Professionally, Thomas has never been better off when "A New Era" starts. He's settled into his role as butler at Downton, and even the arrival of a film crew only shakes him temporarily. His personal life, however, is still a bit of a mess, made worse by the arrival of a letter from his last love interest, Ellis, who has decided to get married. Thomas befriends Guy Dexter, the leading man of the movie filming at Downton, and they share something of a flirtation. Frustrated by his inability to live true to himself, Thomas accepts Guy's offer to come with him to America and be together (with Thomas working as Guy's "dresser" officially). He leaves Downton behind, with Carson agreeing to come on temporarily and train Andy to be the next butler.
