This review is for viewers who read the books and were hoping for a faithful and vivid adaptation. Having seen the first 6 episodes, I have to say this show piqued my interest early, but started to lose me after the first couple episodes. It definitely makes an effort early on to translate the tone and setting of the book, with some good casting and a few excellent portrayals of the quirky puzzles that made many of fall in love with the books. I was really excited after the first two episodes that maybe Disney would pull off an adaptation that preserved the author's style and intent throughout. A few highlights:
- casting is generally good, even with some characters whose descriptions might make casting difficult. Reynie, Rhonda, and Constance stand out in this regard. But for his hair, Sticky looks just like in the book.
- the setting has a futuristic '50s feel, with bright colors, striking wardrobes, and a diverse cast, the show definitely feels like it's set in a "place" not just a generic city, but doesn't feel like any specific place from the real world either. It's an artistic choice that helps sell the outlandish elements of the story, IMO.
-many nods to details of the book. The puzzles as mentioned before, narcolepsy, Miss Perumal, the Recruiters/Ten Men, No. 2s constant snacking, Milligan's disguises, all make early appearances.
Unfortunately, once the show establishes these elements from the book, it generally fails to use them as the story progresses, and to me becomes frustratingly generic. On top of that, further developments don't bring in new elements from the book, but create greater distance between the show and its source material. Mr. Benedict's narcolepsy gives way to nervous outbursts. Constance is obstinate and annoying, but not toddler-like (her constant napping that perplexed the crew never appears). Rhonda and No. 2 have a side plot in episode 3 or 4 that has no bearing on the story. Curtain never gets his wheelchair and sunglasses, which his character in the book uses as tools to mask his narcolepsy and constant rage. Kate doesn't get to show the full range of her creativity and athleticism. SQ is now Curtain's introspective adopted son.
Most disappointing for me, however, was that the narrative energy that was lost by neglecting the book was replaced with tired Disney tropes. Children in a supposedly rigorous school are shown doing everything but class work. A leader has a crisis of confidence after every setback and gets a motivational speech from those around him/her. Main character has to lie/break rules to advance the plot, which normally they wouldn't do but it's ok because they're conflicted about it and there's never any consequences anyway. Too many false moments of suspense to count. I don't know if there was pressure from the higher-ups to go this direction or if it's lazy writing, but either way it doesn't work for me.
Overall, Disney had a chance to bring an original and interesting children's story to a new audience, but ended up turning it into a surprisingly generic school tv show. 4 stars for trying to stay relevant in the first two episodes, otherwise I might give it 2.
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