He describes both of them as ambitious and says that they will stop at nothing to get ahead, and that Thomas opposed Alfred becoming a valet, because, as he was being rapidly pushed by O'Brien, Thomas feared that Alfred might be coming after his own job next. Internally however, he seems to harbor a lot of self hatred and insecurity, proven by his attempt to fix himself through conversion therapy. A notable example is his care for Lieutenant Courtenay, a soldier blinded by a gas attack when Thomas was working at the hospital as an army medic. West is sacked immediately and Cora praises Barrow for his help. Thomas is beaten and robbed in his place, after Jimmy runs away and leaves him there. Is Thomas The Illegitimate Son Of Lord Grantham? Thomas develops feelings for a patient, Lieutenant Edward Courtenay, while Edward us recovering from gas-blindness. She was one of the few.Thomas talking about Lady Sybil. Thomas angrily tells her not to pity him. She knows that Thomas is the illegitimate son of O'Brien and Lord Grantham - and the rightful heir to the house. O'Brien hides all of Lord Grantham's dress shirts and Thomas gets blamed for losing them. *not an anachronism because, as we all know, there are no anachronisms in Downton Abbey. Lord Grantham announces that the war is over, with a ceasefire to come at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11. Thomas shares a very close relationship with the children of Downton Abbey, particularly little George - a striking parallel to Carson's relationship with Lady Mary as a little girl. Magazines, Digital He is immediately disliked by the Sinderby's butler, Stowell, who is also rude to Baxter and mocks Branson's background for being Irish and a chauffeur. Thomas is still in love with Jimmy, despite everything that has occurred. Andy, in the boot room, also reveals to the Bates that he is not interested in the rumors about Thomas and the couple doesn't seem to hinder the friendship between the two young men as Mrs Patmore and Carson do. Lady Grantham surreptitiously checks up on the nanny and Thomas's warnings prove well founded when she overhears West coldly insulting Sybbie because of her parentage. At the same time, O'Brien encourages Jimmy to learn from Thomas, as he has Lord Grantham's ear, and can further his career, and to not say anything when Jimmy feels that Thomas is being overly familiar. James awakes and is very angry, reacting violently and indicating he feels nothing for Thomas, which leaves Thomas shocked and upset. Mrs. Patmore The reputation of Mrs. Patmore's bed and breakfast is. Thomas absolutely refuses. In 1920, a handsome new footman, James, is hired. However Queen Mary convinced him to release Bertie from this duty. During the 2014 Christmas Special, Mr Carson wants to hire a new footman and Thomas and takes this opportunity to advise him to hire Andy, since he had proved adept at Lady Rose's wedding. Being aware of Thomas' deterioration, she fetches Andy who kicks open the bathroom door, where they find him unconscious, bleeding in the bath. Thomas Barrow is the former butler of Downton Abbey, having previously worked there as junior footman, first footman, head valet, and under-butler, as well as serving in the army as a Corporal and later Lance Sergeant. In Thomas's hearing, O'Brien tells Alfred that he is not vain like Thomas. Mary brings George into Thomas' room to cheer him up and both adults identify with each other and their similar previous bad attitudes and actions. The 50 greatest TV and movie detectives of all time. "We felt that Thomas had earned a degree of happiness over the years, and we didn't want to take it away from him," he tells EW. Editor's note: For the benefit of American readers who haven't yet seen Season 3 of Downton Abbey, please do your best to avoid spoilers when commenting.. June Thomas: Seth, you look so . Thomas had struggled, worked and schemed for 9 years to rise to the level of valet in a noble house. Mrs Patmore intercepts the telegrams and, using a unique steam-iron method, gets Daisy (bound for Harvard after securing the first Open University degree*) to help her read them. After this, he is also more sympathetic and defends Baxter. Jimmy says that Thomas was "brave" and that he feels bad for leaving him. Barrow and Ellis became friends but, in A New Era, Thomas received the sad news that the King's Valet got married. Magazines, Or create a free account to access more articles. In 1922, he brought his acquaintance Phyllis Baxter into the house to serve as a lady's maid to Lady Grantham. To begin with, Thomas is good friends with Sarah. Luckily, Miss Baxter realises Thomas' plan as Mr. Molesley mentions his odd behavior earlier, when Thomas showed rare goodwill towards him by wishing him all the best in the future. He also appears to be quite talented at cricket, Lord Grantham stating as much, noting he got most of the house team's runs in the 1919 match. She delivered their son to a happy Mr. Bates, though baby Bates name wasnt announced. Bates overhears bits of what is going, and he goes to Mrs. Hughes for the whole story. Robert (Lord Grantham) is played by Hugh Bonneville, and Elizabeth McGovern stars as Cora (Lady Grantham.) Offers may be subject to change without notice. "I was reading a book about a royal tour of Yorkshire that King George and Queen Mary made in 1912, and as I read it, I thought, 'Oh well, obviously this is it, they're going to make another tour of Yorkshire and they're going to come to Downton,'" he recounts. Thomas impulsively says, "Well, I love you.". To Mr Bates. Unfortunately, due to the fire Thomas rushes to help Edith while Lord Grantham, warning others of the fire, walks in on Jimmy and Lady Anstruther. Carsons bout with what seemed like Parkinsons disease rendered him incapable of fulfilling his duties as butler of the Abbey. Andy gets Mrs Hughes and they move him to a bed where Dr. Clarkson later lets them know that Thomas will be fine as they got to him just in time. His resentment of others, especially towards the Bateses (The happy couple and everyones so pleased for you), is probably born out of his own unhappiness. He still believes that Jimmy himself would not be capable of this and that someone has put him up to it. Making a splash: A deep dive into the live-action Little Mermaid with a new generation's Ariel. Well presume we have access to the current existing cast for the final episode, although its unclear whether Branson (Allen Leech) has definitively left the show. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Some time after the war, Thomas is decorated with the 1914 Star, British War Medal and the Victory Medal.[3]. She has considered Thomas a friend and he even knew her darkest secret. Is this some weird fan fiction or something? Bates catches him stealing wine and threatens to tell Mr Carson, unless Thomas stops insulting William. I could say the same. However, Thomas's concern for Jimmy and his sigh as Jimmy leaves for Lady Anstruther's room confirm that Thomas's feelings for Jimmy haven't changed. Being a closeted gay man in the early 1900s is difficult, but Thomas manages to cheat on his lovers with ease. The staff continued to treat him horribly mostly for actions he made over 10 years before, just out of his teen years. We hope you enjoy your stay. To ingratiate himself with the Earl of Grantham, a scheming footman locked Isis in a woodshed, and he staged her disappearance in hopes of tricking her. Baxter and Thomas later plan to give Lord Sinderby "simpler food," and Lord Sinderby berates Stowell, in front of all the guests, for not properly asking who gave the order. ), moving on from Downton with handshakes and warm wishes for both those from upstairs and downstairs. Thomas absolutely refuses. He had an affair with the Duke of Crowborough, who then refused to hire him as his personal valet, telling him that one swallow does not make a summer. Thomas holds Jimmy's hand while standing behind him with his other hand on Jimmy's shoulder. Why is she called the Dowager Countess? - Headshotsmarathon.org She realizes it's Thomas and asks if she should fetch a man to help him. It allowed us to do these grand set pieces and it involves all the characters in this grand mission.". His quest to change his sexuality after Jimmys sacking may have had its roots in his loneliness after losing his only friend (and love interest) at the house. This has made him reserved and aloof. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1831, and commenced practice in Canastota. I must go, Master George, but remember, I will always be your friend wherever I am.Thomas saying goodbye to George Crawley. When Lady Edith is left at the altar, Sarah says that she wouldn't be able to handle the shame. There is a revelation that he has been injecting an expensive saline placebo while using unsterilised needles, making him ill. Thomas repeatedly insults Alfred, and this later results in Thomas and O'Brien starting to insult each other. Is Actor George Collier Gay? - Sdlgbtn ), moving on from Downton with handshakes and warm wishes for both those from upstairs and downstairs. When Bates is released from his wrongful conviction, Thomas is bitter that his former rival has returned. Jimmy is satisfied that Thomas will be leaving, but it is not enough for Sarah O'Brien. Can't have you wobbly at both ends. Thomas disagrees and says that he should have run, if he didn't get away what was the point of Thomas doing any of it. Andy also gambles at the club and has to spend his savings in order to pay for his losses. Downton Abbey Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. Edith finally got her happy ending. Thomas convinces Lord Grantham that this is proof of Alfred's not being ready for the job. He is extraordinarily ambitious and doesnt let anything or anyone stand in the way of achieving his goals, even if this means lying, stealing, and blackmailing people. After an initial hesitation, Carson takes on Andy, influenced by the good words of Mrs Hughes. Jimmy tells Thomas he sincerely appreciates his friendship, indicating how far they've come since their misunderstandings of season 3. O'Brien advises Thomas to take something of his lordship and then find it and return it, to prove his trustworthiness. However, he also has a kind, sensitive and caring side, although he rarely allows it to show. Only one of his relationships that we have seen has gone well for Thomas. Lack of a reference would make it almost impossible for him to find another job. He was played by UK actor, Robert James-Collier. Despite being a medic, Thomas finds himself still under fire on the front lines. Thomas is misled by O'Brien into thinking that Jimmy is a homosexual, and tries to kiss him while he is sleeping, but Jimmy is horrified. Due to Anna's arrest, Bates wants to stay at Downton to be close to her so Thomas acts as temporary valet to Lord Grantham when 0 the family travel to Brancaster Castle in Northumberland for a shooting party during the grouse season and to visit Lord Sinderby and Lady Sinderby, Rose and Atticus. He and Ms O'Brien get Daisy to lie to Mr Carson. In Downton Abbey 2019, Barrow, who suffered as a closeted gay man all of his life, which fueled his nastiness throughout the Downton Abbey TV series, met the King's Valet, Richard Ellis (Max Brown), who is also gay. Thomas is devastated by Jimmy's betrayal. He is one of the few people who knew that Kemal was in Mary 's room the night he died, but it is uncertain if he knows that he died there. Thus, it appears that the outside worlds reaction to him and his sexuality specifically has made him very bitter. In the beginning he is often callous and rude, acting as a bully and manipulative. Sarah tells Thomas that Jimmy has a crush on him and that he won't stop gushing to Alfred about Thomas. Downton Abbey Recap Could Thomas Have Lived a Gay Life at Downton? Carson is not pleased, as this makes Thomas his superior. And yes it did come from that Gaurdian article about possible alternative endings . During the King and Queen's Royal Visit, Thomas and the King's Royal Dresser Richard leave Downton Abbey to go to York. Over the years, the characters have struggled through death, disease, war and imprisonment and the audience has been right there with them. He was eager for the position of Lord Grantham's valet, but was passed over by Long John Silver. The last episode of series five left a lot open; I will avoid alluding to this directly and other events in the season as US viewers wont have seen it yet. Look look, I don't know if you're going to see again or not. He was the son of Thomas Barlow (1772-1840) and Mary (Clark) Barlow (1772-1860). He says that he likes the sun. Thomas and Carson have refused to serve as valet to Tom Branson, so Alfred does it. He appears to be a very bitter man, having constitutional objection to anyone being happy, according to Molesley. Later on that night, Thomas is arrested and Richard, using his position within the Royal Household, manages to get him released from prison before telling Thomas to be a bit more circumspect in future. In 1925, the Dowager Countess gave Lord Grantham a new dog named Teo [2] [3] [4] Contents A possible explanation for this was given by himself when talking to Edward Courtenay. Written by series creator Julian Fellowes and directed by Simon Curtis, Downton Abbey: A New Era introduces viewers to a bustling time of change and innovation at Downton. Unexpectedly, Thomas appears and steps in to protect him. Yet after saving Edith from a fire that started in Edith's bedroom, he immediately earns Cora's gratitude and his job is secure. When he enraged Bates by asking Daisy out on a date to embarrass William in his footman days, Bates slammed him into a wall in the hall of the upstairs bedrooms. Thomas later makes an advance on Kemal Pamuk, a Turkish envoy, who threatens to tell Lord Grantham if Thomas does not tell him where Mary Crawley's room is. When Thomas manages to get them alone, he thanks those who saved his life, and Anna suggests that he think about what made him so low. "The Chronicles of Downton Abbey: A New Era" by Jessica Fellowes, Matthew Sturgis. Despite being introduced as a love interest for Thomas Barrow in the first film, Brown does not reprise his role as . Upon returning from London, he continues to show an unhealthy interest in what's going on with Mr. Bates and Anna regarding the murder of Mr. Green. Thomas Barrow | Downton Abbey Wiki | Fandom He doesnt even seem to like her. Masterpiece Series Three promo "Downton Abbey: Robert James-Collier speaks on Thomas and O'Brien". After Andy arrives the staff resent them from being friends in order to "protect" Andy from Thomas' sexuality. Thomas believes that he is beaten. The trailer for the upcoming series of Downton Abbey reveals that sometime villain and butler Thomas Barrow (Robert James-Collier) is in a relationship. It is only the intervention of John Bates who not only takes the matter to Lord Grantham, but uses the information he gets from Thomas to force Sarah O'Brien to make James take back his threat. He feels that even if Thomas were able to forgive her and tried to reconcile it would not be in her to do it. The last image before fade out? The only clue as to his age is that in. He is the son of the 6th Earl of Grantham and Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, and the brother of Lady Rosamund Painswick. Cora Crawley (ne Levinson), Countess of Grantham (played by Elizabeth McGovern) (b. He gives samples to Daisy to cook a cake for Mrs Patmore. He helps with preparations, but delays polishing the silver in case the royal servants have specifications for what will be used; frustrated by his indecision, Mary invites Carson to return as butler and oversee his work. Thus Thomas is given his current position of under-butler. and our Thomas and Sarah O'Brien, Thomas's friend and Lady Grantham's lady's maid, begin plotting to get John Bates fired, and they try to sabotage his work. Since the departure of Miss O'Brien to India (curiously implying she had an enormous bad influence over him.) Thomas returns to find Baxter having formed a bond with Joseph Molesley. In the last five minutes of the final episode, there are four weddings and a double funeral. He is not above using crooked methods to further his own career, especially in season 1. She eventually gets over him, finds her voice and starts telling him to stop "being so unkind." Due to Stowell's rudeness to Tom, Lady Mary asks Baxter to ask Thomas to get Stowell into trouble with Lord Sinderby. More than a year after these events, in the 2012 Christmas Special, Jimmy at first still appears uncomfortable around Thomas, and doesn't want to be seen alone with him or to even accept the gift of a drink when Thomas offers to buy everyone one. It has been pointed out that his tendency to taunt Bates and bring out the aggressive side of him, especially while he was still a footman, is typical of abuse victims. Thomas inherits the estate. Thomas is still hoping to remain a valet, as he is told that Carson is "sorting things out", but Robert just wants Bates to rest before he returns to work. 2023 TIME USA, LLC. It is at such times that he told Mrs. Hughes that he was afraid he might shock and disgust her with his sexuality, or admitted to Bates that he envied him for his happy relationship and good relations with the other downstairs staff. Lord Grantham's lawyer and close confidante continues to aid the family. Thomas convinces Lord Grantham that this is proof of Alfred being not ready for the job and results in Alfred being demoted. ITV has said it wont comment on speculative stories about our programmes, but added that they absolutely do not mind broadcasting countless series of period dramas with endlessly speculative and inconclusive plots (not really, I added that). However, in between the two movies their relationship appears to have ended, as Thomas receives a letter saying that Richard will be getting married to a woman.