Branson Refuses to Wear a Tux or Tails or a Morning Jacket, So Screw You All:

Tom Branson, Lady Sybil’s scandalous ex-chauffeur Irish husband absolutely refuses to play by Downton’s stuffy old fashion rules (and he can’t really afford to, either.) Are morning coats really “the height of oppression?” They sure don’t look comfortable.

Anyway, many snarky remarks were made about Branson’s suits, which we actually think look pretty dapper. There’s Sybil’s snobby ex-beau who says, “Did they lose your suitcase on your way over? How maddening for you!” And the Dowager Countess mumbled something about him looking like the Prudential man.

In a way, Tom’s refusal to wear fancy duds is a bit of foreshadowing for what’s to come. Pretty soon the entire Grantham clan may be clad in overalls due to the change in the family’s fortunes. (Seriously, Lord Grantham. Everyone knows you should diversify your investments.)

Not only that, but it’s a new era. As Shirley MacLaine’s character illustrated, it’s totally OK to eat food anywhere in the house and not wear tails. People will still have fun. (As I write this I am wearing sweat pants and eating cookies while standing at my kitchen counter. Fun!)