Howard's end

[Braceface]

Anyone watching?

Southeastdweller- absolutely - I know exactly which part you mean and it has stayed with me for 20 years.

We shall see....

I think there was an element of sexual tension - perhaps he had misunderstood why she had invited him to tea?

For me the crackling tension was around the clumsiness of H attempting to explain the Shlegals' interest in him without being condescening, with the backdrop of the constant interruptions, L being desperate to leave and Tibby's awful remarks. I feel anxious just thinking about it!

I'm enjoying this so far. I have no knowledge of the story though so nothing to compare it to, I'm just taking it at face value. It does make me want to find out more about Edwardian times though as I also found myself surprised by the mixed race relationship. Will definitely keep watching

Also random question but does anyone know what the music is they used in the trailer (at least for the first episode I've not seen any adverts since) - I really like the song it's basically what made me want to watch it, I'm a sucker for weird songs and I'd love to hear it in full. Anyone know please?

I completely adored both the book and the film.

I feel that the actress playing Jackie Bast is miscast, a bit too old?

Tibby is far more annoying than I remember him!

The story is incredibly sad. Mr Wilcox is unbearable.

Jacky is thirty-three and Leonard twenty at the beginning of the novel.

Jacky is meant to be a lot older than Leonard. She's been around the block a bit and he's too young to get married.

What is Tibby meant to be short for?

Tiberius?
Theodore?
Thomas?
Timothy?

I always assumed it was Tobias but I've never read the book only seen the film

Theobold

Yes, Theobold. Based on Virginia and Vanessa Stephens’s brother Thoby.

Theobald.
Jackie's ethnicity isn't mentioned in the book.

It's highly highly unlikely Forster would have intended Jackie to be black. She is already enough of a scandal for the time as will unfold,. Forster is a genius at subtle nuance. This casting is as subtle as a sledgehammer.

Thoughts on tonights episode anyone?

I found the bit were Helen turned up at the wedding with Leonard and Jackie excruciating to watch, what a ridiculous thing to do!!

Waves at Cag

Have read the book and seen the film, but so long ago, I'd forgotten the Henry - Jackie scene. Helen's well-meaning meddling is having such dreadful repercussions. She is an excellent actress, though. Just wish they wouldn't show that trailer at the end each week., giving so much away!

Tonight's episode was the best so far. I still prefer the casting in the film tho but I'm enjoying this as Sunday night TV all the same.

The miscasting for some roles is still distracting me and why oh why is Jacky not the 'simpleton' she is in the book and film?

The gaps are driving me nuts. It's almost as if they live months during the week between episodes.

And yes, the trailer is ridiculous!

I'm enjoying it. Some of the casting is a bit, er, off, shall we say but I love, love Hayley Atwell.

I can't for the life of me, understand what Margaret sees in Henry. Is that why they cast MM I wonder, because at least she could (possibly) be attracted to him physicallly?

And is there supposed to be something wrong with the younger brother? He's very odd.

onlyconnect! Yes indeed.

A minor annoyance was when Margaret arrived at wherever it was , they kept saying she should go and "clean up". In England that means, or certainly meant at that time, "go and wash the dishes / scrub the floor" etc.

Courtney I think you're right about the MM casting. It was always unclear in the book and film why Margaret got with Henry, and so quickly.

I think the reason Margaret says yes to Henry is that she is tired of being the only grown-up in the family and having to run everything for Helen and Tibby; and she is fascinated by Mr Wilcox's air of competence and command. Also, she is sexually frustrated (key undercurrent in lots of Forster's books).

I can't remember anything about Mr Wilcox's appearance in the book, but MM's good looks certainly make it easier to believe the TV version.

"Is Helen Schlegel meant to be endearing? "

I don't think so, no.

I find her ridiculous & annoying. Gets an idea, runs with it before thinking it through, expects others to clear up the mess!

Just as self centred as Tibby!

Helen is awful:

"The expedition to Shropshire crippled the Basts permanently. Helen in her flight forgot to settle the hotel bill, and took their return tickets away with her; they had to pawn Jacky's bangles to get home"

She is entitled and impetuous in a way that is cushioned by her privilege.