Belgravia: The Next Chapter

I'm a (very) latecomer to period dramas. "Downton" had long since finished before I began to tackle the 50+ episodes and what a treat that turned out to be. It would be asking a lot for any series to be its equal or even come close but one that really impressed was "The Gilded Age".

I have not seen the original "Belgravia" for the simple reason that I had never heard of it but will find it to watch.

This latest "Next Chapter" seems to be taking a lot of flak from what appear to be seasoned period drama viewers so who am I to argue?........but I will. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the final two episodes were extremely moving.

I found all of the characters to be interesting in their own way and, of course, anything with a music score by John Lunn is always worth watching.

... of all the written-viewer-reviews to date... two are highly complimentary, all remaining run from so-so to exceptionally-poor... actually Belgravia: Next Chapter falling somewhere in-upper-between... a decent watch, yet not so good as past Julian Fellowes creations

... Belgravia had several memorable characters, in the Next Chapter it requires straining to come up with more than the show's lead... with only a couple more episodes remaining there's little time for recovery-saving of this season... being very well made, and overall acting not as terrible as some would suggest... it's just not what was expected after the original series... all those familiar, well-known-individuals setting a high benchmark for this latest cast to match-compete... they coulda-shoulda carried a couple-three of 'em into this current series, at least for a time

... will there be another 'season' in-of Belgravia ... would like to say hope-so, having reservations-doubts ... but would still try watching it once again, as many others enamored of entertaining-period-drama... and Belgravia still remaining better than host of others in this category

03.11.24 ... next to last episode far best of this season's-series.. ending episode gave more the feeling of your typical Hallmark romantic-drama ... with every storyline thread neatly being tidied-up (even her sister centering on a new prospect).. it feels as if we just might have seen the last of the Belgravia-saga.

Not entirely sure why everyone seems to hate it so much. It's different from the first season - yes - but it's its own storyline with very different characters. The main couple are just two very mismatched people (not actors, actual show characters) who happened to fall for each other. She - a very lively, happy young woman, brought in a household full of mutual love, respect and joy; he - a product of an affair who upon the birth of a true heir, his younger brother, became a burden to his now very emotionally abusive father. Very much a "victim" - so very 2023-24. Without therapy or close people they could really confide in, they struggle to maintain that relationship - and the whole show revolves around that. There are some other well-written supporting characters; romantic distractions and villains (the marquise who I'm certain is a very clever con woman who will eventually run off with the Trenchard money, mark my word). The actors are doing a great job being their characters, there's a good amount of subtlety in their performance that some lifetime and hallmark fans might not be able to pick up. Overall, yes, it's slow paced but it only makes me look forward to seeing how it all unfolds. Took a star off not to be accused of being biased.

A well-made series, having gorgeous everything, sets, design, era costumes and "bibelots" with good convincing acting overall, but ultimately uninteresting and a little bland.

It more or less lacks real drama, romantic thrill and shocks to sensations. One of the reasons is the linear, insipid acting by most protagonists as well as limited scenes, locations and bubblegum-filler situations.

If you want to compare two ~alike productions and have a feel of what is flowing wrong in this one, you can watch 'Bridgerton' and see for yourself what a strong period drama feels like.

• Screenplay/storyline/plots: 7
• Production value/impact: 8.5
• Development: 8
• Realism: 8
• Entertainment: 6.5
• Acting: 7.5
• Filming/photography/cinematography: 9
• VFX: 9
• Music/score/sound: 8.5
• Depth: 7
• Logic: 5
• Flow: 6.5
• Drama/romance: 6.5
• Ending: 6.5.

I'll start off with the bad. The main "love" story between Frederick Threnchard and Clara Dunn is a problem. He has the personality of a block of wood, and Clara's instant love for him is a puzzlement. To her credit, away from him, the actress comes alive, so I'm assuming he's sucking the charisma out of her.

To be fair, the actor is saddled with a ludicrous storyline where his personality and demeanor is explained by his father being cruel to him and loving his brother more. So, he has to spend copious amounts of time, staring off into space, wallowing in his man pain. He's tedious and boring, and his hatred for his brother is so irrational and off-putting.

BUT, there is stuff to recommend here. Toby Regbo as Frederick's kindly brother, who is devoted to his work as a Reverand, and hides a painful secret from the world, is a revelation, and easily the most interesting character in the show. Sophie Thompson as Clara's dottering mother is charming and sweet. Hannah Onslow, playing Clara's less effervescent sister nails her characters barely disguised bitterness. Liam Garrigan and Elaine Cassiday also shine as members of the household staff with their own stories to tell. And Sophie Windkleman and Miles Jupp as the Duke and Duchess of Rochester have a side story that is surprisingly effective.

Jury is out for me on Edward Bluemel's doctor character, but perhaps he'll become more fully fleshed out as the show goes on. The actor is solid, so that helps. But he feels threadbare as a character.

I do think the show suffers from pacing issues, and whatever big bad thing that happened between Frederick and James really should've been revealed already. The longer its drawn out, the more likely it is to disappoint when its revealed.