MASTERPIECE's Howards End is coming to WGBH, and — spoiler alert — it’s wonderful. Based on the beloved novel by E. M. Forster, the four-episode miniseries explores the intertwined social lives of three families in Edwardian England. Here’s everything that the WGBH Drama Club knows about this new miniseries:
Howards End airs on WGBH 2 starting on Sunday, January 12 at 8pm.
1. There are some familiar faces in the cast.
This story is brought to life by a fantastic group of actors. One of the highlights of Howards End is Matthew Macfadyen, most recently seen on American screens as Tom Wambsgans in HBO’s family drama Succession, and (of course) as our dear Mr. Darcy in 2005's Pride and Prejudice. For Howards End, he portrays Mr. Wilcox, a condescending business man who soon reveals a softer side. Howards End also features the marvelous Hayley Atwell as Margaret Schlegel. Atwell is a star of the stage, but you may recognize her as Agent Peggy Carter from the Marvel Universe. She also starred as Evelyn Robin in Winnie-the-Pooh live action film Christopher Robin.
2. It’s based on a classic English novel, but it’s not the first adaptation.
The cast has some big shoes to fill. A 1992 film adaptation of the book starred such luminaries as Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emma Thompson — and was brought to the big screen by the iconic duo of Ismail Merchant and James Ivory. Not only was the adaptation adored by film critics and audiences, but it also picked up three Oscars: Emma Thompson looped Best Actress, while the film scored Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Art Direction. It was also nominated for Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score. So, the bar is set pretty high.
3. This series also has some stellar talent behind the camera.
In addition to a great cast, Howards End features the work of some talented creative minds. The screenplay is written by Kenneth Lonergan, known for his writing work on Gangs of New York and Manchester By The Sea, for which he won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. As a modern American screenwriter, Lonergan brings a fresh and lively take to this period drama, and shows off his signature ability to write dialogue that feels authentic. The miniseries is directed by Hettie Macdonald, a veteran of other favorite British dramas like Doctor Who and The Tunnel. She directed the critically-acclaimed "Blink" episode of Doctor Who, which won a Hugo award, so we know the series is in good hands.
4. Creatively, it tells the story of class in Britain that still feels relevant.
The miniseries focuses on three families from different classes: the wealthy business-savvy Wilcoxes, the intellectual Schlegels, and the working-class Basts. The visually splendid set designs help tell this story, as we see the characters spending time in each family’s home. The Wilcox’s Howards End home is traditionally grand and lavish, while the Schlaegel house is much more colorful and vibrant. Class is a constant theme throughout the four episodes, with questions of money and finance permeating every social interaction and influencing how they relate to each other. The miniseries makes the case that economic issues are ever-present in this time period, as in our modern society.
5. It carefully considers gender roles...
Although Howards End takes place in a time period when women had few options financially outside of marriage, the series takes care to give female characters independence of thought and freedom to explore the world without gender restrictions. We love the way the series allows women to discuss and debate politics, history, economics, and culture — all of which leads to some wonderfully frank conversations about finance. “It’s about big questions. The series didn’t shy away from that, which I thought was really great,” Atwell has said. “In a world where we like sound bytes and memes and absolutes, it lived more in the questions.”
6. … and definitely passes the Bechdel Test.
We love seeing the way female characters navigate society while supporting each other, and some of the best moments of the series are the scenes between women. There is a touching friendship that develops between Margaret and Mrs. Wilcox, and the sweet relationship between sisters Margaret and Helen is central to the plot. Don’t worry — there’s plenty of romance, but the series is careful to not let it overwhelm all other types of human drama.
