As audiences eagerly await the next lavish period drama, “The Forsytes” is poised to transport viewers to the opulent, and often scandalous, world of 1880s London. Premiering Sunday on GBH Masterpiece, the six-episode series offers a fresh accept on John Galsworthy’s enduring 1906 novel, “The Forsyte Saga,” a story of wealth, ambition, and the shifting social landscape of Victorian England. The series is already filming a second season, signaling confidence in its potential to capture a broad audience.
While HBO’s “The Gilded Age” currently captivates viewers with tales of fortune-seeking Americans, “The Forsytes” presents a distinctly British counterpart, delving into the lives of a powerful and privileged family of stockbrokers. The saga explores themes of long-lost loves, illegitimate children, financial maneuvering, and the damaging power of gossip – all within a society obsessed with maintaining status and accumulating wealth. The core question at the heart of the narrative: how far will the Forsytes go to preserve their fortune?
Leading the cast are Stephen Moyer and Jack Davenport, portraying rival brothers within the complex Forsyte family. The actors recently discussed the series, revealing that this adaptation functions as a prequel to Galsworthy’s original work. Davenport, 53, explained that while the series will eventually align with the events of the novels, it begins earlier in the family’s history. “We see a prequel,” he stated, adding, “But I mean, we’ll get there eventually. You know, the books do have the word ‘Saga’ in the title. So, it will be going on a bit.”
The creative team, led by screenwriter and executive producer Debbie Horsfield, has taken the liberty of “rewinding” the narrative, offering a unique perspective on established characters. Moyer, 56, elaborated on this approach, noting that the first novel, “The Man of Property,” depicts Irene and Soames Forsyte as an already-married couple. “Through a series of flashbacks, we get to know how they met each other and how their relationship has developed,” he said. Horsfield’s decision to start at the beginning of their romance allows for a deeper exploration of their dynamic and introduces previously unseen characters, such as Soames’s first wife, Frances, who is deceased in the original novels.
This addition of Frances, according to Moyer, is a significant move, granting greater agency to the female characters and revealing a world where women often wield influence behind the scenes. “She has created a world in which these blustering gentlemen, who think that they know everything about the world as they go about their business, don’t realize the women are actually running the thing,” Moyer explained. The series promises to subvert expectations and offer a nuanced portrayal of Victorian society.
Davenport highlighted a key thematic element of the series: “The pompous, self-assured cluelessness of these men.” He described the Forsytes as “nouveau riche” – self-made individuals who, upon achieving wealth, attempt to emulate the aristocracy, often to self-defeating ends. This dynamic, he suggests, is central to understanding the family’s behavior and the societal commentary embedded within the story. The series, rooted in the realities of the British class system, examines the complexities of social climbing and the illusion of inherited status.
“The Forsyte Saga,” originally published in three novels between 1906 and 1921, earned author John Galsworthy a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1932, according to AOL. This new adaptation, from the creators of “Poldark,” aims to breathe fresh life into the classic tale, offering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience for modern audiences. The series promises to explore the intricacies of family relationships, the allure of wealth, and the hidden currents of Victorian society.
As “The Forsytes” prepares to debut, anticipation is building for a captivating journey into a world of privilege, secrets, and societal upheaval. The series’ prequel format and focus on character development suggest a compelling narrative that will resonate with both longtime fans of Galsworthy’s work and newcomers alike. The already-confirmed second season indicates a long-term commitment to exploring the Forsyte family’s saga, promising further intrigue and drama in the years to approach.
What are your thoughts on period dramas? Share your excitement for “The Forsytes” in the comments below!
