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Original poster

The Casual Vacancy...anyone watching?

273 replies

Selks · 15/02/2015 21:52

If so, thoughts so far?

I couldn't get on with the book but I'm enjoying this so far...a cast of fallible and largely unpleasant characters; plot pleasantly complex(ish), good filming - bucolic pretty England with a claustrophobic feel....

Will be interested to see how it develops.

OP posts:
StillStayingClassySanDiego · 15/02/2015 21:55

I didn't read the book and it feels like Waterloo Road knocked up with Midsomer Murders.

It's on but I'm not getting into it.

I'm trying.

MajesticWhine · 15/02/2015 21:59

Quite enjoyed it. Didn't quite get that weird closing scene. Serves me right for mumsnetting and not concentrating properly.

FabulousFudge · 15/02/2015 21:59

I didn't enjoy the book, although it was well written and I didn't enjoy tonight's episode. I will probably watch the whole thing though.

Original poster
Selks · 15/02/2015 22:02

I consciously paid attention during the episode, I thought I would probably not get into it otherwise. I reckon that was worth doing as some of the little details were important.

OP posts:
MerryInthechelseahotel · 15/02/2015 22:02

I enjoyed it apart from the shock when he died. I liked his character

Callooh · 15/02/2015 22:04

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GreenShadow · 15/02/2015 22:08

Hmm. Not quite sure what to make of it. I enjoyed the book (as much as it was possible to) but wouldn't have thought it would have translated to the small screen very well. I suppose it has, but I worry that there are just too many characters for a relatively short series.

Cooroo · 15/02/2015 22:10

Loved it. I thoroughly enjoyed the book too. Rory Kinnear is one of my favourite actors so I'm sorry we lost him in first eipaode, but I thought there were many good performances. Most characters are unlikeable but I loved the way Rowling showed us how they saw themselves.

Southeastdweller · 15/02/2015 22:10

Very rushed feel to me and I wish they'd done a six-parter instead of a three part series.

TheFecklessFairy · 15/02/2015 22:11

I LOVED it - at least, something worthwhile watching on a Sunday!

Bakeoffcake · 15/02/2015 22:11

I read the book and would recommend it.

I do agree with StillStaying about it feeling rather Midsommer Murders tonight. Maybe it will get better. I also wonder how they can fit the whole story into just 3 episodes.

FreakinScaryCaaw · 15/02/2015 22:12

I couldn't get into it. I haven't read the book.

Might try again on iplayer?

GreenShadow · 15/02/2015 22:13

Yes, I can't see how it can be done properly in 3 episodes.

mewkins · 15/02/2015 22:13

I never got round to reading the book (lots of people told me it was depressing etc) but enjoyed this first episode! Lots of social horrors but some decent people thrown into the mix too. I think it will be good.

ShipwreckedAndComatose · 15/02/2015 22:14

I enjoyed the book too. I loved the fact that most of the characters were not particularly likeable.

I enjoyed a lot of the acting tonight (Keely hawes for example... I thought she was great)

lovelychops · 15/02/2015 22:17

I quite enjoyed the book, so I'm interested to see it adapted for tv. Thought keeley hawes was great.

sosix · 15/02/2015 22:18

Enjoyed it and think it will really warm up.

DustBunnyFarmer · 15/02/2015 22:19

I have the book on my hall table as a friend lent it to me. I'm getting the feeling it's probably not worth it/a grim read. I quite liked the episode tonight although most of the characters seemed deeply unlikeable and unpleasant. If the book is similar, I think JK Rowling must have got a lot of bile off her chest writing it.

DustBunnyFarmer · 15/02/2015 22:20

Ah feck, what mangled metaphors ^.

Georgina1975 · 15/02/2015 22:20

I really liked the book and enjoyed the episode tonight. Thought actors playing Andrew and Kyrstal were great.

mumofthemonsters808 · 15/02/2015 22:21

I enjoyed it and did not expect to.

RingtheBells · 15/02/2015 22:23

I really liked the book and am enjoying this, bit concerned how everything is going to fit into 3 hours though.

Torwood · 15/02/2015 22:24

It's a very good book IMO and I'm a bit reluctant to watch this as I've read that they've changed it to make it less grim. The book is grim but it's the grimness that makes it believable I think. I will watch it but I'm not sure it will work with a happy ending.

ShipwreckedAndComatose · 15/02/2015 22:29

I agree torwood, I was a bit Shock when I heard they'd changed it as it seemed important to the message of the book. So I am interested to see how they have altered things and what that does to the feel of the story.

AWholeLottaNosy · 15/02/2015 22:31

I found it just as boring, cold and uninvolving as the book. I never finished it, and I always finish books! Horrid.