The ITV period drama 'The Forsyte Saga', starring Damian Lewis and Gina McKee, is now available to stream on ITVX. The series, which first aired in 2002, has been praised by fans as 'powerfully moving' and even 'better than Downton Abbey'.
Plot and Cast
The adaptation follows three generations of the upper-middle-class Forsyte family, exploring possessive love and the clash between rigid Victorian values and personal freedom. Based on John Galsworthy's classic novels, the series boasts 10 episodes across two series, with the second concluding in 2003.
The central story focuses on solicitor Soames Forsyte (Damian Lewis) and his unhappy marriage to Irene (Gina McKee). A synopsis reads: 'Soames views Irene as a possession rather than an equal, and the resulting clash between his obsessive control and her desperate need for personal freedom ultimately tears the family apart.'
Damian Lewis on His Role
Speaking about playing Soames, Damian Lewis told PBS Masterpiece: 'We didn't want a simple villain in Soames. I think it's more challenging for the audience if they're presented with a character they hate but also feel sympathy for, who presents them with moral questions and has them thinking, God, I feel so sorry for Soames, but he just raped his wife! That's far more interesting.'
Fan Praise
Over the years, viewers have highly praised the drama. One person said: 'Superb Victorian Drama With Stellar Cast - Powerfully Moving!' Another wrote: 'Wow. I can take or leave some historical dramas, but The Forsyte Saga had me hooked.' A third commented: 'Flawless In Every Respect! At 65 years of age, I have seen my share of movies and plays, and I would have to say that this series is simply one of the, if not THE best productions I have ever had the pleasure of viewing.'
Another added: 'The Forsyte Saga is one of the best television series I have ever seen.' While one person shared: 'Engrossing, I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters were played brilliantly. The story is relatable and gripping. Damian Lewis was excellent as the emotionally challenged and socially awkward patriarch. But Gina McKee was mesmerising.'
New Adaptation
Recently, Channel 5 created another adaptation of the classic novel, reimagining the story with actors including Dexter Seaton, Francesca Annis, Eleanor Tomlinson, and Jack Davenport. This new series focuses more on female characters and includes new plotlines.
'The Forsyte Saga' is available to watch on ITVX.
