I live in San Francisco, I read all the books, and loved the original P.B.S. series. I'm definitely in the target audience. There are parts of the series that they get right and enjoy. From a nostalgic point of view, it's fun and delightful seeing the original actors: Olympia Dukakis and Laura Linney playing Mrs Madrigal and MaryAnne Singleton. Murray Bartlett and Ellen Page are welcome additions and fit right in to the cast as Michael Tolliver and Shauna. Armistead Maupin's story has always had a whimsical "alternative, somewhat idealized reality " that you have to somewhat suspend reality to be on board for both the books and the television series. The new writers have maintained this tone which has it's pros and cons. The pros are: it's cute and whimsical. Gay men also enjoy it for being able to see men actually doing more than kissing. The P. C. sex scenes of all genders are plentiful throughout the episodes. The overall story lines seem slow and very drawn out over the 10 episodes. I'm an attempt to please everyone, particularly a younger maybe more progressive crowd, there's the young kids storyline with the trans and gender fluid kids. A 2 hour movie would have moved the story along in a more smooth and succinct way, instead of "way to many " conversations about people and past events. (The worst stereotypes of the daytime soaps when fans complain about the snails pace of stories). If you're stuck home with the flu or it's bad weather outside, it's not a bad way to pass the time. If you want an entertaining well written, cohesive plot drive show with characters you're invested in, try something like "Schitts Creek ". I was really disappointed with this one!
Review of Tales of the City
