One of the main things that put me off of "The Forsyte Saga" is that the story seemed to be running through story lines at full speed - a fault that is understandable when considering the huge amount of years and characters involved. This mini-series does not suffer from that affliction and, as a result, is an improvement over the first.
The centralization of the storyline on Jon and Fleur's short relationship means that we can get attached to the characters in ways that were not possible with the first mini-series. The plot unfolded at a more leisurely pace and the characters are given room to evolve. I am especially glad that the cast of the first series were recast for this one. My only fault with the casting is Gina McKee, who's wooden portrayal of Irene means that the compelling aspect of her character that all the other characters are supposed to feel is non-existent. It is hard to understand Soames' continued obsession with Irene.
The casting of Emma Griffiths-Malin and Lee Williams as the young lovers is spot on. One feels for them in a way that was never possible in the first series. An interesting point in their love story is that Jon's rival, Michael, is not a flawed character. Too often, the second man of a love triangle is "lesser" than the one we're meant to root for - for example, he could be a womanizer, a drug addict, a nerd, cold-hearted etc. There is nothing wrong with Michael, except for the fact that Fleur doesn't love him.
The B-plots involving the minor characters doesn't take away from the story, but adds to it. This again is another thing that the first series didn't quite manage. Altogether, I find "The Forsyte Saga: To Let" to be much more enjoyable than it's predecessor and very good story on it's own.
The centralization of the storyline on Jon and Fleur's short relationship means that we can get attached to the characters in ways that were not possible with the first mini-series. The plot unfolded at a more leisurely pace and the characters are given room to evolve. I am especially glad that the cast of the first series were recast for this one. My only fault with the casting is Gina McKee, who's wooden portrayal of Irene means that the compelling aspect of her character that all the other characters are supposed to feel is non-existent. It is hard to understand Soames' continued obsession with Irene.
The casting of Emma Griffiths-Malin and Lee Williams as the young lovers is spot on. One feels for them in a way that was never possible in the first series. An interesting point in their love story is that Jon's rival, Michael, is not a flawed character. Too often, the second man of a love triangle is "lesser" than the one we're meant to root for - for example, he could be a womanizer, a drug addict, a nerd, cold-hearted etc. There is nothing wrong with Michael, except for the fact that Fleur doesn't love him.
The B-plots involving the minor characters doesn't take away from the story, but adds to it. This again is another thing that the first series didn't quite manage. Altogether, I find "The Forsyte Saga: To Let" to be much more enjoyable than it's predecessor and very good story on it's own.