#tvshow #SpoilerFreeReview #BritishShow
Name: Belgravia Season 1
Channel: Amazon Prime
Language: English
No. Of Episodes: 6
My Recommendation: Good to Watch
*This show is leaving Amazon Prime in 13 days. So, watch it quickly if you intend to.
*The show is supposed to have a season 2. Not yet on Prime. S1 is complete in its main storylines so I think S2 will either be completely different or at least follow a different storyline.
I love Downton Abbey so as soon as Julian Fellowes published this as a book, I grabbed it. I found the book to be extremely tedious and actually DNF (did not finish) it. In fact, I think I did not proceed beyond the first 2 chapters. So, for the longest time, I did not reach for this show at all.
However, I am glad I did watch it. For lovers of Downton Abbey, or Bridgerton, this show is different in that the central family is not titled. They are actually ‘new money, no title’ folks.
The story was not outlandish or even unpredictable Yet, like DA, Julian Fellowes wove a masterful screenplay that kept you in anticipation and enjoyment even without the great suspense. I love that in handling of regency shows because it then lets the interactions and interpersonal relationships shine through. There is grandeur in the surroundings and British subtility and sophistication in the dialogues, gestures, body language, and communications that come well together to preserve authenticity and let the story shine.
Where this show differs from DA is that there are no distinct upstairs-downstairs stories. Maybe because this was a newly wealthy family the Masters and servants didn’t blend in too much. That was one of the things about DA that I loved and missed. But I do understand why there was a difference.
Best of all the story once again had a rich tapestry of characters, that intersected in normal and unexpected ways. Their acting, especially Tamsin Greg as Anne Trenchard, was so true to her character that I worry that I will never see her as anyone else.
Every character had a story, an arc, a journey that masterfully intersects and interacts with other characters and contributes to the overall story. And in spite of this, the story stays simple, easy to understand, and enjoy. Masterfully done by the Magician Fellowes!
The show is more like Downton Abbey than Bridgerton in that it stays true to the era it showcases. People behave the way they would have in those times. As a lover of regency shows, I loved that and was relieved they did not go the Bridgerton way.
So there you have it. If you are ready for a Regency fix with wonderful characters and an entertaining story, Belgravia is a wonderful watch
Catch it before it leaves!