Rebus - remake of series starts tonight at 9:25 on BBC1 (Saturday 18 May 2024)

[IwantToRetire]

Have to admit I never watched the original apart from the odd episode here and there.

But thought I would post a link for anyone interested

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001yjr6

(Couldn't see another link so sorry if a duplicate.)

Is it the same crimes as the Ken Stott one?

Only a couple of episodes in and I totally agree with the comments about this being really cliched:

• troubled ex-army cop with a failed marriage and drink problem (cue predictable will-he-won’t-he shot in pub where he is tempted by the demon drink) - tick
• working class main male character with middle class ex-wife and even more middle class daughter (it’s rarely the other way round) - tick
• again, working class male cop with middle class female partner who at first don’t get each other but then eventually bond (when - shocker - the ‘posh’ partner gets drunk and hungover) - tick
• drug dealing gangsters with boxing club connections - tick
• troubled relationship with (even more ex-army) brother - tick
• totally unrealistic family connection in the main crime - tick

The list goes on.

I've never seen but people say original is good

Away at moment but will try and watch e1 and let you know my thoughts 😂

I've read all the books and have liked them all, but admit to having a bit of Cafferty fatigue.

I am looking forward to see this new TV iteration when it becomes available in the US.

That's what I'm like so when o see if - if will be on its own Merits

It maybe that you could create a week by week thread if you thought it worthwhile.

Seems most on here have binge watched.

Agree, too many clichés, but as a local it was fun spotting the filming locations. Does anyone recognise where the ex wife's fabulous family home was set? Looks to have a view of Calton Hill in the background.

Can't quote a quote @IwantToRetire but will do if I think any good 😂

I would never have thought Richard Rankin could look like Ken Stott but now it's all I can see.

I’ve read enough of the books to have expected a heavy focus on music, too - seems a bizarre thing to change, for what purpose? I thought it was ok for what it was, but not the Rebus we know and love

I actually wondered if this was even Ian Rankin writing at some points. I think the casting for Rebus is ok but I’m not sure that I’m getting the ‘troubled’ Rebus who had us on his side in spite of all his character flaws . The love of music has gone - which showed us his character too so that’s a shame .
One thing that did jar was the ages of people - Rebus too young in comparison to the Cafferty character ( they are of similar ages in the books - both been round the block a few times)
The one but of casting which has really annoyed me is Gill - she is supposed to be Rebus’ age and they had a romantic relationship for a good while ( which contributed to the work dynamic) so that has gone and feels wrong too.

I had to stop watching after a few minutes as the wobbly camera was making me a bit seasick. I don't care if it makes the action look more gritty, get a steady cam so the viewers can concentrate on the action. DH will watch it without me as he's less bothered by it.

I think I read that Ian rankin passed the screenplay writing over to someone else but is said to approve of the result…

I'm enjoying it, 3 episodes in! I think they've done really well with the interiors, his brother's flat is absolutely perfect, and so is his flat.

I don't know the back story with Rhona, his ex, but if she's moved into that huge-house-posh-accent-work-in-finance Edinburgh set then best of luck to her, they are dull as ditchwater.

The plot is a bit so-so: where's the mystery to it?

I really like Richard Rankin's facial expressions and it is nice to see people freely using the word cunt, as they definitely do all over the central belt (probably not the financial types).

Im another fan of Ken Stott and thought John Hannah miscast.
Glad to know it's worth sticking with - at first sight (I've only watched half an episode) I though whoa who's this guy far too young. But I loved Endeavour so if it's a 'prequel' type thing I'll give it a go.

John Hannah was cast 20 years too early.

I'd forgotten about John Hannah.

I didn't like him as Rebus either 😄.

Too grim.
I deleted the recording of Episode 2.

I have read all the Rebus books, loved them.

This series was enjoyable enough. I can cope with all the differences if they keep the essence right.

The only thing that really bothered me is that he didn't seem to do much police work. Maybe he will in future series.

This is exactly what I thought. I won't be watching any more

I'd also love to know where that house is. It's stunning!

If you called him Smith or Robertson instead of Rebus, he’d just be yet another troubled police officer. None of the heart, none of the love of music that is central to his character. And he dresses wrong, no way would Rebus be slobbing about in hoodies and leather jackets.

Same here. I preferred John Hannah, the first Rebus, to Stott. Richard Rankin is grittier than either.
@DrStrangesSmarterSister This series is based on the first Rebus novel when he first teams up with Siobhan Clark. Rankin is a fine Rebus and, bonus point, is possessed of striking blue eyes.

I'm not familiar with the books or previous series but did anyone else notice the weird low quality camera work and film quality.
I was so distracted by it it felt like watching The Bill or neighbours in the nineties, I can only guess it was intentional for some atmospheric reason but it looked really old even though it's supposed to be now.
Also the strange grim sets like George's house was giving massive 90's Neighbours vibes and Michael's was a good representation of a deprived house maybe in the 80's but a huge stretch for 2024, even the posh house looked a bit naff.
And what on earth was with that super strange, insipid, old/ young from another era Maggie.
All in all for want of a better word the strangness gave me the ick.

*I absolutely love shows set in the 80's/ 90's done well with high quality tech this was something completely different.

I binged because I love the books and live locally. But I’m a stickler for details so I annoyed my DH by saying things like, “ he lives in Arden Street, not the Vennel” and “he’s supposed to be the same age as Cafferty” etc. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it was an Edinburgh based police drama not called Rebus. He was too good looking, fit (did you see him on the stairs in the old town?) and naked for the Rebus I know! I did get into the story more at about episode 3. I think the posh house is Glasgow no? I walked all the posh Edinburgh streets during lockdown and didn’t recognise it but I could be wrong 😂. Anyway, I will watch season 2 because I like the scenery. Also did anyone notice they mentioned the attack in McJagger was Monday 3 June which is today?!