So here's the deal: it's been established by episode 12 of 13 that the show is not the books. It is an entity of its own, paying truly thoughtful homage to the source material while maintaining a unique identity.
It's also not a mega-budget, critic favorite. That's not what this is. It was picked up by ABC Family, not bloody HBO.
In other words: If you have found by this episode that you're over whatever issues you have had with the show, you're over it. If not, you may never be. Because this episode was everything I could have dreamed of as a fan, and far more.
The writers are very smart; they chose to bring this specific couple to the forefront of the first season, rather than wait to give it the slow-burn treatment (that most gay relationships seem to get on television, and as it gets in the novels). And what's more is that it is treated like any other beautiful fictional relationship, regardless of sexuality. I feel like in light of recent llama drama relating to LGBTQ folks on TV being treated quite unfairly, this was a refreshing work of television.
This is not an awkward cast; they have genuine chemistry, and my goodness, it shows in this episode. The writers have taken a close look at character personalities, complexes, and inner struggles, and the cast has done fantastic at bringing these people to life.
One aspect I was really impressed by was the historical nature of the plot here; they introduce Ragnor, and you see and here bits that are evocative of The Infernal Devices. As a massive fan of that series, as well, it was heartwarming to watch... And may have made me slightly less skeptical on the subject of a potential adaptation.
Basically: This made the show for me. I'm floored. Thank goodness it's getting a second season; I daresay they will improve!
It's also not a mega-budget, critic favorite. That's not what this is. It was picked up by ABC Family, not bloody HBO.
In other words: If you have found by this episode that you're over whatever issues you have had with the show, you're over it. If not, you may never be. Because this episode was everything I could have dreamed of as a fan, and far more.
The writers are very smart; they chose to bring this specific couple to the forefront of the first season, rather than wait to give it the slow-burn treatment (that most gay relationships seem to get on television, and as it gets in the novels). And what's more is that it is treated like any other beautiful fictional relationship, regardless of sexuality. I feel like in light of recent llama drama relating to LGBTQ folks on TV being treated quite unfairly, this was a refreshing work of television.
This is not an awkward cast; they have genuine chemistry, and my goodness, it shows in this episode. The writers have taken a close look at character personalities, complexes, and inner struggles, and the cast has done fantastic at bringing these people to life.
One aspect I was really impressed by was the historical nature of the plot here; they introduce Ragnor, and you see and here bits that are evocative of The Infernal Devices. As a massive fan of that series, as well, it was heartwarming to watch... And may have made me slightly less skeptical on the subject of a potential adaptation.
Basically: This made the show for me. I'm floored. Thank goodness it's getting a second season; I daresay they will improve!
