Warning! Spoilers ahead for episode 7 of Belgravia: The Next Chapter.
The dramatic twists and turns in episode 7 of Belgravia: The Next Chapter left the main characters in more turmoil than ever before, setting the stage for an intense season finale in episode 8. Frederick and Clara found themselves heartbroken due to their strained relationship and inability to communicate effectively, as well as the shocking betrayals they experienced from those they trusted. Despite the chaos, these developments also hinted at a possible reconciliation between Frederick and Clara in the upcoming season finale.
Ross & Ellerby's True Colors Revealed: Lack of Support for Clara
Belgravia: The Next Chapter episode 7 shed light on Ross & Ellerby's true intentions, showing that they never truly supported Clara. Despite their wishes, it became clear that their loyalty lay elsewhere, leaving Clara to fend for herself in the midst of turmoil.
They only wanted to control her but didn't listen to her desires
David Fynn as Mr. Ross and Harriet Slater as Clara Trenchard in Belgravia The Next Chapter episode 7 - They only wanted to control her but didn't listen to her desires - Ross & Ellerby's Wishes Proved They Never Really Supported Clara
Belgravia: The Next Chapter had already shown how Ross and Ellerby wanted something from Clara, but episode 7’s developments finally revealed how it had more to do with using her or controlling her than getting to know Clara. Mr. Ross only got Clara and Davison out of London because he wanted Clara all for himself, and Davison’s intervention was the only thing that saved Clara from a likely assault. Ross didn’t help Clara and Davison out of the goodness of his heart but wanted to take what he saw as something belonging to Frederick for himself.
While Ellerby’s insistent love declarations were nothing like Mr. Ross’s actions, he still willingly ignored Clara’s wishes to repeatedly tell her his feelings and ask her to run away with him. Stephen believing himself to be in love with Clara didn’t make his actions any less dismissive of her, considering she had reiterated how she saw him as a friend, and how she had never stopped loving Frederick. The last straw proved his willingness to still run away with Clara, misinterpreting the reason behind her visit to Bloomsbury, when he had just found Nell again and learned about her past.
Emily's Preoccupation With James Proved Only Mrs. Dunn Stood By Clara
Clara & Emily's mother believed her when the Duchess, Frederick & Emily didn't
Sophie Thompson as Mrs. Dunn and Hannah Onslow as Emily Dunn in Belgravia The Next Chapter episode 7 - Clara & Emily's mother believed her when the Duchess, Frederick & Emily didn't - Emily's Preoccupation With James Proved Only Mrs. Dunn Stood By Clara
In episode 7 of Belgravia: The Next Chapter, Emily had a significant impact on the lives of the central characters. She focused solely on James's well-being and the future she envisioned with him, leading her to overlook her sister Clara's struggles. Emily believed the gossip of high society without truly understanding Clara's problems, unintentionally causing Clara to feel even more isolated, ultimately leading to Clara's departure from London. Among those who supported Clara, Mrs. Dunn stood by her, rejecting the Duchess of Rochester's opinions and believing in her daughter's inherent goodness.
The Truth Behind Enright's Letter Wasn't Revealed - Despite His Firing
Frederick believed Enright betrayed him to the Marquise but she wasn't the addressee of his letters
Gerard Horan as Enright in Belgravia The Next Chapter episode 7 - Frederick believed Enright betrayed him to the Marquise but she wasn't the addressee of his letters - The Truth Behind Enright's Letter Wasn't Revealed - Despite His Firing
In Mr. Ross's final letter to Frederick after he stole from him, he tried to shift the blame onto Enright. Frederick fell for this deception. However, Enright's response showed how hurt he was by Frederick's suspicions and how clueless he was about the whole scheme. This makes his secret letters to France the biggest mystery in the sequel to Belgravia. The season finale of Belgravia: The Next Chapter is expected to uncover the truth. With John Bellasis in exile in Europe, the secret letters may reveal that Bellasis is Frederick's biological father.
Rochester Hiding The Marquise's Scheme Showed Frederick He Was Truly Alone
He was supposedly Frederick's friend but didn't share the rumors he heard with him
Miles Jupp as Percy the Duke of Rochester in Belgravia The Next Chapter episode 7 - He was supposedly Frederick's friend but didn't share the rumors he heard with him - Rochester Hiding The Marquise's Scheme Showed Frederick He Was Truly Alone
Upon discovering that Marquise d’Etagnac had deceived him, Frederick's initial instinct was to inform the Duke of Rochester before facing Enright, whom he felt had betrayed him based on Ross's manipulation. Surprisingly, the Duke was already suspicious of the Marquise but chose to keep Frederick involved in the silver mine project to safeguard his own reputation. This revealed the unequal nature of their friendship and left Frederick feeling isolated, realizing that even those he considered close were not truly on his side.
The Truth About The Marquise Finally Explained Her Scheme
Mathilde Balmadier caused drama as she needed to control Frederick to get his money
Claude Perron as Mathilde Balmadier-Marquise d'Etagnac in Belgravia The Next Chapter episode 7 - Mathilde Balmadier caused drama as she needed to control Frederick to get his money - The Truth About The Marquise Finally Explained Her Scheme
Marquise d’Etagnac's final scheme was to drive a wedge between Frederick and Clara by spreading rumors about Clara to the elite ladies. She hoped this would lead Frederick to distance himself from Clara and part with more of his money. However, Mr. Ross uncovered the truth about Mathilde Balmadier, revealing that she was indeed a Marquise but not as wealthy as she pretended to be. She had gained her riches through deceit and manipulation within French high society. Despite Mr. Ross's intervention that ultimately enriched her by swindling Frederick, she could have still succeeded in her scam due to the gossip she spread about Clara eventually reaching Frederick.
Frederick's Memories Prove James Could Be Right - Even If He Can't Accept It
Remembering seeing Susan cheating on Oliver might lead Frederick to forgive James
Benjamin Wainwright as Frederick Trenchard in Belgravia The Next Chapter episode 7 - Remembering seeing Susan cheating on Oliver might lead Frederick to forgive James - Frederick's Memories Prove James Could Be Right - Even If He Can't Accept It
Alice Eve’s return as Susan Trenchard to Belgravia: The Next Chapter episode 7 provided a strong validation of James's claim to Frederick about his illegitimacy. Even though Frederick found it hard to trust James based solely on memories of Susan's infidelity to Oliver, it did show the credibility of his brother's words. If someone like Enright or the intended recipient of Enright's letters were to support James's claims, Frederick might be inclined to forgive his brother. This is especially true when considering that James was never to blame, despite Frederick's attempts to justify Oliver's mistreatment of him.
Clara's Escape Felt The Only Possible Choice After Everything That Happened
Between Emily not supporting her & Frederick not trusting her, Clara had a lot on her plate
Harriet Slater as Clara Trenchard in Belgravia The Next Chapter episode 7-1 - Between Emily not supporting her & Frederick not trusting her, Clara had a lot on her plate - Clara's Escape Felt The Only Possible Choice After Everything That Happened
Clara felt like running away from London was her only choice, even though trusting Mr. Ross turned out to be a mistake. Emily didn't understand her perspective and accused her of being self-centered instead of obedient, while Frederick blamed her for causing trouble because of the Marquise. Clara knew she wanted a love-filled marriage like her parents, not just a marriage on paper, so she and Davison decided to escape. Perhaps Frederick realizing what he lost will help him trust Clara more.
The Multiple Betrayals Frederick Suffered Opened His Eyes About Clara
She was the only one upfront, who didn't hide things from him & he shunned her
Benjamin Wainwright as Frederick Trenchard and Liam Garrigan as Fletcher in Belgravia The Next Chapter episode 7 - She was the only one upfront, who didn't hide things from him & he shunned her - The Multiple Betrayals Frederick Suffered Opened His Eyes About Clara
The intense arguments between Frederick and Clara in episode 7 had already upset Frederick, but discovering the Marquise and the Duke’s treachery left him feeling lost. Losing a significant amount of his money and misunderstanding Enright’s letters as another betrayal made Frederick realize that he should have trusted Clara's honesty. She was the only one who had been open with him, wanting nothing more than to love and be loved in return. Although he may have realized this too late, the season finale of Belgravia: The Next Chapter could bring them back together, allowing them to begin their marriage on the right foot.
Belgravia: The Next Chapter’s season finale airs on MGM+ on March 10, 2024.
Editor's P/S:
This article provides an insightful analysis of the dramatic developments in episode 7 of "Belgravia: The Next Chapter." The author effectively highlights the complex relationships and shifting alliances among the characters, setting the stage for an intense season finale. The article's focus on the betrayals and misunderstandings faced by Frederick and Clara is particularly compelling, as it explores the consequences of their strained communication and the potential for reconciliation.
Overall, the article offers a well-written and engaging preview of the upcoming season finale, leaving readers eager to witness the resolution of the storylines and the fate of the main characters. The author's analysis is thought-provoking and provides a deeper understanding of the motivations and conflicts driving the characters, making it an enjoyable read for fans of the series.