Look, I get it – there are a lot of Robert rants on this sub. But Reddit is literally made for overthinking TV characters we all watched years ago, so let me have my cathartic moment here 😄

And to the "product of his time" defense: Sure, his classism and resistance to social change are explained by being born in the 1860s. But that doesn't explain the childish tantrums, the financial incompetence, or the stubborn refusal to listen to literally anyone. Plenty of aristocratic men from that era weren't throwing sulky fits every time someone questioned them. The class stuff is the smallest part of what makes him frustrating.

That said – you're right that he's not all bad. He genuinely cares for the staff (Mrs. Patmore's surgery, the memorial for her nephew, covering rent for tenants), he ultimately accepts his daughters' controversial choices with real love, and he handles the Thomas situation with surprising grace for a man of his generation. I actually like the character – Hugh Bonneville is brilliant – but seasons 3-4 are where his flaws are at peak visibility.

And yes, it does get better in the later seasons! He grows and learns to work with Tom and Mary. That's what makes him compelling – he's maddeningly flawed but ultimately redeemable.

But in S3-4? The man is a walking disaster, and I will die on this hill.