Snowflake Challenge #5

[margaret_r]

 

In your own space, promote a canon/talk about a part of canon that you love. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

To be honest, I haven’t watched any new shows for awhile but the old ones, like Stargate Atlantis, Hawaii 50, The Professionals (TV), Lewis (TV) are all still favourites, even when canon sends them into places I didn’t want them to go.

There’s one show I have been watching recently that pings not so much a love of canon as an appreciation. Mr Mercedes is based on the book of the same name by Stephen King. Often when King’s work is transferred to the screen it’s a case of ‘dare I watch’, and usually a case of ‘don’t bother’. Mr Mercedes is an exception in that both the premise and feel of the book have made it to the small screen quite successfully. There are differences of course and I’m not totally convinced by the changes made to the finale, but generally I was pleased with the way the work has been handled. Of course I can’t speak to season 2 or season 3 as I’ve only watched the first season so far, but hopefully they are just as faithful to the novels.

Another thing with the series is the acting, which is superb. The characters are as I imagined them and the actors do a great job of bring them to life, especially Brendan Gleeson as the irascible retired cop, Bill Hodges, Harry Treadaway as a chilling villain of the piece, Brady Hartsfield and particularly Justine Lupe as the autistic Holly Gibney.

The story is almost typical serial killer evades cops while at the same time taunting them, but the characterisations and twists in the plot make it quite compulsive viewing, although having read the book I did know what was coming next, mostly!

I’ve enjoyed the first series and hope the next two are as good.

Comments

[moth2fic]

That sounds really interesting. I've had the novels on my 'to buy' list for ages - you won't have seen them on my wishlist because I expect to buy the e-books so don't put them there. I still think I'll read the books before watching the show - it sounds from your review as though that's the best way to go! I'm always stunned by Stephen King's work even when it's something I don't enjoy! This series sounds excellent!

[margaret_r]

I really enjoyed the books and I think you probably would too. There are differences in the series that could be quibbled about but overall it's still a gripping watch, so you'd be best to read the books first.

[sperrywink]

Sounds like it would be right up my alley, despite being S. King. Usually, he is too horror-based for me. But I seem to gravitate to serial killer TV. Here's hoping the next 2 seasons are to your liking and are faithful to the book!

[margaret_r]

The first two books in King's series are purely crime stories, the third diverges to some extent. If you like serial killer TV then you'll enjoy the first season of Mr Mercedes, there is enough variance from the norm to make it a bit different from the average serial killer/cop show. If you do get a chance to see it, I do hope you do enjoy:)

[peoriapeoriawhereart]

I've only read short stories or watched scripts he wrote/treatments of things he's bylined.

Horror isn't my fave, and very long books are a commitment without knowing Is this properly edited?

[margaret_r]

King does sometimes write stories that aren't horror or supernatural and Mr Mercedes is one of his purely crime novels, as is the TV show. His books do tend to be rather long but his writing is so good I don't usually notice the length!

[sw33n3y]

Oh, I haven't see this one around. Is it a network, or on-demand series?

'The story is almost typical serial killer evades cops while at the same time taunting them'

I do usually find that type of scenario entertaining.

[margaret_r]

I'm watching it on Foxtel on Demand. The whole three series were shown a while ago on Foxtel but I missed them at the time. Not sure where else it might be obtainable.

Hope you manage to see it. it is very good:)

[kat_lair]

I tend to avoid serial killer media but this sounds interesting. And generally I like King's storytelling...

[margaret_r]

King is a great storyteller, he delves into his character's psyche and makes them real people. I think that's why I like his books so much, although some are better than others! Mr Mercedes is one of the good ones in my opinion and the series at least follows the book in greater detail than a lot of King adaptations.