‘Belgravia,’ Is Similar To ‘Downton Abbey,’ But Tells Its Own Unique Story, Says Creator Julian Fellowes

When you create and write a much-loved, award-winning show, anything that you do after that is most certainly going to be held up to the standard that you’ve assigned to yourself. 

Such is the case for Julian Fellowes and his new series, Belgravia

Fellowes created and wrote every episode, and a feature film, of the beloved series Downton Abbey.

Like Downton, Belgravia is a period piece with elaborate costumes and elegant events attended by the upper crust of society. Set in the 19th century, the narrative follows the secrets and scandals amongst the upper echelon of London society.

Given these elements, it’s a bit easy to compare the two series, But, Gareth Naeme, who’s served as executive producer on both shows says not so fast. “I think it’s nothing like Downton Abbey because it’s a limited series. It [has] a beginning and end.”

He adds, “I think there’s a lot of the same comedy and social observation. There’s a mystery at the heart of it. It’s a story about this couple and how they deal with the big tragedy in their lives and the repercussions of all of that. So, there’s lots that the fans of our other work would love, but it’s a very original piece as well.”

Fellowes jumps in to offer his opinion, saying, “Well I think there’s bound to be some similarities because they’re written by the same guy. And there’s a kind of limit to how many voices one possesses. But I think it is different from Downton, because it has a kind of tauter narrative.”

He points out that this story is set in a different time period as well, “It’s really in a sense the rise of the great Victorian Era of manufacture and money-making and the expansion of London, and so on. Whereas you could say that Downton was on the other side of the hill and was part of the decline, particularly as we follow it through into the 20s.”

Period pieces such as Downton and Belgravia appeal to viewers, says Fellowes, because “There is a fascination in seeing human nature facing the same dramas that we are all facing now, or have faced during our lives, but being played out according to different rules.”

This is particularly true for women, explains Fellowes, “Women in the past were obliged to pay mind to endless constraints, rules, and limitations. But, of course, there were ambitious women, there were strong women as much then as there are now. And the difference being that they have to find their way round all these constraints, and all these limitations, and all these rules. They have to get what they wanted despite them, and  that gives you a kind of tension that’s rather interesting to explore dramatically.”

Fellowes also added a bit about how the clothes of the period affected the females during that time. “The 1840s was a particularly difficult period for women because they were trying to get this shape and they were doing it with petticoats. So you were wearing literally four, five, six petticoats and it was like wading through mud all the time.”

Pointing out a bit more about the evolution of women’s couture, Fellowes added, “Then in the next seven or eight years after the end of the show, someone came up with the crinoline which used whale bone to hold the skirts out with no petticoats. Suddenly, women were free to move around, and they became light. That must have been an extraordinary transition.”

As for the narrative, unlike Downton, Belgravia is a limited series, with just six episodes.

And, while Neame is somewhat insistent that there is ‘full closure at the end,’ he admits, “But, you know, we said [that] about Downton Abbey. It turned into a film. That wasn’t on the cards, and who knows? It’s not impossible, but we don’t have a plan for that.”

Fellowes sums up his thoughts about Belgravia, saying, “It’s really about people achieving what they want despite the difficulties that society places in their path. I hope it is essentially a kind of uplifting tale. That’s my wish.”

‘Belgravia’ airs Sundays at 9/8c on EPIX.

Speak Your Mind

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Get in Touch

350FansLike
100FollowersFollow
281FollowersFollow
150FollowersFollow

Recommend for You

Oh hi there 👋
It’s nice to meet you.

Subscribe and receive our weekly newsletter packed with awesome articles that really matters to you!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

You might also like

Darius Bazley’s Unique Path To NBA Is Set To...

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 07: Darius Bazley...

Consumer Borrowing Advances Solid 3.6% In July, Second Gain

WASHINGTON: U.S. consumer borrowing rose by a solid 3.6% in July, the second...

Difficult Quality Standard Norms of US and EU Act...

Piyush Goyal Goyal said the business council meeting is a good forum to discuss...

Indian Industry Leaders Welcome PM Modi’s Speech, Say ‘Self-reliance’...

File image of Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani. ...