The Forsytes (2025) s01e06 Episode Script

Is the heart capable
of boundless love ?
Or as it gives to one,
does it take from another ?
Must there always be
winners and losers ?
Can you still lose
even when you think you've won ?
And is the game of love
ever really over ?
Here.
Let me.
Leave it on.
It suits you.
For God's sake, stop fiddling !
Here.
Get out !
Stupid girl, she's hopeless.
Here, let me.
Any word from Papa ?
I haven't given him much thought.
Do we think Jo will come
skulking back in time ?
I can't fathom what possessed
him to leave home at all.
He's still waltzing round
the office bold as brass.
Poor Frances.
She's done her best,
but she's never managed to tame him.
Of course, you scarcely
know them, but trust me,
Frances will be smarting.
Please continue.
Of what were we speaking ?
Wha
Of how no-one knows what
goes on inside a marriage
except the two people in it.
I beg to differ.
What you and Soames have
is plain for all to see.
We're off to the park.
Would you care to join us ?
That's kind, but I'm meeting June.
What fun.
So lovely that June has
a companion her own age.
Shall we go ?
Your wife has a mind of her own.
But isn't that why you married her ?
Of course.
I may have got carried away.
Glad I was spared.
Well, I should leave you in peace.
Move into my club.
No, you don't need to do that,
but maybe you should ask Frances
to reconsider her terms ?
Dear Frances, where have you been ?
No-one's seen you or
dear Jolyon in weeks.
We've been enjoying the peace
and quiet of home.
Then perhaps you've not heard ?
Our own dear Horatio,
engaged to young Countess Avery.
A fellow moth enthusiast ?
Sweet girl who matches him
in temperament and rank.
- And how is June ?
- And Soames ?
You Forsytes make
such bold matrimonial choices.
Shall we see you
at the Parker Barringtons ?
If you prefer to keep a low profile,
I do understand.
Pure speculation.
But if people are starting to question ?
Where are we going ?
You must promise not to tell,
because Soames would be furious.
Soames ?
Isn't she enchanting ?
Extraordinary.
Morning, sir.
Jolyon
will you be making an
appearance at the gala ?
He will indeed, cousin.
In fact, he will be giving
the opening address.
It is, after all,
the 50th anniversary,
and so highly appropriate
for the heir apparent,
at this great juncture
in our company's history,
to lay out his vision
for the future.
As for your marital situation,
it is not ideal.
So mend it.
Then return home
to your excellent wife,
who has done absolutely nothing
to merit your desertion,
and thus allay any doubts
about your fitness to lead.
- Is this actually something you want ?
- As in ?
Did you ever really
intend to retire ?
Why would you doubt it?
Because you're still young,
and the fact
that you keep pushing me
Tells you that I was nowhere
near ready to take a back seat ?
Well, perhaps you're right.
But having seen you make
the right call,
when I so spectacularly
failed to do so
I am content with my decision.
It's been a struggle.
But trust me, I have a plan.
My dear.
You and I understand each other.
Always have.
Knew from the moment we met
that you would be
the jewel in our crown.
Our task now is to bring the boy
home in time for the gala.
Leave that to me.
I'll show you Paris one day,
where I grew up.
The city of romance, ballet and
and scandal.
You must.
I'd like to thank you for
allowing us to watch you dance.
- My pleasure.
- No, ours.
Would you excuse me, Pa ?
You wouldn't !
- I would.
- My dear ?
Shall we go ?
Must we ?
You used to say
you never wanted children.
I also said I wanted to live in
a hut in Tahiti and paint sunsets.
What happened to that plan ?
At least I'll get to watch
your child grow up.
And have some
influence in their life.
Try not to set a bad example.
And to your own children ?
I think we both know
you still have much to give.
You seem a little out of sorts.
Perhaps I'm still mourning.
Your father ?
My life.
Or rather the one I was promised.
My dear, need we revisit this ?
Paris was a beautiful dream.
Which you led me
to believe you shared.
But for reasons
beyond our control
We are here.
And there is much
to be grateful for.
There is.
But I cannot pretend
it's what I would have chosen.
I take it you don't expect visitors.
No, not as a rule.
- I have a question.
- Yes ?
Why would a gentleman trust
the architect of such squalor
with the design and build
of a country house ?
Well, if you're at all familiar
with the creative process
I'm familiar with the
works of great artists.
Then you'll appreciate that chaos
can be the mother of inspiration.
And in your inspired opinion
were a gentleman to contemplate
the commissioning
of a country house,
where would he begin ?
You have a visitor.
Waiting in the boardroom.
Harry Falconer.
Yes ?
Your father and uncle refuse
to offer compensation,
so you will cover his losses
from funds that I'll provide.
Why would you provide?
Call it a moral obligation.
Your late grandfather and I, we
we knew his mother.
Who was she ?
After she fell on hard times,
your grandfather provided a home,
a family, a trust for the child,
which has recently matured,
and was squandered
on your uncle's advice
in the gold mine debacle.
And the child's father ?
I couldn't tell you.
Couldn't or won't ?
Kindly make the
necessary arrangements.
- And while you're at it
- Yes ?
Your own affairs.
Get a grip on them, dear.
It'll be the making of you.
What a flattering gown.
- Miss Louisa ?
- Alas, no.
I was obliged
to discontinue our arrangement.
The service was disappointing.
You surprise me.
I find her excellent.
Although tediously she's now moved
to the back of beyond.
Can't imagine why.
Perhaps she feared condemnation
after her brave confession.
- So courageous.
- Indeed.
The cause of fallen women.
Such a complex one.
Is it not ?
What is this place ?
I believe it's called Robin Hill.
Your experience is limited.
I graduated top of my year.
Youthful enthusiasm
is no substitute for skill.
One certainly wouldn't wish
to pay a premium for it.
Indeed, one would expect
that any fee, however small,
would be gratefully seized upon.
Then one would be mistaken.
I do not underestimate my worth,
however others may choose to.
So, an uncritical presumption of need,
a commitment to provide
unconditional support,
so that these women can begin
to help themselves
as dear Louisa has demonstrated.
And yet, might some of
these women benefit more
from an atonement-based model ?
Atonement ?
Interesting word.
As you know,
our aim is never to judge,
but to support.
Whether or not they deserve it ?
Well, I know I speak for many,
when I say
that to ignore some of the damage
done by these women
to decent, upstanding families
is an obstacle to many
who might wish to contribute.
Perhaps you should form
your own charity -
one that prizes
correction and penance
above indiscriminate hand-outs.
I wish you luck.
Really, this is very uncouth.
I sense you have your reasons.
You must do what you think best.
When could you commence ?
I'm sorry ?
You wish to?
Commission some
preliminary drawings,
so that I may assess
your suitability.
At once, if you wish.
You will, however, refrain
from discussing our arrangement,
with anyone.
Particularly my wife.
You understand that this is
to be a surprise.
Of course.
What is it ? Tell me.
I was ordered not to say.
By whom ?
Soames Forsyte.
What on earth could he have to say ?
Hey.
- May I speak with your mama ?
- Mama went out.
Will you come in ?
I'll ask Hannah to make some tea.
Yes.
But only for a moment.
- You like painting ?
- I do.
But Mama says I must practise more.
Well, these are excellent.
You've really captured
the birds' feathers.
Mama said you're good at drawing.
Will you draw us ?
I could.
No, no, no.
You You go on painting.
- May I ?
- Yeah. Yes.
Much better than Jos.
May we keep it ?
Mama will love it.
I know something she'd like.
Are you not bursting with joy ?
I know it's meant to be
a secret, but of course you know.
Phil's commission, to build a
house for you and Soames ?
They agreed yesterday.
Sorry, what ?
Did Soames not mention?
My God, I'm so sorry.
Phil said it was a secret,
but I never thought from you !
You have to pretend
when Soames tells you.
Look surprised,
or he'll be furious with me.
But isn't it just the best of news ?
I can get married,
you get a beautiful new house
Mrs Forsyte ?
- Is your husband?
- No.
Won't you come in ?
- Is this about the commission ?
- No.
Yes. I hardly know.
Do you have questions ?
- Many.
- About the design ?
About the site.
And the purpose.
The site I can answer for.
Thirty miles from London,
spectacular views,
no other dwelling for miles around.
As for the purpose
Is that not obvious ?
I shouldn't have come. I should be
congratulating you and June.
- Your wedding can be sooner.
- Yes.
I'm glad.
It means the world to her.
I'm sorry to have disturbed you.
Mrs Forsyte !
Mrs Forsyte ! Forgive me.
I could pretend
to misunderstand your distress,
- but who would that serve ?
- It was wrong of me to involve you.
But how can I proceed,
knowing that what I've been commissioned
to build will effectively be your prison?
That's not the word I used.
It was implied.
And is not inaccurate.
Then all that remains is to find
a way to make a graceful exit.
- What What do you mean ?
- But I can't be the one.
That will alert your husband
and devastate June.
I must make him withdraw
of his own accord.
But June will be distraught.
And you, it's your first commission.
I'm arrogant enough to
believe there'll soon be another.
I really don't know what to say.
Say absolutely nothing.
Mama !
- We have a surprise for you.
- Close your eyes.
Open your eyes.
Do you like it, Mama ?
Go and play outside.
- Do we have to ?
- Yes, please.
Yes ?
I've brought
some preliminary designs.
With costings.
Your efficiency bodes well.
Some mistake, surely ?
As in "several noughts too many" ?
To design a property
befitting the status
and the magnitude
of a gentleman such as yourself
I asked you to build me a house,
not the Palace of Westminster!
I cannot in all conscience
reduce the scale,
and thus the cost,
by a single penny.
Then you have done yourself
out of a commission, sir.
- Mr Bosinney.
- Was just leaving.
Good day to you both.
Why was he here ?
I had thoughts
of commissioning a house.
- We have a house.
- Of our own.
Away from these prying, gossiping
Who do you mean ?
Your family has been
nothing but kind.
My thought was to remove ourselves
from the city altogether,
to the countryside,
where we might have room to breathe.
And Mr Bosinney has been
unable to deliver that vision ?
Unfortunately, yes.
The arrogant young pup has just
priced himself out of the market.
You asked to see me ?
Yes.
To see if you've come
to your senses.
Or are you still minded to favour
your mistress over your wife ?
She's not my mistress.
People make assumptions.
No-one knows
of our previous attachment,
and now that our
connection is platonic
Despite the fact
that you left our home ?
You know why I left our home.
Because I couldn't agree
to cease contact with my children.
Well
as to that
I might be willing to reconsider.
Reconsider how ?
I give a little.
You give a little.
We both want the same thing.
You
home
in time for the gala.
Harry Falconer.
Yes ?
Writing to thank us
for reimbursing his losses.
What ?
Did you have something
to do with this ?
Hardly !
Did you ?
Absolutely not.
- Then who ?
- And why ?
Quite the mystery.
Yes.
I was thinking about
that day we met.
Seems an age ago.
And still we
barely know each other.
I disagree.
Perhaps it's that we
just want such different things.
- Is this about Paris ?
- Paris is when I first realised.
What ?
How
unalike we are.
I look forward to seeing
what you've chosen for the gala.
It's important to make an impact.
You should wear your new necklace.
Morning, sir.
Slightly alarming.
Talk of Jo returning home.
If we can't play the "tarnishing
the company reputation" card
Thought I should mention
planning to make a splash
at the grand event,
so if you'd like me
to give the address ?
Next generation rising like salmon
to scale the rapids of opportunity ?
Yes.
Thank you, I'll bear that in mind.
What's this I hear ?
You, treating us to your
"vision for the future" at our gala ?
I can hardly wait.
Care to give us a taster?
- Not especially.
- Well, let me guess.
"Profit is the devil,
caution is king,
"and if our clients lose money,
it's up to us to bail them out" ?
If it's due to us
giving poor advice, then, yes.
Nothing to do with their own
greed or wilful ignorance ?
Everything to do with our obligation
to urge them not to put their eggs
in one basket
no matter how
"guaranteed" the returns
or by how much commission
we stand to make.
And to say otherwise is just
Yes ? What is it ?
Morally bankrupt.
That
that's priceless!
Our would-be chair,
the most degenerate member
of the firm
presumes to preach morality
to the rest of us.
To the man who knowingly capsized
the Durham Mining Company,
thereby ruining their investors,
including his own
future father-in-law,
making his wife-to-be destitute.
She doesn't know, does she ?
And this from the man
who's conveniently jilted his wife
so he can debauch his mistress
and fawn over his brats ?
Is this the type of leadership
you're after ?
Jolyon is late.
No, my love,
I really think you would be happier
if we moved to the country house.
- How was the garden party ?
- I heard it was exquisite.
Yes, it was.
- Champagne, madam ?
What a scrumptious
distraction you are.
Thank you.
Has anyone seen Jolyon ?
Is Jolyon proposing to make
some sort of grand entrance ?
- He'll be here, rest assured.
- Exciting.
- Where's Jo ?
- Did he not leave with you ?
He left ahead of me.
I thought he'd be here.
Right.
- It's so exciting.
- I can't quite believe it.
We're getting married !
Phil, aren't you just
thrilled beyond words ?
I know Mama has
plenty of plans already.
Do excuse me.
From Soames ?
You guessed.
Reminds me of one
my late husband gave me.
Haven't worn it in years.
We had a splendid time today.
You're in luck, Mrs Forsyte
Well, Soames has reconsidered
the commission.
Reconsidered ?
Does he not like the design ?
- He dislikes the price.
- Reduce it.
Cannot be done.
Not without detriment to the plans.
- Well, what about our plans ?
- There are other considerations.
- Think of Irene. How will she feel ?
- I am thinking of Irene.
I suspect she may not be as
keen on the idea as Soames.
Well, it is true, we'd
we'd hardly ever see each other.
And it would be just
the two of them.
But our wedding, I can't bear
the thought of having to wait.
- Nor I, but
- Mr Bosinney.
On further consideration, I believe
the site will suit me well.
- Let us proceed.
- I'm sorry ?
You will build me a house
at Robin Hill.
I knew you'd come.
Well, your father was right.
We shouldn't have doubted you.
And I've been at fault.
Issuing ultimatums,
forcing you to make a choice
when you'd have come to your senses
of your own accord.
- Frances
- We can salvage this.
Our marriage, your ascension.
This is our moment.
Frances, I'm sorry.
For everything you've worked for,
everything you've done
you deserve a better return.
I do.
And I cannot give it.
Yesterday, it struck me.
Battling with Soames, fighting
to impose my will on the company,
my heart's not in it.
It never was.
I don't understand.
What are you saying ?
That I'll never cease to love you
respect, admire,
and provide for you.
But I'll never return to the firm.
Or this house.
I'm sorry.
I tried.
- You're very kind.
- Not kind.
It's just
the thought of you being with
I won't give up.
I swear it.
I can't.
There will be no divorce.
Your children will
not be legitimised.
You will suffer rejection
from the family
the firm
from all of London.
I accept that.
I thought I'd moulded you into
something resembling a rational being.
I was mistaken.
So go.
You were once interesting to me.
Now you bore me.
Goodbye, Frances.
Where is he ?
Is he coming ?
I've been looking all over
for the man of the hour.
Where is dear Jolyon ?
I'm afraid he's just
been called away.
On such an auspicious day ?
How disappointing for you all.
A small inconvenience.
I trust we're more than capable of
enjoying the festivities in his absence.
Mr Cole.
I wonder if I might call upon you
to transact some business for me.
Yes, of course.
My late father
left a property in Camden
which has lain empty for many years.
I propose to donate it
to the charity.
Well, that's most generous.
For conversion into suitable
accommodation for needy women.
Of course I'm no expert,
but perhaps you could advise me
on matters legal and beyond ?
- It would be a pleasure.
- Impressive performance.
Isn't that how the
higher species evolve ?
By their ability to adapt ?
I suspect you and I
will work very well together.
So, Jo's bolted.
Shall I step in, say a few words ?
Hand over to Soames ?
Passing of the torch, all that ?
I think, on balance
no.
No ?
I prefer to do the honours myself.
Pray, silence
for her Illustrious Highness,
Mrs Ann Euphemia Isadora Forsyte.
Dear friends,
no doubt you were
expecting an address
from one of the male
members of this firm ?
Instead, you have me.
Perfectly placed
to judge the merits and the
demerits of this formidable clan.
Since my arrival,
there have been many newcomers
to the Forsyte ranks.
All of you will have wondered
what you were letting yourself in for.
Before becoming Forsytes
in your own right.
So
what defines this family ?
What is a Forsyte ?
A Forsyte is someone
who knows the value of loyalty.
And family.
And repute.
We are tenacious.
We are survivors.
And we should never, ever
be underestimated.
Only a fool would underestimate you.
Or you, my love.
Seems a shame
to let a prime seat go to waste.
Monty, you wouldn't dare.
I think I know
my own worth, Freddie.
Wiggins, remove the chair.
This should have been his moment.
You mean your moment ?
Eyes on the camera, please.
Holding it still now.
Right.
Mama.
Harry Falconer
Yes ?
It was you who paid him off.
Why would you do that ?
My dear boy
let's enjoy the day.
We can speak of these things
some other time.
But, Mama, who is he ?
He's my grandson.
Do you remember
the day you proposed ?
Vividly.
You said to me
if we were unable to make
a success of our marriage
then you would release me.
I cannot imagine saying
any such thing.
I came to finish the painting.
There is no urgency.
I believe there is.
I wish to resume my work as an artist.
An ambition I gave up ten years ago
as incompatible with the aims
of my father and my wife.
Don't mistake me,
I've been blessed.
I've had wealth, status,
a beautiful wife,
an adorable stepdaughter.
And I could have gone on living
a comfortable, privileged half-life
if you hadn't walked into that room
on June's 18th birthday.
And now ?
It's done.
I've resigned.
From the firm. From my family.
From my marriage.
You can't. What are
What are you thinking ?
Thinking I can no longer lie to her.
Or to myself.
Or to you.
I want to paint.
I want to be a father
to our children.
I want to live with you.
We'll be outcasts. We'll be poor.
I cannot give you my name.
But I can give you my love.
If you'll have me.
Do you even need to ask ?
sync & corrections FunnyBell