Belgravia [DVD]

Great 6-part series on a par with Downton Abbey and Pride & Prejudice, 1995
Julian Fellowes has outdone himself with an extremely engaging story on “Belgravia” which starts at one of the pivotal events in human history. This is the Battle of Waterloo and it takes place just as the characters are being introduced and the plot starts up. The director, John Alexander, also gets a lot of credit for keeping everything together. He must be a genius and a humble one at that, based on his “bonus features” comments. Not to spoil the story for anyone who hasn’t seen the show, but Waterloo provides the backdrop to a supposed marriage of two young lovers who come from different classes of society. The young man is noble while the young woman is not. He is killed at Waterloo leaving the woman pregnant and a doubtful future. She dies shortly after childbirth and the child, a boy, is brought up the way many orphans of the time were–by a clergyman and his wife. What then ensues are numerous threads of other characters and how their lives are all impacted by the true nature of the boy after he comes of age. Some may think this a bit of a soap opera but if you keep an open mind and remember Waterloo, the nature of the times, and the interweaving of the characters lives, Belgravia is addicting. Casting, scenery, lighting, costumes, indoor opulence, and dialogue are all first-rate. In particular, Harriet Walter and Tamsin Greig are outstanding in their roles as grandmothers, with Walter’s character morphing from a despondent old woman without an heir to an ecstatic grandmother. To everyone’s surprise, her grandson, Charles, will inherit her fortune and noble place in society while marrying the young woman he has fallen for from another prominent family. Adam James is memorable as the villain everyone loves to hate, and the other players do a fine job too. This includes Tom Wilkinson in a minor role as the fraternal grandfather who is also reborn with the knowledge of a grandson and heir he never thought he had. The actor who plays the maternal grandfather, Philip Glenister, is also noteworthy. His character is a self-made man and main provisioner for the British army that fought at Waterloo. If we had to pick one character who is the hero of Belgravia it would be Glenister’s. Time and time again, he displays his grasp of complicated situations and a will to overcome them. One only has to hope that there will be more episodes of Belgravia to follow, akin to Downton Abbey. We now have bought the dvd from Amazon. My wife and I re-viewed the series and then had to re-watch the season finale to take in all the details of the happy endings, one after another. We both had to say how much the uplifting conclusion reminded us of “Pride and Prejudice” from 1995. I even bought the book to flesh out the story further and confirm how closely the dvd follows the novel.. Belgravia is a masterful series and well worth the time to see. The only bad thing is how pitiful most of our American productions look in comparison. It’s like filet mignon vs. pablum..

So Far So Good
The first thing I noticed was the faded cover. Not sure if it’s designed that way. I think so. The inside is the same as the outside. It’s not a good look, but it doesn’t impact the content.The show has an Upstairs/Downstairs, Downton Abbey feel. It’s a period piece that shows class differences. This one has a twist. There is self-made family that has an entitled son and daughter-in-law. Definitely adds an unexplored element that promises to be exciting. We’re on episode in and the story has already gone to places that other period pieces don’t wander.There are some familiar faces among the cast. Solid actors. The sets and costumes are eye candy. So although I have only seen the first episode, I am optimistic and can’t wait to see the rest.I didn’t give it 5 stars because I haven’t seen enough, but it does look like it will be something I thoroughly enjoy.

I just love the quality of this production! Hoping to purchase season two if it becomes available.
Great quality actors. Strong storyline and exquisite costumes and settings.

Excellent story and I found the acting excellent.
I love this period for programs to watch. Enjoyed the story and even got two friends to watch and they loved it as well.

Very good series if you like a period piece. Well acted and good story line. I’m hoping there’s a season 2!!!