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For those familiar with John Galsworthy’s classic tale, The Forsyte Saga, the new adaptation by PBS’s Masterpiece titled The Forsytes brings a fresh perspective to the timeless drama. Central to the story is a tangled web of love and betrayal, centered around a complex love quadrangle. The latest episode, Episode 5, finally ignites this explosive storyline with an unexpected encounter in a London park, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.
**Spoilers ahead for Episode 5 of The Forsytes on PBS’s Masterpiece, now available on PBS Passport**
In a poignant turn of events at the conclusion of Episode 5, Irene (played by Millie Gibson) comes to the harsh realization that her husband, Soames (portrayed by Joshua Orpin), is not the man she believed him to be. Her dreams of dancing in Paris are shattered after Soames deceives her about his father’s health to ensure she stays in London. To add insult to injury, Soames attempts to justify his actions by insisting that Irene should be grateful for the life he has provided her—a stark contrast to the man who once vowed to do anything to make her happy.
Heartbroken, Irene escapes the confines of her home and seeks solace in a nearby park. There, she unexpectedly encounters June Forsyte (Justine Moore) enjoying a carefree moment with her fiancé, Philip Bosinney (Jamie Flatters). Hoping to avoid the awkwardness, Irene tries to slip away unnoticed, but June enthusiastically calls her over, eager to introduce the two.
“I know you two are going to adore each other,” June bubbles with excitement, blissfully unaware of the storm that is brewing beneath the surface.
The primary drama that drives Galsworthy’s first Forsyte novel, A Man of Property, has to do with Soames Forsyte’s obsessive love for his wife Irene. Irene, on the other hand, feels stifled by Soames. As their marriage fractures, he begins to isolate her more and more, lavishing gifts she doesn’t want and essentially controlling her. In the midst of all this, Irene falls in love with June’s fiancé, Philip Bosinney. (DUN-DUN-DUN!) The last major adaptation of this story, 2001’s The Forsyte Saga, prominently leaned into the Soames (Damian Lewis)/Irene (Gina McKee)/Bosinney (Ioan Gruffudd) love triangle in its marketing.
When The Forsytes stars Millie Gibson and Joshua Orpin visited DECIDER’s studio recently, Gibson revealed why this momentous scene felt “method” for her to do.
“All of my scenes were just with Josh,” Gibson said. “Like I was barely seeing anyone else.”
“Nightmare,” Orpin quipped.
“Yeah, what a disaster,” she said sarcastically. “So I was like, Where’s Jamie (who plays Phil)? So I was really excited to meet him.”
“So to finally do a scene with him, it was, you know, it’s different energy. You’re getting used to a new actor’s presence, the way they work. And I mean, he’s the coolest guy.” Gibson turned to Orpin and said, “Sorry.”
“I’m the second coolest?” Orpin said.
“So, no, I had a lot of fun. And his character is like everyone’s favorite in the cast.” She once again turned to Orpin and said,”Sorry.”
“I’m the second favorite, I guess,” he said.
So how quickly will The Forsytes kick start this passionate new chapter? Or is this another storyline that showrunner Debbie Horsfield has plans to tinker with?
The Forsytes Season 1 is now streaming on PBS Passport. New episodes premiere on Masterpiece on PBS on Sunday nights.