Below is my ranking of the six episodes from the 2020 ITV/Epix limited series, “BELGRAVIA”, an adaptation of Julian Fellows’ 2016 novel. Written by Fellowes and directed by John Alexander, the series starred Tasmin Greig, Harriet Walter and Philip Glennister:
RANKING OF “BELGRAVIA” (2020) EPISODES
1. (1.02) “Episode 2” – After meeting the Countess of Brockenhurst for the first time in the series premiere, Anne Trenchard pays a visit to the latter’s home to inform her about their children’s romance 26 years ago and Charles Pope, the son they had conceived. Shocked by Anne’s information, Caroline Brockenhurst responds by tracking down the grandson they shared and inviting both him and the Trenchards to her late night supper party. Charles meets the beautiful socialite Lady Maria Grey for the first time.
2. (1.06) “Episode 6” – In the series finale, young Charles receives a mysterious offer of peace that ends up threatening his life. His grandfather, James Trenchard, desperately tries to clear Charles’ name of fraud before the latter faces the loss of his new love, Lady Maria Grey.
3. (1.01) “Episode 1” – In the series premiere, James and Anne find themselves invited to the famous Duchess of Richmond’s ball held in Brussels before the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815. The Trenchards learn that their daughter Sophia is pregnant with the child of Edmund Bellasis. Twenty-six years later, Anne meets the now dead Edmund’s mother, Lady Brockenhurst at the Duchess of Bedford’s salon.
4. (1.03) “Episode 3” – The problems of the Earl of Brocklehurst’s younger brother, the Reverend Stephen Bellasis, are revealed. Charles and Lady Maria become attracted to each other, as they strengthen their friendship.
Stephen’s son, John Bellasis, becomes interested in Caroline’s new friendship with young Charles. Susan Trenchard, Anne and James’ daughter-in-law, begins an affair with John.
5. (1.05) “Episode 5” – Oliver Trenchard, jealous of his father James’ relationship with Charles, threatens to ruin the lives of many, when he makes a shocking discovery about the latter. John’s discovery about Charles leads him to new lows with the help of two members of the Trenchard staff.
6. (1.04) “Episode 4” – Tensions rise when Caroline organizes an outing for Lady Maria and Anne at Charles’ office. Susan’s affair with John catches up with her. Anne’s maid, Ellis, begins to show her true colors by striking a deal with John.
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