has gifted us with a treasure trove of unforgettable characters, but few have sparked as much debate as Thomas Barrow. From his sinister scheming to his heartbreaking vulnerabilities, Thomas’s character arc is nothing short of a rollercoaster. But how did this polarizing figure evolve, and why have fans’ attitudes towards him shifted so dramatically over the seasons?

When we first meet Thomas Barrow, it’s hard to find any redeeming qualities in him. As a conniving footman, and later under-butler, Thomas spends his early days at Downton plotting against his fellow servants and betraying those who trust him. His ambition knows no bounds, and he’s willing to stab anyone in the back—literally and figuratively—to climb the social ladder. “Thomas is the character you love to hate,” said one fan, summing up the general sentiment during the show’s initial seasons.
His constant manipulation and devious actions made him the resident villain, and viewers were eager to see him get his comeuppance.
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