botcher

[@sarahc8443]

Thomas does everything to protect his little friends and he has excellent instincts. He knew immediately that this stupid Nanny West was up to no good.

[@psc1939]

Thomas rarely has a good motive for doing something. If something turns out to be a good thing he takes the credit. He is an instigator and opportunist but he does seem to have some genuine affection for his employers, to a dregree.

[@rowanaforrest9792]

I think Thomas had very much a double motive for accusing Nanny West. He was concerned about things like the nanny withholding food from Sybie's tea, but he was also getting back at her for her snooty, insulting, and entitled attitude. It was partly instinct and partly serendipity that he turned out to be as right as he was. One thing is sure, though: Thomas is very sweet to the children and looks out for them.

[@sarahc8443]

@@psc1939 Thomas often has good motives. He has often shown that he would do anything for the people who are important to him and that he is even ready to harm himself for that, for example when he took the beating for saving Jimmy, saved Edith from the fire or how he took care of Lieutenant Courtenay. Also, I think it's understandable that you get frustrated or jealous when society treats you so badly about your sexuality and denies you so many things that others take for granted.

[@alfredoprime5495]

@@rowanaforrest9792 I agree. If Nanny had been friendly with him he would've kept his eyes, ears and mouth shut.

[@rowanaforrest9792]

@@alfredoprime5495 Unless Nanny West raised his suspicions (for example, by often withholding part of Sybbie's meals). Even if friends, Thomas would never ignore a concern that any of the children were being mistreated. At the very least, I'm sure he would investigate quietly to find out whether there really was a problem.

[@deladyfonky6747]

If i walked in on any nanny talking to my grandchild like that... hands will come swinging in from every direction.

[@patrickgilhuly06]

I love how Thomas’s facial expression at 0:17 gives the most polite version of “Who the f*ck do you think you’re talking to?”

[@EBrown-cr1gr]

Wish I could go back in time to when this show aired. Good memories of watching the seasons each Sunday night with my mom

[@the_vedic_guy]

She was under-feeding her. What a terrible, terrible person.

[@dreamsteddybearsmaster]

That's not even the worst of it!!!

[@senguptasayn]

The lady playing the nanny role is excellent. Reminds me of Nurse Ratchet.

[@OfJournalandJourney]

Exactly

[@sidekick5898]

Your I thought the actress was great. My only regret was that the character didn't stay longer before she was fired. I think they could have gotten a lot more dramatic value out of Nanny West

[@rachljperdew]

about to rewatch just for Thomas, miss him

[@JWBabaYaga]

“THOMAS!” “MR. BARROW to you!” 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@elizabethdopita7357]

This is my favorite part. I have watched this over and over again. And I will continue to watch it as long as it is aired.

[@elizabethcanales7170]

Thomas was fabulous in this storyline. The look on his face..."WHAT"???

[@sgtduffy]

i love this show so much. i wish i could forget everything about it and rewatch it again and get that fuzzy feeling all over again.

[@misteridiot123]

knowing what we know now, you can see the subtle hints of the nanny's treatment with the kids. and I think Thomas did too, which is what kept motivating him to talk to her the way that he did.

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

I think what got him was when he realized that Little Sybil wasn't getting an egg with her tea. Like, why? Why not? If she just didn't like the egg with her tea then the nanny would say so, but she doesn't.

[@zetzle]

it's in this moment you are reminded that cora watched her youngest child choke and die in her arms and she was utterly helpless. in this moment she is sybil's mother, sybie's grandmother, she is the acting will of her daughter on earth and cora never lets anyone talk that way about her children. not anyone not ever. she can't bring her child back but she can protect her granddaughter, can give her a live filled with love and happiness and the adoration of the people around her

[@GroomLeader]

You cross swords with Thomas, and he'll come out the winner. Nanny West got caught, and fired with no references, and her career as a nanny ended abruptly.

[@angelafahlenkamp9311]

The character arch for Barrow is one of the best I've ever watched, I hated him in the beginning but warmed to him over the years and was so happy for him in the last movie, I was SO HAPPY they gave his character a happy ending 🤗

[@elizabethroberts6215]

……’character arc’………but get your drift………

[@lizjo7213]

Oh I love me some Mr. Barrow!!! I will never get tired of watching scenes from Downton Abbey, miss this series so much...

[@lynntravels]

One of my favorite scenes in Downton Abbey

[@instantkarma8777]

She can walk around with sheets leaving the children alone, but can't talk to the cook about their meals? What a witch. Thank you Thomas!!

[@BillyAlabama]

I never loved Cora as much as I did in this scene. She was magnificent.

[@fayesouthall6604]

Calm fury

[@rcc1921]

One of my favorite scenes. Always felt Cora's character was underrated and not given the screen time she deserved.

[@StudioGhibliFan494]

Abuse is not a joke. Ever. Nanny West said it was a joke, but abuse is NEVER a joke. It's never funny & never will be. Ever.

[@kristinevitale4630]

When Thomas told Cora he was worried for Sybbie and George; it was really Sybbie getting the mistreatment. the nanny was doting on George as if he were her own son. Cora was so angry. She didn't give the nanny a reference, that means she won't be able to get another job.

[@seylerfam7025]

I remember watching this when the show aired and I must not have been fully paying attention to this episode. It wasn’t until I watched it last year again that I realized what was going on. Made me start loving Thomas even more.

[@JerseyDevilJerseyGirl]

Thomas’s disbelieving “what??” Is fcking hilarious 😂 I went from absolutely hating him to loving him & rooting for him so hard! And I’m so glad he finally had his sweet moment ❤️

[@somedaymew]

Thomas was a character to watch evolve. He truly cared for Sybil and loved both of those babies.

[@nycot107]

Cora's face when Nanny West referred to Sybbie as a 'Chauffer's Daughter' was like "Da fuq she say?!" But it's when Nanny West calls Sybbie a crossbreed that Cora has made up her mind about getting rid of her.

[@vonniecao3991]

Let's all admit: Barrow is really good to the children! He even shared a wonderful bond with little George! It's very heartwarming to see him play with the little boy! As for the nanny, no child (especially an infant) deserves to be treated as badly as that. Calling a baby a crossbreed is extremely outrageous too! If they were my kids and they're being treated like that, I would've not let that woman ever get hired anywhere else after firing her!

[@kck9742]

Unfortunately, one of the bad things about the "good old days" was that racism and abuse were tolerated. As a kid, my half-Jewish father was called a k*ke, more than once, by his Boston Irish mother's friends. She didn't believe him when he told her.

[@vintagelvr4381]

One of the best scenes of the series. Cora is the epitome of grace under presser. Such calm. Di Botcher (Nanny West) nailed the character. Such great acting.

[@7MatthewJames]

The fact that Cora didn’t raise her voice once makes her even more dangerous to Nanny West

[@johnking5174]

She wouldn't have ever raised her voice. You don't shout and scream upstairs. Dignified actions and restraint was always needed.

[@karlafbr]

I like the fact that it is more drama between the servants than upstairs

[@darkangel076]

The Dowager and Mary get all the glory as tough as nails broads on this show, but Cora will Shut. You. Down. when pushed. She did it at least once to nearly every character on the show through the series at one time or another, but this is easily the most satisfying (and necessary) time.

[@Secretagent71114]

The scene with Robert "What!? Not another one!" Always makes me wonder what happened to the previous nannies. Nanny West obviously isn't the first one Cora fired 😄 Thomas grew to be one of my favorite characters over the years especially when he starts using his evil genius skills for good. I especially love when Mary purposely sics him on Lord Sinderby's butler when he's treating Tom badly. But his genuine relationship and love for the children is his most redeeming quality and really makes his character human. The first time I watched I thought he was just after Nanny West and it worked out but on rewatches I decided he's genuinely protecting the children. Especially because this is when Mary is still depressed and shut off from Mathew's death and I think Thomas realizes the Nanny isn't being checked by her and obviously Sybil isn't there to keep an eye either, and that is why he goes to Cora and not Mary.

[@StudioGhibliFan494]

How would the other members of the household have felt if they knew about the way Nanny West was treating Sybbie? It's beyond vile the way she spoke to that little girl. I'd happily have taught her a lesson in manners.

[@catcauldron217]

“Ask her yourself why don’t you” 😂😂😂

[@sheilaspence1250]

Sometimes Thomas is exactly the personality that's needed!

[@victoriarodriguez1146]

I feel like Barrow would be able to recognize red flags in people extremely easily due to his experiences and line of work. Like at first the nanny’s actions don’t seem like much other than her being entitled but once her behavior comes to light, all the little hints laid out for us come together like a puzzle.

[@torigoth7487]

Everytime the Crawleys want him gone, he is able to do something highly reassuring.

[@madmae8021]

0:17 "Wot 😃"

[@lisamartinez9887]

Love Love Love this scene!! I never thought I'd be so grateful for Thomas Borrow!! He's an awesome actor!!!! And so very handsome 😍

[@AxelQC]

This is a lesson in unnecessarily making enemies of your co-workers.

[@JoanneMercader]

Standing up to protect and defend infants, toddlers, and children is a mandatory requirement for every single adult human being

[@anniewallace3601]

Even though he might have been motivated by her entitled attitude, him speaking up about what he knew was good. I don't believe he exaggerated he just told the facts that he was witnessing.

[@noelmcmahon3407]

I love how Thomas cares for the kids and how Cora goes stand up for the kids against the nanny

[@thomast8539]

A great reason to raise your own children and not source them out to others.

[@christinageorge6945]

Honestly, I applaud Thomas’ courage to speak up. Sometimes, back then, speaking up like that would’ve gotten u fired

[@daniels7907]

Given that the "wicked little crossbreed" is Cora's granddaughter, and that her daughter died giving birth, it's no surprise that Cora reacted as she did. Nanny West should have paid more attention and looked into the family situation before assuming that she could play favourites like that.

[@l.a.3479]

It would be wrong of Nanny West to "play favorites" in ANY of her jobs, not just at Downton.

[@daniels7907]

@@l.a.3479 - But not at all unusual during that time period. Especially since little George was heir presumptive to the estate. Favouring the child with the highest rank in the hope of long-term personal gain was all too common, as was mistreating the ones perceived as being "unimportant".

[@farrellmcnulty909]

@@daniels7907 So glad I don't live in those times. I couldn't deal with it, rich or poor.

[@maximilianneumann4785]

honestly the best bit of this clip is thomas saying: "What?" with that smile telling it all xD

[@drewjbrandon]

I don't think I've ever heard more cold fury in two words than that "obviously not"

[@marinamccleery2683]

The look on Nanny Wests face at 0.44!😆 Good on you Thomas for reporting!

[@reddalchemy5970]

Nanny West was vile for sure. I am so glad that Cora caught her and dealt with it swiftly and with grace.

[@vashti2389]

The term crossbreed hurts just to hear it! Brava to Cora for sacking her👏👏

[@MadamaArwen]

It reminds of mudblood from Harry Potter for some reason

[@norhantaher3916]

@@MadamaArwen more like half-blood

[@saberthecoolest]

It does! I can't imagine what might have happened had Cora not heard her say that. Sybbie would have grown up with such an inferiority complex, possibly even hating little George, and nobody would have known why

[@XtreamBrands]

Since Cora was American, I am sure she heard similar comments about herself. It wasn't uncommon for British Aristocracy to look at children of American wives as "half breed". Sir Winston Churchill had that thrown at him upon occasion.

[@turtlemama888]

Cora is an American, she has found a way to live within the British class system because of who she married, that does not means she believes in it.

[@nategraham6946]

Barrow was right, even if he didn't fully know all the details, I bet he was starting to put them together. And Cora was truly brilliant, commanding and stern without raising her voice.

[@marionarda2790]

He was starting to see her for what she was indeed . Which is why he deliberatedly served tea too late so that he d see her bring the kids ( and not say à word to/ about Sybbie ) . Then you had the whole no food for her

[@nategraham6946]

@@marionarda2790 I hadn't thought about him intentionally bringing in the tea late, well spotted.