The episode opens with Doctor Stephen Ellerby (Edward Bluemel) and Annie Harper (Nenda Neururer) rushing home after attending a violent rally. Richard Dearden (Leonard Buckley) assumed the rally was legitimate. Ellerby says a couple of protestors suffered injuries but no one died. He tells them that Frederick Trenchard (Benjamin Wainwright) paid for the service rendered to Clara Trenchard (Harriet Slater) whom he will probably never see again.

Richard and Clara discuss the origin of their names. He stresses his desire to be a better father, than he was a son. She vows to not let him do it. Later, she is getting dressed when Mrs. Davison (Elaine Cassidy) rushes in to help and give her an address. They arrive at the church as Reverend James Trenchard (Toby Regbo) is baptizing an infant.

Mrs. Davison tells Fletcher (Liam Garrigan) about her and Clara’s visit to James’ church in Chelsea when Mr. Enright (Gerard Horan) approaches. She questions if James is Frederick’s brother or cousin. Mr. Enright confirms James is Frederick’s brother. Mrs. Davison claims to have only heard his name and thought there was a connection. He orders them to notify him if James visits, so he can deal with him personally.

Mrs. Dunn (Sophie Thompson) explains how her husband’s death and move to London have impacted her. James suggests she lost the “center of her world”. She pries into his personal life and seems shocked to learn he is single. He thanks them for what they have done for Nell (Lauren McQueen). Once alone, he offers to write someone for Nell but she declines. He prays for her.

Ross (David Fynn) visits Marquise d’Etagnac’s (Claude Vansittart) home but no one answers the door. Frederick believes she is avoiding them because of his proposal. Ross agrees. Frederick suggests she needs “wooing.” He assures Ross that she will not be able to avoid him at Percy, the Duke of Rochester’s (Miles Jupp) birthday party at Maywood in Kent. Ross says the price has been agreed upon. Frederick says they should buy it.

Maywood – Frederick corners the Marquise during a crochet game. He fills her in on the Abercrombie Foundry investment. She asks why he needs her if there are other investors. He assures her that doing business with her would be enticing. Later, Amelia Rochester (Jayda Eyles) and Edgar Rochester (Roddy McDermott) perform for the guests. Mary, the Duchess of Rochester (Sophie Winkleman) tells Frederick that Peter’s epilepsy is becoming more difficult to control. She voices concern about people gossiping about him. He denies hearing anyone talking about him.

Clara seeks shelter from the rain on the porch when Ellerby approaches. She asks about Peter. He expresses his desire to help him, although there is no cure. He describes his medical approach as “progressive,” not traditional. He apologizes for previously offending her. She assures him that he never because she barely recalls it.

Frederick vaguely tells Lord Netherbury (Rupert Vansittart) and Lady Netherbury (Juliet Howland) about his plan to produce steel at his new foundry.

Daraway Park – Dr. Kerry (John Hollingworth) explains his treatment plan for epilepsy patients. Mary tells him that Peter is not very talkative. Percy gets upset and leaves the room. Kerry and Ellerby give Mary a tour of the hydrotherapy facility. Kerry says children are not regularly treated there but they would be glad to provide him intermittent treatment. Ellerby volunteers to accompany Peter to his therapy sessions. Back in the carriage, Percy warns that anyone can put on a white coat and claim to cure. She scolds him for his embarrassing behavior. He denies the allegation before telling himself happy birthday.

Clara pries in the Marquise’s marriage. The Marquise says they were married 10 years before he died. She admits to marrying for money after her father squandered their money away. Clara tells her that Frederick is passionate and confident in the steel foundry. The Marquise asks if she should invest in the project. Clara says yes. Later, she and Frederick discuss figures. Percy tells Frederick that one day he will insist Peter be sent far away. He admits to having some resentment toward his firstborn, Peter. Frederick informs Clara of the Marquise’s offer. She expresses how proud of him she is before describing him as the finest man that she ever met. Davison sees Fletcher and a man emerge from a room.

Clara asks Ellerby about sadness in an adult stemming from childhood. He says some physicians believe hypnotherapy can help. He suggests monsters under the bed aren’t truly monsters. She complements his view of the world. He walks away with a smile on his face.

Ross shows Frederick the Marquise check before taking it to the bank. Elsewhere, Mr. Enright returns Fletcher’s box (possibly a bottle of wine) left at Maywood. Fletcher vows to do better. After Enright leaves, Robert (Jordan Scowen) jokingly tells him to stand in the corner. Clara sends Davison to deliver a message to James. When Davison returns with the response, Clara and Davison visit The Rectory. She tells him that Frederick is troubled about his childhood. James says Oliver Trenchard favored him and treated Frederick harshly. She suggests it could help Frederick if he talked to him. He warns of what it would do to Frederick if he is not on board. He claims to miss him.

Mr. Enright drops a spoon while serving breakfast. Frederick complements Mrs. Enright’s eggs. Clara points out how kind he is to Mr. Enright. He vows to always open his home to him. She says it would be difficult to live a life without Emily. He suggests it is best to let people go, to move freely through life.

Mary urges Percy to spend time with Peter because it has been such a long time. Elsewhere, Clara receives an invitation to an art exhibit from Ellerby. Davison points out his persistence. Clara assures her that he is only being friendly. Frederick and Ross inspect the work underway at Abercrombie Foundry.

Mr. Enright sends Mawdie (Daisy Sequerra) out for the usual. Mrs. Enright (Ellie Piercy) asks what it is about. He claims the message is to Mawdie’s cousin. She urges Mawdie to stand up for herself.

Clara tells Emily that Frederick and James are estranged. After visiting the foundry, the Marquise expresses her gratification in how well the project is moving along. She says Abercrombie should be replaced with Trenchard.

Mr. Enright returns home to find James waiting to see Clara. James insists on seeing her. Mr. Enright notifies Clara when Frederick arrives home to find James in the waiting room. Frederick insists he leaves. Clara admits to calling on James because she believes it could help to bring them together. Frederick accuses James of feeling Clara’s head full of poison about him. James denies the allegation. Raising his voice, Frederic orders him to leave. Upset, Frederick leaves. Mrs. Davison escorts a distraught Clara to her room. The episode ends.

 

Belgravia: The Next Chapter Review

The story is spinning and going nowhere. If anything, it is deteriorating with each scene. Revelations introduced are dropped just as quickly without explanation.

Frederick’s grim demeanor makes him a bit of a bore. It is either contributed to Benjamin Wainwright’s lack of experience or how the character is written. At this point in the series, I believe Toby Regbo should have been the male lead.

Emily’s treatment of Mrs. Dunn is appalling. Asking her to not speak, so she can impress James who obviously has no interest in her.

The cinematography and editing are subpar. It is impossible to make out details that have the potential to be important.

Is it just me or is the show eluding to a Clara and Ellerby affair? Three episodes in and this is all they can come up with, embarrassing.

The episode deserves a 5. Get more Belgravia: The Next Chapter recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by donating. Learn how advertising with us can help build your brand awareness. Join our newly established forum to discuss the latest movies and TV shows, sports, celebrity news, and more.