Downton Abbey's Thomas Barrow

A lesson in seduction.

Watch Downton Abbey closely, if you're at all interested in temptation and seduction - not for prurient interest of course, but to understand how an outwardly prim and proper guy can be deluded enough to put the make on another guy not at all interested in his advances, in an environment hostile to the very idea of the love that dare not speak its name.

So far, the familiarity remains rather subtle.  Mrs. O'Brien knows Thomas' predilection, and out of spite sends Thomas signals - that the object of his affections, Jimmy, thinks well of him.  Thomas has become more and more patronizing and familiar with the new footman, and Jimmy is uncomfortable with it.  At first glance, Thomas simply appears to be fond of the new guy, and uncharacteristically willing to help train him.  It appears to be a simple friendship.  That can happen.  Yet it isn't the case in this story.

Thomas mistakes Jimmy's friendliness and gratitude as mutual interest - sort of like a particular friendship, BFF.  As was often the case, close friendship for ssa men in closeted situations could be best validated in romantic and or sexual intimacy.  Perhaps it was the only way of being on equal footing for some men?  Old psychological theories not withstanding,  a deeper intimacy was desired as a means of affirmation and sense of belonging, a sort of exclusive 'knowing' one another, as it were.

We might detect in the relationship how position and authority plays a role in seduction.  Looking objectively, we may see how strangely easy it for the predator to be deluded into thinking the prey is not only aware, but desirous of the predator's interest.  Likewise, one sees the need Thomas has to be liked and respected, while emotions and romantic desire and fantasy inebriates him, resulting in the loss of right judgement and discretion, leading to deliberate entertainment of seductive temptations.  It seems to me rather evident that Thomas rationalizes it all in the conviction his love will be welcomed and reciprocated.  I may be reading too much into this, but it seems to me to be the case. 

Watch the show.  It's kind of how it happened/happens in institutional settings, the workplace, and other social situations outside the homosexual milieu.  Now that society is more open and homosexuality considered normal by many, I suspect the behavior is no longer as discreet or hidden.

[First draft: I may edit this later.]