Ever since it was announced that Julian Fellowes was bringing another period drama into this world named Belgravia, fans have been wondering and hailing it as the new Downton Abbey
The audience are not far off in wondering if Belgravia is the next Downton Abbey thanks to the innumerable similarities between the two period drama series. And because of that very reason the thought of a possible crossover between Belgravia and Downton Abbey is keeping the audience on the very edge of their seats.
So, is this happening?
Highlights:
- Belgravia: The New but old Downton.
- The crossover between Belgravia and Downton Abbey.
- The cases of poles apart.
Belgravia: The New But Old Downton
The thing with creating any form of art that becomes hugely successful is that anything you create after that will be held at an impossible level of expectations. And Julian Fellowes knows this, understands this and at the moment seems to be going through the same dilemma.
Like Downton, Belgravia is a period drama set in the 1840s. It focuses on the now somewhat non-existent high-society life and features Julian Fellowes trademark speciality ‘Comedy of Manners’. Fellowes has long enjoyed the absurdity that high-class conventions hold and the show focuses on just that. Belgravia also focuses on drama, romance and deceit, just like Downton did.
The story mostly follows two ladies- Anna played by Tamsin Greig and Lady Caroline Brockenhurst played by Harriet Walter. An invitation to the grandest of balls on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo sets in motion a series of events. These events lead to decade long consequences and secrets that are all about to unravel behind the big walls of the high society in 19th Century London.
Given that Belgravia also follows the secrets and scandals in 19th century London with elaborate costumes, balls and servants, anyone can see why it has been easy to compare it to Downton Abbey.
The Case of Poles Apart
To a naked eye and mind when you first here about Belgravia you probably exclaim “It’s just like Downton” and it probably is.
Related:
The Only Show Which Can Fill Downton Abbey’s Void Is The English Game
Following the same recipe, Julian Fellowes has created a period drama focusing on the high society life of the former “noble” blue blooded people who thrived in social construct and ball room costumes. The social commentary in the show isn’t past by the audience and nor is the similar kind of comedy.
And on the aesthetic side, the music theme and the arc of the episodes in Belgravia offer the same taste as well.
But as you go much deeper you realise the ingredient combing Belgravia and Downton together was just the frosting on the outside.
Inside the frosting, Belgravia is set on the rise of the Victorian Empire in the 1840s whereas Downton was the decline of it. In the 19th century, Victorian Empire was reigning over the world. Trade market was growing, industries were growing and London was growing.
A series of secrets and scandals with a beginning, a middle and an end unlike the soapy arc narrative by Downton, Belgravia has a taut narrative to follow with six limited episodes to get it’s story across to the people. Also, it does not have it’s counterpart for Maggie Smith so the comedy quotient is way down in this one.
The Crossover between Belgravia and Downton Abbey
Although, creator of both the series, Julian Fellowes is clear that a crossover between the two period drama is not on the table at the moment, nothing really is off the table. A Downton Abbey film was also never on the table and now we have a second one on the way.
A full-feature crossover may or may not be possible given the timelines of both the shows belong to different centuries. But perhaps a cameo by the characters of Belgravia in the new Downton Abbey film would be a cheeky thing for Julian Fellowes to do. (and a gift for his loyal audience)
And just like Julian Fellowes has been saying it since before the first Downton Abbey film came into existence…nothing is impossible.
Would you want a crossover between the two series? Let us know in the comments below!
Captain America Chris Evans And Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery Strip Down For Steamy Sex Scene
Belgravia Inspired By Downton Abbey: Producer Denies All Claims
10 Unanswered Questions About Downton Abbey That Confirms There’s More To Come
Downton Abbey’s Story Isn’t Finished Just Yet: Movie Sequel In The Works
A Sequel to Downton Abbey Film Is Confirmed And Fans Rejoice
