Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Howards End, which brings E.M. Forster’s beloved 1910 novel to stunning visual life with contemporary sensibilities, exploring class divisions and women’s independence in early 20th century England.
Howards End premiered on November 12, 2017, consisting of 4 episodes with approximately 60 minutes each. Originally broadcast on BBC One and later airing on Starz and PBS Masterpiece, it’s currently available on Prime Video, Apple TV, and other streaming platforms. Adapted by Kenneth Lonergan and directed by Hettie Macdonald, this ambitious production features stellar performances from Hayley Atwell, Matthew Macfadyen, Julia Ormond, and Tracey Ullman.
The series explores the social and class divisions in early 20th century England through the intersection of three families: the wealthy Wilcoxes, the gentle and idealistic Schlegels and the lower-middle class Basts. Set in 1905, the drama follows the Schlegel sisters as two independent and unconventional women seeking love and meaning as they navigate an ever-changing world. The story weaves together themes of inheritance, social mobility, and the clash between Victorian values and emerging modernity.
The tone masterfully balances period authenticity with contemporary feminist perspectives. Kenneth Lonergan’s adaptation updates Forster’s social commentary for modern audiences while preserving the novel’s nuanced exploration of class, gender, and economic inequality. The series doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable realities of Edwardian society while celebrating the progressive spirit of characters who challenge established norms.
Margaret Schlegel: The Intellectual’s Quest for Connection
Hayley Atwell stars as Margaret Schlegel, the elder sister who becomes romantically involved with Henry Wilcox despite their vastly different worldviews and social positions. Atwell delivers a nuanced performance that captures Margaret’s intellectual sophistication and emotional complexity as she navigates the tension between personal desire and moral principles.
Margaret’s character represents the educated, independent woman of the Edwardian era who refuses to accept traditional limitations while still seeking authentic human connection. Her relationship with Henry Wilcox explores how love can bridge class differences but cannot entirely overcome deeply ingrained social prejudices and personal blind spots.
Throughout the four episodes, Margaret’s journey examines the compromises educated women had to make when choosing between intellectual fulfillment and romantic happiness. Atwell’s performance shows how Margaret maintains her integrity while learning to navigate the practical realities of marriage and social expectations.
Helen Schlegel: The Passionate Idealist’s Awakening
Helen Schlegel falls for Paul Wilcox in the spring of 1905, drawing the Schlegel family into the affairs of the Wilcox family. Philippa Coulthard portrays Helen as the more impulsive sister whose romantic entanglements drive much of the series’ dramatic tension while exploring themes of class consciousness and social justice.
Helen’s character embodies the passionate idealism of young progressives who believe they can change society through personal action. Her involvement with the struggling clerk Leonard Bast demonstrates both the possibilities and limitations of cross-class sympathy in Edwardian England.
Coulthard’s performance captures Helen’s evolution from naive romantic to someone who understands the real consequences of social inequality. Her character arc explores how privilege and good intentions aren’t sufficient to address systemic social problems, making her journey both heartbreaking and enlightening.
The Wilcox Family Legacy: Power Meets Progressive Ideals
Matthew Macfadyen and Julia Ormond represent the wealthy Wilcox family, whose pragmatic materialism conflicts with the Schlegels’ intellectual idealism. The inheritance of Howards End house becomes the symbolic battleground where these opposing worldviews clash, with profound consequences for all the families involved.
The Wilcox storyline doesn’t present them as simple villains but as products of their time and class who genuinely believe their values represent progress and stability. This nuanced portrayal makes their conflicts with the Schlegels more compelling because both sides have legitimate concerns and blind spots.
The series reaches its emotional climax when family secrets are revealed and the true meaning of inheritance – both material and moral – is tested. These episodes demonstrate how personal relationships and social structures intersect in ways that can either perpetuate inequality or create opportunities for genuine change.
Supporting Characters: The Rich Tapestry of Edwardian Society
Tracey Ullman rounds out the main cast, bringing her distinctive comic timing to a series that balances humor with serious social commentary. The supporting characters create an authentic portrait of Edwardian London’s diverse social landscape, from struggling clerks to established aristocrats.
Alex Lawther and Rosalind Eleazar portray the Bast family, representing the precarious lower-middle class whose economic vulnerability makes them victims of both well-meaning interference and systemic inequality. Their performances ground the series’ social commentary in genuine human struggle rather than abstract political theory.
The ensemble cast creates a believable world where personal choices have broader social implications. Each character serves a specific function in exploring how class, gender, and economic forces shape individual destinies while highlighting the possibilities for progressive change.
Success on Streaming Platforms
The series was met with a positive response from critics, holding an 88% approval rating with an average rating of 7.73 out of 10 based on 34 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Howards End proved that literary adaptations could find contemporary relevance when handled with intelligence and visual sophistication. The four-episode format allowed for comprehensive character development without padding, and the series successfully competed with other prestigious period dramas. The series premiered in the United States on 8 April 2018 on Starz, introducing American audiences to this classic story through streaming platforms. Howards End demonstrated that BBC’s collaboration with international networks could create high-quality adaptations that honor source material while speaking to contemporary social concerns.
A Timeless Story Made Relevant Again
If you love period dramas that combine literary sophistication with contemporary social relevance and outstanding performances, Howards End is the perfect series to experience on Prime Video. This isn’t just another costume drama; it’s a thoughtful exploration of class, gender, and social change that feels remarkably current.
Why This Forster Adaptation Resonates Today
Positive Points:
- Outstanding performances from Hayley Atwell and Matthew Macfadyen bring depth to complex literary characters
- Kenneth Lonergan’s adaptation successfully updates Forster’s themes for contemporary audiences without losing authenticity
- Beautiful cinematography and period detail create immersive Edwardian London atmosphere
- Four-episode format allows for proper character development and narrative pacing without unnecessary padding
- Thoughtful exploration of class, gender, and social inequality remains relevant to modern viewers
Negative Points:
- Limited episode count means some supporting characters and subplots receive minimal development
- Contemporary feminist perspective occasionally conflicts with period-appropriate character motivations and dialogue
- Complex social themes might feel heavy or preachy to viewers seeking lighter period romance
- Comparison with previous adaptations, particularly the acclaimed 1992 film, creates high expectations
- Edwardian setting and British class system may feel distant to international audiences unfamiliar with the context
Howards End proves that the greatest literary works can be successfully updated for television when adaptation respects both the source material’s complexity and contemporary audiences’ sophisticated understanding of social issues.
Series Details
- Number of Episodes: 4 episodes (completed miniseries)
- Platform: Prime Video, Apple TV, PBS Masterpiece, BBC iPlayer
- Release Year: 2017-2018
- Current IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- Genre: Period Drama, Romance, Literary Adaptation
- Production Type: British miniseries (BBC/Starz co-production)
- Status: Completed miniseries
- Main Protagonists: Hayley Atwell (Margaret Schlegel), Philippa Coulthard (Helen Schlegel)
- Main Antagonist: Social class system and economic inequality rather than individual villains