Downton Abbey Servants: My Favorite and Least Favorite Characters

Introduction
Restored to the prominence it once had, Downton Abbey is a showcase of how the British upper class lived during the Edwardian, World War I, and Interwar eras. The focus, of course, is not solely on the aristocratic Crawley family but also on the well-delineated characters who serve them. As a steadfast supporter of the servitariat, I'll explore two servants whose characters stand out in the show: my favorite, Mrs. Patmore, and my least favorite, Tom Branson.

My Favorite: Mrs. Patmore

The character of Mrs. Patmore, played by Elizabeth McGovern, is a shining light in Downton Abbey. Under the stewardship of Mrs. Patmore, the Crawley home not only says "Aunt Bea to the north" but transforms into a magnificent feast of culinary delights. Mrs. Patmore is shrewd, observant, and has a keen sense of humor.

Shrewdness is displayed through her management of the kitchen. She understands the importance of the dowager countess's favorite dish, the Cumberland sausage pie, and works behind the scenes to ensure its success. Mrs. Patmore is highly observant, noticing the little details that add spice and punch to the events of the show. Imagine a delicate yet saved-for-the-last-minutes dish being served at a crucial moment, always meant to make the cabinets rattling rumble of chefs a delight.

As a character with a sassy wit, Mrs. Patmore's spark is something to behold. Her interactions with those around her are often filled with a trenchant wit, using humor to navigate the turbulent waters of Downton's social dynamics. From bantering with Lady Edith or sparring with the sous-chefs, Mrs. Patmore's humor provides a much-needed dose of levity.

My Least Favorite: Tom Branson

In contrast to Mrs. Patmore's vivacity, Tom Branson, played by Allen Leech, can be described as whiny and perpetually frustrated. Throughout the show, Tom's character is often depicted as a device to explore historical and political narratives, but his emotional maturity and personal development leave much to be desired from a human drama standpoint.

Tom's initial introduction is full of promise. However, this promise is quickly overshadowed by his relentless coddling of his own desires. Unlike Mrs. Patmore, who channels her feelings into creating exquisite meals, or the perhaps more introspective Lord and Lady Mary and Edith, Tom externalizes his frustrations in a manner that is cringeworthy at best. Whether he's whining about his position or complaining about his hand picked political allies, his whininess is mocking and, in several instances, a source of unnecessary drama rather than an enriching narrative element.

Furthermore, Tom's character is often portrayed as a mule-headed stubbornness, frequently putting personal desires above the needs of the family. His whiny nature often leads to conflicts within the household, which overshadow any potentially interesting story arcs. As a character, Tom lacks depth and, unfortunately, becomes a mere plot device, serving to highlight the show's broader themes rather than fostering character development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Downton Abbey is a testament to the power of character-driven storytelling, even in the service of a larger narrative. Characters like Mrs. Patmore not only enrich the fabric of the show but also serve as testaments to resilience and wit. On the other hand, Tom Branson's character, while necessary for certain story arcs, fails to resonate on a deeper emotional level.

Navigating the intricate tapestry of Downton Abbey is as much a journey through the walls of Highgate House as it is through the character-laden corridors of the service staff. Mrs. Patmore and Tom Branson, while at different ends of the spectrum, are but two examples of how the show balances the drama and humor of aristocratic life intricately, touching both our wonder and our frustration.

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Downton Abbey servants Mrs. Patmore Tom Branson

Author Bio

As a Downton Abbey enthusiast, I've watched countless episodes, immersed in the intricate drama and behind the scenes intrigue. In my research papers and leisure reading, I've always found Downton to be a riveting intersection of history and human emotion.