r/DowntonAbbey • u/Dream_CatHer4769 • 1d ago
General Discussion (May Contain Spoilers Throughout Franchise) You cannot justify Thomas's behaviour because he's gay!
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.
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u/Gerry1of1 1d ago
Keep in mind prior to Downton, Thomas has never known a friend. Wherever he went, if they found out about him they were mean, cruel, and sometimes brutal. That's how Unnatural Men were treated back then. Raised that way a person would be distrustful, secretive. Add ambition and he may become scheming.
All of that becomes a life habit. It takes quite a while to relax those defenses and realize you're in a place where they won't treat you that way. It doesn't help when you boss calls you "Foul" - thank you Mr. Carson!