<p>I'd say he speaks to her maternal feelings. She is never going to have a child of her own, she knew him when he was a (presumably much younger) child (and probably quite cute), he is so obviously in need of a bit of mothering and that is something she is never going to find an outlet for anywhere else. I don't think there is anything sexual about her feelings. And he seems to respond to that. </p>

<p>No, I don't think there is anything sexual in her feelings. And, yes, I think you're right she's very maternal with him. </p>

<p>What I would dearly love to see is the sequel where Molesley finds himself as a kind of informal stepfather to Thomas. How is <i>he</i> going to cope? </p>

<p>As he doesn't care for Thomas, I suppose he would find it difficult. </p>

<div class="quote"> <p>81.159.49.6 wrote: What I would dearly love to see is the sequel where Molesley finds himself as a kind of informal stepfather to Thomas. How is <i>he</i> going to cope? </p> </div> <p>This is actually interesting. I would want to see how that's gonna turn out. Molesley's a patient and kind man. I think there's a good chance the present (season 6) Barrow will listen to him. </p>

<p>Actually, I think it would do them both good. They would both learn something about the world and about themselves. It might make Molesley grow in confidence to see that there is a (relatively) young man, far cleverer and more handsome than he is, who could actually benefit from his guidance and kindness. And it might do Thomas  good to come under the influence of Molesley's general balance and sanity and experience something of a home atmosphere. There were interesting hints in the last two episodes: where Thomas before his suicide attempt wished that Molesley would make more of his life and then when they shook hands in the parting scene: they seemed to be viewing each other with a new respect. Thomas is beginning to learn that "different from me" doesn't necessarily mean "inferior and to be despised"  or "enemy who is out to get me". </p>

<p>Molesley problably didn't trust Thomas at all... He said he was weird when he talked to him without being nasty, so the dinamic would be complicated at least. </p><p>I always though Thomas "father role model" was Carson... (weird, I know). </p><p>Which piss me off the most is they are linked by the same character (Thomas' sister) and we don't even have a hint of her name or personality... (**Headcanon for Eva Green or Katie McGrath XD**) </p>

<p>Absolutely agree about Carson being Thomas' "father role model". That is why their scenes together in Series 3 have such impact. And the end of Series 6 is so moving. Would have been very interesting to see how it worked out between them when they came to depend on each other's goodwill rather than Carson having all the power. </p><p>As for Molesley I think he had always distrusted and rather disliked Thomas, but what he seems to be projecting in that scene is an element of surprise: "could there be things about this person that I don't actually understand?" And then Miss Baxter's reaction must tell him that something <i>is</i> going on. His handshake and good wishes at the end seem sincere. </p><p>The sister? I reckon she was called Florrie, was their father's golden child and always wore a demure smirk when Thomas got beaten. <overinvesting in this? me??? nahh...> </p>

<p>I can't see Baxter having any romantic interest in Thomas.  She is more of an older sister (she really isn't old enough to feel very maternal) who over time comes to care about him a gret deal.  She has her own checkered past, made stupid mistakes which she now regrets and she knows what it means to live with a stigma and to have to reinvent herself after being an outcast or at least someone with a big bad secret.  She can relate to his problems and issues. She also starts out feeling like she doesn't deserve love and happiness but slowly makes peace with herself and her past. She senses Thomas' despair and acts instinctively when needed to rescue him.  </p><p>I am not a great fan of Moseley, he can be kind but it never quite feels entirely genuine to me, more like he does nice things for people to reap a reward.  Maybe I am unfair but he blew it inmy mind the last but one episode.  Shortly before Thomas attempted suicide he and Baxter had a short exchange during which Moseley was present. Thomas after making a remark that clearly showed the depth of his despair, as usual, brushed Baxters question off with some curt remark and walked off but it was obvious that he was desperate.  Baxter wants to go after him but Mosley said "let him go" as he walked away. I was screaming at the TV "no, don't! Go after him, talk to him" (I otherwise rarely scream at my TV set, really!)   It seemed - in the language of the show - rather unkind if not ghastly to keep her from going after him trying to help him. He blew it.  Big time! </p>

I didn't see Molesley as a mean spirit character ever. I don't think it was intended. I think it was more of "leave him a bit of space if he wanted" mixed with the whole mentality of "men/English don't have feelings". Most of the Thomas debacle was a mix with bad timiming in both Thomas' and the rest of the staff interactions.