The Forsytes Masterpiece Theater New Period Drama

DailyArtsyCrafter

DailyArtsyCrafter

Crafter Writer Artist Amateur Photographer
Location
Florida
Just learned of this new PBS period drama yesterday. Episode 1 premiered last Sunday, 3/22. I think it premiered in the UK last fall. I watched Episode 1 this afternoon online on my local PBS site. Do I want to watch the remaining 5 episodes? Well, it was hard not to compare it to Downton, so I know I was prejudiced.

At first, the characters did not seem as distinctive as Downton's, which began in the early 19th century. I prefer that period. As I finished the episode, I did warm to it somewhat, as the characters developed. The grandmother is not comparable to the Dowager Grantham though, and I doubt if she ever will be as the mini-series progresses. Though impressive, she just doesn't have that bearing of grandeur, formidability and compassion. I can tell she is acting.

Here's more info at Wikipedia. The Forsytes is a six-part television series based on John Galsworthy's novels, focusing on a wealthy Victorian stockbroking family in late 19th century London. The show explores themes of love, ambition, and betrayal, and premiered in the US on March 22, 2026, on PBS's MASTERPIECE.

I will watch Episode 2 because I am a little intrigued. The cinematic trope, however, of the intrusion of an early affair wreaking havoc in a current marriage is boring.
 
Last edited:
Blessed said:
I watched the old series, not to long ago, I think on HBO max. I liked it but no where as good as Downton.

I will watch this new one as I love period dramas. They are better than any TV shows made now IMO
Click to expand...

What is the old one?
 
January said:
this new version is a remake of the older series The Forsythe Sagas - which I really enjoyed.
Click to expand...
I can't tell if this is a remake or not (from the ads). DW and I really like the Saga and have seen it twice. We'll try it, but it seems that a lot of the newer period pieces are overly dramatic and soapier than most of the older series, IMHO. You just can't beat the actors in the original.
 
Episode 2 is on tonight. Mar 29 | 9:00PM ET After a family night out at the opera, Jo uncovers a secret while Soames acts hastily.

Here is The Forsytes Definitive Character Guide if you're still confused about the characters. Jolyon "Jo" Forsyte looks too modern to me. I don't know if it's his GI-Joe beard, his expressions or mannerisms or what. He just doesn't strike me as a character from the 19th century, even trussed up in the attire. Maybe it will get better.
 
Episode 2 was just ok. One feature that is lacking compared to Downton is that the lives of the help have not, so far, be shared. Downton was richer for that. Don't know if this series will have more episodes where this will be included.
 
Shows how interesting it is. I missed E3 last night. Got caught up in another movie. Will watch the replay this week.
 
I remember watching the original series in the late 1960's.....twenty six episodes.
It was very poplar
The actors were just so real in their roles

This latest one I am recording says six episodes and I will binge watch it.
 
Mizmo said:
I remember watching the original series in the late 1960's.....twenty six episodes.
It was very poplar
The actors were just so real in their roles

This latest one I am recording says six episodes and I will binge watch it.
Click to expand...

Yes, it's 6 episodes. I had no idea that the original series was back in the 60's! 😧 There hasn't been another until this current one?
 
DailyArtsyCrafter said:
Yes, it's 6 episodes. I had no idea that the original series was back in the 60's! 😧 There hasn't been another until this current one?
Click to expand...
Yes, 2002 according to AI but I don't rememer watching it.
Perhaps it wasn't shown this side of the pond

AI Overview

The 2002 TV series
The Forsyte Saga is a highly acclaimed Granada Television adaptation of John Galsworthy’s novels, starring Damian Lewis, Gina McKee, and Rupert Graves. It chronicles the tumultuous lives of an upper-middle-class family over three generations from the 1880s to the 1920s.
 
Mizmo said:
Yes, 2002 according to AI but I don't rememer watching it.
Perhaps it wasn't shown this side of the pond

AI Overview

The 2002 TV series
The Forsyte Saga is a highly acclaimed Granada Television adaptation of John Galsworthy’s novels, starring Damian Lewis, Gina McKee, and Rupert Graves. It chronicles the tumultuous lives of an upper-middle-class family over three generations from the 1880s to the 1920s.
Click to expand...

Ok. I'm thinking that the others who commented on this post, referring to the original, may be referring to that one.
 
The one I watched spanned over 10 episodes and was made in early 2000's. Although I only watched it couple of years ago.

I didnt realise there was a earlier version in the 1960's.
 
In this current version, which released in the UK last year, I just watched Ep3. It's becoming more interesting but with only 6 episodes, the events have to move along pretty quickly. I'm not really enjoying that. If the series was much longer, character development and relationships would evolve in a more realistic and deeper way.
 
DailyArtsyCrafter said:
In this current version, which released in the UK last year, I just watched Ep3. It's becoming more interesting but with only 6 episodes, the events have to move along pretty quickly. I'm not really enjoying that. If the series was much longer, character development and relationships would evolve in a more realistic and deeper way.
Click to expand...
I agree.
Now I am wondering if I should bother watching it at all. Just about to record the 4th episode.
As of now I don't remember too much about it but have the feeling that I will be looking for things to happen once I start the binge watch.
Of course it has been fifty odd years and memory for me is a big factor but it will be somewhat interesting to see how my brain responds to this version :unsure::giggle::giggle:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top