‘The Forsytes’

By Meghan O’Keefe

Masterpiece on PBS’s new period drama The Forsytes retells the story of John Galsworthy’s beloved Forsyte Saga for a modern audience. This version of the tale opens with free-spirited Jolyon Forsyte (Danny Griffin) agreeing to marry elegant society widow Frances (Tuppence Middleton) and to adopt her little girl as his own daughter. Ten years later, however, their picture perfect marriage is threatened by the return of a blast from Young Jolyon’s past. Meanwhile, Jolyon’s cousin Soames (Joshua Orpin) finds himself utterly besotted with the beautiful ballerina Irene Heron (Millie Gibson). He pursues the impoverished woman, setting off a series of events that will eventually rock the person lives of everyone in the Forsyte family tree. PBS’s The Forsytes is a version of this classic tale that leans into the drama, celebrates the women, and casts downright studs as its dashing suitors. The Forsytes is juicy, decadent fun.

Photo: PBS