The PBS drama is glamorous and dramatic
Based on the novels by John Galsworthy, known collectively as “The Forsyte Saga” and adapted for television by Debbie Horsfield, PBS Masterpiece’s latest historical drama, “The Forsytes,” is a compelling story revolving around love, ambition and duty. Set in late 19th century London, the series follows four generations of Forsytes, who have lived and thrived as members of the nouveau riche for five decades. But as the show begins, the family’s pristine facade is about to crumble. Intriguing and quite soapy, ‘The Forsytes’ is a story about expectations and the courage it takes to thwart them.
The series begins at a crucial point in Forsytes’ lineage. It is 1877 and Jolyon Forsyte (Danny Griffin), affectionately known as Jo, has returned from his travels in Europe to marry Frances (Tuppence Middleton), the recently widowed queen of London high society and mother of her 10-year-old daughter, June (Billie Joyce). Jolyon Forsyte Sr. (Stephen Moyer) sees Jo and Frances’ union as the key to cementing a place in London’s elite. As the eldest son, Jolyon Sr. that Jo takes over his role as chairman of the family brokerage firm Forstyes & Company. He also wants to make sure that his younger brother, James (Jack Davenport), and his son, Soames (Joshua Orpin), are in no position to gain control. According to Grandma Ann (Francesca Annis), Jolyon and James’ mother, the rivalry between the brothers has been simmering for decades.
The audience flashes forward ten years and meets the Forsytes again in 1887. While the tension between the Forsyte brothers and their sons, Jo and Soames, continues to cause unrest and gossip at dinners and celebrations, other things have changed dramatically. On the eve of her 18th birthday, June (now played by Justine Moore) longs for a love match. Yet her mother and grandfather are determined that she will marry well. Not even June’s favorite person, her stepfather Jo, whom she now affectionately calls Papa, can prevent Frances and Jolyon Sr’s plans.
Furthermore, Jolyon Sr. considers to retire from the brokerage firm. This prompts James and Soames to plot Jo’s dismissal from the company so that Soames can take on the role of chairman. Unfortunately, unlike his cousin, Soames remains single, which doesn’t bode well for becoming the face of the company. But when he sets his sights on Irene Heron (Millie Gibson), a recently penniless ballerina, Soames’ view of marriage changes. Even though Jo has long suppressed his personal passions to serve his father’s ambitions, he finds himself at a crossroads. A revelation jolts him awake, making it impossible for him to sleepwalk through his own life.
Throughout the six-episode first season, the Forsytes, especially Jo and Soames, who are pitted against each other, balance between their personal desires and the familial and social expectations they feel obliged to meet. While the men’s choices (and, strangely enough, modern wardrobes) are interesting and often unexpected, it’s the experiences of Frances, June and Irene that stand out in this show, even if they tend a bit towards the melodramatic. For ten years, Frances worked hard to become the perfect woman for Jo. However, she soon realizes that perfection and control are not supportive qualities. For her part, June is desperate for a marriage like her parents’, but because she is so sheltered by Jo and her mother, she has no tangible understanding of what life without wealth and access looks like. Finally, Irene dreams of dancing on a Parisian stage, but her father’s failing health threatens her hopes.
Despite its more modern feel, ‘The Forsytes’ is perfectly paced and paints a majestic portrait of a family on the cusp of change. While all the characters have compelling storylines, the women, who can only express their desires through their attachment to men, are the most compelling. A cautionary tale about love, trust and agency, the show highlights how few resources women of that era had and what they had to endure to live a life that was bearable for them. While fans of the previous versions of “The Forsyte Saga,” especially the 2002 ITV version starring Damian Lewis, will undoubtedly criticize this new series (namely its cutting-edge look), Horsfield’s version of “The Forsytes” is a solidly inspired adaptation. The show, which aired in Britain last fall on Channel 5, has already filmed its second season and been renewed for a third, meaning the drama of “The Forsytes” is only just beginning to unfold.
“The Forsytes” premieres March 22 on PBS, with new episodes released weekly on Sundays.
