In the STARZ series Howards End, viewers are transported to the early 20th century and introduced to two vastly different families, the Schlegels and the Wilcoxes. Margaret Schlegel, played by Hayley Atwell, is an intellectual and independent woman, who along with her sister Helen (Philippa Coulthard), manages to make friends with the wealthy Paul Wilcox (Jonah Hauer-King). However, despite their well-intentioned attempts to remain friends, the families soon find themselves at odds with one another.
The show explores themes of class, gender, love, and money, all set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society. In the world of the Wilcox family, wealth and social status are everything, while the Schlegel family is bound by their intellectual pursuits and their desire to maintain independence. Despite their differences, Margaret and Paul develop a deep connection, but it soon becomes clear that their families are not interested in such a union.
As the story unfolds, viewers get to see the inner workings of both families, each with its own share of secrets and closed doors. Matthew Macfadyen plays the stern, no-nonsense Henry Wilcox, who is every bit as formidable as his wealth suggests. He is married to Ruth, played by Julia Ormond, a seemingly frail and delicate woman who harbors a secret that threatens to unravel the family.
Meanwhile, the Schlegel sisters find themselves embroiled in their own dramas, with Helen falling for the charming but volatile businessman Leonard Bast (Joseph Quinn), while Margaret tries to navigate her way through the complexities of her relationship with Paul. Throughout it all, the show explores the shifting power dynamics between men and women, the impact of social class on individuals and society as a whole, and the desperate need for human connection in a world where everyone seems to be chasing their own interests.
Despite its period setting, Howards End feels entirely modern, tackling issues that are just as relevant today as they were a century ago. At its core, the show is a meditation on the things that truly matter in life
Howards End is a series that ran for 2 seasons (7 episodes) between April 6, 2018 and on STARZ
