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Belgravia ... Lost the plot?

(46 Posts)
Carillion01 Sun 19-Apr-20 22:23:52

The plot of this drama as such great potential. The costumes and locations were perfect, most importantly there was a cast of wonderful actors.

It was easy watching because no pain or emotional journey was involved. It could and maybe should have been a classic 26 part drama like the great Forsythe Saga... or even the contemporary Downton Abbey.

Did the wonderful Julian Fellows really give his name to this?

luluaugust Mon 20-Apr-20 12:03:34

I think the problem was that it was adapted from a book that was light holiday type reading, whereas Downton was written for television. I just enjoyed it for what it was, agree a waste of talent like Harriet Walter.

Nightsky2 Mon 20-Apr-20 12:21:22

Couldnt believe I was watching such rubbish. I would have expected better from Julian Fellows. Very disappointing last night. It started off all right but lost the plot somewhere.

starbird Mon 20-Apr-20 12:38:02

I was quite confused as to who was who in the first three episodes then just as I worked it out it finished!! I agree the end was rushed, they could have spread it over two episodes, but I did enjoy it ( the final episode) when everyone got put in their place.
Someone could write a sequel set in India, though I hate colonial stories myself. I guess it was a bit of lighthearted entertainment, shame it didn’t start a few weeks later when we had started to become more desperate for something to watch.

pollyperkins Mon 20-Apr-20 13:26:28

I enjoyed it - not much else on at the moment that appeals to me. Good yo have a happy ending - well for mist of them anyway. Even if a bit simplistic and unlikely !

Carillion01 Mon 20-Apr-20 13:34:45

I saw Harriet Walter forty years ago in a northern, provincial theatre production, as Kate, in 'The Taming of the Shrew'. She was magnificent.
I suppose that's why I was so disappointed with 'Belgravia'. I just expected so much more.

toscalily Mon 20-Apr-20 13:36:27

I watched, I waited and it never got any better. Certainly could not compare this to Downton or Poldark. Mediocre acting, characterisation far too modern & a flimsy story. Costumes were the best part are far as I'm concerned.

PernillaVanilla Mon 20-Apr-20 13:38:52

I found it refreshing to have a series with a proper and satisfactory ending. I watched all of Sanditon and was devastated with the ending of that.

maddyone Mon 20-Apr-20 13:42:49

I enjoyed it, until last night. I thought the ending, a happy ever after ending was very Mills and Boon, and since I never read Mills and Boon, I thought it was disappointing.

I agree with pollyperkins that there’s not much on at the moment, and unfortunately there’s likely to be even less on in the future, because nothing is being made. I suspect we can all look forward to an unending diet of second rate films and repeats.

SueDonim Mon 20-Apr-20 14:03:10

I think it’s a shame it didn’t live up to expectations (did anyone else note the Great Expectations reference last night - is Fellowes comparing himself to Dickens? grin) because I think having such strong roles for older female actors is a good thing. It wasn’t just about silly, flighty young girls.

BlueSapphire Mon 20-Apr-20 15:49:36

Well, I enjoyed it anyway!

oscaro11 Mon 20-Apr-20 16:49:46

I enjoyed it, easy Sunday night viewing after Countryfile and Antiques Roadshow. Admittedly not as good as Downton but could anything be? The cast in that were all superb and the new actors/actresses rose to the occasion. Nevertheless I enjoyed Belgravia.

Calendargirl Mon 20-Apr-20 19:12:29

Don’t think there will be another series, that’s how the book ended.

No one will be interested in Charles Pope by the time he gets to be Earl of Whatever.

Floradora9 Tue 21-Apr-20 14:29:17

The writer says probably not a follow up but keeping his options open .

MattJo Tue 21-Apr-20 16:15:31

Like Gingster, I lost interest very quickly.

LullyDully Tue 21-Apr-20 17:32:25

No maddy I have never read Mill's and Book either.?

LullyDully Tue 21-Apr-20 21:45:19

If I'm honest I never saw Downton Abbey either.

Jane10 Tue 21-Apr-20 21:50:11

Very disappointing. Beautifully presented and well cast but paper thin plot.

Chestnut Sun 26-Apr-20 23:28:57

I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful sets and costumes, and it had an engaging storyline. Typical treacle from Julian Fellowes but then so was Downton. And that's just what we need at the moment to brush away the virus blues. ?

harrigran Mon 27-Apr-20 00:02:12

A decent series, so refreshing to watch a drama that is not full of foul language. I enjoyed it.

SirChenjin Mon 27-Apr-20 08:34:53

I caught up with the last episode last night and really enjoyed it - it was easy Sunday night viewing and great acting from the two leading women.