When books are adapted into TV shows and movies, we’re used to changes. Sometimes, a storyline just doesn’t work anymore, or there are elements that can’t transcribe from book to show. In other cases, it’s all due to time available in the forms of storytelling. The Forsytescertainly could have had all of those problems, but showrunner Debbie Horsfield decided to change almost everything.
She made it clear ahead of the PBS show’s premiere that the series wouldn’t follow The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy. Instead, this new series is just “inspired” by the books, taking the characters and keeping some elements of the plot, but taking many storylines in completely different directions, and here are five changes that affect everything.
The Introduction of Louisa Byrne
From the beginning of The Forsytes Season 1, we knew that there would be a major change with the introduction of the dressmaker, Louisa Byrne. At the mention of the name “Forsyte,” her face dropped as she realized that she could end up coming face-to-face with a man she once loved.
Sure enough, we got a small flashback in the first season, and it’s clear that this previous romance is going to come up again. It’s time for a love triangle that isn’t in the books, creating some romantic drama for viewers, but also threatening Joylan’s entire arc from The Forsyte Saga.
PBS Press Site
Focus on the Female Characters
The books are mostly focused on the male characters. While women like June and Frances get some mentions, they’re not fully developed characters. This was the main reason for the idea that the series would be inspired by the books. The aim is to make the series and the stories more progressive in nature.
After all, the 1800s was a major time of change for women. They were slowly realizing that they could have something more, but it wasn’t all that easy. We now get to see how the different generations handle that in a similar way that Downton Abbey did.
PBS Press Site
Jolyan Is June’s Stepfather
While initially it seems like a small change, opting for Jolyan to be June’s stepfather rather than biological one affects everything. For one, it makes him a completely different man to so many others of his time. Just look at the way his uncle referred to June as a brat that Jolyan would now need to look after.
Jolyan enjoys being a father to June, whose biological father has died. They create a friendship and there’s an element of respect between them that could only happen with this change. It also makes Jolyan’s decisions much harder in the season, as he finds himself torn between two women.
PBS Press Site
Irene Isn’t Disgusted By Soames
In the novels, Irene ends up marrying Soames, but the reasons for it don’t make a lot of sense. She despises the man, and that’s not surprising why. Soames isn’t a character to like in any way, shape, or form. In fact, he turns out to be an abuser and a rapist, and who could ever root for a character or relationship like that?
The Forsytes changes everything by making Soames a more likable character. Sure, he’s not perfect, but there is room for growth, and it’s not like he’s so detestable that it makes no sense for Irene to fall for him. This opens the door for a real relationship that we can root for, without adding more to Jolyan’s story.
PBS Press Site
Jolyan Taking Over the Family Business
At the end of The Forsytes Series Premiere, Old Jolyan announces that his son will take over the family business. Now, this could change as the season progresses, but for now, there is a substantial change to Jolyan’s story. In the books, he doesn’t get this opportunity, stepping away from the family business to pursue his artistic nature.
It does look like Jolyan has already been able to spread his wings, and that he’s decided to follow duty rather than passion. This could be linked to marrying Frances and taking in June as his own. It’s only after his father’s death that he takes over the legacy in the books, but that would mean losing a master of the arts like Stephen Moyer, and The Forsytes probably doesn’t want to do that!