Goodwill at Downton: Gwen Remembers Sybil | Downton Abbey

[@12classics39]

I love how Isobel alleviates the awkwardness twice - after Mary rudely says “you had every opportunity,” Isobel turns the mood around by complimenting Gwen’s climb up the social ladder. And then when Rosamund subtly criticizes Gwen for considering Downton not good enough to stay, Isobel immediately praises Gwen for following her dreams. It’s clear where and how Matthew developed his incredible kindness.

[@dobazajr]

Isobel is always benevolent and optimistic person.

[@kerriethompson2073]

When is Mary never rude? 🙄

[@supermom23]

Isobel was the kindest person on Downton Abbey, 100%.

[@FreeTibetFTW]

@@kerriethompson2073 "You had every opportunity" ... well Mary had the opportunity to be polite and she didn't took it either

[@raraavis7782]

​@@FreeTibetFTW Indeed. But at least she kinda, sorta took it back with her final remark to Barrow.

[@hollabigT]

"Her kindness changed my life." is a beautiful delivery from the actress. Powerful, subtle, emotional.

[@kerriethompson2073]

The way Gwen remembers Sybill almost makes you want to cry.

[@GavinBorchert]

Oh, I am~~

[@charlescurrin2852]

I absolutely agree... And it is one of my favorite scenes in the entire show...

[@6elfauno9]

Oh good I'm not the only one!

[@smarty4405]

Almost? I am. Every single time. 🥺

[@anujkalra6145]

Every time!

[@vivianpowell1732]

Sybil lives on. Even the mention of her name shifts the air in the room. You can see people taking stock, even if just for a moment, searching for their better selves.

[@zyxw2024]

Your comment is eloquent.

[@vivianpowell1732]

@@zyxw2024 Thank you.

[@SarahRenz59]

Oddly, the one thing I liked about DA was the way the characters often referred to loved ones who were no longer with them. Too many shows kill off a character, have maybe one or two episodes showing everybody grieving, and then it's like the dead person never existed. In DA there were plenty of episodes where they mentioned Sybil, Matthew, William, Lavinia, etc. Very true to life; memories of loved ones can pop up anytime and be triggered by even the most mundane things.

[@vivianpowell1732]

@@SarahRenz59 Fine observation. "Speak, Memory" is the title of an autobiography, but it sums up what you have said here.

[@loriar1027]

Very insightful comment!

[@annsmith7207]

Sybil’s ability to see through the hierarchy “pretense” and help another woman to succeed was so kind but also very astute ! She was far ahead of her time as was Gwen!

[@HandmaidsTaleComingForUsAll]

What I love about this scene is that it captures the excitement people experience when they learn something new about a loved one that passed. For a moment they talk about them as if they were alive again. Very bittersweet and brilliantly acted.

[@mariahoulihan9483]

very true. Only around 5 years ago I heard my Father, who when young in the 1940s and was a successful boxer representing them had fought and beaten, more than once, a chap who went onto to win in both the Commonwealth Games and in the Olympics. My Mothers brother told me. he had spent a lot of weekend leaves from the Army staying with my parents when I was a little tot in the 50s. Dad ever mentioned it I discovered the name of the other ma and even found a video of him in later years. A great aunt of mine and her husband bought a second hand sideboard in the 40s and it was dumped by a grumpy delivery man outside. It was built like tank and they were struggling shifting it inside. Along came who smartly dressed, in suits, young men walking along the road who immediately said that was no job for lady and offered their help.. They took it inside. My Gt. Uncle told me my Gt. Aunt was extremely indecisive which where to put it in their sitting room and had the three men shifting it this way and that before she settled. She offered them a cup of tea and her thanks. right from the beginning my uncle had recognised one of them, a tall good looking young man - Prince Philip. Not sure if he was engaged to Princess Elizabeth then or if it was after they married. There was a inland Naval Establishment in the town and he was on a course apparently. He and his friend were off to the local pub past my relatives house. They had left saying how kind abut the offer of tea but they were meeting friends at the pub. As they left my Uncle enlightened my aunt who,by then, had the tin of polish out and was setting too on the sideboard.. bringing it up to her standard.. lol.. she kicked herself forevermore for not realising and 'having a good look at him' lol.

[@MalteseAnna]

You're so right. Perfectly stated.

[@wickedwitchoftheeast88]

Oh most definitely. My grandmother died when I was young so I don't have many memories of her but I do treasure those few memories I have. Its always lovely when my family tell me about her and how kind, loving and fun she was and how show adored me and my siblings.

[@filmsensei]

I love how Edith calls it as it is, too. That Gwen was in their house for 2 years and they never spoke! Pretty incredible.

[@suziewhattley3917]

Nice to see that snip Mary put in her place too.

[@EstherHulst-Artist]

@@suziewhattley3917 Edith tried to improve and be more like sybil while Mary often got worse

[@Hjalmar_an_Craite]

@@EstherHulst-Artist I think you haven't watched the show properly, Edith was as bad or sometimes even worse than Mary. Mary was at least upfront, Edith tried to always portray herself as a victim.

[@EstherHulst-Artist]

@@Hjalmar_an_Craite i watched the show plenty of times, I just dont like Mary much. Yes Edith was bad but at least she changed a lot. I feel like Mary went back to the way she was after a while. And I do feel for Mary but she can be so cruel sometimes to those who arent her faves.

[@johnnewcomb534]

I think this got them thinking it's alright to work with and help others.Mary helped and stood up for Anna.Sybil.hired female editor.

[@mdotschrody]

I love this whole part of the episode. It was so wonderful seeing Gwen again and her being so successful. I also love how she's continuing Lady Sybil's kindness by reaching out to help other women. It's also so wonderful seeing everyone remember how amazing Lady Sybil was.

[@lesleyanne5341]

You do realise this is fiction? The class divide in the UK was very wide a 100 years ago, it would be highly unlikely that the daughter of an earl would have any meaningful discussion, let alone, assist a servant in obtaining employment.

[@rohitkumara.s2399]

@@lesleyanne5341 That’s the beauty and magic of fiction and storytelling isn’t it

[@Fatherofheroesandheroines]

@@lesleyanne5341 calm down it's just a show. Jeebus are you like this all the time lol.

[@melinda_coffee_nerd]

Downtown Abbey was fiction? I thought it was live web cams spying in…😅

[@jeanieolahful]

@@lesleyanne5341exactly, which is why it made such a good plot line. What made Sybil unique is that she was rebelling against the class system, and was happy to help any girl trying to advance herself. Sybil was also very interested in women’s rights. While of course unlikely, the storyline is definitely plausible.

[@charlescurrin2852]

speaking of Lady Sybil... "her kindness changed my life..". For me, one of the most moving... touching lines in the whole series...

[@pawnshopleo]

"Her kindness changed my life." Then I literally cried so bad.

[@JakobMahase_Bass-Baritone]

Sybil was such an amazing character. Her presence is felt long after she had passed!

[@track1949]

Women still have horrific complications like Sybil did from pre-eclampsia. 😢 Her death was such a gut punch. 😢

[@nichart]

I love how Allen Leech plays remembering Sybill. The misty eyes.

[@monmothma3358]

Yeah, the way he smiles at first, but then when they touch on her death, his face darkens

[@debra2700]

Did you see him playing the villain Paul Prenter in Bohemian Rhapsody about Freddie Mercury's life? Allen was outstanding.

[@Bobrogers99]

Mary's thank-you to Barrow at the end certainly had a double meaning!

[@avi.chan23]

Yeah, like punching him right in the face 😂

[@fayesouthall6604]

Definitely

[@hannahsmart4494]

To be honest, I really like how out of all of them Mary was the one to recognise Gwen from somewhere, for a character everyone loves to remind is entitled and a bit snobbish, she did recognise Gwen's face, even if she couldn't remember where she'd seen it.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

Mary was never snobbish, she just choose to get her way. If she was 90 everyone would be idolizing her.

[@hannahsmart4494]

@@WitchKing-Of-Angmar It's just one of the words people who don't like her character use to describe her. She's my second favourite Crawley sister behind Sybil.

[@emilycanfield2634]

I also like that Mary takes a light jab at their schooling/education the sisters would have received. Mary was pretty modern and straightforward all considering

[@Barnabydemossienaux]

Mary isn’t a snob. She just recognises her station of birth and the responsibilities that follow. Vast difference.

[@hannahsmart4494]

@@Barnabydemossienaux I know that. Her haters never seem to though

[@leiaslizzy]

"Her kindness changed my life." This line sums up Sybil for me. 🥺

[@FayeVert]

"All we were taught was French, prejudice, and dance steps" Yes Mary, IT SHOWS.

[@VisualEnjoyer9756]

And yet her sisters are two of the kindest people in the house and Mary... Mary is lucky people pity her

[@tomcervo]

We've never heard her speak French, and we've seen her dance, so we know which lesson took most.

[@deborahburroughs8905]

Boy does it show! Lol

[@juliamurray2946]

Not really. Oh, she dances well, but we've never heard her speak French, and we've never seen behaving like a bigot.

[@juliamurray2946]

​@@tomcervoYes; dancing.

[@sayfalardaseyahat]

Hello. I'm writing this using a translation programme because I speak very little English. This series came to me in my most difficult days. My sister had an accident and was in a coma. I had to recover. And since that day, I have been watching this series every year for 10 years. The first time I watched it for the first time, I watched it in the original English with Turkish subtitles. I liked the British accent the most because of Lady Mary's speech. I'm trying to improve my English now. I'm trying to listen to the original language. While watching this episode, I remembered Sybil and cried. The strength of the series is the skill of the actors. I love you all very much, Downton Abbay cast :) Zamira from Ankara😍

[@ashharijaywardena]

Merhaba :) Yorumundan biraz duygulandım. Hem üzücüydü, hem de dokunaklıydı. Kardeşin kazadan sonra hiç iyileşti mi yoksa hala komada mı sorabilir miyim? Asıl senin gibi insanlara bayıldım, çünkü dil konusunda sahi bir güzelliğin peşindesin! Böyle bir zevke sahip olanlar nadirmiş bu zamanda. Haklısın, gerçekten güzel ve rafine İngilizce'sini öğrenmek veya uygulamak için bu diziyi çok uygundur. Ana dilim olarak İngilizce'yi bilirim ve aksanımla konuşma tarzım da dizideki bulunanlara benzer, en çok Mary'ninkine. Bazı kişi bu sebepten benimle alay eder, ama bence kıskanıyorlar ;) Sanırım zaten bilirsin ki günümüzde böyle konuşan genç kişi çok azdır ama umarım azınlıkta olmaktan korkmuyorsundur :D Güvenle gayretle devam, kardeşim! Başaracaksın. Türkçem kusurluysa affet beni... 3. dilimdir!

[@infonut]

Your admiration of others and desire to improve yourself are commendable.

[@julianyc422]

What a lovely comment. The Turkish lauguage sounds nice too.

[@innercircle341]

I'm an old huge, working class bloke. I just found this channel. I bloody love Downton and I'm not ashamed

[@jackwilkins7972]

27 year old here. Downton Abbey was a huge part of my high-school and university days.

[@Beautycomesoutofashes]

It’s great how Thomas got reprimanded by Robert afterwards. And Gwen did go downstairs and see everyone after :) And Tom’s fond smile of her, when Gwen recounts how Sybil helped her. He already knew because he was there when she got the job and they all hugged, but probably not all the little details. Mary was put in her place a bit too, as was Rosamund :) not by Gwen solely but by Sybil’s kindness towards her and their relationship.

[@massis9069]

And it's a great punch to the face to both Mary and Rosamund. Even beyond the grace, Sybil is still kinder and a better person than both of them combined.

[@AnntheTheatreFan]

Way to close and honor not one but two characters arch. So delicate and not intrusive or out of place. One of the best pieces of the show

[@ereagan4]

Such a great scene. I bet Barrow was taken aback by the fact that Gwen reached her new status because of the only person he ever felt showed himself any kindness and considered his only friend, Sybil. I wish Jessica didn’t want to leave the show. Loved her character.

[@Rustie_za]

She didn't "want" to leave, there was some friction with some of the cast. One does not just upend yourself from a sucessful production because you "want" to. They kept it out of the press, but there was more to it.

[@ereagan4]

@@Rustie_za I didn’t realize! I saw a few articles covering her departure with her saying she didn’t want to stay in her comfort zone.

[@quentinnancy]

Can you elaborate?

[@jameslyon2338]

@@Rustie_za There's no evidence to your claim. Actors who are ambitious do ride a popular show and then jump off before it goes downhill to try and further their own careers. the Actor who played Matthew in Downton did exactly the same thing. Stop inventing drama where this is none.

[@amyw6808]

As much as it was sad to lose her character, the way it was done was fantastic and her death scene was phenomenally acted, especially by Allen Leech.

[@trannel73]

Gwen's dialect is so pretty. I could listen to her for hours. Remembering Sybil in this scene almost brought me to tears. Won't take long, that I want to re-watch Downton Abbey! Such a wonderful show.

[@LaPtiteAnglaise]

The funny thing is - the actress who plays her is actually posher than the people sitting having dinner. She’s a daughter of a Scottish Laird/Chieftan.

[@Em-sz7bh]

@@LaPtiteAnglaiseisn’t she technically a “Lady” by Scottish standards?

[@Beautycomesoutofashes]

That’s a Yorkshire accent :)

[@capture_diaries]

Even more impressive considering that's not her real accent. Rose Leslie (Gwen's actress) sounds posh in real life.

[@lolalolalola3801]

You knooo nooothing jon snooo

[@daisylouisecaldwell]

Daisy. Sybil was my favorite of the three sisters. She was ahead of her time - in fashion, in marrying the chauffeur considered beneath her class, in intellect, in giving of herself to help others!! She was the most interesting character in the series. I’m sorry she left.

[@nocomment2468]

Unintentionally Gwen put the whole family to such shame by describing how Sybil didn’t only know her but had cared for her.

[@debra2700]

Not Tom. He was in on it when Sybil was helping Gwen find a job and the three of them danced around in joy when she got the job with the telephone company. He smiled while fondly remembering the women falling into the mud and Tom was kind enough to keep Gwen's secret at the luncheon in a way that Barrow was not.

[@deborahpinkey1264]

Yes, everyone knows Barrow meant his "reminder" for evil. Thankfully, it all worked out for the good. What a beautiful remembrance from Gwen of Lady Sybil's goodness. That goodness lives on in Gwen's work with/for the working class women of the early 20th century England.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

I love the dueling between bates and Barrow. Jedi vs Sith lord in this show. And they are such good sports off camera!

[@deborahpinkey1264]

@@WitchKing-Of-Angmar Mr. Bates had no problem calling Barrow out on his ish. Everybody else (except maybe for Mr. Carson, Mrs. Hughes, and Anna) was afraid of him. None of them wanted to get on the wrong side of Barrow or O'Brien. That nanny learned that the hard way. He knew the last Lady's Maid's secrets and used them to blackmail her into doing his bidding. That wench who tried to baby trap Tom would have gotten hers had Tom not enlisted Mrs. Hughes' wise help. You didn't mess with Thomas Barrow. Even Mr. Bates did not completely escape Thomas' venom. He put Bates' former wife onto Mr. Bates as he was trying to get on with his life with Anna. That one was another evil wench!

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

@@deborahpinkey1264 oh she truly was rotten! Killing herself to blame Mr Bates. Unbelievably deranged.

[@Historically]

@@WitchKing-Of-Angmar haha they literally did lightsaber duels as part of a mini series in between takes

[@audreykennedy90]

I never felt Barrows deserved to be butler at the end. He was too evil for too long.

[@williambotha5864]

Possibly the most complex and beautiful scene in the series! The interplay between class and relationships whips to and fro for three minutes leaving us all a little stunned, but warmth radiating through every fiber, with a little delicious pleasure at seeing Barrow flummoxed yet again!

[@dawnkindnesscountsmost5991]

I love that even Robert remembers the occasion, when Sybil wouldn't let him into the library while Gwen was busy in there.

[@debra2700]

I loved it too but I rewatched that scene and Sybil says, "Gwen is in the library" and Robert complains about a housemaid keeping him out of his own library. He knew Gwen and he knew she was a housemaid so it seemed odd that he says to Gwen, "So that was you" as if he had no memory of the event even though it wasn't that long ago and how many housemaids would have had an interview in his library? It had to be a standout moment for him.

[@HumayraAhmed-t7f]

@@debra2700 He didn't see the maid, just heard what Sybil said. And maids never meet the Lord.

[@debra2700]

@@HumayraAhmed-t7f That's not true. Her exact words were, "Gwen is in the library being interviewed" and Gwen could have been anyone, a cook, a friend of Sybil's but Robert lamented that he couldn't use his own library because one of the housemaids is interviewing for a job in order to leave his employ. Robert went downstairs on several occasions and the staff came upstairs for Christmas and such. Robert knew who Gwen was by sight as well as name.

[@HumayraAhmed-t7f]

@@debra2700 True. But knowing she worked here and knowing at what exact position by heart are two different things. Sybil did mention the name, but though he said a housemaid was keeping him away, which face goes with which person might still be a news to him, that's all.

[@debra2700]

@@HumayraAhmed-t7f We could debate this for days but Downton Abbey simply wasn't that big and Robert wasn't inaccessible to the staff. Let's agree to disagree.

[@capture_diaries]

Anna: When were you a friend of Gwen's? Mrs. Patmeore: I wonder if Karl Marx might finish the liver pate? Molesley: Not when his daughter ran off with a chauffeur in the interim." The downstairs crew are a different kind of savage 😅

[@lizanna6390]

Sybill helped her find opportunities but gwen got herself the training and got the job on her own merits. Sybill was an angel.

[@nategraham6946]

I bet Thomas wasn't expecting that. Doing something sneaky and underhanded, only to be thanked.

[@alphanerd7221]

There is nothing sneaky or underhanded about it.

[@sanegayguy]

Mary thanked him but afterward s, Robert told him off for trying to make Gwen look bad.

[@brendawilkins9649]

@@alphanerd7221 It wasn’t maybe sneaky but it was definitely underhanded, snarky and ulterior motive of trying to make Gwen look bad. In the end it was Thomas who looked foolish and bad. Just like Anna warned him that his lordship wouldn’t like Barrow trying to underfoot Gwen. She was right.

[@alphanerd7221]

@@brendawilkins9649 She was disrespecting him an everyone there. Barrow is Mary's guy, and she liked it.

[@shenggaibabiera7545]

He's always jealous and miserable. ahahah!

[@pierrebezard7547]

Every man who must say "I am the Butler" is no true butler

[@Xerxes2005]

Began reading this with Charles Dance voice but in ended with Jim Carter's. This is something Carson could have said, albeit in a more dignified way.

[@specialunit0428]

I'll make sure you remember that when I have served the wine for you...

[@12classics39]

That’s why Thomas needed the growth that he achieved over the course of the final season for him to truly earn that title.

[@adrianam4282]

He knows nothing 😂

[@jws1948ja]

But Barrow had his uses. And Lady Mary did use his services.

[@harryisamuggle]

This scene was so moving especially when they talk about Sybil.

[@franklinhyry1984]

Ditto to all the compliments to Sybil, the character's, lovely qualities. Bravo to Sir Fellows for bringing such a complex and likable person to life with written word. Let's not forget that it all starts with a marvelous script.

[@HighFlyinAFGuy]

Gwen’s speech at the end about Sybil always has me crying ugly tears. I’ve seen the show literally at least 20 times and every single time this has me crying.

[@filmsensei]

I keep coming back to watch this clip from time to time. Everyone is so good in this. I mentioned Edith previously for being appalled at herself and her family for barely talking to staff. But I love the transition of Mary when she is agreeing with Thomas' calling Gwen out at first "Well, you had every opportunity" to say she used to work there but then moments later is hanging on Gwen's every word about Sybil. Then she basically turns a bit on Thomas because she sees what he was really up to, etc. Also, I love how Daisy is envious of Gwen, too, and sounds a bit bitter at first but then when she hears Thomas "landed her in it" she's like "Deliberately??" and gets protective of Gwen in a way. This was such an amazing show! Such a class in acting from everyone. One of these days I want to sit down and rewatch it all again!

[@taylorvanbuskirk8040]

This is one of my best memories of "Downton Abbey."

[@Kugelsuse]

I've tears in my eyes every time I watch that scene.

[@thecofieldcollection3792]

One of the best scenes of the entire series.

[@Lorrdd]

I think it was wonderful to bring her back and let her family in on that story, they learned something truly beautiful about someone they loved, that's an immeasurable gift.

[@casebycase_904]

Thomas is like a bitter spinster 😂 And Gwen DID have all the opportunities to tell the family. But I like how Gwen climbed up. And the whole Sybil story was heart warming

[@annsmith7207]

Barrow's passive aggressive behavior and mean-spiritedness backfires on him and Gwen handles it all with grace and aplomb ! Barrow was such a small, nasty, petty and truly hateful character to have to deal with on a daily basis -- always plotting the "set-up" of some unaware co-worker. He lived for his mean antics!

[@casebycase_904]

@annsmith7207 he really was an awful person until his own actions caught up with him as you said. I'm glad he imploded the way he did, because it allowed him to really reflect. But to focus on the positives, you are right!! Gwen really was the superstar here!! She did handle it with grace. I was really really happy to see her return to downton like this. I love her lore and the sweet tribute to Sybil!! And im happy how the upstairs family welcomed Gwen too

[@debra2700]

Gwen was there as a guest. She had no obligation to blurt out that she once worked there and the way she gave complete credit to Sybil for her success proved that Gwen deserved more than the life of service.

[@TJTHEFOOTBALLPROPHET]

Downton Abbey is the greatest experience I have ever had as a viewer! absolute perfection in acting, character development, and cinematography!

[@vivianpowell1732]

I feel the same way about "The Winds of War", a 1980s television miniseries about the build-up to World War II. The series was based upon the novel of the same name by Herman Wouk. Mr. Wouk also wrote the teleplay for the series, which kept it faithful to his novel. The memorable stars were Robert Mitchum, Ralph Bellamy, Ali MacGraw, and Victoria Tennant.

[@primrosepierrot]

they were all hanging on her every word about sybil. anything to bring her to life again

[@Messier45_Pleiades]

I loved Gwen. She was a great character. I cry every time I watch these scenes.

[@bexie1992]

It seems whenever barrow tries to make someone look bad, it ends up backfiring on him.

[@mm-yt8sf]

it really shows how things are much smoother when one has a nice outlook vs a bitter jealous one.. anna is happy to see her.

[@hullahulla]

I just realized they played Sybil's theme as Gwen was pulling up alongside the servant theme, what a nice touch!

[@teamturner3933]

I lost my sister two years ago and this scene hits so different for me now. I’m always in tears by the end of Gwen’s story about Sybil.

[@Beachdudeca]

It’s a moment that brings a tear to my eyes

[@pedanticradiator1491]

The irony is is that the actress playing Gwen is probably the most upper class member of the cast

[@soulstrength]

Yes, I believe she is a real titled lady, correct?

[@pedanticradiator1491]

@soulstrength she isn't actually titled, her father is the chieftain of the Aberdeenshire branch of Clan Leslie and she is quite "well connected"

[@tjlarson6519]

And was excellent in "The Good Fight"

[@fadataru]

@@soulstrengthshe live literally in castle

[@Ernie1978]

I reckon Lady Sybill and Gwen's friendship, and Lady Mary's and Anna's friendships were some of the best, tighest relationships on the show. Rose Leslie was brilliant. You can see the growth in Gwen, however, she remained a humble, grateful woman.

[@yaang9258]

Sybill wanted to own her family's eyes to the future. they resisted and fought every step, but she did it. Her passing was tragic, but finally pushed the family towards a new path.

[@Unclefire]

Who is cutting onions. I'm not crying, you're crying.

[@fionatsangarides6201]

That was beautiful how they honoured her !!!!

[@rosierennie5867]

"I wonder if Karl Marx might finish the liver pate" Oh Mrs Patmore 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@vexedmum9389]

I cry everytime I watch this scene. it was done so well.. I think I've seen the series about 7 times now. it was my go to binge when doing the dishes.

[@robboyte1101]

I wish we could have the later scene when Lord Grantham reprimands Barrow for calling out Gwen. That would've been a nice coda.

[@patbiggam8138]

Amen!

[@alphanerd7221]

Barrow didn't do anything wrong.

[@robboyte1101]

@@alphanerd7221 I'm not willing to debate the "wrongness" of Barrow's act. But it was unkind, at the very least. And that is how Lord Grantham feels as well. And he chastises Barrow for his behavior, which I feel was proper for his employer to do.

[@lindalawton4455]

@@alphanerd7221 disagree

[@alphanerd7221]

@@robboyte1101 She's the one that disrespected the entire staff by acting like her past as one of them was shameful, and made the Granthams look foolish by not mentioning it when they met. You are being gross and classist.

[@Richardsonprincess00]

Thanks to Gwen who remembers her good friend who helps her get a job as a maid in this mansion by working hard until leaving the job for her dream job, she thanks Sybil for this help.

[@firewoman2863]

Poor Thomas - He never quite got the timing right on any of his evil schemes.

[@KenGifford]

If you watch the entire episode, shortly after that scene downstairs Miss Baxter tells him, "You are your own worst enemy" after Lord Grantham kind of tells him off about what he did. Thomas IS his own worst enemy!!!!!!!!!!

[@adriennepender673]

One of the things I love about this scene is that, at this point we're in Season 6, we know the show is coming to an end; what a great call back to the beginning, Season 1 (love the symmetry of that and bringing everything full circle), AND it's a lovely tribute to gone but never forgotten, beloved character. DA is definitely one series that ended perfectly, and the Gwen segment contributed mightily to that, for me.

[@Ryan-zk7wr]

Honestly this is the best bit of S6 for me. I’d completely forgotten about Gwen until this episode.

[@0111-d6y]

Why did this almost make me cry!?!?!

[@oneness7866]

Her gratitude… ❤

[@baleriondread5451]

"almost"? Tears are rolling!

[@FireflyGirl2517]

Because the mere mention of Lady Sybil has that effect on all lovers of Downton Abbey, but this was more than that. It brought her back to life for everyone for a brief, beautiful moment. 😊

[@Rosiecrossley1]

Oh bless lady Sybil for paving the way for Gwen and as for barrow he was clearly jealous and bitter about the former housemaid

[@eagander]

One of my favorite characters (there were many!). Glad Lord Grantham put Barrow in his place later.

[@ayakotami3318]

Her husband seemed so proud of her for once working for them. He seems like an amazing man. 😊 But man I miss Sybil so much. 😭

[@KM-nw7be]

She was a lovely person 😢

[@e_G_o_05]

Gwen’s husband is the greenest flag. He looked so proud of her throughout the whole conversation.

[@franz289]

Gwen forgot to add that she was an expert with the bow and fell in love with John Snow. She went by the name Igrette and her favorite line was “ You know nothing John Snow”.

[@kvbstudios316]

And then married Kit Carson in real life!

[@pedanticradiator1491]

​@kvbstudios316 Kit Harrington not Carson

[@monmothma3358]

*Ygritte. Otherwise, yeah.

[@HellsGayngel]

She should have turned around and said "You know nothing Thomas Barrow."

[@sophieamandaleitontoomey9343]

For me, the show was never the same without Sybil.

[@benspigener3037]

Gwen had the guts to stand up to barrow's cruelties!

[@anncosten3222]

I had forgotten how much I loved this series.

[@Robert08010]

I like that story a lot more when Thomas gets his dressing down by Robert. It is interesting that all the downstairs people were surprised and upset with Thomas' behavior while Robert wasn't really surprised by it. In a way its like he sees them as slightly unruly children. Not his children, but children.

[@staciecarrel4492]

It’s not that Robert thinks of them as children at all. It’s that Robert is well aware of Thomas’s schemes and jabs, and how spiteful he can be when most of the family is clueless about everything Thomas has done. He has been privy to more of Thomas’s manipulation attempts than the others, just because of how things played out each time. The downstairs people to me were thinking Thomas might do something but were hoping he wouldn’t.

[@monmothma3358]

​@@staciecarrel4492I often wondered how Thomas was allowed to keep working there, with everything he did.

[@Peppi94]

Well, Thomas -- THAT kicked you in the butt, didn't it!! :)

[@Bcsmith333]

Darling Sybil.

[@claudine1928]

They purposily tried to imbarrese and belittle her. And she stood fast, and got kind help. And won the respect she deserved.

[@carolyngrant745]

I love this whole episode - it was great to see Gwen again! - but always disliked how Mary (and Rosamund, to some extent) made jibes about Gwen not wanting to mention she was a maid and wanting a different job. Then they do a complete 180 once they hear that Sybil was involved. It makes sense for the characters, but it still seemed unfair to Gwen, considering they come from a higher class family and never had to work a physical labor job or worry about changing jobs, unlike her. The other Crawleys at least were kind and even apologized for not recognizing her.

[@fantastischfish]

In a later scene, Mary regrets her actions and says so to Anna. Mary first instinct is to use her power to assert dominance. Her character arc is that she learns to soften this throughout the series.

[@27d37]

I love the way Mary's face just switches from confident and haughty to ashen and regretful. Great acting.

[@thenightporter]

Good points.

[@franklinhyry1984]

A testament to the brilliance of the script writing.

[@MarkHyde]

Sybil's efforts so beautifully contrasted with the butler's vanity - ;)

[@peterm.petrus386]

One have to admit, Mary's rude remarks almost makes one dislike her, but she always regain our confidence in her kindness by genuinely feeling sorry for her mistake afterwards.

[@underdog39]

Sybil was so kind hearted❤ GWEN was so gracious and loving and little like🥰😘🥰 just beautiful 😍

[@lalique512]

Lady Mary is just as duplicitous as Mr. Barrow….she is always so mean-spirited about anything and anyone.

[@gerardodelreal5106]

Masterful writing and storytelling

[@choirkitty]

This was always one of my favorite scenes :)

[@dergluckliche4973]

Again missing the opportunity to show the reunion in the kitchen afterward where Robert tells Barrow about loyalty.

[@barbaramoore5437]

Gwen, the only one who actually was a Lady in real life ❤

[@pedanticradiator1491]

She is from the upper classes bur doesn't have a title

[@mikethebeginner]

I can't help but point out an perfect little touch by the writers-Lady Mary says in the beginning that they were "taught prejudice," and then we see her demonstrate that prejudice right up until the end, her impulse being to nudge the former servant back into her rightful place. I've always thought that when Michelle Dockery gets older, someone should pick up Lady Mary's story after WWII, and dramatise her adjustments (and those of the aristocracy) to modern life.

[@cactiplant2471]

I'm tearing up about Sybil. I just miss her so much.

[@cherylneely7540]

I love how that backfired on Barrow!

[@jay_ds4800]

This is one of my favorite scenes in the whole series

[@oliviatagoeduring]

Gwen was an example of how high working women could rise, had they simply been given the time of day by the ruling class. Sybil’s character was everything an aristocrat should be. She empowered, uplifted, and aided those who could benefit from her. She was incredible.

[@shannonmonkman1763]

The work that you have all done is so amazing, it’s a dream. I can’t imagine being lucky enough to stay in a beautiful suite like this. I don’t think I can pick a favourite room, I love them all equally. A true family effort. If I was fortunate enough to be chosen I would happily gift the stay to my dear friend, Brenda and her lovely fiancé Ken who is flying from western Canada to Europe to get married in Greece at the later part of April.

[@shenggaibabiera7545]

One of the best episodes. Ah! My eyes!😢

[@mikethebeginner]

Evil Barrow is foiled again. 😂 I couldn't help waffling between the knowledge a.) that Sybil is dead, and b.) that Jessica Brown Findlay decamped abruptly because she "didn't want to be in that character all me life!" Good on the writers for turning Jessica's awkward departure into this wonderfully touching scene, with its adroit ebb and flow between awkwardness and forgiveness, deceit and forthrightness.

[@jeanieolahful]

What a great scene this was.

[@melportolan5653]

feel a bit sorry for Barrow - he wasn't treated very well or even liked (probably deservedly most of the time) but his response was always to attack to defend himself rather than admit he was wrong

[@tombstonerforever9374]

I don’t get why people made a fuss about her wanting to leave service

[@laurafiller1849]

It was one of the very few paths open for social mobility. Gwen, who started off as a poor farmer's daughter, was lucky enough to not only be hired into a great house but could have potentially worked her way up to be like Mrs. Hughes. To turn down such an opportunity for something that most likely wasn't going to go anywhere was a foolish wager. Mr. Bates is right -- the fact that Gwen's bet happened to play out over Tom's left Tom (and others) incredibly jelous.

[@patbiggam8138]

This was 1920. Not 2023.

[@tombstonerforever9374]

@@laurafiller1849 By Tom do you mean Thomas?

[@fantastischfish]

Because historically, service was seen as a good job for the lower classes. As society began to shift, especially for women, more opportunities arose. It was a sign that things were going to change and it was frightening for those who had nowhere else to go and no education to do anything but service. That’s what this entire scene alludes to. And later in the series, we start to see how each of the servants is preparing for life when service is no longer a major source of employment, which wasn’t too many years away.

[@franklinhyry1984]

I agree with another comment and so I shall repeat it. This was 1920. Not 2023."

[@jdeveraux1027]

I was waiting for her to tell the table that they know nothing, Jon Snow

[@waverlyphillips2849]

Its a shame it gets cut early before we see Lord Grantham give Thomas a smack on the nose for outing Gwen.

[@Derek.Duquesne]

I like how Gwen already knew where the drawing room was.

[@sol6645]

Just noticed that! And Thomas having to rush after them lol

[@Vacartu]

I’m so glad Gwen got her dreams. A career and a handsome husband. To think she had to hide the typewriter from the others. 😊

[@al1792]

I like that Gwen ended up being successful but you have to understand why some of the other servants would be annoyed or feel undervalued.

[@ockertbrits6907]

Isn't it so typical human behaviour. They feel a bit envious, but it was Gwen who put in the extra work, training herself. Sybil just assisted her in taking the steps to move on. We so easily are envious of those successful, but then overlook the fact that they had put in the work and took the opportunities.

[@al1792]

@@ockertbrits6907 Work hard? Are you joking? Do you realise that servants of those times were the hardest workers of them all.

[@riyapatel6291]

​@al1792 she was doing housemaid work AND saved to get a typewriter and the postal course and despite working all day practised and practised and in pitman shorthand if I'm remembering correctly. Gwen worked hard

[@Rosemary-vf5ei]

@@riyapatel6291 Having learnt Pitman, it's difficult and takes a long time to learn the outlines and get them up to speed. Also, learning where to put the fingers on the keyboard of a typewriter and then getting the typing up to speed took ages. She did it on her own which is even more difficult. The typewriters of the day were real clunkers!