Jo coming back from Paris begins this episode with quite meaningful words that appears to set the tone for its content: "how easy it is for a Forsyte to deceive himself..." Soon, many find themselves in the web, in the web of common property that cannot allow them to act freely on their own.
While the spiritual highlight of the episode appears to be Jo's conversation with his son Jolly (Michael York) about two principles that rule the vision of God (mind you that the conversion is inspired by a sad moment of dog Balthazar's death, the dog who had been attached to Old Jolyon), the dramatic highlight of the part is the situation of Soames. 'In spite of everything,' still determined to get Irene back, he spies on her, gets the information from the agency but, finally, he hears one of the most discouraging utterances from Irene herself: "I cannot give myself to the man I hate..." This moment, we know that he will take certain radical steps towards divorce. Not long time will pass until he will stand between the two: Irene and Jo.
There is one brilliant moment when Soames and Jo have their first tense conversation in which both seem to have difficulties in keeping their tempers, consider the camera-work which shows them within one frame facing each other as if two Forsytes who differ considerably but who both were caught in the web.
The web spreads to further contexts, mainly gossips at Timothy's. The elderly Forsytes, some indeed full of energy and radical words about the war in South Africa, have another splendid scene where clever script and truly remarkable performances supply a viewer with exceptional mood. Aunt Juley, the one who always has most to say about what 'they say...' calls the attention of all to a gentleman with a fair beard...
The comedy that substitutes drama is revealed at Winifred's where, after the case in court, in the scent of tobacco and the hails of the crowds shouting "Maffikin" and the pomp of the fireworks, Monty Dartie comes back. Perhaps, it is much to the dismay of her closest family, she appears to be a strong woman, deeply hurt indeed who makes up her mind to make him 'behave.' Her brother makes a different decision...
Lawrie Craig's dramatization also makes a point about Holly and Val plot in which he once again portrays Jo as a tolerant father who lets her get engaged to Val. A comfort and refuge for Irene, as once his father was, he will have to stand to serious disapproval from his cousin.
While the spiritual highlight of the episode appears to be Jo's conversation with his son Jolly (Michael York) about two principles that rule the vision of God (mind you that the conversion is inspired by a sad moment of dog Balthazar's death, the dog who had been attached to Old Jolyon), the dramatic highlight of the part is the situation of Soames. 'In spite of everything,' still determined to get Irene back, he spies on her, gets the information from the agency but, finally, he hears one of the most discouraging utterances from Irene herself: "I cannot give myself to the man I hate..." This moment, we know that he will take certain radical steps towards divorce. Not long time will pass until he will stand between the two: Irene and Jo.
There is one brilliant moment when Soames and Jo have their first tense conversation in which both seem to have difficulties in keeping their tempers, consider the camera-work which shows them within one frame facing each other as if two Forsytes who differ considerably but who both were caught in the web.
The web spreads to further contexts, mainly gossips at Timothy's. The elderly Forsytes, some indeed full of energy and radical words about the war in South Africa, have another splendid scene where clever script and truly remarkable performances supply a viewer with exceptional mood. Aunt Juley, the one who always has most to say about what 'they say...' calls the attention of all to a gentleman with a fair beard...
The comedy that substitutes drama is revealed at Winifred's where, after the case in court, in the scent of tobacco and the hails of the crowds shouting "Maffikin" and the pomp of the fireworks, Monty Dartie comes back. Perhaps, it is much to the dismay of her closest family, she appears to be a strong woman, deeply hurt indeed who makes up her mind to make him 'behave.' Her brother makes a different decision...
Lawrie Craig's dramatization also makes a point about Holly and Val plot in which he once again portrays Jo as a tolerant father who lets her get engaged to Val. A comfort and refuge for Irene, as once his father was, he will have to stand to serious disapproval from his cousin.
