Downton Abbey is a historical drama that aired on ITV in the United Kingdom and PBS in the United States from 2010 to 2015. The show followed the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the early 20th century. One of the show’s most beloved characters is Thomas Barrow, played by Robert James-Collier. Thomas is the gay footman in Downton Abbey and he was one of the first gay characters to be portrayed on mainstream television in the UK. In this blog post, we will explore the character of Thomas Barrow and his journey in Downton Abbey.
Early Life of Thomas Barrow
Thomas Barrow was born in a working-class family in Yorkshire, England. He was the son of a farmer and grew up in a small village. As a young boy, Thomas was a choirboy in his local church and developed a love for music. However, he knew that his life would not be fulfilled in a small village and decided to move to London to try his luck.
Joining Downton Abbey
Thomas began his employment at Downton Abbey as a footman in the first season of the show. He quickly established himself as a hard worker and was soon promoted to first footman. Thomas was ambitious, and he had his sights set on becoming a valet. However, his ambition was often seen as arrogance by the other footmen, and he struggled to make friends.
Thomas’ Sexual Orientation
Thomas is the first character to be openly gay in Downton Abbey. However, his struggles with his sexuality are a major plotline throughout the show’s run. Thomas is shown to be attracted to men, and he manages to have a few romantic liaisons throughout the series. However, his homosexuality is viewed with suspicion and disgust by many of his fellow employees, and he is often bullied and harassed because of it.
Thomas’ Journey in Downton Abbey
Thomas’ journey in Downton Abbey is one of the most compelling storylines in the show. In the early seasons, he is seen as a villainous character, constantly scheming and plotting against other characters. However, as the show progresses, we see that Thomas is a complex character with a troubled past.
One of the most poignant moments in the show is when Thomas attempts to take his own life after being outed as gay. This event is a turning point for Thomas, and he begins to take steps to become a better person. He seeks help from a doctor to deal with his sexuality, and he becomes more empathetic towards others.
In the final season of the show, Thomas is finally able to find love with another man, and he is accepted by his fellow employees. The show ends with Thomas riding off into the sunset, having finally found peace.
Conclusion
Thomas Barrow is one of the most iconic characters in Downton Abbey, and his journey is one of the most captivating storylines in the show. His struggle with his sexuality and the discrimination he faced are a reflection of the societal attitudes towards homosexuality during that period. However, Thomas’ journey also demonstrates the power of love and acceptance. He is a testament to the fact that people can change and that love and compassion can triumph over hate and discrimination.
FAQ
Is Thomas the illegitimate son of O Brien and Lord Grantham?
In the popular TV series Downton Abbey, one of the interesting plot points surrounds the mystery of Thomas’ father. There have been several theories regarding his true identity, but one of the most widely accepted ones is that he is the illegitimate son of O’Brien and Lord Grantham. This theory lends an even more complicated dimension to the already complex relationships between the characters in the show.
The idea that Thomas is the son of O’Brien and Lord Grantham is hinted at multiple times throughout the series. Firstly, his physical appearance bears a striking resemblance to Lord Grantham, with his dark hair and sharp features, while his personality and tendencies are very similar to O’Brien’s. In various episodes, there are subtle hints dropped by other characters, such as when Mrs. Hughes hints that she knows something scandalous about O’Brien and Thomas’ past.
In one of the later seasons, Cora, Lord Grantham’s wife, appears to confirm the theory when she privately shares that she knows the truth about Thomas’ parentage and claims that it would “kill her husband to see an illegitimate child inherit Downton Abbey.” This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the already intricate web of relationships between the characters as it highlights the power dynamic between the aristocracy and their staff.
While the show never explicitly confirms the theory that Thomas is the illegitimate son of O’Brien and Lord Grantham, there is enough evidence and foreshadowing to suggest that it is true. The implications of this plot point add depth and intrigue to the story, making it one of the many reasons why Downton Abbey remains a beloved show to this day.
Why did Thomas kiss Jimmy?
The reasons behind why Thomas kissed Jimmy are not entirely clear, but it can be speculated that he did so because of his romantic feelings towards him. Thomas may have been in love with Jimmy or harbored a crush on him for a long time and decided to act on it one night when Jimmy was asleep. However, some people may argue that it was a misinterpretation of Thomas’s feelings. He may not have been aware of Jimmy’s sexual orientation or may have assumed that his feelings were reciprocated without actually confirming it with Jimmy beforehand.
It is also essential to note that Thomas’s decision to kiss Jimmy was not acceptable, and it intruded upon Jimmy’s personal space and violated his boundaries. Even if Thomas had feelings for Jimmy, he had no right to act on them without Jimmy’s consent. Additionally, the fact that he kissed Jimmy while he was asleep was a significant breach of trust and made Jimmy feel violated and uncomfortable around Thomas.
Furthermore, the consequences of Thomas’s actions were severe; he not only damaged his relationship with Jimmy, but he also ruined his reputation in the eyes of others. Alfred, who caught Thomas kissing Jimmy, could not believe what he had seen and believed that Thomas was a pervert, leading to rumors and gossip that spread quickly. This event changed the dynamics of their relationship and made things awkward between them.
The reasons behind why Thomas kissed Jimmy may never fully be understood, but what is evident is that his actions were intrusive, inappropriate, and harmful to their relationship. It is crucial to respect other people’s boundaries, especially when it comes to physical intimacy, and to communicate openly and honestly about our feelings.
Who was Daisy’s husband in cast of Downton Abbey?
Daisy’s husband in the cast of Downton Abbey was William Mason. William was portrayed as the second footman at Downton Abbey until his conscription into the British army for World War I. He was a kind and gentle soul who always tried to do the best he could for his fellow footmen and household staff. William was the son of Mr Mason and the husband of Daisy Mason.
William and Daisy’s love story begins when William expresses his interest in Daisy. At first, Daisy is hesitant and unsure of her feelings towards William, but as time goes on, she begins to feel a deep connection with him. However, their happiness was short-lived when William was conscripted into the army.
William served in the army for a brief period, during which he was able to return to Downton Abbey and marry Daisy. Sadly, William was injured during the war, and his condition deteriorated quickly. He passed away on July 26th, 1918, after receiving a hero’s funeral.
Although William’s character was only present on the show for a brief period, he left a lasting impact on both the viewers and the characters within the show. Daisy, in particular, was deeply affected by William’s death, and it became a defining moment in her character’s development.
William Mason was a beloved character in Downton Abbey, and his love story with Daisy was memorable. His portrayal by actor Thomas Howes was both heartwarming and heartbreaking, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.