Being the first-born son of a first-born son gave Thomas the idea that he's entitled to the made-up position of "family co-parent." Being the first-born child of a first-born woman, he got just the kind of validation he didn't need from mom. And thus began the everlasting sibling rivalry between T. and his sibs.

It all paid off in the end. Paid off for him, that is. Having practiced his managerial skills in areas where it wasn't welcome, he developed the street smarts to take it to other places it wasn't welcome: campus, church, business, and that rag-tag band of goons that make up his social life. His family visits are fueled by wild tales about how he "really taught a thing or two" to some poor bastard who got in the way of his megalomaniacal ambitions.

If he's ever learned a thing or two himself (other than new ways to talk down to Auria, Dez, and me), he sure hasn't told anyone. Every event in his life seems to be a rung on a ladder, helping him climb to higher and higher aspirations. All I can say is, he'd better have a space suit tucked away in one of those pockets.