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Strike - The JKR TV series

131 replies

OnceUponACat · 13/09/2020 11:05

Apologies if it has been discussed before, I could not find it anywhere.

I am enjoying watching it for but I am annoyed and irked too. For someone like Rawling so many years after HP and still so many cliches: the ugly male detective with the clever cute female sidekick who is happy to work for pittance; Robin’s overgroomed doll look; Cormoran being seen as an appealing partner even though drinks himself to a stupor and is clearly not commitment friendly, etc etc.

Is it me or we could do better than that?

OP posts:
merrymouse · 14/09/2020 07:41

Tom Burke the actor happens to have a cleft lip. It isn’t in the character description.

You might not find him attractive, but plenty of people do.

allfalldown47 · 14/09/2020 07:47

Overgrown doll, jeez what an awful thing to say about another woman!

And to echo other Tom Burke is very attractive, not my type but clearly many others!

ChequerBoard · 14/09/2020 08:01

I'm watching the final episode of Lethal White this morning. I have listened to all the audio books of the Strike series and much prefer them to the TV series. I find my attention wandering from the TV at several points every episode.

Somehow the TV version just isn't as engaging and really lacks the backstories and character development of Strike and Robin that drives my interest. The actual crime stories in each book aren't really anything special, it's the stories that wrap around them about Corm, Robin, Matt, Charlotte etc that makes them something better.

Whatsnewpussyhat · 14/09/2020 08:12

The first series has been on the Alibi channel recently as I recorded it. They tend to repeat things regularly.

RobinlovesCormoran · 14/09/2020 08:24

Parts of JKR are in Robin, having been in an abusive relationship with her first child's father. JKR has also been unemployed or working for buttons. She halted her first career to be with a man who didn't respect her. She is a survivor. Robin has been raped, her husband cheated on her twice, and she is a survivor. Robin was almost killed in the third book. She gets entirely fed-up with people saying they know what's best for her. The only person who doesn't tell her what to do, how to behave, is Strike. He gives her the freedom to think for herself. I think she finds that liberating.

Tom Burke isn't classically handsome but he has charisma and a presence which has served him well as a stage actor. He is very attractive in that regard. I think he's a bit too good looking to be Strike (sorry) because hs's not chunky, or bashed up enough. They have made him look taller and boxier in the series by using clever costuming . Robin doesn't like him because he's handsome, she likes him for who he is.

I think Holliday Granger is a fantastic actress which a great aptitude for regional and RP accents. She is pretty, but in the books Robin is pretty. Strike notices she is pretty. Holliday is brilliant as Robin, because she brings out her strengths and vulnerabilities. I think the Robin I read about is Holliday. You can be pretty AND intelligent. Your aspirations can be derailed, but you will find a way back. You are worth everything you aspire to. I think the OP needs to read the books, because the TV show doesn't capture Robin, wholly.

persistentwoman · 14/09/2020 08:51

Interesting thread - and well done OP for taking on board criticism so graciously.
The new Strike novel is released later this month - Troubled Blood. My copy's on order from my local bookshop. The books are great - I've really enjoyed reading them.

testing987654321 · 14/09/2020 08:54

I have read the first Strike book. I was surprised at how much it is written in a male gaze style. I wondered if JK wrote it deliberately to sound like a male writer so people wouldn't guess it was her. So I am not really surprising the TV version is similar.

LaurieFairyCake · 14/09/2020 09:11

One of the reasons I like Vera is that's a show where a woman is properly prized for her mind. She's not disabled but she does get physical help from those around who are younger/fitter

In Strike he has to lean physically on her and is comfortable to do so.

In both series we see characters who have some acceptance of ageing/disability and I'm so glad they are both there - there's so bloody little of physical human frailty on TV.

In last nights episode Robins intelligence and work is commented on favourably by Strike - he says it took him years to learn to be as good as her.

I do think we haven't seen a chubby, disabled woman in a worthwhile role - and I can't imagine it being made the other way round

ChequerBoard · 14/09/2020 09:18

What about Maisie Raine - an old ITV detective series starring Pauline Quirke in the title role as the female lead? I only bring it up because it's being repeated on ITV2 at the moment.

VickySunshine · 14/09/2020 09:25

I prefer Morse. I can relate to being a grumpy old git. And I have a Jaguar.

Wandawomble · 14/09/2020 10:46

Prime Suspect. That’s my favourite of all the crime type things featuring women. Helen Mirren is the best and it was so ahead of its time.

Thedisco2000 · 14/09/2020 12:51

testing I was surprised by the male gaze and male wish fullfilment stuff in the first book. Strike checking out a female cleaner's behind and the going back to stare at her again, and also getting to sleep with a gorgeous younger photo model.
At the same time, JK very clearly uses on her own experience with an abusive relationship and having ptsd from male violence while writing Robin's story.
I'm looking forward to Troubled blood. According to reviews there will be content that will further upset the TRAs. It will be interesting to see what actually happens in the book.

Al1Langdownthecleghole · 14/09/2020 13:12

I've preordered book 5 on audible for tomorrow and am looking forward to getting stuck in. I agree with PP that as so often, the TV series doesn't explore any of the characters in any depth. Villains particularly rarely have any nuance.

The guardian published a list of top female crime writer books a while back, though it's by no means misogyny free. www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/books/2019/may/16/50-great-thrillers-by-women-agatha-christie-gillian-flynn-val-mcdermid

Have to say, I enjoyed the Thursday murder club by Richard Osman, it is written with courtesy towards female characters and allows them to have interesting lives.

heathspeedwell · 14/09/2020 14:43

Got Troubled Blood this morning, I've been loving every minute of sitting in the garden devouring it.

The critics weren't wrong when they said it's her best one yet. It was an effort to tear myself away to type this!

Finding myself increasingly in awe of JK Rowling.

JGACC · 14/09/2020 14:46

@heathspeedwell

Got Troubled Blood this morning, I've been loving every minute of sitting in the garden devouring it.

The critics weren't wrong when they said it's her best one yet. It was an effort to tear myself away to type this!

Finding myself increasingly in awe of JK Rowling.

So jealous, I can't wait!
Thedisco2000 · 14/09/2020 15:45

The best one yet? Can't wait, either!

heathspeedwell · 14/09/2020 17:26

The first chapter will have you laughing out loud!

Milicentbystander72 · 14/09/2020 17:37

Quick question - id like yo read Troubled White but I haven't read the first 4 Strike novels. I have watched every episode of the tv series though. I know tv is never the same as books completely, but if I ordered the new book would I get what's going on?
(I know each book is a stand alone case, but I mean the exact relationship/chemistry between Robyn and Strike)

JGACC · 14/09/2020 18:36

I think you would understand what is going on but 100% recommend the books anyway 😂

VictoriaLucas102 · 14/09/2020 18:43

@heathspeedwell

Got Troubled Blood this morning, I've been loving every minute of sitting in the garden devouring it.

The critics weren't wrong when they said it's her best one yet. It was an effort to tear myself away to type this!

Finding myself increasingly in awe of JK Rowling.

Is it true it features a man who disguised himself as a woman to kill other women? Saw some outrage on twitter about it but nothing mentioned in the Amazon synopsis. Definitely on my books to buy list 😊
heathspeedwell · 14/09/2020 18:43

I have been thinking about this because I have been enjoying it so much I was considering buying Troubled Blood for a couple of friends. So as I've been reading I was wondering if it stands alone as a book and I really think it would be great for anyone to dive straight in with this one.

Nothing is predicated on previous knowledge. Any new fan can have the pleasure of reading the previous ones in order if they want.

heathspeedwell · 14/09/2020 18:50

Victoria I think you'll enjoy reading it. There are quite a few different suspects as you can imagine. One of them is a man who is aroused by wearing female clothing.

The Twitter outrage seems entirely fabricated given that a number of convicted serial killers have been known to be aroused by wearing women's clothing. It's like being outraged about a fictional serial killer with green eyes.

Campervan69 · 14/09/2020 19:27

Well the utter wankers have got #RIPJKRowling trending on twitter. Pathetic. Just Pathetic.

Looking forward to reading the book anyway.

CrazyPigeonLadyMarried2Trans · 14/09/2020 19:31

Ah Strike the first warning sign of what was to come. Nowadays I only engage with HP through fanfiction site AOE3 where there are plenty of LGBT writers out there at toning for the sins of the mother

chipshopElvis · 14/09/2020 19:51

I can't decide if I fancy Strike or Robin more! She's not overgroomed at all and is very capable and altogether wonderful. I love Strike, wish the beeb had strung it out a bit, 4 episodes are not enough.