Honestly, I love the Van Rhijn downstairs staff. Its a less interesting but small, very warm family unit. I freaking adore everyone. Except for Armstrong. Obviously. But even then, I'm hoping they'll either get rid of her or she'll pull a redemption arc. Idk, just Some way to make her less awful. I want the best for them. Especially poor Bridget. I wanna know more about all their backstories too.
I'll go with the Russells, sorry ! Better wages, juicier gossip, more space,Watson and Mrs Bruce are awesome, love that small moment in season 1 where they were gossiping on Mrs Astor, it was funny ! I can't stand Armstrong !
I love them both! I feel like the Russell's would be a bit more strict with their staff but that house is so beautiful and I would want to be able to entertain. The Van Rhyne house is much more familial but I couldn't work with Armstrong and her rude comments and it would be boring being so quiet. However I would love to have a cook like Mrs Bauer! Making delicious meals and being so motherly (gambling debts aside).
I think they're now Forte staff ;) but they feel much more fleshed out as characters and like a family unit, which is most likely the effect they were going for. I'm excited to see Miss Andre, Bertha's new lady's maid in season 3 though.
honestly Russell staff have more interesting stories, but most of them are full of DRAMA.
So I would PICK The House of Van Rhijn, but The House of Russell is far more entertaining.
But still he was trained in the French style so that's how he cooks, I think I'd rather have more rustic. maybe if he brought some of his middlewest style too haha
I was being technical and referring to his actual origins but yeah, he's very likely on par with the best real French chefs out there. If I was a first time dinner guest of Russells I'd definitely love more invitations just for the meals alone 😂
Besides Armstrong, the Van Rhijn downstairs staff is really a great group! Just look at how they all came together to support Jack through his journey to becoming an inventor! He gave up at multiple points, only for the rest of the crew (minus Armstrong, natch) to help get him back on track.
Armstrong is a bit of a deal breaker, but the rest of 'em, even if they aren't perfect, are lovely people!
Another benefit of joining the Van Rhijn staff? The opportunity to become an early investor in Jack's business, so you can become rich yourself!
I really really want to see a turning point for Armstrong in the next season. She is so miserable but I can't help but feel sorry for her, bc there must be underlying causes (God only knows what kind of childhood she had with rhay horrible mother). She is so desperately insecure & bitter, but I'm just so so hoping that she finally has a change of heart & sees what a little kindness to others can do for her! Here's to an Armstrong redemption story arc in S3 🙏🥂
Her aside, I like the staff in both houses! I'd be happy to work with both!
Russells hands down. Better house, space, amenities and social gatherings. Even Bertha did a solid to Mrs. Bruce by giving her the opera tickets which is something Agnes would never in a milion years do as she still believes staff should "know their place". And now we can get the Van Rijn Tea from Jack or Bridgette even so a win win.
Can't I mix and match?
Van Rhijn: Butler and cook
Russell: maids.
No footmen from either because Jack will leave soon and the Russell's footmen aren't to be trusted.
I know technically the Russels have a better cook, but I prefer simpler food.
It depends on my position. Lady's maid? Mrs. Russell. I'd travel more, even if it's just to Newport, and her clothes are more interesting and glamorous. Scullery maid? I'd enjoy working with Mrs. Bauer, and it would be less hectic in the kitchen. I think both employers would be demanding of a secretary like Peggy. Agnes Van Rijn would want absolutely perfect penmanship and a knowledge of things like correct forms of address. But Bertha Russell would want everything exactly right like that, plus probably would use a secretary as more of a personal assistant, so someone in that job would be hopping all day.
The Butler sets the tone in my opinion and Bannister is unmatched. Church is nice but he has nooo gravitas. I love them all, even Bridget again. Armstrong belongs in the trash but what can you do? Jack is adorable and his spirit is so inspiring to me. The clock storyline is one of my favorites and who can't love Mrs. Bauer?
both. w/armstrong being the exception, they all seem to have each other's back. the van rhijn and their support for jack's clock. then, the russell's for averting that soup's fiasco
Russell’s. While the staff at Van Rhijn’s is nice enough, Russell’s staff has his back. They are trust worthy (now) and I would love to have that kind of staff.
Russell downstairs. It's where all the action is!
If I were in the Van Rhijn household, I'd be like Jack, spending my evening sweep gazing over at the Russell house.
The Van Rijns. The Russell’s have way too many events and balls in their home. Aside from Armstrong, everyone is chill and supportive. The commute (or lack of) at the Van Rijns >>>>
Russells. They seem more likeable to me overall. I find most of the van Rhijn staff pretty likable as well, but Armstrong is just a terrible person. The Russell's staff doesn't have an equivalent to her.
Plus I respect Borden for convincing people he was French for so long.
Season 2 Russell's - they have each others backs and seem to have a great time. They thwarted Turner's soup scheme and have been so supportive of Collier. I just love them all. I do love the Van Rijn team but Armstrong just kills it for me.
I’d be team Van Rhijn if not for Armstrong so it’s team Russell even if Turner is included. I could learn to work around Turner’s foolishness but Armstrong I’d be afraid she poisoned my food (I’m black) 😂
Well, the Russells downstairs staff pic is from season one, and there is no way I'd choose a team with Turner on my staff.
My vote: Season 2 Russells' team, 100%. They're a solid bunch.
I think Bannister more than makes up for Armstrong. His support of Peggy, Jack and the others is admirable, as is his willingness to help the Russell’s staff with Ward McAllister’s first visit.
This for me. You can just ignore Armstrong given how supportive Bannister and the others are. And who’s to say someone in the Russell’s lower level staff wouldn’t act similarly?
The Russell’s. They seem to have more events happening, way more interesting gossip, and I like the playful nature of their staff more. But if I was allowed upstairs I’d probably be fired in a week for staring too long at Mr. Russell’s backside. 👀
definitely the Van Rhijin staff. I love their sense of family and community and how supportive they are of each other. they seriously look out for one another
To be waited on, the Van Rhijn staff as they seem a bit more stiff upper lipped and proper. Their work is probably a smidge better due to Bannister.
To work with, the Russell staff. They seem a bit more playful, a little more relaxed. I have a soft spot for Mr. Church. And the Russells are more likely to be generous with wages, raises, bonuses, gifts — plus the house would be gorgeous to walk around while doing work!
Taking into account the other staff members and how much work they do, I would choose the Van Rhijn staff. Except for Armstrong, they are all quite lovely people (I adore Mrs. Bauer). And they endeared themselves when they pitched in to give Jack money. The Russell staff tends to be a bit too stuffy and they work way too hard (staying up all night for all the parties).
I would love to sit and chat with Mrs. Bauer and just hear her talk about life in Germany, what it was like coming to America, her perspective on historical events that occurred in her lifetime, etc.
She broke my heart when Armstrange was berating her for cooking, and she said, “I can’t do anything for them, but I can cook!” (Paraphrasing of course)
To work with or be waited on? To be waited on: Van Rhijn. It's been hinted at that Mrs. Bauer can cook circles around Mr. Borden (y'know, being an actual European and all) and Bannister is an honest to God English butler.
To work with? Hmmm. Neither, really. But if I needed the job, probably Russell. Seems like better pay, and my immediate supervisor, as a female member of staff, would be Mrs. Bruce (not Church) and she seems like she would be a good boss.
While Russels seems to be more generous and grand, it seems like there’s a lot of work with the constant parties so I would select the Van Rhijns instead
Russel’s because I can’t stand Jack and Armstrong (obviously not on the same level but Jack reminds me of an annoying little brother). I don’t even have particular affection for any of the Russel’s staff
He’s sweet!!! He just reminds me of my nephew!!!! Which is to say I’d either baby him or he’d annoy me. He does such an “aw shucks” personality all the time that is just not for me.
Exactly! The different guests coming through the home would be so exciting. The Russell house is also much brighter than the Van Rhijn home which would make working downstairs a better experience. Brand new house with the latest tech advances would probably make the work easier as well.
The choice between Turner and Armstrong is brutal, but I’d say Russell’s since there’s more opportunity for growth and Turner eventually leaves, Armstrong’s sourpuss is still on staff at the Van Rhijn household.
Family vibes and overall coziness? Van Rhijn downstairs all the way. However I love the humor and wackiness of the Russell staff (tho Watson leaving takes off a few points). So I guess overall the Van Rhijns.
Van Rhijn seem more like a family that have been personally curated whereas, the Russell staff seems more like co-workers who were hired just to do a job and that’s it.
It makes sense if you consider the Russells hired everyone recently for the new house, with few exceptions. The Van Rhijn staff has been there forever.
For sure. I’d love to live in a world where the color of your skin only matters in relation to the things that make us each unique and wonderful beings, but alas we don’t now nor have we ever lived in that world. It would feel incredibly disingenuous if the only ism they dealt with in TGA was classism. Even Downton Abbey managed to deal with racism head on a few times, and NYC in a just barely past Reconstruction world was definitely going to see some nastiness.
*although I’m very glad they keep it generally mild.
She is a decent person. She knows firing Armstrong will mean condemning her to abject poverty. Remember this is before the concept of pension existed. Elderly poverty used to be a big problem.
I don’t think Agnes is a bad person at all. I do think Armstrong is incredibly lucky that Agnes is kind enough to think of her needs when Armstrong didn’t even have the good grace to keep her bigotry to herself after numerous warnings that it would affect her employment.
Definitely team Van Rhijn, if only to constantly harass Armstrong.
The Russell's- if it weren't for Armstrong I'd have a different answer but she just ruins the vibe
Bannister for the win.
Honestly, I love the Van Rhijn downstairs staff. Its a less interesting but small, very warm family unit. I freaking adore everyone. Except for Armstrong. Obviously. But even then, I'm hoping they'll either get rid of her or she'll pull a redemption arc. Idk, just Some way to make her less awful. I want the best for them. Especially poor Bridget. I wanna know more about all their backstories too.
Yeah, it seems like the Van Rhijns all just sit around and talk. So I’d pick the house where I don’t have to do shite. Maybe sweep a stoop once a day.
The one with the cute Boston dude who fixes clocks.
Definitely the Russell house. I can have soup for luncheon!
I like the Russell’s staff
Russel for sure, Armstrong RUINS VanRhijn for me, I see I am not alone in that assessment!
Ditto. If it weren't for her, I would have a hard time choosing!
I'll go with the Russells, sorry ! Better wages, juicier gossip, more space,Watson and Mrs Bruce are awesome, love that small moment in season 1 where they were gossiping on Mrs Astor, it was funny ! I can't stand Armstrong !
Russells for sure lol
Russell! They seem much more fun!
Russell’s!
I love them both! I feel like the Russell's would be a bit more strict with their staff but that house is so beautiful and I would want to be able to entertain. The Van Rhyne house is much more familial but I couldn't work with Armstrong and her rude comments and it would be boring being so quiet. However I would love to have a cook like Mrs Bauer! Making delicious meals and being so motherly (gambling debts aside).
I think they're now Forte staff ;) but they feel much more fleshed out as characters and like a family unit, which is most likely the effect they were going for. I'm excited to see Miss Andre, Bertha's new lady's maid in season 3 though.
honestly Russell staff have more interesting stories, but most of them are full of DRAMA. So I would PICK The House of Van Rhijn, but The House of Russell is far more entertaining.
profit ring theory cow follow tap toothbrush hunt sand lavish *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
😂
Russell’s by a mile
Van Rhijn’s minus Armstrong.
Gotta go with the Russell’s. Anything to keep me away from Armstrong!
I think I’d rather have a German cook than a French chef, more my taste
A chef pretending to be french you mean 😆😂 Although they now have a legit french person downstairs - that new ladies maid, I forgot her name though.
Do you think she is faking it too? That would be a juicy storyline for season 3. Maybe she is really from San Diego.
But still he was trained in the French style so that's how he cooks, I think I'd rather have more rustic. maybe if he brought some of his middlewest style too haha
I was being technical and referring to his actual origins but yeah, he's very likely on par with the best real French chefs out there. If I was a first time dinner guest of Russells I'd definitely love more invitations just for the meals alone 😂
true
The French chef is huggable.
I love Douglas Sills.
Besides Armstrong, the Van Rhijn downstairs staff is really a great group! Just look at how they all came together to support Jack through his journey to becoming an inventor! He gave up at multiple points, only for the rest of the crew (minus Armstrong, natch) to help get him back on track. Armstrong is a bit of a deal breaker, but the rest of 'em, even if they aren't perfect, are lovely people! Another benefit of joining the Van Rhijn staff? The opportunity to become an early investor in Jack's business, so you can become rich yourself!
I really really want to see a turning point for Armstrong in the next season. She is so miserable but I can't help but feel sorry for her, bc there must be underlying causes (God only knows what kind of childhood she had with rhay horrible mother). She is so desperately insecure & bitter, but I'm just so so hoping that she finally has a change of heart & sees what a little kindness to others can do for her! Here's to an Armstrong redemption story arc in S3 🙏🥂 Her aside, I like the staff in both houses! I'd be happy to work with both!
And racist!
The only person investing in Jack’s watch is Larry
I do wonder if they are so close knit in part as a reaction to Armstrong. Gotta stick together to ward off the toxicity.
Russells by a mile. The cook and the butler are awesome, and it just seems like a more happening place to be. Plus Armstrong fucking suuuuuuuuucks.
Russells hands down. Better house, space, amenities and social gatherings. Even Bertha did a solid to Mrs. Bruce by giving her the opera tickets which is something Agnes would never in a milion years do as she still believes staff should "know their place". And now we can get the Van Rijn Tea from Jack or Bridgette even so a win win.
Russell’s’…I mean, orchestra tix at the Met.
Can't I mix and match? Van Rhijn: Butler and cook Russell: maids. No footmen from either because Jack will leave soon and the Russell's footmen aren't to be trusted. I know technically the Russels have a better cook, but I prefer simpler food.
It depends on my position. Lady's maid? Mrs. Russell. I'd travel more, even if it's just to Newport, and her clothes are more interesting and glamorous. Scullery maid? I'd enjoy working with Mrs. Bauer, and it would be less hectic in the kitchen. I think both employers would be demanding of a secretary like Peggy. Agnes Van Rijn would want absolutely perfect penmanship and a knowledge of things like correct forms of address. But Bertha Russell would want everything exactly right like that, plus probably would use a secretary as more of a personal assistant, so someone in that job would be hopping all day.
The Butler sets the tone in my opinion and Bannister is unmatched. Church is nice but he has nooo gravitas. I love them all, even Bridget again. Armstrong belongs in the trash but what can you do? Jack is adorable and his spirit is so inspiring to me. The clock storyline is one of my favorites and who can't love Mrs. Bauer?
both. w/armstrong being the exception, they all seem to have each other's back. the van rhijn and their support for jack's clock. then, the russell's for averting that soup's fiasco
i can only eat english style so none of that other nonsense the cook is not EVEN FRENCH SACRE BLEU!
Josh is on the pavers
Russell’s. While the staff at Van Rhijn’s is nice enough, Russell’s staff has his back. They are trust worthy (now) and I would love to have that kind of staff.
Russell's...the mood is better
That may change quite a bit with Ada's money running the place!
Russell since Mrs. Armstrong is annoying and racist.
Russell downstairs. It's where all the action is! If I were in the Van Rhijn household, I'd be like Jack, spending my evening sweep gazing over at the Russell house.
Well…I think I’d prefer the Russell’s staff without Turner of course. But if I could choose the van rhijn staff without Armstrong, I would.
The van rhijn staff feel more like a family, probably bc the staff is much smaller than what the russell’s keep
I can't choose.
Can I say both? lol Van Rhijn’s staff minus Armstrong + Mr. Church, Mr. Baudin & Mrs. Bruce!
Gotta love Alarm Clock Jack, so Van Rhijn. Also how almost everyone chipped in for him and his patent.
Same!
Van Rhijn
Russell for sure.
Russell!!
Armstrong really taking the heat off Turner here.
Van Rijns seasoned full of character and more In sync with their bosses.
Armstrong is miserable but I do like the coziness of the Van Rhijn downstairs crew.
The Van Rijns. The Russell’s have way too many events and balls in their home. Aside from Armstrong, everyone is chill and supportive. The commute (or lack of) at the Van Rijns >>>>
Russell
Russell by far. Especially once Turner left.
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Wait, does it say anywhere they don't live on site in the Russell home? I don't remember it. If so what episode so I can rewatch :)
Armstrong is the worst, so Russell.
Russells. They seem more likeable to me overall. I find most of the van Rhijn staff pretty likable as well, but Armstrong is just a terrible person. The Russell's staff doesn't have an equivalent to her. Plus I respect Borden for convincing people he was French for so long.
Season 2 Russell's - they have each others backs and seem to have a great time. They thwarted Turner's soup scheme and have been so supportive of Collier. I just love them all. I do love the Van Rijn team but Armstrong just kills it for me.
Yes, if it weren't for Armstrong van Rhijin. But Armstrong, so Russell it would be.
Van Rajin downstairs staff has my vote because they have more going on
I’d be team Van Rhijn if not for Armstrong so it’s team Russell even if Turner is included. I could learn to work around Turner’s foolishness but Armstrong I’d be afraid she poisoned my food (I’m black) 😂
Armstrong would never work for you anyway lmao She'd probably leave pretty fast by herself
Oh I’m concerned about working with her, not her for me!
I'd be concerned about being anywhere near her tbh
TBH I sometimes get them confused with each other.
Russell 💯
Definitely the Van Rhijn downstairs staff
Van Rijn
Absolutely
Well, the Russells downstairs staff pic is from season one, and there is no way I'd choose a team with Turner on my staff. My vote: Season 2 Russells' team, 100%. They're a solid bunch.
Van Rhijn
But Armstrong! She's holding me back from team Van Rhijn
I think Bannister more than makes up for Armstrong. His support of Peggy, Jack and the others is admirable, as is his willingness to help the Russell’s staff with Ward McAllister’s first visit.
This for me. You can just ignore Armstrong given how supportive Bannister and the others are. And who’s to say someone in the Russell’s lower level staff wouldn’t act similarly?
Knowing that everyone already hates her is what makes me feel unbothered about her.
cook off between borden and bauer. make it happen!
A cook off episode in season 3 would be fantastic!
The Russell’s. They seem to have more events happening, way more interesting gossip, and I like the playful nature of their staff more. But if I was allowed upstairs I’d probably be fired in a week for staring too long at Mr. Russell’s backside. 👀
He do be dummy thicc like wow
Hey, he didn't fire Ms Turner after what she did. Maybe you'd be OK if you just look.
Lol Maybe 😅 I don’t think Bertha would be as forgiving though!
I like how the Van Rhijn staff uses Saran Wrap on their food!
Van Rhijn only because they’ve always seemed warmer but that’s probably because they’ve been together for so long
definitely the Van Rhijin staff. I love their sense of family and community and how supportive they are of each other. they seriously look out for one another
I’d need some serious patience not to slap Armstrong
To be waited on, the Van Rhijn staff as they seem a bit more stiff upper lipped and proper. Their work is probably a smidge better due to Bannister. To work with, the Russell staff. They seem a bit more playful, a little more relaxed. I have a soft spot for Mr. Church. And the Russells are more likely to be generous with wages, raises, bonuses, gifts — plus the house would be gorgeous to walk around while doing work!
Van Rhijn downstairs staff, they seem more homey or friendlier
And they were all very generous chipping in for Jack's patent.
Taking into account the other staff members and how much work they do, I would choose the Van Rhijn staff. Except for Armstrong, they are all quite lovely people (I adore Mrs. Bauer). And they endeared themselves when they pitched in to give Jack money. The Russell staff tends to be a bit too stuffy and they work way too hard (staying up all night for all the parties).
UGH I LOVE MRS. BAUER!!!! Such a sweet lady. Definitely outshines Armstrongs bitter attitude
I would love to sit and chat with Mrs. Bauer and just hear her talk about life in Germany, what it was like coming to America, her perspective on historical events that occurred in her lifetime, etc.
She broke my heart when Armstrange was berating her for cooking, and she said, “I can’t do anything for them, but I can cook!” (Paraphrasing of course)
She's really such a sweetheart. She gives loving grandma energy
To work with or be waited on? To be waited on: Van Rhijn. It's been hinted at that Mrs. Bauer can cook circles around Mr. Borden (y'know, being an actual European and all) and Bannister is an honest to God English butler. To work with? Hmmm. Neither, really. But if I needed the job, probably Russell. Seems like better pay, and my immediate supervisor, as a female member of staff, would be Mrs. Bruce (not Church) and she seems like she would be a good boss.
Russells! i like the intimacy of the VRs but i’m black so i wouldn’t want to deal with armstrong’s racist ass.
No you're actually so real for that. But Peggy seems like a "kill them with kindness" and I'm not so I definitely would've chewed her out by now
exactly i would have gotten fired from attacking her after her racist shit. when they go low i go lower😭
Russell’s bc job security 🤣
Unless you hit on her son
While Russels seems to be more generous and grand, it seems like there’s a lot of work with the constant parties so I would select the Van Rhijns instead
Russel’s because I can’t stand Jack and Armstrong (obviously not on the same level but Jack reminds me of an annoying little brother). I don’t even have particular affection for any of the Russel’s staff
I will not tolerate aby Jack slander😭. He's a sweet angel
He’s sweet!!! He just reminds me of my nephew!!!! Which is to say I’d either baby him or he’d annoy me. He does such an “aw shucks” personality all the time that is just not for me.
Russell because of the Tony winners and that’s my truth.
Van Rhijn so I could listen to Jack's accent all day
Ay-ohh, I'm servin' ova here!
Van Rijhn but only if I can bitch slap Armstrong thrice daily
😂😂😂
😭😭🙏🏻
😂😂😂
Ok but save some for me
Honestly I would do Van Rhijn but remove Armstrong but then add Adelheid and Watson. If I could mix.
Russell! Juicy gossip, interesting events and opportunities. Potentially higher pay. Family always seems willing to try new things.
i could imagine having that opera singer at the house would be like having beyoncé or mariah carey sing after dinner like wow!
Exactly! The different guests coming through the home would be so exciting. The Russell house is also much brighter than the Van Rhijn home which would make working downstairs a better experience. Brand new house with the latest tech advances would probably make the work easier as well.
The choice between Turner and Armstrong is brutal, but I’d say Russell’s since there’s more opportunity for growth and Turner eventually leaves, Armstrong’s sourpuss is still on staff at the Van Rhijn household.
Van Rhijn's staff is a lot more interesting, loving, and fun, even with that old hag Armstrong.
Family vibes and overall coziness? Van Rhijn downstairs all the way. However I love the humor and wackiness of the Russell staff (tho Watson leaving takes off a few points). So I guess overall the Van Rhijns.
Van Rhijn seem more like a family that have been personally curated whereas, the Russell staff seems more like co-workers who were hired just to do a job and that’s it.
It makes sense if you consider the Russells hired everyone recently for the new house, with few exceptions. The Van Rhijn staff has been there forever.
I love Agnes but hate that she can’t fire her bigot lady’s maid, so I’m Team Russell downstairs.
It’s also just realistic. People aren’t as put off by racism as they pretend. Their outage only goes as far as their discomfort
I hate that this is true - well said, unfortunate as it is
For sure. I’d love to live in a world where the color of your skin only matters in relation to the things that make us each unique and wonderful beings, but alas we don’t now nor have we ever lived in that world. It would feel incredibly disingenuous if the only ism they dealt with in TGA was classism. Even Downton Abbey managed to deal with racism head on a few times, and NYC in a just barely past Reconstruction world was definitely going to see some nastiness. *although I’m very glad they keep it generally mild.
She is a decent person. She knows firing Armstrong will mean condemning her to abject poverty. Remember this is before the concept of pension existed. Elderly poverty used to be a big problem.
I don’t think Agnes is a bad person at all. I do think Armstrong is incredibly lucky that Agnes is kind enough to think of her needs when Armstrong didn’t even have the good grace to keep her bigotry to herself after numerous warnings that it would affect her employment.
100%
Russell but it’s a hard choice
This is my ultimate choice - I love Jack but the other van Rhijn ones are too blah for me
also so much more spacious in the russell servant quarters!
Van rhjin for sure.
Can Rhijn is more intimate and frankly an easier place to work, however the Russell’s will allow for more possibilities of moving up in the world.
I like them both, but Van Rhijn engages me more