Big Little Lies - I really liked this show based on the novel of the same title. It had a murder mystery on hand - who died, and who did the crime - and it focused on the lives of these women and how the whole event ended the way it did. The adaptation did take some creative liberties, but it is still a solid show with a fantastic cast. I'm not really sure about the second season, but when it rolls around, I will still watch it.
Sherlock - I wanted to go with Elementary for this one, because I spent the last year binging on 5 seasons, but in terms of being closer to its source, Sherlock seems the way to go. It is about the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, and how they go and solve crimes. I still haven't seen the last episode of this show, and heard how bad it was that I wanted my memories of this show to be just the positive (and so I won't have a problem binge-watching this in the future).
A Series of Unfortunate Events - The main theme of the show was stuck in my head for a couple of weeks! This is a story of three orphans and their misadventures in life, particularly their encounters with Count Olaf. With only thirteen books to adapt, this show has a small life span, but the adaptation was done very well.
I love Big Little Lies and Sherlock! I haven't seen Series of Unfortunate events though, I only saw the film.
ReplyDeleteThe show is more fleshed out compared to the film. I'm excited for the rest of the episodes since it hasn't been adapted onscreen.
DeleteI liked Big Little Lies *a lot*. Curious to see what they have in store for the second season, and with Streep on board no less. Skarsgard was SO good in it, and now they're saying he might come back?? So many questions.
ReplyDeleteI really want to see A Series of Unfortunate Events. And yeah, I'd say not just the last episode but pretty much the whole last season of Sherlock was pretty bland. Which is really a shame because I love it, too - it's such a brilliant and unique show!
How are they bringing him back?!?! I'm excited to see where the show will go in its next season.
DeleteSherlock's quality has deteriorated but it was a good show. I'd probably stick to the first two to three seasons though.
Nothing is set yet, but I assume flashbacks?
DeleteSome media is saying the show hasn't confirmed he's dead because Skarsgard made a joke at the Globes. But that's stupid, I can't believe big publications like Esquire, and event to some extent Vulture, ran with that story.
There was a murder investigation. His body was on those stairs, being analysed by forensics. THERE WAS A FUNERAL.
He's probably doing most of his scenes with Streep, since it's going to be a flashback, but I was hoping for Streep's involvement in the present time and not bring Skarsgard back. With how the casting is going, his role is going to be diminished. He is good, but I don't see enough reason to bring him back.
DeleteGreat picks! I haven't read A Series of Unfortunate Events but the show was great. The other two I loved both series and books.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read A Series of Unfortunate Events since I was a kid, but I'm excited for the remaining seasons.
DeleteEnded up really enjoyed Big Little Lies, wasn't sure of the first 2 episodes then I got in to it. Also love Sherlock and not seen series 4. YES! ASOUE is immense! I love the adaptation with all the little nods and hints to future books (I think they're in there for the fans) super excited and love this show so much!
ReplyDeleteBig Little Lies was intense, and had fantastic performances from the leads.
DeleteI've only seen Sherlock which I liked though I wasn't a regular viewer. Big Little Lies is on my want to see list but I don't have HBO so I'll have to wait until it becomes more widely available. I haven't seen any of the last.
ReplyDeleteI went with favorite books turned into good miniseries for my three.
East of Eden (1981)-Comprehensive telling of the John Steinbeck masterpiece itself a twist of the Cain and Abel parable is effectively rendered if slightly weakened by a mushy performance by Timothy Bottoms as main protagonist Adam Trask. But it is entirely worth seeking out for Jane Seymour’s virtuoso turn as one of the most venal females in literature. Her work as the soulless Cathy/Kate is a revelation-she is by turns vindictive, coy, feral, enchanting and chilling. It is one of THE best pieces of acting in television history. For her work alone this is a must see but it is a very effectively told tale with many other fine performances especially Lloyd Bridges as a version of the author’s own grandfather Samuel Hamilton.
Tales of the City (1993)-Based on Armistead Maupin’s first book in his Tales series this is a bittersweet look at the denizens of the bohemian apartments of 28 Barbary Lane in swingin’ 70’s San Francisco whose owner Anna Madrigal (Olympia Dukakis) is the freest of spirits. Full of wonderful period detail and fine acting from at the time rising performers such as Laura Linney as naïve new girl in town Mary Ann Singleton and Chloe Webb as nonconformist Mona Ramsey as well as Parker Posey, Paul Gross, Thomas Gibson and a wealth of others. Followed by several sequels.
The Stand (1994)-Solid rendering of Stephen King’s chronicle of a nearly annihilating plague followed by a battle of good versus evil features an excellent cast (Gary Sinise, Laura San Giacomo, Ruby Dee etc.) and involving story telling though it does have some ill-conceived special effects even for the time. Outside of that misstep this is about as good a version of the story as can be had.
I haven't seen any of these shows, but I do want to watch some of the current Stephen King adaptations.
DeleteI'm so bad about TV. I haven't seen any of these shows.
ReplyDeleteIt's ok! What I like about these lists are that we can all get something new, or discover something that we'd be interested in, or where our opinions vary.
DeleteI did enjoy Big Little Lies but it was a bit overrated. Kidman was great, Witherspoon was her usual smug self. But all the ladies made the show entertaining and Adam Scott is always so likable
ReplyDeleteI have only seen Sherlock and really enjoy it but I haven’t seen all the episodes. I haven’t seen the other 2 at all but would like to see Big Little Lies.
ReplyDeleteI want to watch Big Little Lies and really enjoyed ASoUE. I know a lot of people love Sherlock, but it's not for me.
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