"No Man is an Island, Not Even Thomas Barrow" | Downton Abbey

[@lauraschoenborn3544]

Can we just admire how Baxter knew something was off with Barrow and raced there. And Andy who had no indication that something was wrong, took Baxter at her word and knocked down the door.

[@fandomshark]

Everyone talking about Barrow (and rightly so), but can we get some appreciation for Baxter for her paying attention and trusting her instincts in this situation.

[@silentsaturn7604]

I love Baxter so much, she is a quiet but very deep character.

[@gutsfinky]

Quiet and kind and encouraging. I really like how she seems like a wholesome person. I think she was really horrified with herself at her past and strives to rectify it anyway she can.

[@birteoldhaber513]

Agree 🙏❤

[@stephanietip]

In my opinion,Baxter is the Lady Sybil of the servants hall.She is not the head of place,but nobody is gonna hurt or suffer on her watch.

[@lizb853]

Young George is such a lovely, well brought up little boy. He must be a joy to be around.

[@melindoranightsilver9298]

Thomas and George were so cute! Thomas will definately be George's Carson.

[@rubyro2452]

Most definitely

[@earlofwickshire5416]

All I can say is I sincerely hope Thomas never, ever rises to the same level of respect as the landed gentry. If that occurs, I will boycott the show. One can like him, but one must never admire him.

[@hannahb4737]

@@earlofwickshire5416 ??? You know the show is finished, yes?

[@GoldenRose116]

@@earlofwickshire5416 well then you can boycot the show

[@houseoftyrell1544]

@@earlofwickshire5416 do you watch the downton abbey movie

[@DogNamedWatson]

"Hello, Mr. Barrow! Here you are, to make you feel better!" I'm going to cry

[@pam8sj0611]

Well, I cried

[@m.layfette6249]

It took Both Kleenex and Puffs to soak up my tears. 😢😢😢😢 Especially when All of the children came to say Goodbye 😢💔😢💔😢 #DowntonHeartache

[@earlofwickshire5416]

Usually when I have kleenex out for this show it is for less wholesome reasons

[@chach9996]

already crying it's too cute 🥺🥺🥺❤

[@pmyodb1]

Isn't Master George the most handsomest lil man...so sweet :)

[@r6854]

I know barrow can be sneaky, manipulative and downright mean, but loyalty was never his problem. He has saved babies from an evil nanny, daughters from burning fires. What the hell does a guy have to do for a little job security at Downton Abbey?

[@vincentfiestada]

Maybe not steal wine?

[@chach9996]

Roy Young so right 👍

[@Stranger_Than_Fiction299]

Be born 30 years earlier, I think.

[@MaximilianvonPinneberg]

I always thought he was a tortured soul. Yes, for all the sneakiness and scheming, he always stood true to those he loved and admired.

[@glen7318]

@@vincentfiestada Or steal a dog to "find" it later... or cause trouble for fellow servants....

[@aigossipguy]

He was not innocent in anyway, but he did many noble things for the house. Was he a jerk, a liar and a thief? Yes. He also saved Edith, loved the children, taught someone to read, and got that horrible nanny fired. Perfect? No. He was tortured by the times. I love this character.

[@pdruiz2005]

You mean Thomas was a three-dimensional human being instead of a cartoon cutout pretending to be a human being, like they have on so many other shows? Who wouldathunk. LOL. This is why I liked Thomas as a character--they really fleshed him out as a real person. Real people can be jerks, liars, thieves. But they can also love, be selfless, and be heroic.

[@lol4lol993]

Well said Terrace Bullock and to add my own, there's a little of Thomas Barrow in most of us, that's to say, we can be both downright evil to "saintly" or noble according to the tide of the wave of time and circumstances, intentionally or unintentionally. Barrow definitely was a more realistically drawn character,and my most hated one out of all characters in the beginning but grew out to be a more interesting subject because of his many complexities.

[@jollyquinn430]

@Pablo Ruiz No? A character can be three-dimensional without being a jerk, a thief and a liar. And a lot of shows nowadays have three-dimensional characters. Even cartoons. Yeah, real people can be jerks, liars and thieves. But it's not necessary for a character to be a jerk, a liar or a thief to be three-dimensional.

[@whatwhatwhatttttt]

@@jollyquinn430 no one said anything close to that.

[@lauraclaire]

@@pdruiz2005 I completely agree. Having a life where you feel like an outcast is a tough and tricky one. It’s how you go about things that will make your easier or harder.

[@criptastical]

It always intrigued me that Thomas saw Carson with a cane/stick and immediately thought of being hit. It lends an even more depressing light to his character.

[@lonelyratgirl3688]

And in season 1, Bates shoves Thomas against the wall and he doesn't react at all; anyone else would've striked back. Safe bet to say Thomas grew up around a violent father 😥

[@ayameisastar]

To be fair I can’t see a wooden spoon without thinking of my mother and she never even hit me with it! Just put the fear in me, which was obviously enough

[@SvanEsch123]

His father was actually abusive. I believe he says this to Ms Baxter when he supposedly goes to visit bis father when he’s ill and Baxter keeps saying how much she loved him.

[@nikkifuller8955]

@@earlofwickshire5416 well well, now that’s a lazy way to view humanity, but each to their own of course!

[@alejandrovidal6441]

He tended to be quite ironic...

[@BigFanOfManyThings]

A great example of a gray character. He did both good and bad things. Not the hero, not evil. Human.

[@jacklynlawson]

It was obvious Mary could identify with Thomas and no matter how sneaky and manipulative Thomas could be, he always had a heart. Especially for Master George and the girls.

[@jehannethompson1432]

Mary wasn’t sneaky tho

[@morganmiller7428]

jehanne thompson Mary was sneaky from day 1

[@jehannethompson1432]

Morgan Miller Mary did things openly apart from scandals. Edith secretly did things that was the only difference. But I couldn’t care less what you think about her bc she is my favourite character and no ones opinion will change that

[@MrStGeorgeIllawarra]

Tom and Mary are each others upstairs/downstairs doppelgangers.

[@alyssagonzales8844]

@@jehannethompson1432 chill they were both hella shady

[@lizb853]

When Barrow says " at least I've got ONE friend eh? " I very nearly cried.

[@Ashely56]

I started tearing up when Baxter starting running, even when I knew he would survive.

[@amberanime]

Especialy sad because he doesnt seem to understand that Baxter is his friend, despite it all, But he seemed to have learned this later.

[@joanneginever1890]

I did cry 😥 These scenes with Thomas were quite heartbreaking. The scene with little George was so heart wrenching. Yes, Thomas was his own worst enemy at times but I think he was a very troubled soul. I just wanted to give him a big hug when he was alone and crying. 🙏💖

[@12classics39]

“Hello Mr. Bawwow. Here you are to make you feel better.” ❤😭 if your heart doesn’t melt at that, then you have no heart.

[@nanouklezaf4273]

Baxter was the GOAT in handling all of this. After all he's done to her, she was still willing to be his friend.

[@lizb853]

Nano Most likely because she saw Barrows true character and soul,and saw past the mean demeanor and rude disrespect.

[@danieljaffen]

Yep!!! Remember when Barrow was doing DIY conversion therapy injections? He had reported to the police then about Baxter "possibly" knowing info about the death of Mr. Green, which exposed her past to Mrs. Hughes. The fact that Baxter STILL helped him after he did that (and for her to even tell him she KNEW what he did) goes to show you what a true friend Barrow has in Baxter. He better not burn bridges with her!!

[@destinynanaakrong8584]

Yeah..... She saw that despite his callousness, he was a man who was in great pains and he needed love.

[@callicordova4066]

Thomas sobbing in the dark was so sad. I really admire the development of the Thomas Barrow character through the years and Rob James-Collier's portrayal of Barrow.

[@nina1522]

George is such a cute little boy. He will certainly have a bond with Thomas much like Mary has with Carson.

[@cherylannemason]

It is indeed easy to imagine Mary and her sisters growing up with just such a bond with Carson--or for that matter, that Robert would've had with the previous butler as well as Carson.

[@bibliofiliafull]

I think the same.

[@KindredKeepsake]

His descent into despair was heartbreaking. Little George is such a sweetheart. He looks JUST like Matthew. His father would be so proud.

[@mcsinger7719]

I cried and cried so hard when that little voice said, "To make you feel better."

[@davejefferynf]

In spite of Barrow's failings, he did have one bright spot: he loved those kids, and he would have flogged anybody hurting them.

[@briancarter8490]

It really hurt watching these times for Thomas. He was really trying to do his best at his job and help Andy, and all Carson did was look at him with disbelief. To think it took a suicide attempt and Carson's hands going wack to get standing with the family again..

[@dergluckliche4973]

Carson looked at him through eyes familiar with only a fraction of Barrow's various machinations but with years of observing his general unpleasantness.

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

To be fair, his job was pretty useless at that point.

[@briancarter8490]

@@rosesweetcharlotte True

[@briancarter8490]

@@dergluckliche4973 That's understandable. We, the audience, have seen Thomas grow but not everyone else.

[@earlofwickshire5416]

hopefully, he will fade into obscurity like so many commoners rightfuly did

[@ChristinWilsey]

I love Barrow's relationship with the children of Downton. He may have his faults, but deep down I think he's a good man.

[@whitneydavis7443]

His personality is a product of his circumstances.

[@billhosko7723]

@@whitneydavis7443 It's the product OF THE writers.

[@shivalika6322]

I always had a soft spot for Barrow and I love his storyline. His evolution was the best imo. Love rob collier

[@earlofwickshire5416]

Yeah he always gave me a raging erection

[@alyssashih2895]

He really has a rough time and he’s the ONLY lgbtq+

[@sinner8684]

Baxter is such an underrated sweetheart. Thomas tormented her for so long and tried so hard to make her scared of him, which she was. Nevertheless she wanted to be his friend and show him she cared about him. I'm so glad they kept the character on.

[@Ashely56]

Her continously trying to reach out to Thomas probably also stems from Baxter knowing him since they were very young. So she always had the foundational knowledge that Thomas was more that the icy exterior he portrays

[@kw5021]

She was a lovely, gracious character. Also, Jesus loves you.

[@amandaljohnson]

I hate that Thomas felt he need this escape. I'm glad things worked out for him in the end. And sidenote Georgie saying Barrow was just the cutest thing.

[@RobinPM86]

"Mr. Bawwow" :)

[@andrew_4747]

Until the movie when Mary pushes him out for Carson who fails just as miserably in controlling the Royal Staff.

[@glen7318]

@@andrew_4747 Shows that Carson's a more popular character as they had to find some way of bringing him back as butler for the film.......

[@charlesgong4510]

Don’t worry, in the new era movie, he got his true happy ending. I won’t spoil with the details considering some might have not seen it.

[@KoiYakultGreenTea]

Love how Baxter knows him so well she knows he’s out of character and is worried especially knowing he’s been depressed enough to try conversion therapy 😭

[@thomasdoyle9748]

Love her

[@geniehossain3738]

Thomas has such a soft spot for the kids! And people who argue that he’s just doing it because he knows George will be master of the estate when he grows up, he was just as kind to Sybie and Marigold, and there was absolutely nothing to be gained from being nice to them. Especially Marigold considering the staff knew nothing about her true parentage. I think it’s because Thomas is always unkind to the other staff out of a sense of self-hatred. He needs to feel better than his peers because he was always made to feel small for who he was. The kids aren’t like that though, they have no agenda, no desire to make him feel small. And so he lets his guard down around them. It’s the most adorable thing to watch!

[@Luna.3.3.3]

Thomas Barrow was one of the best characters. Hate him, love him, feel sorry for him. Back and forth. It takes a really good actor to do that.~I think it's time to binge watch Downton during the isolation!!

[@m.layfette6249]

I've never Stopped binge watching. The shutdown just gave me More freetime. 😎 #FortheLoveofDownton

[@coryspang7548]

I started binge-watching Downton Abbey recently, as I never had an opportunity to watch it when it first came out. I like Thomas and the actor who played him in the show. Really kept me on my feet so far for the first 4 seasons. Will continue to work on them to see what happens to him thereafter.

[@jwpaulson2360]

Even more than Baxter's affection for Molesly, her support for Barrow warms my heart.

[@danieljaffen]

I want Baxter and Mosley to get together!!! They're so sweet to each other and I love how Mosley gets all googly-eyed and timid when he's talking to Baxter. So sweet ❤️

[@andrewrichard9017]

Baxter... truly a fantastic example of a late addition character that was wonderful

[@middleearthians5661]

the way Thomas was treated throughout the series always broke my heart, yes I know he caused it much of the time but its still hard to watch

[@xxwhispersxx2856]

What goes around comes around.

[@beckyc8104]

Great attention to detail that you can see Barrow's gunshot wound on his hand. Normally its the type of thing you imagine would be forgotten about and leave a continuity error. So props for the makeup team!

[@danieljaffen]

YES!!!! LOVED how they kept his wounded hand throughout the ENTIRE series AND the movie!!!

[@thebluedoorstep647]

Baxter was kind to everyone with words of encouragement and comfort. She saved Thomas's life because of her caring nature.

[@brittanyc8157]

I love Barrow's connection with the Downton children! It's so cute how George just hops onto the other twin bed! He's so at ease around Thomas. Possible Spoilers... I've read that the scene in the last episode, when the kids are telling Barrow goodbye, that Sybbie's running up to Thomas and hugging his legs was unscripted, because Sybbie's actress was so fond of Rob James -Collier irl! Apparently, the kid actors genuinely loved him. That melts my heart!

[@houseoftyrell1544]

Thats so adorable, Robert indeed a lovely person in real life.

[@earlofwickshire5416]

Such a horrendously behaved child. Fortunately typhoid is coming...

[@curtismackland5257]

Cute. That's maybe why Barrow was scripted to be a friend to the children. Writers often seem to take note of these off set dynamics.

[@dreamsteddybearsmaster]

Haha plus Rob has a kid of his own

[@pedanticradiator1491]

@@earlofwickshire5416 typhoid was pretty much non existent in the UK in the 20th century

[@josephcarlbreil5380]

Robert James-Collier is excellent in his role as Thomas Barrow. Kudos to this fine actor.

[@beebeb3524]

Really blown away by Baxter. So kind, so perceptive. Were it that we could all use empathy this way.

[@lonelyratgirl3688]

The way Carson treated Thomas here is just...so unfair and hypocritical. He deems himself a man of moral value, yet he spent weeks bullying Thomas. He might as well as put that razor blade on Thomas' wrists in person. Thomas was showing signs of change, or at the very least a will to change, but they all disregarded it because "Thomas doesn't have a heart". Shame on them.

[@dergluckliche4973]

Frankly I'd view Barrow with at least as much skepticism. Keep in mind, too, Carson had a mandate to reduce headcount and Barrow's position was seen as superfluous. The estate, after all, was a business.

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

@@dergluckliche4973 And it was about keeping the estate going for the sake of the family. Carson was definitely going to put them first before Thomas.

[@kellharris2491]

He he hadn't caused as much problems people would be more inclined to keep him.

[@rowanaforrest9792]

The scenes between Carson and Thomas were painful, but Carson was not being hypocritical. He viewed Thomas through the lens of his past behavior, which is what just about everyone tends to do toward everyone else. He couldn't read Thomas' mind to know that he wasn't up to any new trouble. I would not say he was bullying Thomas either, though neither was he being kind. Were Carson really a bad person, he would not have been sympathetic to Thomas afterward, but he was.

[@rowanaforrest9792]

We actually don't know for certain whether Carson has Parkinson's or an essential tremor, though I suspect an essential tremor since a few years later (in the movie) it hasn't noticeably worsened. I'm not sure, but wouldn't the next Dowager Countess be Cora, Mary's mother? Not sure how that works, but I sure don't look forward to the loss of the current Dowager Countess. She's such a great character.

[@dandelion1627]

Thomas Barrow, to me is most interesting and best character in the show. He endured the worst and built walls to protect himself most of his life, yet the light and fire in him never cease glowing, not even all the darkness engulfing him everywhere he went.

[@luxusken05]

I cried so hard seeing him crying and him motionless in the tub. 😭 It's hits different when it's Thomas.

[@metro121482]

I know the video is about Thomas, but seeing mini-Matthew come visit Thomas makes me both so happy and so sad. They really did find the perfect little boy to cast in the part!

[@MiraTheWarlock]

"Bye bye mister bawwow" DAMMIT MY HEART CAN'T TAKE IT!

[@glen7318]

Why? George is a kid, doesn't know what Barrow is like

[@selenesspoilers6006]

@@glen7318 their saying it’s cute

[@Spikastru]

I know!! So cute. 💕✨

[@galaxticgal]

The picnic scene really broke my heart because Thomas was so genuine upon his arrival. He was genuinely trying to be a better person and being friendly by bringing the lemonade. Instead of all of the characters giving him major props for helping Andy, they say nothing. Mr. Dawdson at least acknowledges his aid yet there are no kind words directed at Barrow. Mr. Dawdson then dismisses Barrow about continuing to help Andy. He doesn't even offer Barrow at least the chace to lend him a hand according to his own teaching methods.

[@tash_g]

I always wondered why the teacher was that harsh to Thomas!😭 He dismissed him just like that like he was on the wrong! Got me thinking, does he know too? And he's behaving all Carson like by asking him to keep off Andy.

[@glen7318]

@@tash_g No, he just felt that it wasn't a good idea to mix 2 teachers and their methods

[@silentsaturn7604]

@@glen7318 I'm sure he meant well but there was no harm if Thomas would have reviewed with Andy what he learned that day.

[@tash_g]

@@silentsaturn7604 exactly. Like parents do. And even if that's the case, he would have told him calmly or something. He just dismissed him. And you can see Thomas felt it.

[@thebusybeanhomecafe4035]

It was so awkward I hid under a pillow. I couldn't watch 🙈

[@Knappa22]

The way she tears her petticoat to make a tourniquet - what a hero!

[@qdllc]

A bandage would do the job.

[@esgib1385]

@@qdllc she probably didn’t have a bandage on hand when she ran all the way back to the house to kick down a door and save a mans life, time is of the essence in those moments

[@danieljaffen]

@@esgib1385 Exactly 💯 👏🏿 🙌🏾 And I agree with you on her using (correction: RIPPING) her petticoat to use as a tourniquet. Baxter is a BAAAWWWWWWWSE.

[@esgib1385]

@@danieljaffen absolutely she’s a queen

[@littleraeofsunshine]

Honestly, the show would have been so dull without Tom and Thomas. They were some of the only characters who actually had growth and change. The family just got boring and predictable.

[@holohulolo]

Edith had growth too. Daisy as well. Mosley too. Mary had some growth and development when she was with mathew, but she's not that interesting.

[@danielac8497]

Mary also grew wiser with the time.

[@mikeconnolly6845]

Along with Anna & Bates who probably at times were the most unpredictable characters in my opinion

[@earlofwickshire5416]

Was there incest in that noble family?

[@Animestoryclip]

@@earlofwickshire5416 i just watch this movie/film recently, and i don't know exactly how the story is going. but i don't think there is, look at how tom never kissed sybil and the first time they're kissing after they decided to get married, yet tom still didn't sit on the bed with sybil instead he sat on a chair next to the bed. when mary and edith caught them up in the room. i think they haven't done that deed but i don't know if there is other story that tells like what you said. please don't judge me ✌️

[@julesmcc5477]

That was one of the sweetest moments of the whole series when little master George brought him that orange! He’s very much the Carson to his favourite little crawley!! Him nodding his head agreeing that they’re friends, Matthew little lookalike is so cute, great job from them both! 🍊❤️

[@ericofthewest24]

Thomas's story was one of my favorite recollections of the last season. For years, he was manipulative, deceptive, and utterly selfish to the core but in the last season, he desperately tries to mend his bitterness with the staff and change his ways. Him falling into complete despair because no one could find it in their hearts to trust him was too painful to watch 😖😣 All he wanted was to stay at Downtown with the people he cared about.

[@dianagolden6071]

It's no wonder he tried to end his life. EVERYONE pushed him aside and made him feel insignificant. His tough guy act was because of it. 🤬

[@nazgullord3198]

This storyline, heartbreaking as it was, really touched my heart more than any other, and cemented my already deep love for Barrow. Was severly depressed at the time when the last season of Downton was airing, and it helped me to conect with a character who was going through something very similar as I was. The fact that he was saved and that he saw a light at the end of the tunnel really helped me too. Thank you Downton Abbey, and than you Barrow!! 💖

[@annec6200]

The creators of that show, the producers of a movie or an author of a book never really knows if it will touch or reach someone. I was very moved to read your comment right now. I enjoyed that storyline as well. I really like his friendship with Master George. He is so sweet with him. It brought out his owns child like qualities. Master George really likes him and a child’s instinct never fails.

[@nazgullord3198]

@@annec6200 Indeed! It warms my heart the idea that he will be to Master George what Carson was to Mary.

[@annec6200]

Nazgul Lord, it’s a great idea for a future movie sequel when Mr Barrow is the butler to an adult Lord George Grantham! 😉 Oh boy, and Lady Mary as the Dowager Countess of GranthamDowager!!!😂

[@earlofwickshire5416]

I’m just glad that he’ll never be amongst the landed gentry

[@PABWECG]

Thanks for your comment. Stories can really be healing, can't they? I have found the same to be true in difficult times.

[@M3ow_pawzz]

Thomas just wants to be accepted. Fantastic acting by Rob James Collier, he really brings Thomas to life and he has made Thomas become a fan favorite through the seasons 😊

[@c00mgoblin]

Thomas is definitely one of the most complex characters of recent media. ❤

[@Ronald-ks2iy]

When you can play a villain but still can get the audience to like and even care for you……….that’s really good acting and writing and directing! The English do make good television!

[@rosierennie5867]

What I admire is they didnt taint Master George's admiration of Thomas, they probably told him he has the flu or a cold so she doesn't ruin the image little George has of his friend. Thomas and George are just a later version of Mary and Carson - I love that

[@glen7318]

are they really likely to tell a 5 year old that someone's tried to kill himself?

[@rosierennie5867]

@@glen7318 You dont know much about Victorian and Edwardian up to Pre WW2 times do you? Children weren't allowed to be children - They had to be little adults. Children being children and playing and not worrying about things is a relatively new concept. If it was the real world and not a show then yeah they would have definitely told little George that Barrow almost died.

[@glen7318]

@@rosierennie5867 yes I do. Consider that Thomas tried to kill himself I doubt if they were going to tell a small child. Suicide itself was a crime

[@GoldenRose116]

Season 6 really made Carson unlikable.. in earlier season he could be also an unfair snob, but in season 6 he was pretty much awful to anyone that wasn't a Crawley.

[@alessandram9367]

Agreed, he also was not so kind to Mrs. Hughes after they got married.

[@kayleighludlow9912]

A man that was probably born while victoria was still queen so hes going to have that stiff upperlip. Especially for head of staff in a big house. All men were like it because they were bought up to show no emotion and to be harsh. Essentially carson is the lord granthem of the servents

[@user-bf7bp2ox5z]

@Kayleigh Ludlow still he's still bad

[@jaciel610]

@@user-bf7bp2ox5z no. Dont judge a character by modern standars, he had to be hard, by his age, time period, job... and yes he didn't things to change with the modern time but he is a good person

[@andrew_4747]

@@jaciel610 Decency is still expected regardless of the era. Carson was a stage actor putting on airs. As the Page of the Backstairs told him in the movie: "You are a retired servant in a minor provincial house, serving an undistinguished family." Carson looked down on Ethel as well. Thought it was his place to say Sybil shouldn't cook. He acted like a Lord.

[@hannaletzring4517]

I love scenes where George is in them, he's so cute! And he reminds me of Matthew :)

[@mamiedubingo]

I don't have the words to describe Thomas. But I love him so much...

[@saracodd3948]

Definitely one of my favorite characters in the series. He was so complex and had a lot of depth.

[@missygraceful]

Barrow character is so complex, deep, victim of this time. I love this character and the actor played him beautifully

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

Baxter is just my favorite character on the show!

[@nina1522]

She has such a good heart.

[@angelabolton4478]

Lovely, lovely person.

[@cherylannemason]

For as rotten as Thomas was towards her when she first arrived, she proved herself on at least two occasions to be a genuine friend.

[@earlofwickshire5416]

Being a good person is highly overrated

[@plaguerat7015]

Earl of Wickshire no, it’s pretty underrated I would say

[@CoolsBreeze]

It's so cute how Barrow is so kind with George and how George cares about Barrow.

[@Youwh00]

Of all the characters, my heart goes out to Mr. Barrow. Not different by his own design, he tried in every way to overcome negative opinions and differences that surround him by putting on a tough exterior. His wickedness was all a part to ensure a place for himself. I think that Rob James does a fantastic job at playing this character - every emotion highlighting a tough yet emotionally hurt man. These scenes were the especially tough ones to watch.

[@Sihame07]

I would love to watch a little spin-off series about Barrow, he's such a complex character and the actor who plays him did a wonderful job !

[@Luboman411]

Oh, wow, that suicide attempt shocked me! I've always wondered why Thomas never fled for London. That's what LGBTQ people in the rural areas have done since time immemorial--flee for the relative safety of the large city. it's just much easier. You can find romantic relationships in the city, and the city provides much-needed anonymity. Thomas must've known this. Why he never left for the sake of his mental health, and rid himself of his loneliness, is beyond me. Probably fear of the unknown.

[@kaik7366]

fear of not having a job, being able to pay for anything, and in general the safety of a solid position outweighed the rest of it.

[@cherylannemason]

He did, as well, once say that Downton was the one place he'd ever found any measure of happiness--and certainly Anna and Miss Baxter, as well as Lady Sybil, showed him a certain level of compassion and acceptance. Not things to ignore, and quite frankly, he was the sort of character who might've had a hard time making true friends anywhere.

[@Luboman411]

Well, the job situation could've been sorted out by looking for a comparable position as a valet/butler/under-butler while he still had his position at Downton. It's not like London is short on huge mansions filled with rich people in need of a good, handsome English butler/valet. So lack of job opportunities was not it. As for lack of savings--he could've saved up his earnings over a few years. I will credit Thomas' inability to make true friends. Thomas' knee-jerk need to belittle and condescend to others was always his true weakness, and in a big city where he wouldn't know anyone those personality traits could've ended in Thomas' permanent loneliness. There's also just the comfort factor--one just gets nice and settled in a place, and totally reluctant to leave it all behind.

[@piotrmalewski8178]

@@Luboman411 Yes, Thomas was a jerk. He could feel relatively safe at Downton because he knew the people and knew how to get by around them. He always had good parts in him, but he actually really changed only after the suicide attempt, when he learned that people really care about him, inspite of all wrong things he's done. It's also believable in terms of modern knowledge- people change under extreme circuimstances.

[@lilyl3470]

I think the movie partially answers your question, because when Thomas discovers the secret gay bar, he's amazed and says he's never seen anything like it before. It's likely he's not aware of the lgbtq community already existing (although secretly) at the time and didn't have any reason to think London would be different (no matter his job being considered a "good position" for his social class, he is still a provincial man and you knew these sort of circles if someone introduced you to it or if you looked hard enough, which he obviously never did).

[@OleandyrTheGreatDragonGod]

Oh my gosh, young master George is SOOOOO adorable! "Hewwo Mr. Bawwow". XD

[@manolitarosales4242]

The meeting of Master George Crawley and Thomas Barrow shows that Master Georgie's upbringing is really aristocratic. How he says his line is clearly very aristocratic. Georgie is really gentle, nice, cute, .sweet and beautiful and so behaved. I love Georgie absolutely especially when he sits quietly in twin bed without being told by her mom.

[@aperson22222]

Six months ago today a good friend of mine took his life under not-dissimilar circumstances. I felt closer to him as I watched this.

[@markregiec9223]

I like the Carson and Lord Grantham, however they were very careless toward the staff at Downton. It showed how indifferent they can be towards employees. Also how ungrateful Lord Grantham was toward Thomas Barrow. He saved his daughter Edith from a fire and he helped fight the fire to save the house. Lets not forget that all the years that Thomas Barrow fetched and served the family. Then Lord Grantham attitude we do not need him let him go.

[@happybkwrm]

He also brought a felon (Baxter) into the house without telling her employer at least partley because he enjoyed having power over her. He was pubically spiteful to Gwen when she showed up with her husband. I think everyone was just tired of giving him 2nd, 3rd, 4th chances, because he kept doing the same thing over and over. It's not like he was turned out onto the streets. Barrow himself has admitted he's his own worst enemy.

[@rowanaforrest9792]

You both say true things. Most of the characters on Downton have said and/or done some pretty rotten things at least once, many of them a lot more than once, but they all have also shown redeeming qualities. Even the sly Miss O'Brien from the earlier seasons wasn't 100% bad (just maybe mostly).

[@alessandram9367]

YES!!!

[@piotrmalewski8178]

You're forgetting how much damage Barrow has done to the family and to Bates (Lord's friend too), and Lord Grantham was aware of a big part of that. He was always very kind and generous towards his staff. As a matter of fact, the welfare of his tennants and servants seemed to be the only thing he ever cared for, and he went into battle with Matthiew and Mary just to protect his people.

[@glen7318]

Barrow fetched and carried because it was his job...In the 1920s there wasn't so much money around, and most upper class families had to cut back and not live so grandly, so they let some of their staff go...They could not afford to live in the same style as before and Thomas had shown himself so many times to be spiteful, untruthful and a trouble maker.. he was hardly likely to be the one that they would try and hold onto...

[@GillianMcGeorge-Cruikshank]

This one made me cry so.

[@mariafox9226]

Little George is so sweet.

[@1Sparkyny]

Rob James -Collier’s character arch as Barrow was my favorite part of the series.. beautifully played..

[@noelmcmahon3407]

I love Thomas he needs a real big hug

[@nab05]

It's super sad because instead of saying he was helping Andrew he let himself be accused of things just so no one would know that Andrew can't read

[@ReadmanJ]

Crazy how my Journey with Barrow went, Season 1 I utterly despised him and thought he was a morally bankrupt, conniving piece of garbage, and here I am in the Final Season and I genuinly empathize with him and want everything to turn out good. Truly a remarkable Character Arc

[@danieljaffen]

I agree. Really great character development. 👏🏿

[@ellie91059]

Thomas will forever remain my favourite

[@Luboman411]

At 4:17. I haven't seen beyond the 2nd season of Downton Abbey. I'm also a teacher. They did a good job portraying Andrew as a dyslexic. As a trained educator you can tell immediately that that is the problem with Andrew. It seems the gentleman with the glasses is also a trained teacher since he could see it too, though I was sad that Thomas was pushed out of the way so quickly. Teaching Andrew probably gave Thomas a good boost of badly-needed self esteem. I know it does for me. It's lovely when you teach people and they learn, they genuinely learn, under your tutelage. And not to toot my own horn, but I know precisely how to answer that exam question that has Daisy all nervous--I can talk A LOT about the Russo-Turkish relationship during the reign of Czar Nicholas I in the 1840s and 1850s, why the Czar called Turkey "the sick man of Europe," and can very quickly fill in the information I don't know through relevant research. :D

[@plaguerat7015]

Andrew may or not have been a dyslexic, but he said himself it was because he didn’t pay attention in school

[@Luboman411]

@Eleanor Clark Short answer--Czar Nicholas I and all the other Russian Czars have long wanted the reconquest of Istanbul to re-establish it as the Christian city of Constantinople. That is where the Orthodox Church started, so it's the holiest city in that sect of Christianity, like Rome is for Catholicism. Czar Nicholas I, in his bid to take the city, started the Crimean War in the early 1850s with a declining Ottoman Empire, dubbing it "the sick man of Europe." The Crimean War was a disaster for the Russians--the British and the French did not want the Russians to gain complete control of Istanbul because then it would mean Russian dominance of the Mediterranean, which the UK and France wanted for themselves. So they fought on the side of the Ottomans, and defeated Russia on Russian soil. This was very humiliating for Russia, for it showed how backward the nation had become in comparison to the great powers of the West. Thus, Czar Nicholas I suffered a pretty bad setback for Russian foreign policy for underestimating the staying power of the Ottoman Empire. :D

[@Luboman411]

@@plaguerat7015 Dyslexia discourages children from learning. So sufferers tend to not pay attention because why try hard when even trying hard means certain failure in reading-heavy classes (which is practically all classes except for math)? It's a terrible disorder, dyslexia, because it cultivates an inferiority complex in sufferers that is very hard to lift later on.

[@plaguerat7015]

Luboman411 oh oof

[@jamesbarlow4955]

It’s so sad to see Tom always trying to reach out for even just a friend. All he wants is love and affection. I’m glad he finds it in the last movie. I just hope we don’t get a third movie where it turn out it all went sour like the man from the first movie.

[@catcauldron217]

Oh! The genius of Mr. Fellowes. 🎶👏🎶👏🎶

[@ksyvi]

I am disappointed that they kick Thomas out from house in the movie, and bring Carson back on his place. Thomas definitely deserve to be a butler, but they gave him only love story. It is unfair

[@SuperScarface83]

He certainly got disrespected with the arrival of the Royal family, but at least his love story was arguably the most pleasant human interaction he had ever had. He seemed reasonably happy by the end.

[@melindoranightsilver9298]

It was an excuse to have Carson in the film. Not that they did much with him but they felt he HAD to be there. I'm glad he was, but I did understand why Barrow was upset. Barrow assumed correctly that the Royal family's staff had their own way of doing things and would want them done as such. In the real world, Barrow would have been right. However, in the film the house/kitchen staff needed something to do so there was a bit of a coup.

[@Setana815]

Love story is the best thing that ever happened to him. It was worth it.

[@danieljaffen]

@@melindoranightsilver9298 I agree 100%. Barrow already knew what he was doing as far as table settings were concerned. If anything, Mary (who, despite being my other favorite character on this show, can be rather intimidating at times hahaha 😆) was having him on edge.

[@parisas5619]

maybe thomas is not a good person first but after a while he could find the good side of his personality and his heart and act on that .I really like him and admire him

[@alisaoikarinen489]

i loved the scene where he was asked to be the butler by robert he seemed so happy to be genuinly asked to come back considering how he left feeling not needed and unwanted.

[@loliver9660]

Little George is so precious I can't!!😍😍

[@maryannlockwood7806]

L Oliver and I love how they found a little boy that looks like the spitting image of Dan Stevens who played Matthew Crawley!🧒🏼

[@loliver9660]

@@maryannlockwood7806 Actually, they found three! Two out of three triplets played George, can you believe that?! 😍 That had to be so much fun!

[@m.layfette6249]

Carson's treatment of Thomas is beyond Shameful and Disgraceful. Barrow has served the family Faithfully for over a decade. Injured during the War and served as a medical staff at the local hospital once he was discharged. Now when he's trying to hide Andrew's shame and embarrassment for Not knowing how to read. Everyone is Still holding to a past transgression and won't let it go. "Let he who is without Sin cast the first stone."

[@happybkwrm]

He got Baxter hired so he could basically blackmail her. He sabotaged Bates several times to try and get him sacked. He lied to the duke he had a past affair with to try and get Mary to wed the man, then tried to blackmail the duke. He used Daisy's crush on him to hurt William. When he realized he was about to get fired for theft (he tried to blame it on Bates) he joined the army as a medic, to avoid combat. I get that he has gone through a lot, but he also hurt a LOT of people. It makes it hard for people to trust him when he tries to do the right thing.

[@whyisthisdifferentnow]

1. that quote is ALWAYS taken out of context. 2. let's not forget the time he tried to kiss a footman, while asleep. sexual assault is sexual assault.

[@dergluckliche4973]

@@happybkwrm Agreed. Length of service means little when weighed against the number of unpleasant plots and schemes he instigated and years' worth of general bad attitude. He was lucky to make it this far.

[@skylark7921]

A P and tell me, pray - what is the correct context? As I remember, the Pharisees wanted to stone a woman who had sinned (I forget specifically, adultery? Prostitution?) and Jesus said let he who has not sinned throw the first stone. Because you have no right to be cruel to someone for past transgressions unless you yourself are flawless

[@whyisthisdifferentnow]

Skylark 7 People love to quote that one part, but never the rest, which is Jesus basically telling her to not do it again. Obviously, it doesn’t mean go around and be an ass to people who’ve done wrong, but it also shouldn’t be used to stop someone from making legitimate criticism and calling someone out about their BS.

[@katebarton1018]

Thomas has to be one of the top, if not the best character I’ve ever come across. He’s not my favorite character in the world, though he is my favorite downtown character, he’s not nice or very funny (though he is a wonderfully snarky boi which I love). But his character development is extraordinary, he goes from basically the villain to the poor lost soul who tries to be good and is easy to sympathize with. It also helps that rob James-collier plays him perfectly. I love Thomas so much!

[@holly.carlton]

Carson became quite unlikable by the end of the series because of the way he treated Thomas. he was what caused him to attempt suicide, telling him to find a new job, being horrible about his sexuality and just being overall rude to him. i know that Thomas was not always nice but he was showing some signs of change and vulnerability. that whole 'Thomas doesn't have a heart' was horrible. Thomas was one of my favourite character because of his hidden sexuality (and his evilness haha) and i was so upset about his whole suicide story line and even more that CARSON DIDN'T EVEN APOLOGIZE. Carson drove him to that place. thank god for master George always making him feel better haha.

[@lexicornix7530]

He took his word that nothing more than a kiss had happened with Jimmy, so he should believe him now as well. If he doesn't believe him now anyway, what's the point in asking? When he heard that Jimmy insisted on Thomas leaving without a reference, the pain in his voice is obvious.

[@LoKom12]

Yes, Thomas did some horrible things throughout his years at downton. But here he's finally willing to change but no one's wanting to accept it. Him attempting suicide was a sad moment. Such a good complex character

[@FriskDreemurrOfBiggCityPort]

George is such an angel.

[@gabrielalopetegui]

I loved this character and the “ human revolution” that he did…one of the most complex characters…and I ended up adoring Thomas Barrow ❤!

[@CoolsBreeze]

He gave him an orange for and then climbed on the bed to sit there. That's the cutest thing I've ever seen on tv.

[@glen7318]

wow yes that is super cute

[@stahppls2293]

This was a terrible time for Barrow, he was depressed about his job security and earnestly trying to make friends but being pushed away

[@whaaat3632]

Thomas' arc demonstrates how well the show was written: we all have faults and virtues. Thomas generally had a nasty character but could be kind and loyal. Carson was mostly kind but had moments of meaness (especially to Thomas and Mosley).

[@WhatSoEverThingsAreLovely]

This is how a lot of people are still treated nowadays.....as if they have no feelings and can just take all the nastiness that is thrown at them & theirs!! "No person is an island"....we would all do well to remember that!!

[@princessalexandra1613]

When little master visits Thomas, first time moves me to tears. Served the family for so long and has to be kicked out!

[@carmenmonoxide7459]

Master George with his tiny slight of hand tricks passed off an orange from his right hand to his left. Barrow seemed so pleased that he didn't mention it. 😉😆

[@sniperxauthor6221]

I legit just wanna give this man a hug

[@Trust3]

Mr.Barrow although not without faults like any of us is a loyal and caring gentleman

[@Bluey306]

"hewwo mister bawwow!" i'm dying of cute.

[@tseamus8288]

These scenes i just wanted to break trough my screen and hug Mr. Barrow

[@SvanEsch123]

Thomas was such a great character, I found his scenes always a joy to watch. Especially after O’Brien left, the only person in the house who considered him a friend. And then when the secret about his sexuality came out I felt for him, I understand what he went through and I know how that makes you put up shields and distrusting of other people. I’m glad for his development in the last season and I am so happy he got to stay. I hope he and George will have the same relationship as Mary and Carson have!

[@Mistygrey17]

Thomas is so complex but I love it, I mean he’s such a real and relatable character

[@FKATheo]

This had me tearing up since it was very unexpected but what got me the most was Master George giving him a visit.

[@msairs]

love Thomas. he's just prickly because of his horrible past of being abused and his life of being alone. all that trauma made him bring up sharp pointy walls. he's one of those who just needs love and acceptance and purpose.

[@danielac8497]

I love his character, he's just not flat as others are; he evolves with the time.

[@andrewbrendan1579]

Well-written, well-produced, well-acted. Not only that but what makes all this so heart-breaking is how believable it is. How can a person with any feeling not grieve for Thomas who so needs to love and be loved and to just have a friend?---May this video be a reminder to us to be kind to one another despite the differences we may have between us.

[@sabrinan4792]

Yeah...but he had a funny way of showing it. If he had been a kind bloke he would've been a boring character. He had to be bitter til the end, at least until the movie.

[@usagi18]

He went from being despicable to my favorite character