<div class="quote"> <p>109.148.179.42 wrote: It <i>is</i> good story-telling, as you say. Unlike the sudden weak plot resolutions to external threats (the sudden finding of Mr Green's murderer, Miss Baxter not having to testify, Matthew's recovery), this is something Fellowes does really well- with the aid of some very accomplished actors. </p><p>Agree that we don't want Thomas completely washed out, but considering how pleased Carson has always managed to be with himself in that role, I don't suppose that needs to happen. The difference will be that he can use his swagger for good, and without antagonising the people he needs, as he already does in that scene in the Velvet Violin. </p><p>There will be unpleasant guests, and their unpleasant servants, visiting Downton; for one thing, fascism will become more prominent and I can't see Thomas as a fascist. I have in mind those scenes in Remains of the Day where the butler is so completely helpless in the face of burgeoning pro-nazism: can't see Thomas caving in there or being at all sympathetic to the idea that Lady Mary and Master George and Lady Rose's child are inferior because they have Jewish blood. </p> </div> <p>-- I'm sure Denker remembers all too well what happens to someone that tries to take advantage of anyone that Thomas cares about. She's probably still paying for that mistake lol! </p><p>Thomas was also devastated and was in tears when Lady Sybil died. I think that was the first time he has shown me that he is not entirely selfish and that he cares about the family upstairs more than I thought he did. Anna found herself giving Thomas a hug which Mrs Hughes didn't mind at all. Thomas has a heart afterall. </p><p>I wonder if Lord Sinderby and his jerk Valet/Butler ever figured out who was responsible for the dinner menu mix up (about the ony time where Thomas was called an idiot btw) and for little Daniel and his mother unexpectedly showing up at Lady Rose's reception. It actually turned up pretty well since Lady Rose saved the day with her instincts and kindness but at the same time, it's a testament to how vicious and effective Thomas can be when he finds it necessary to attack someone. Lord Siderby who is as tough as they go nearly had a heart attack and was stunned for quite a while lol! </p><p>Thomas volunteering without any hesitation to pour wine/champagne at the final episode of the series shows how much he has changed from season two's "I'm not a servant, I'm Captain (acting) Barrow now" attitude. He was an invited guest who didn't have to but was willing to help out which means serving the other guests. I only wish that scene was a little more played out. It was over way too quickly. It still showed that Thomas evidently has earned Carson's respect. I wanted to cherish that moment just a little bit longer. </p><p>Knowing what we know now, I think it's plain as day that anyone trying to hurt the family and/or the household will have to deal with a the new and improved Mr Barrow who is wiser, stronger, and who care more about the people around him than ever before. Imagine the possibilities... </p>

<p>Actually, I'm scared what would happen... Mary allowed Thomas to play a bit with Lord Sinderby and his butler and Thomas was on full "Let's destroy them!" mode. If the upstairs allowed that now, there would be a 3rd WW XDDD What a (demon) of guard they have find XDDD It would be glorious </p>

<div class="quote"> <p>SlayerNina wrote: Actually, I'm scared what would happen... Mary allowed Thomas to play a bit with Lord Sinderby and his butler and Thomas was on full "Let's destroy them!" mode. If the upstairs allowed that now, there would be a 3rd WW XDDD What a (demon) of guard they have find XDDD It would be glorious </p> </div> <p>-- Let's hope that restraint is something that Thomas has acquired and learned along with wisdom, civility, and compassion during his testing and difficult time. But then again.. some people deserve what's coming to them , 3rd WW XDD included lol! </p>

<p>No, he wasn't.  If Lord Sinderby hadn't insulted him at dinner, the incident involving his mistress and their child coming to Brancaster would never have happened.  It just would have been the ruining his dinner prank   </p>

<div class="quote">Browncoat5882 wrote:
<div class="quote"> <p>SlayerNina wrote: Actually, I'm scared what would happen... Mary allowed Thomas to play a bit with Lord Sinderby and his butler and Thomas was on full "Let's destroy them!" mode. If the upstairs allowed that now, there would be a 3rd WW XDDD What a (demon) of guard they have find XDDD It would be glorious </p> </div>-- Let's hope that restraint is something that Thomas has acquired and learned along with wisdom, civility, and compassion during his testing and difficult time. But then again.. some people deserve what's coming to them , 3rd WW XDD included lol! </div> <p style="font-weight:normal;">Yeah, because he learned something after season 3 **coff coff Baxter coff coff JimmyAnslover coff coff therapy coff coff* XD We must admit it, Thomas Barrow and common sense is something that never could be in the same phrase XD</p> <div class="quote">RCBadger wrote:
No, he wasn't.  If Lord Sinderby hadn't insulted him at dinner, the incident involving his mistress and their child coming to Brancaster would never have happened.  It just would have been the ruining his dinner prank  </div>

• • Someone does something to Master George, Sybbie or Marygold**
  • Thomas confort the children**
  • Thomas destroys their enemy**

<p>Better? XDD </p>

<div class="quote"> <p>SlayerNina wrote: </p> <div class="quote">Browncoat5882 wrote:
<div class="quote"> <p>SlayerNina wrote: Actually, I'm scared what would happen... Mary allowed Thomas to play a bit with Lord Sinderby and his butler and Thomas was on full "Let's destroy them!" mode. If the upstairs allowed that now, there would be a 3rd WW XDDD What a (demon) of guard they have find XDDD It would be glorious </p> </div>-- Let's hope that restraint is something that Thomas has acquired and learned along with wisdom, civility, and compassion during his testing and difficult time. But then again.. some people deserve what's coming to them , 3rd WW XDD included lol! </div> <p style="font-weight:normal;">Yeah, because he learned something after season 3 **coff coff Baxter coff coff JimmyAnslover coff coff therapy coff coff* XD We must admit it, Thomas Barrow and common sense is something that never could be in the same phrase XD</p> <div class="quote">RCBadger wrote:
No, he wasn't.  If Lord Sinderby hadn't insulted him at dinner, the incident involving his mistress and their child coming to Brancaster would never have happened.  It just would have been the ruining his dinner prank  </div>

• • Someone does something to Master George, Sybbie or Marygold**
  • Thomas confort the children**
  • Thomas destroys their enemy**

<p>Better? XDD </p> </div> <p>Although I disagree that common sense and Thomas Barrow should never be in the same sentence, I'm inclined to say that common sense will be the last thing on my mind too if anyone or anything ever tries to harm my family. It's just the way it is. </p><p>Something trivial... I would rather just let go. Something personal... I will try to shrug off. A physical attack/assault... I will try to run away if possible. Try to harm my 3 year old daughter and no law, no government, no person of authority, and no God will save you from me. </p><p>Thomas is probably like that too when it concerns Master George or Sybbie. Anybody else... He might just try something of a proportional response. He might not even do anything. Of course I can only guess since my last name doesn't sound anything close to Fellowes. </p>

<p>I had hoped for a glimpse of hope for a relationshipm for Thomas in the final episode but was happy to see that at least he got something he desired: the position as butler at Downton. He has come a long way in the six seasons we got to watch him and seems ready now to open himself up to other people and not push everybody away because he fears that they will hurt him/push him away first given half a chance (which seems to be his experience in life). Experiencing the open and unguarded love of Master George and little Sybbie as well might well have been the first time in his life that somebody just accepted and liked him for who he is.   </p><p>I am not so secretly glad that his new job comes at Carson's expense.  I liked him in the beginning but he turned really nasty towards the end and I lost my sympathy for his situation and personality. </p><p>Let's hope for a movie which Fellowes doesn't seem to rule out and a number of key actors have already publicly stated they would be on board with (unfortunately not the priceless Maggie Smith) and a truely happy ending for long-suffering Thomas. </p>

<div class="quote">98.234.216.5 wrote:
<p>I am not so secretly glad that his new job comes at Carson's expense.  I liked him in the beginning but he turned really nasty towards the end and I lost my sympathy for his situation and personality. </p> </div> <p>I was a Carson's fan, until last season. Suddenly, he changes from the "grumpy old values dad" to "sack hiiiiimmmmmmm!". It's not a secret the rivalty between Carson and Thomas, and Carson has good reasons to distrust Thomas after all (former thief, sexual assault, plotting, scheeming, toxic behaviour towards his coworkers, etc), but his behaviour in season 6 contradicts all the build up for "Carson creating a functional job environment avoiding scandal" thing he's trying to do always. Rewatching the show, the only thing he didn't did was to put a suitcase with Thomas' stuff at the door. </p><p>Plot reasons and drama, I suppose. </p>

<div class="quote">SlayerNina wrote:
<div class="quote">98.234.216.5 wrote:
I am not so secretly glad that his new job comes at Carson's expense.  I liked him in the beginning but he turned really nasty towards the end and I lost my sympathy for his situation and personality. </div>I was a Carson's fan, until last season. Suddenly, he changes from the "grumpy old values dad" to "sack hiiiiimmmmmmm!".  <p>Not just the way he treated Thomas, though that really bothered me, but what put me off also is how he treated Mrs. Hughes.  That whole harassement over the cooking.  I was thriled about the plan Mrs. Patmore and she came up with to show him.  Those ladies rule!  He became much more Machiavelli and much less benign dictoator in Season 6.  </p><p>I also do not tend to think of Thomas' approach Jimmy as sexual assault.  He really believed it was mutual and the scene is actually quite tender.  As soon as he noticed his mistake he backed off.  Okay, one shouldn't approach ones colleagues in that manner while sleeping - ever, regardless of sexual orientation - but I think he really just didn't know how to do it right and with O'Brien egging him on ...  </p><p>Again, I hope for a movie and a decent lover for Thomas! Fingers crossed. </p> </div> <p>
</p>

<div class="quote">98.234.216.5 wrote:
<div class="quote">SlayerNina wrote:
<div class="quote">98.234.216.5 wrote:
I am not so secretly glad that his new job comes at Carson's expense.  I liked him in the beginning but he turned really nasty towards the end and I lost my sympathy for his situation and personality.</div>I was a Carson's fan, until last season. Suddenly, he changes from the "grumpy old values dad" to "sack hiiiiimmmmmmm!".  <p>Not just the way he treated Thomas, though that really bothered me, but what put me off also is how he treated Mrs. Hughes.  That whole harassement over the cooking.  I was thriled about the plan Mrs. Patmore and she came up with to show him.  Those ladies rule!  He became much more Machiavelli and much less benign dictoator in Season 6.  </p><p>I also do not tend to think of Thomas' approach Jimmy as sexual assault.  He really believed it was mutual and the scene is actually quite tender.  As soon as he noticed his mistake he backed off.  Okay, one shouldn't approach ones colleagues in that manner while sleeping - ever, regardless of sexual orientation - but I think he really just didn't know how to do it right and with O'Brien egging him on ...  </p><p>Again, I hope for a movie and a decent lover for Thomas! Fingers crossed. </p> </div>
</div> <p>I totally understand how Carson behaves toward food and marriage. It was the 1920s! He maybe never think about the matter before. Sadly, most of the younger generations still think (consciously or not) that house management is a woman's duty and that women are inherently capable to cook, take children or clean, while men are just clumsy. Mrs. Hughes and Mrs. Patmore response to the incident, though hilarious, is the best way to act (they are teaching him, after all). </p><p>In my book, kissing someone who is sleeping and unable to consent, lurking in his room at night is sexual assault, no matter if they had a previous consensual relationship or not. It's about time to cut all the "stolen kisses" crap. If someone's is attracted, is not an excuse to behave doing what you want. </p>