Scandal, power struggles and forbidden romance

STEVEN Knight's historical drama House of Guinness became a huge talking point when it recently dropped on Netflix.

- DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

DANIELE Galligan as Lady Olivia-Hedges-White and James Norton as Sean Rafferty in a scene from the historical drama, House of Guinness.

(BEN BLACKALL Netflix)

This dramatised eight-part series is centred on the celebrated family behind the brewing company in 19th-century Ireland and New York.

On the back of the passing of Benjamin Guinness, there is significant anxiety surrounding the succession plan.

His four children - Arthur Guinness (Anthony Boyle), the eldest son; Edward Guinness (Louis Partridge); Anne Plunket (née Guinness) (Emily Fairn); and Benjamin Lee Guinness II (Fionn O’Shea) - find themselves surprised by the contents of his will, bequeathing a chunk of the family fortune and legacy to Arthur and Edward.

However, as the eldest son, Arthur, is given privileges befitting his status, while Edward is meant to support him. Should they decide against taking up the baton to work together, they forfeit their inheritance.

Meanwhile, relatives are also swarming around, looking to claim a stake in the empire.

The personal challenges between them also feed into the drama.

Arthur is in the closet and has to find a wife for appearances. Edward needs to do the same, however, his savvy businessman skills don’t extend to relationships.

When it comes to popular offerings, the main characters tend to hog the spotlight. However, the supporting characters play a crucially important role in the show’s success.

This series is a fascinating brew of scandal, power struggles, rebellion, forbidden romance, betrayal and political intrigue.

Now let’s unpack the curveballs and the characters behind them.

The dashing looks of Sean Rafferty (James Norton), who is the head warehouse foreman at Guinness Brewery as well as a security-cum-fixer for the family, cannot be overstated.