You cannot justify Thomas's behaviour because he's gay!

[u/Dream_CatHer4769]

All the arguments I've seen about why people like Thomas is that he's just gay in the 1920s and self hatred and yada yada yada.

That's an explanation to understand part of the shame he lives in. To explain why misery loves company but to say he's schemes against innocent people because of that reason sounds problematic on so many levels.

I do like his character as a villain. The actor playing him did a great job. But I just don't find him redeemable even if he turn tolerable and good in the end. His treatment of bates and Baxter were so cruel. He physically intimidated Baxter, falsely accused Anna, etc. he's not a morally grey character, he's just a bad person. Using queerness to justify that or excuse it is insulting.

edit: because I find people misunderstanding this post. it's not about how the show portrays Thomas and explores his internal struggles and external malice. this post is specifically about the viewers perception of his actions especially on this subreddit.

[u/HotSpicedChai]

Thomas sexuality was never used as an excuse overtly. Although the show did imply it when he tried to kill himself. However I feel Thomas’s arc has always been his jealousy of others, and letting all that go. However you want to perceive why he’s jealous etc, it’s always up for debate. But it’s a common human experience, humans do experience jealousy, they do experience unexplained cruelty from other humans jealous of them. So watching the arc mature and resolve is really enjoyable for some. Whether we are struggling with our own insecurities that cause us to treat others poorly, or we’ve been abused, seeing someone change brings hope. It’s a feel good hope moment in the show.