The Forsytes

At first, this version of the Forsytes looks as though it was created by a couple of lovesick 15-year-old girls devoted to period dramas, but it does get more intriguing as new ideas seep into the family's social fabric. Pretty-boy Jolyon comes good, especially when his spirited stepdaughter follows her heart in her choice of suitor. Jamie Flatters is a perfect choice for this role as his whole acting style is naturally idiosyncratic and modern. Francesca Annis as the family matriarch adds spark to every scene she's in and Josette Simon is always magnificent. Maybe the formidable Frances, Jolyon's wife, is the best candidate for chair of the firm's board? Millie Gibson as Irene, however, fails to convince as a ballet dancer when the story wants us to believe she had a chance to join the corps de ballet in Paris. The script feels unimaginative and unfinished with too many dialogues being uniformly ended by one person walking away. Thanks to most of the actors, the characters do nevertheless pique our interest as to what happens next for them. This 21st century version is looking for contemporary ideas in the original text (which I haven't read, I admit) to attract young audiences but it deserves credit for providing context. Not exactly scintillating, but a watchable confection nonetheless.

I've tried to like this drama as The Forsyte saga is such a compelling story. The characters have been completely changed. Soames is a huge disappointment. The whole point of the story is his love for Irene is doomed as in the story Soames is inept of showing an emotional connection in a conversation or in the bedroom. Irene was forced into the marriage through difficult circumstances and was desperately unhappy. In this tv series the couple seem to be sharing some idyllic romantic love?! I can't see what follows in the story with these characters will be credible. Episode 3 is very slow and drawn out, it's a shame as the scenery and costumes are lovely. Most of the cast seem to act like cardboard cut outs with stilted scenes, very disappointing.

Why did the writer just not call this series something else. The only resemblance the storyline bears to the original books is the names of some of the characters.

Names of characters created by Gawsworthy used in this production bear no resemblance to how he painted them in our minds and the story is completely new.

Irene Heron for example is nothing like the woman that is pivotal to the Forsyth Saga. Not the actress' fault just the way the story has been rewritten.

It is almost hilarious that because we have the same screen play writer as did Poldark. Demelza as played by Eleanor Tomlinson pops up in Victorian England as a new character I suspect because the producer/writer like the actress and wanted to employ her.

Then of course we have the totally mis cast Coles. The practice today of ignoring the demographic of yesteryear in historical dramas when it comes to ethnic representation.

This production is a travesty of the Forsyth Saga.

The main problem with this show is that the acting from the lead characters is simply too wooden. As a result, there isn't a single personality compelling enough to keep you fully invested in the drama.

That said, the story itself is engaging, and the overall production value is outstanding-especially the rich visual recreation of wealthy English society in the Victorian era.

Despite the stiff performances, by the time you reach the fourth episode, you'll likely find yourself continuing on rather than dropping out midway through the series... presumably.

I haven't read the book, so I don't know how closely the story aligns with the original. Not a serious historical piece, for sure. For a romancings romace it looks cheaper than Bridgerton. Actors are almost distractingly beautiful, and costumes are ok. But the storytelling is very soapy/telenovela style.