As I watch this series, I find that my mind is divided between the stellar cast and the trite script. Throughout, there are frequent call-backs to Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie; however, based on this series, the author, Anthony Horowitz, doesn't come close to matching wits with these stalwarts.
The cast, which includes Lesley Manville, Tim McMullan, and Matthew Beard, just to name a few, are at the top of their form. The script, however, demands that they cite the most ridiculous lines. The mystery is prosaic, the cutting between the life within the book and the life in the "so called" reality is hackneyed. The development of the relationships between the main characters is, I must say, the sole redeeming factor.
I love Lesley Manville's work. She's worth the price of admission, no matter the project. The cinematographer has drawn upon her beauty by focusing on her expressive face. She is a strong, intelligent woman living in a male dominated world. She should shine, but the dialogue lets her down. I cringed too many times to give this a higher rating. Looking at the star power of this series, I wanted to love it. However . . .
The cast, which includes Lesley Manville, Tim McMullan, and Matthew Beard, just to name a few, are at the top of their form. The script, however, demands that they cite the most ridiculous lines. The mystery is prosaic, the cutting between the life within the book and the life in the "so called" reality is hackneyed. The development of the relationships between the main characters is, I must say, the sole redeeming factor.
I love Lesley Manville's work. She's worth the price of admission, no matter the project. The cinematographer has drawn upon her beauty by focusing on her expressive face. She is a strong, intelligent woman living in a male dominated world. She should shine, but the dialogue lets her down. I cringed too many times to give this a higher rating. Looking at the star power of this series, I wanted to love it. However . . .