Sunday, 8:30 pm, ABC

The West Australian, February 2003

The not-to-be missed second series, adapted from John Galsworthy's tale of a family feud, tells of the next generation of Forsytes having their go at life and stuffing it up. The first of the four-parter starts with the introduction of Fleur and Jon, the progeny of the suffering Soames, and the child of graceful Irene and her artistic hubby, Jolyon. Watch the hand of fate as the youngsters cross paths. On paper, this looks like Barbara Cartland stuff, but the TV adaptation is so rich, well-acted and beautiful to look at, that the contrivances are forgiven. Damian Lewis (Soames) stands out as a man close to emotional implosion. A perfect Sunday night appointment with the sofa.