Donkey's years since I read the book, but I am guessing this was quite a free adaptation. I remember the book had something to do with time travel, but other than that nothing rang any bells. Wasn't there a robotic monk?
Dirk Gently - Pilot (TV) Page 4
Thought this was excellent, especially for a pilot, really hopes it gets a series.
Of course, it played hard and fast with some of the "facts" from the book(s), most notably the relationships between the main characters, but the spirit of Dirk Gently has, IMHO, been realized brilliantly.
It also reminded me of "Sherlock" to a certain extent which is certainly no bad thing.
Quote: Tony Cowards @ December 18 2010, 3:37 PM GMTIt also reminded me of "Sherlock" to a certain extent which is certainly no bad thing.
Yes, me too.
I thought that really worked. It was an excellent sitcom that also worked as pretty enjoyable crime drama, albeit with some wonderfully preposterous quantum machinations weaving its way around the plot. The likes of Morse and Poirot never had to contend with a time travelling cat even in their most complicated cases. A fine ensemble cast (Mrs Worboys!), some fine acting and I really hope that a series will develop from it.
I thought it was excellent. A great show and some great dynamics between the characters were established. It's been yonks since I read any Gently either, but this was a fine return to form for DNA's legacy. It almost makes up for that atrocious H2G2 film.
It was good, though I'm not sure it was much like the books (been ages since I read them, but I'm sure they were weirder and more expansive). Though the reasons for that are pretty obvious ones, relating to cash and having to try and turn it into something that could function as a returning TV show.
Hope it gets a full run.
Quote: Matthew Stott @ December 30 2010, 3:29 PM GMTIt was good, though I'm not sure it was much like the books (been ages since I read them, but I'm sure they were weirder and more expansive). Though the reasons for that are pretty obvious ones, relating to cash and having to try and turn it into something that could function as a returning TV show.
Indeed. Also worth remembering that this was just a pilot for the time being, so naturally there would have been a few extra liberties taken then.
It was a good adaptation, but I felt the way the lead character was pitched was ever so slightly off. In the books, he's ditzy, dishonest and doesn't always remember to take account of other people, but he always struck me as just *just* above deliberately stealing from a friend. So the very last scene didn't quite sit right, but that might just be me?
I've never read the books, bit of a slacker in that department. I agree the stealing from a friend didn't sit right with the character for me either. I really liked this though and hope it gets a series.
I really rate Stephen Mangan too. He does come across as a top bloke and I think he's an excellent comic actor. I never really appreciated just how much actors can do for a role until I tried to write. ...Although that could just be my shit writing.
I'd like to give him a cuddle.
Quote: Griff @ January 6 2011, 12:02 AM GMTStephen Mangan was interviewed on Front Row tonight and he seems like a top bloke. I am now pleased I voted this show as my second favourite Comedy Drama in the BCG poll despite my earlier lukewarm review.
So you now judge shows by how likeable the people in them are? Because I hear there are some really nice guys behind Coming of Age.
Quote: chipolata @ December 18 2010, 7:01 AM GMTThe writer went blind and I thought she'd made Mole blind in later books to reflect her condition? Maybe.
Mole's best mate, Nigel, went blind to reflect her condition.
Liked this a lot. Hope they make many more. I always preferred the Dirk Gently books to H2G2 anyway. Though I disagree with Walker: the second book is ace and much better than the first.
Dan
I really enjoyed the show. And the rerun. And the second rerun.
I might not have enjoyed it this much if it wasn't such a long time since I read the Dirk Gently books (weren't they only two? Were there more?).
Two, with a third unfinished and possibly-to-be-turned-into-another-Hitchhikers at the time of Adams' death.