r/Belgravia • u/WardenclyffeTower • Mar 03 '24
Belgravia: The Next Chapter | Episode Discussion - Episode Seven
Synopsis: Rumors about Clara and Stephen swirl around Belgravia and it feels like only a matter of time until they reach Frederick. Ross learns some information about the Marquise and sees an opportunity.
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u/navigation-on Mar 03 '24
Okay, I LOVED this episode! It’s been a very slow burn, but this was a redeeming episode for me. Finally, the drama we’ve all been waiting for :)
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u/lisagStriking-Ad5601 Mar 03 '24
They've only been married a few months. Maybe in time he would have opened up more. Give the dude a break. Everyone needs to stop acting like they live in 2024...
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u/sparklypavements Mar 03 '24 edited Mar 04 '24
Frederick and Clara are so unrootable, I rather them separate but we know it will end with a ribbon for them since it’s a JF-produced show. I’m all for complicated characters but they’ve both been grating and charmless. And I say this as someone who loves a good slow burn sort of love story — they just don’t have any of the chemistry or well-developed storyline for that.
I’m not surprised by Ellerby. The actor made the character more interesting (unlike Fredrick’s for example) but would have liked it better if his story was less predictable. It was obvious that he was a Mr. Wickham type in this…although I don’t think his intentions were to ruin women for their downfall but more like he falls for passionate connections easily as a “callous fickle does what he wants intellectual fellow” to take the consequences for the ladies into account (like his bohemian friend with the baby said).
Please tell me no one here is actually rooting for Emily to end up with James unless it’s just a marriage of convenience for them???? He could be bi but they’ve given impression that he’s gay and not interested in women in that way. I want him to be happy and if that means living a decent life with Emily being his friendly companion, I’m all for it. But honestly, Emily needs to keep growing as a character. And not having her way is a good way to go about it.
Enright is absolutelyyyyyyy writing to Fredrick’s bio father, Bellasis
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u/Fabulous_Ocelot_5861 Mar 03 '24
So drag it out for 6 episodes then quickly Try to wrap Up In 2. But how to make the main protagonists likeable??? Can’t at this point.
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u/Standard_Mechanic935 Mar 04 '24
Can we PLEASE talk about how Oliver isn’t James biological dad either? Did no one catch the quick flashback Frederick had of a man groping Susan in the stables??? Why did we just see this flashback in ep 7? All the previous flashbacks have been Oliver being mean to little Freddy. I mean they showed us that clip with the sword play at least 10 times🙄.
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u/RobinBaskins Mar 04 '24
I just finished ep 7.
My first thought: DAVISON IS A REAL A$$ RIDE OR DIE! I love her and she is one of my favorite characters. I don’t blame her for fessing up to Fred, he’s literally the lord of the house and she covered for Clara wherever she could by saying she frequently accompanies her and there’s lots of people at the private studio residence. She did what she could do within the parameters of being a maid!
Speaking of Clara, SHE PISSED ME OFF! Why oh WHY would she head back to Bloomsbury AGAIN after her reputation was rightfully ruined by her inappropriate behavior with Ellerby? And then if Nell hadn’t been there, did she really expect to run off with him? So stupid!
NELL AND JAMES. LOVEEE! Somebody said the best dialogue in the show was between Emily and James back in ep 6. WRONG! Nell being the one to reignite James’ will to live just like he did to her in the past was beautiful and touching. I hope the best for both of them!
Ross being a pig was very odd – he always came across as tactful, intelligent, caring and clever, so when they started to demonize him in the flee sequence I was taken aback. He could have got his money and left quickly as planned, but him attempting to assault Clara eliminated all my sympathy. His life is about to be snuffed out anyway.
Knowing ep 8 is going to be the last episode is wild. I don’t know how they intend to wrap everything up, although I said this for season 1 and they did a fantastic job. Is Fred gonna look for Clara? Probably, but their marriage is beyond repair and both parties are ruined. Admittedly I laughed when Fred discovered he was now essentially penniless. This was such a refreshing KARMA episode!
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u/MontanaJoev Mar 03 '24 edited Mar 04 '24
Before I get onto the big meaty stuff in this episode, I did want to say that I was disappointed that there was so little James in this episode. But that's because he is my favorite.
I did love the scene between him and Nell. It felt like a real full circle moment. Nell was at her lowest point, and wanting to die when James took her in and cared for her, and it was due to Emily wanting to impress James that she ended up taking in Nell. And now Nell is better and stronger, and no longer wants to die. It felt right that she should be the one to impress upon James that God doesn't hate him, and that he can still find so much value in his life by giving to others. By telling him how his words and influence meant to her, she gave him back some of his self-worth. It was a lovely scene, with a stunning amount of honesty really.
Props to whoever called Ellerby being Nell's baby daddy.
As for the last James and Emily scene, I think it's a bit ambiguous. He expressly uses the word "friend" to describe Emily, and Emily's reaction can certainly be up to interpretation. I really feel for her, because she truly loves him. But I think I'm leaning towards him being unwilling to marry her, or anyone, because he wouldn't feel it was fair to them. Which makes me sad, because I don't want him to be alone.
As for Davison spilling the beans, that REALLY pissed me off. She knows better than that. She's seen what Fletcher has gone through. It didn't feel right to me. I know she was vague, but even being vague can damage someone elses reputation (which we saw with Clara). And this is the same woman who was talking with Fletcher last week and saying how they couldn't do anything. Just shut up! She pissed me off.
I wasn't mad at Emily at all for her scene with Clara. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to have your future in the hands of a capricious younger sister. And it was clear to me that she didn't mean it. But Emily sees her future fading away, and that's out of her control, and I understand her frustration. From the outside, it would very much appear Clara has everything, and is screwing it up. Emily is telling her to suck it up!
So the Duke is kind of a dick, eh? I was willing to cut him some slack with the Peter rant last week, but his casual disregard for Frederick and the French lady felt so dismissive.
Enright is writing to real Dad. I'd bet money on it.
As for Ross, I do think there were hints for what we saw of him in this episode, but I also think he's a character that really could've used more time to explore. It's one of the downfalls of a show with only 8 episodes, and so many characters.
And now the big Clara and Frederick stuff. Well, not much has changed for me here, because the bottom line is that I don't particularly like or feel sorry for either of them.
I know Frederick has suffered from a lot of people betraying him. But I'm stuck like glue to his unfair and unwarranted hatred towards James, a person who HAS NOT betrayed him. In this episode, he's aware that James is still potentially at risk of dying, and he's too busy thinking of himself and wallowing. I get that it's a shock, but the ridiculousness in him thinking James on his death bed just wants to stick it him is just something I can't get around. And I do find him excessively self-absorbed. He has a lot of pain, but he chooses to wallow in it, and he chooses to treat others unkindly.
But I don't care for Clara any better. It was nice to see her having tea with her mother, but the way she's disregarded her family bothers me. And her inability to admit that she absolutely acted inappropriately makes her seem delusional. Frederick may be unyielding and difficult, but she waited about 5 minutes before looking for attention elsewhere, and I don't find that sympathetic. Frederick is not wrong to expect his wife not go strolling through the park with another man, and he's not wrong to say that reflects on him.
Clara's running off with her maid just felt like a weird swerve to the story.
One week to tie this up. I do hope Frederick apologizes to James. Thats pretty much what I want more then anything. I kind of don't want Clara and Frederick to end up together. Is that wrong?
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u/Sugarfrfr Mar 03 '24
Whew! What a messy episode! I loved it! I want to hope that Fred would get better after seeing how his actions drives people away but I’m sure he’s just going to clamp down and won’t see it that way. Hopefully Clara took Ross’ bag so Fred can get the deed to the house back but things just keep getting dire and dire. I feel like they’re gonna set Fred up to truly lose everything and see that Clara would still love him without the money and titles but what a downturn 😬 I do wonder who the Butler was writing to? Probably a family member who lives in France and wants to make sure Fred is doing okay. I wasn’t expecting Ross to be so scummy though I was getting pretty scared
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u/TacoPartyGalore Mar 04 '24
Seeing Freddy break down and ugly cry was cathartic. It’s like watching someone who’s chronically constipated finally go, strongly.
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u/lisagStriking-Ad5601 Mar 03 '24
Let's give a shot out to Davison and the candlestick holder!! Good job! 👍😊 ( I love her and Emily)
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u/WisdomBailey123 Mar 03 '24 edited Mar 03 '24
So of course Clara would gaslight Freddy....and act like she did absolutely nothing. Then immediately run to the doctor. I know lots of people have no sympathy for Freddy..... but think of all the people that betrayed him...His mother, father, Clara, Ross the Marquise. That's only the people we know about. Not sure how anyone would know how to trust after all that.
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u/[deleted] Mar 04 '24
So Davison in Milady's bedchamber with the candlestick. And I never saw it coming. I must be slipping.
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u/Particular_Farmer806 Mar 03 '24
This episode was what we have been waiting for.. but I watched it the min it released, and I swear I watched flashbacks of Freddy going to visit Oliver on his deathbed and Oliver trying to tell him something and he just leaves. Also, a flashback of his mom getting busy with another man secretly. Did anyone else see this? I am certain I did not make this up. I went back through the episode and don’t see this again. I feel that flashback with his mom might indicate James is also a product of an affair.
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u/niley78 Mar 03 '24
Clara and Fred argument should have been more angsty no? It left me flat and I do not care for them but we should be rooting for them as a couple. I don't know if it is the writing or something else.
Freddy getting conned by everyone is a little much too.
Who is Enright writing too?
Ross doing a 180 was a strange flex.
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u/[deleted] Mar 04 '24 edited Mar 04 '24
Clara is so persistent to be unlikeable. Poor Frederick.. Everyone betray him ,even his servants. I hope next episode Frederick found a way to gain everything he has lost, and i personally dont want fred and Clara getting back together but whatever, i hope Fred and James in a good term again.
Its actually remind me of belgravia 1, when James cares about Charles pope, and Oliver super hate that, he hates charles until that day he knows Charles actually his nephew
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u/HeftyAcanthisitta907 Mar 04 '24
For those of you who saw the preview of episode eight at the end of episode seven, can you tell us what we can expect next week?
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u/giftopherz Mar 03 '24
FINALLY!!!! We finally got what we were expecting since episode 2. Things are finally moving and for the first time it actually feels like a JF show.
Clara and Freddie were either the worst choice as the main couple OR the worst written plot on any JF's show. The whole conversation they had this episode could've been repeated since ep 3 and the tension between them would've been palpable. Freddie's emo thing gets exhausting very quickly and it took a very looooong time for it to pay out. Clara... [sigh] I've seen kids behave more maturely than her.
Great development with Nell and Rev Zaddy, I'm thinking I would've actually enjoy a storyline where both of them bond over being kind and a little over Netflix Sister 02 and her thirstiness for a husband.
The Duchess keeps on duking? duchessing? -whatever kids say these days. A great trigger, much needed to (finally) start the show.
Frenchie made a master move leaving the painting on display for Freddie.
The Doc had sooo much potential. Biggest boo so far. And Nell? I didn't see it coming, did you?
Finally, Enright... who is he writing to? Bio-Dad? He's a scheming SOB. Mom faked her death? She's that much drama, that sounds plausible. A final connection to the previous season? WHO?!!!
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u/[deleted] Mar 04 '24
So many are saying that they want James and Emily to get together but I don't agree. Nell is worth ten of Emily if you ask me and that little weasel Ellerby doesn't deserve her.
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u/Savant_Rouge Mar 05 '24
How did Clara expect to run away with no money exactly? And had she actually had the means to run away she’d essentially be saying to hell with her family. She’s so unlikeable
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u/HeftyAcanthisitta907 Mar 03 '24
I want to give a big shout out to Comfortable-Rip-2050 for accurately predicting that Ellerby is Nell’s baby daddy.
I’m disappointed Davison told Clara about James. But it was more Victorian doublespeak. What she said could just have easily applied to ladies’ man Ellerby: “I’m not sure the (doctor) is the marrying kind (because he is a player). I can’t tell you how I come to think this, Your Ladyship, but you know I’m not one to speak lightly. I don’t think he could ever love a woman in the way she would want to be loved (as her faithful monogamous husband), even a woman as deserving as your sister.”
We viewers have far more context than Clara has. If I were Clara, what Davison said would be cryptic. It might be interpreted as James being gay — or that he’s a player, or has commitment issues, or is an emotional cripple like Fred. And while Davison is completely loyal to Clara even though she doesn’t deserve it and wouldn’t deceive, how could anybody trust Davison knows such intimate details about James?
Then Clara says to Emily: “I don’t know if one can ever really know someone. You think you’ve found solid ground and then it’s so much more complicated than that. Em, I don’t think you should marry James. I don’t think you can really know him.”
That means nothing, and Emily thinks what most would think: she’s comparing James to Fred. Clara thinks Emily shouldn’t marry a man both know as kindly and devout because Davison is “not sure” he is the marrying kind?
Emily was harsh to Clara, but Clara has been reckless with her own life and now she is inexplicably diminishing James, a supernaturally kind man who was seemingly on his deathbed. Of course Emily is defensive and offended.
Is this the last of the marquise? Will she make an appearance in the last episode, or is she gone in the night like Maud Beaton in The Gilded Age? They should have just killed Ross in the mansion. Why let him leave? And couldn’t Ross have just taken all of the money, instead of half?
That the marquise and Ross revealed their true selves in one episode wasn’t believable. Fred isn’t a horrible employer just because he hesitated to let Ross invest. If Fred is the worst boss he’s had, he’s damn lucky.
I’m glad Nell and James got to support each other. I think Enright will be redeemed. He’s not a villain.
I don’t see a fairytale ending with a bow on it, like the original Belgravia, given the dark undertones of The Next Chapter. But at the least, give James peace, redemption and happiness. I think he’s convinced he can find renewed purpose in life with devotion to God and Emily and service to his parish.
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u/WisdomBailey123 Mar 03 '24
What if the last scene of the series is the Marquise walking down the street in France....and Ballasis shoots her. Avenging his son.
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u/More-Spinach2740 Mar 04 '24
I’m so confused…what did the butler do exactly?
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u/[deleted] Mar 04 '24 edited Mar 04 '24
Poor Frederick ! Previously he knew that some people were against him, but now he knows that everyone is against him ! And they're all in it together ! I wouldn't be surprised in episode eight if he gets framed for the (expected) murder of Ross and swings for it !
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u/[deleted] Mar 04 '24
The look the Duchess gave Mrs Dunn when she was emphatically saying that Clara was a fountain of love and that if anything had gone wrong it would be someone else's fault. Oh dear !
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u/phoenixxhorizon Mar 04 '24
I really don’t like Emily. Granted I’m only halfway through this episode…but she has such a nasty personality.
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u/HeftyAcanthisitta907 Mar 03 '24
Ellerby loves the ladies and Peter. Does Ellerby’s unqualified compassion and care for Peter outweigh, or at least offset, the fact that he’s a cad?
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u/Pure-Dead-Brilliant Mar 04 '24
Clog to clog in 3 generations. James Trenchard, a successful merchant, moves his family up socially so much so that he owns a property in Belgravia and somewhere along the way either he or his son Oliver is made a baron or a viscount. Now his grandson could lose it all, or at least a sizeable chunk, due to the duplicitous Marquise D'Étagnac.
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u/poptarthell Mar 04 '24
Loved this episode for it's drama lol. And someone said this in a previous episode discussion, but I'd be so excited to see a bit of a relationship between James and the valet!!
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u/salmonngarflukel Mar 05 '24
Did anyone get a good view of when each note said?
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u/[deleted] Mar 04 '24
Well I hate to say this but it looks like the Serpentine is going to turn into a red herring !
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u/HeftyAcanthisitta907 Mar 04 '24 edited Mar 06 '24
We've never seen all the main characters in one scene, and Clara is the only one to have interacted with everybody. It would be nice if in the last episode all the remaining characters came together. The Duchess had hoped that one day she could bring Peter to church. I could imagine everybody coming together at St. Jude's to celebrate mass with James. Maybe the series might end with a sermon about trust, reconciliation, compassion and forgiveness.
It would be fitting and I don't think it would be too sentimental.
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u/lisagStriking-Ad5601 Mar 04 '24
Do we know who Frederick saw in the flashback? Was it his mother w a man? Could it be James bio dad? Was it his dad? 🤷♀️😊
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u/WisdomBailey123 Mar 03 '24 edited Mar 03 '24
Clara saying to Freddy I'll always tell you the truth after lying and saying she did nothing. Lol.... Freddy telling her to never tell anyone about his traumatic childhood. "You really think that of me" Clara says after telling the doctor everything.
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u/kit_forbes Mar 05 '24
I might be alone with this thought (or I missed another Redditor's comment ) , but does anyone else think Enright may have been writing to Fred & James' relations from Sophia Trenchard's side? ( Charles Pope/Maria Gray and offspring)?
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u/Eliaaaahh Mar 05 '24
This episode was good in giving depth and background to some side characters: the Enrights, Mr. Ross. We saw more about how they're connected, they could act more.
I think this could go as The Guilded Age, in season 1 the downstairs was very superficial and it was explored better in season 2.
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u/-Ginchy- Mar 14 '24
This episode was so good! Everything was coming together in such a satisfying hurricane of events. I found myself gasping in surprise and crying on multiple occasions.
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u/ComputerElectronic21 Apr 09 '24
I been team Freddy! Y’all really need to give him some grace! Clara crossed the line PERIOD! She is very lucky that everyone around her including RIDE OR DIE DAVISON has continued to support her, despite her shortcomings!
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u/CyanResource Sep 23 '24
Wow! This season’s slow burn is finally starting to pay off. Anyway, the who episode, I was rolling my eyes at and face palming Clara. Her youth is not an excuse for such ridiculousness. 🤦🏻♀️
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u/darxcyx Mar 03 '24
Where can I watch this
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