13 Reasons Why “Downton Abbey” Rivals Any Superhero Movie

While Loki might be the God Of Mischief, none are more cunning and conniving than Barrow and O’Brien. Alone they are bitter and angry servants looking to create havoc, but together they are master shit-stirrers.

Loki may be a bad guy, but he has his charm. And eventually, we even unearthed redeemable qualities with Mr. Barrow. But sourpuss lady’s maid Sarah O’Brien remains the nastiest of the baddies, never seeming to feel remorse for any of her evil doings. And since she left the show pretty early in its run, we never got to find a heart of gold inside this cold monster. Because of that, she will live on in our nightmares forever as a stone-cold bitch.

Tom Branson was a simple chauffeur, but eventually married aristocratic daughter Lady Sybil and after years was promoted to sit at the big table with Lord Grantham and family. He even eventually ran some of the daily business of the Abbey alongside Lady Mary.

Meanwhile, Tony Stark’s chauffeur, Happy, remained simply a driver for his tycoon boss. He was never offered to be a sidekick, let alone wear one of the iconic iron suits. Even after his boss was out of the picture, he still couldn’t upgrade his status.

R.I.P. Lady Sybil and Aunt May.  

At this point in the saga, Maggie Smith’s Dowager Countess seems to have lived longer than Logan’s Wolverine, and without the aid of adamantium. She survives with the help of her manservant, Spratt, an endless supply of riches, and most of all her cunning wit.

When a Starbucks cup appeared in a shot in Game of Thrones, the producers acted quickly to digitally remove it from future HBO streams. 

Though fighting and death are prevalent in superhero movies, you rarely see blood. But at turn of the century Downton, with The Great War raging, death by childbirth, and fatal car crashes, blood and gore are never shied away from.

Sure, Thanos has ONE glove. But in Downton, nearly everyone wears gloves, especially at mealtime. And it’s not just for the elite; Lady Mary can wear her long dinner gloves to dine and socialize, while butler Mr. Molesley can wear his serving gloves to fill water glasses for the Queen. 

While Thanos hogs his glove, the inhabitants of the Abbey are equal opportunity glove wearers.

Mrs. Patmore and her culinary crew are sure to whip up something fantastic, even in a pinch. Relatives and royalty are stopping by unexpectedly? Watch Daisy and Mrs. P. make an impromptu 10-course meal including a nice crumble for dessert. I challenge Hank Pym to do the same under pressure.

After Lady Mary’s secret hanky-panky rendezvous with Mr. Pamuk leads to his death, she enlists her mother and lady’s maid to help her clean up the mess.