The Lost Symbol (2021) User Reviews

Starts well but ultimately disappoints

[CrazyArty · 6/10 · 29 December 2021]

A young Robert Langdon is drawn into an ancient mystery when his mentor is kidnapped.

I really liked the lead, Ashley Zukerman, he played it serious, geeky and smart. No one else in the cast really stood out.

I also really liked the symbolic mystery-solving elements of the plot line, i.e. The traditional Langdon material, but the rest was mediocre US television drama.

The early episodes were good with the focus being on symbols and mysteries but then degenerates into any other unexceptional box set. For Langdon super fans only, I think.

Forgettable.

[cyifly-2 · 5/10 · 4 December 2021]

I love Dan Brown books & I really wanted to like The Lost Symbol. I have been anxiously waiting for it to come out. It turned out to be a disappointment. I tried - I watched every painful episode. The casting was terrible. No one was meant to play the roles they did. Tom Hanks was a bad Robert Langdon and Zuckerman was worse. Landon is written as this middle-aged, James Bond, good-looking, smooth-talking, smart, sexy ladies man that turns a nerdy profession into something cool. They keep casting these boring, average-looking guys to play him and give them none of that appeal. The acting was bad - from everyone - because the writing was bad. The script was drawn out in places it should have been sped up and rushed in places it should have gone slower. The ending was so rushed it didn't make sense - after drawing out 9 previous episodes. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't good either. Certainly not worth 10 hours of my time.

uncomfortable and unsatisfying

[A_Different_Drummer · 5/10 · 19 October 2021]

The casting is off. Brown's novels work by constant unrelenting forward momentum so you need actors of exceptional "connection" to make this work. There are none here.

Something is Lost

[sameerakarunaratne · 6/10 · 17 September 2021]

I'm a fan of the book. Soo first this is story was changed in few aspects, I have no idea why they have to do it but they done it, we will have to see if it is for good or not with up coming episodes.

It feels like the story is rushed, in the book it as nicely passed and not just symbols upon symbols but mystery and intrigue mixed with with tension of unknown.

However, I will wait to the next episode eagerly. I feel like something is missing in translation and value of the production...!!!

Will see....!!!

strung together mumbo jumbo is not difficult

[rander-88123 · 6/10 · 18 September 2021]

The problem with Dan Brown's stuff, and other writers of his type is that their product can be created from all manner of nonsense. Therefore, following and perhaps extrapolating meaning or the next step in the mystery is impossible for the viewer. The acting in this is kind of weird, the daughter of the victim seems devoid of emotion, the Harvard lecturer (main character) is portrayed as a kind of weak academic (they always seem to have some phobia that calls into question their mental state). The problem is that the characters are not particularly well-drawn or interesting. This is after the first ep. So hopefully it improves.

Enjoyable so far

[qghjhxghc · 7/10 · 17 September 2021]

There's a good amount of intrigue mixed with a bit of WTF? Just one note for NBC/Universal: THERE SHOULD NOT BE AN APOSTROPHE IN "It's cryptic text..."! The opening frame of the show, and somebody needs an editor.

Contrived, Formulaic, and Utterly Predictable

[noahjr · 5/10 · 15 November 2021]

It's almost offensive how bad the acting is. These actors are giving us the least amount of effort possible. I feel like I'm watching a high school play where I suppose we should just be amazed they memorized the lines. Zero chemistry between actors. Zero suspense. Scenes are shot like absolutely no attempt was made to elicit an emotional response from viewers. Bland. Formulaic. Predictable. Saved By The Bell demonstrated more gripping storylines. If you enjoy this show, good, I'm glad you get something out of it. But I'm terribly sorry that you need your mysteries spoon fed to you by a D-Grade cast and crew who are completely out of their depth.

If, like me...

[asterblasterth · 8/10 · 8 October 2021]

You haven't read the book then it's fine for what it is. If you like mystery and a bit of adventure then you should watch it. The acting is fine, the story is good and overall it's entertaining.

But if you have read the books, going by other reviews I guess, you shouldn't watch it. Or maybe you should and make up your own mind.

Que?

[systersister · 6/10 · 16 October 2021]

Really tried to follow the story but got lost time after time. Something about the top if a pyramid, Izzard floating with just one hand i an aquarium and Freemasonry. Lots of killing to achieve some clues to be the master of the universe. Or not. Or totally upside down. And Langdon follow the breadcrumbs and seems as lost as the scriptwriters.

Downgraded for TV

[celt007 · 5/10 · 20 September 2021]

The thing about dan browns books is the pacing . This attempt to do something with Dan Browns world of mysteries and symbolism in a 1 hour show gives us a cheap feeling unrealistic bore .

I would watch this if you like MacGyver , or Relic Hunter et al.

Think of when you popular premium clothing brands end up being sold at walmart . Get my drift.

It's pretty good so far!!

[kimcoxmonm · 8/10 · 1 October 2021]

I've read all of the books, and all but Origins more than once. Yes, the books are fast paced, as are the movies made so far. It's refreshing that they've slowed it down a bit. The decision to have a younger Langdon works for me as it gives us the opportunity to see him at a time where he's still learning, that he doesn't have all the answers at the drop of a hat. Every profession requires time to "catch on". I personally don't see a political agenda. That's usually for those that are looking for one or complain because something doesn't align with THEIR beliefs, aka confirmation bias.

It's a work of fiction with some factual information and places thrown in ; some of them even tweaked to tell a fictional story.

What makes me laugh are those who do not like the books but they still watch the show and the movies. WHY????. Oh, just to have something to get on the ole soapbox and whine and cry about it. I get it if you love the book but not the show (Ive felt that way about many Stephen King adaptations) but, come on.

So badly done

[arnbjarnarson · 30 October 2021]

I was so looking forward to this , and i am so disappointed , Acting off, Eddie Izzards cut off hand is so fake that a child could have done it better , and most characters just feel off , except the night guard , he is spot on.

It's watchable

[yyngtvn · 6/10 · 24 November 2021]

The story is a little hard to follow as they try to extend it in to a episodic format. So many myths and symbols it makes it quite confusing. I just can't get over that every time the bad guy goes out in public he has to put on a ton of concealer. How does he have time to do anything bad when he spends all his time putting makeup on?!

Fails in every way.

[saronline · 1/10 · 24 October 2021]

Terrible Langdon. I mean the actor who plays the character. In fact most of the casting is awful. The plot utterly predictable and a cliche at every corner. Lost interest completely by the middle of the second episode.

Audio

[janetlornaturner · 7/10 · 10 November 2021]

The content is great, but the poor audio makes it hard to hear the conversations. I would hate to see this in theatre, as the high tonal buzzing would send me out of the theatre with a headache. Rom fo4 improvement!

Better than expected

[malcolmjohnston · 7/10 · 23 November 2021]

With a pretty high bar set by the Dan Brown film adaptations this tv series really benefit s from the extra time and not just being squeezed into 2 hours A pretty low grade cast with no real stars push the story along at a good pacemwell worth watching.

Disappointing

[geriquin · 6/10 · 19 October 2021]

The Lost Symbol has all the pieces necessary to be an addictive addition to Robert Langdon's story-if only the show's flat writing and strange pace didn't undermine all that potential.

"Loosely" based

[pthornburgh · 5/10 · 17 September 2021]

If you've read the book...hard to watch. If you haven't, the material should be interesting. Showing the Gadsen and "ok" symbol as extreme was rather cringe worthy though. Don't understand why she had to be Peter's daughter?

Other reviewers must be getting confused...

[princessromi_charmedchic · 10/10 · 25 October 2021]

I have read/own The Lost Symbol book, and am a massive fan of the movies. Before starting the show last night I came on IMDB and read the reviews so I went in with low expectations, as the reviews made it seem so bad, like I was in for mass disappointment. Reviewers posting "it doesn't have same momentum" "he doesn't do it as well as Tom Hanks" "It's so woke" etc

After bingeing three episodes (only because I had to force myself to go to bed or I would've kept going) I can honestly say that I am BAFFLED by the bad reviews... and that's coming from someone who knows how the series ends!

There is plenty of drama. So many nail biting, edge of your seat moments (the enclosing wall scene!!). Plenty of suspense. It has the same "treasure hunt" vibe of the books and movies. People need to understand tv shows never completely follow the books, and why would you want it to? Knowing what to expect at every turn? How boring! One thing the show did better than the book was make Katherine more likeable, in the book she comes across as arrogant and very flat.

I like this younger Langdon version, and I like Tom Hank's version. They are different versions and you can like them both. The brilliant thing about tv shows over movies is less time restrictions so you get more character development... the hints to his childhood were a nice touch, and I suspect that's leading somewhere in future episodes.

People need to also understand that the book was written in 2009 and is being adapted for 2021 tv audience... it was never going to be exactly the same! The modern day audience lives for shock value, special effects, fast paced drama, etc. So yes there are some tweaks to the book's storyline but overall it's the same story.

For reference, I detest blatant wokeness for the sake of it, this has NONE. So whoever put that in their below review needs their eyes/ears checked.

Too slow

[itnash · 6/10 · 29 December 2021]

Dan Brown books move far quicker than this so slow plot. Langdon was also supposed to be a Middle Aged professor, not as young as this badly cast actor ( good actor, wrong part)

Where is the real Lost Symbol?

[rolandontherecord · 1/10 · 14 October 2021]

This series strays so far away from the book it's not even entertaining. I have read all the Dan Brown books. Some of them more than once. I've read The Lost Symbol for the fourth time right before it Peacock aired it. The Lost Symbol is probably my favorite out of them all and I am completely disappointed in this series. I had such high hope for this. What happened to Dr Abadon? Katherine visiting him at his house? The Wet Pod scene? All intriguing parts of the book so far aren't even in the show. What a shame! I feel the ending won't be the same as well just by how it's going. We shall see. So sad! All the waiting for this show for this!

Not the best but still worth watching

[gatogroton · 8/10 · 17 November 2021]

No it's not a polished Hollywood movie with lots of money and famous faces but it is entertaining and worth your time...if there's nothing better to do.

Update: I'm glad I ignored the negative reviews because it got better as I watched, take the time and judge for yourself.

Don't judge this show

[rabhy · 7/10 · 17 September 2021]

Casting Ashley Zukerman is the best decision of makers, I can't imagine Tom Hanks running all across the world as an old man. Given new age and actor this time Robert Langdon feels more human than previous years.

This is best thing as an adaptation of Dan Brown novel. Ron Howard movies looked dull and it kept getting worse.

Waiting for remaining episodes.

Painfully cheesy and bad

[hpcmakeup · 1/10 · 21 September 2021]

This is really awful! The main actor is not someone you want to watch for an entire hour, he's dorky and irritating...terrible casting!! The acting is cheesy, the script is awful and it's a lot of random boring pretend clues that no one watching the show will find interesting. NBC needs to find some new actors and writers.

Watchable TV But Don't Expect A Movie Epic

[pfurbank · 7/10 · 20 November 2021]

It's watchable TV and better than most shows out there.

However if you go into it expecting the sort of flowing action you get from the movie versions you will be severely disappointed!

Also Tom Hanks played Langdon better. It's just impossible to believe that this twenty something guy is a world renowned professor!