The Forsytes

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.

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 show has the markings of a show that will be cancelled quickly. The choice of cast does not match the script. I have never read the books or watched the previous version, but something just feels completely off. For example, Justine Emma Moore looks too old to be his daughter. The only casting that actually works is Soames and Irene's relationship. Eleanor Tomlinson was probably the spice they expected to raise the quality of the show, but for those who have seen her other shows and movies, you would notice she is not bringing anything new.

Formulaic reboot of a past masterpiece indicative of our current era. 1) More gratuitous sex 2) More gratuitous violence 3) Lack of character development 4) Non sequitur preachy politics slapped on in place of actual narrative plot and engaging script 5) bait and switch with excellent cast, costumes and title name recognition but...ultimately just a reminder to go back and watch the 2002 version to wash this nonsense out of your psyche. Thank goodness we'll always have the Golden Age of adaptations (1990-2010).

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.