Just finished episode 6 and I'll keep watching it til the end. I just honestly can't get over rose and her mums accent; why add an Aussie and kiwi accent? It's so distracting. Rose has been miscast, her Turkish roots play a role in the story. And I'm sorry but she's quite a weak actress. I feel like I'm casting they've gone down a run sheet and ticked a whole heap of boxes. The thing is, this story and the nationality of key characters are part of the story
Unfortunately the costumes are worse then the casting....like where do you even start. A complete disaster
Don't compare it to the books and it's ok.
674 Reviews
Different from the Book but giving it a Chance
torrescindy-0100915 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
As a fan of the books since I was in high school I was highly anticipating this show. But you have to know before going into this tv series that it is not like the books. At first while I was watching the series I admit I was annoyed by how much they changed, but as time went on after episode 4 I learned to appreciate it. Don't get me wrong I am a huge fan of the book series and am little disappointment that they didn't follow the books. BUT this series DOES NOT DESERVE THE ONE STAR people are giving it. Reading the reviews you can tell that they are not fans of the series. Also you have to remember that Julie Plec is having a hand in Producing the show. If you watched Vampire Diaries you have to know Julie Plec's style. She is definitely changing the books to fit this modern 'Bridgerton age.'
Now onto what I appreciate about the series: I love the diversity and representation that was included. Yes, I know Rose is supposed to be Turkish and Dimitri Russian, but I would like to believe they have a plan to incorporate these cultures. Remember people can be mixed race and even we did not know Rose was Turkish until later in the books. Another thing I love is the opening scene, we got a glimpse of the car crash and meet Lissa's family for ourselves. By the way I did not like Andre.
What I wish was included and wasn't: There was a reason that Lissa and Rose ran away from the academy. I wish that was included because it is such an important character arc for both Lissa and Rose. Also, it seemed more believable that forbidden sense for Dimitri and Rose as Dimitri was forced to be her teacher. I don't feel that forbidden sense in this show and that is what I loved about the books.
But even with all these opinions and frustrations, I will give this series a chance. I am curious to see where they will take it and the characters. It is almost exciting to know that I don't know what will happen next.
Also just a side note: at the end of episode 4 it felt like Dimitri was okay to use Rose as an experiment to fight against Strigoi. I hated that. I yelled "Book Dimitri would never". I hope the creators don't ruin Rose's first Strigoi kill by making it an experiment for the Royals instead of how it was in the books. Rose was a badass in the books and I don't see that in the show which is a little disappointing.
What I wish was included and wasn't: There was a reason that Lissa and Rose ran away from the academy. I wish that was included because it is such an important character arc for both Lissa and Rose. Also, it seemed more believable that forbidden sense for Dimitri and Rose as Dimitri was forced to be her teacher. I don't feel that forbidden sense in this show and that is what I loved about the books.
But even with all these opinions and frustrations, I will give this series a chance. I am curious to see where they will take it and the characters. It is almost exciting to know that I don't know what will happen next.
Also just a side note: at the end of episode 4 it felt like Dimitri was okay to use Rose as an experiment to fight against Strigoi. I hated that. I yelled "Book Dimitri would never". I hope the creators don't ruin Rose's first Strigoi kill by making it an experiment for the Royals instead of how it was in the books. Rose was a badass in the books and I don't see that in the show which is a little disappointing.
this dosn't suck (no pun intended)
stehartley17 September 2022
If you use the books as a guide rather than a script you get a pretty decent vampire show. Ignore all the 10/10s and 1/10s and read the inbetween reviews and you will get a more honest feel of how good or bad the show is. I for one quite enjoyed it. It wasnt quite as good as the movie but it came pretty darn close. Script is pretty solid and decent performances from most of the characters. Special effects are on point. Given the state of streaming platforms and how fast they seem to cancel shows whether good or bad. I could see this show running for 3 or 4 seasons if it picks up the pace and with legacies finishing its a good way to get your vampire fix.
Who thought this was good??
lara_gracis16 September 2022
I did not think this could be worse than the movie... wow, was I mistaken. Who thought this was good to produce?? Why?? Mixed emotions of angry, sad, disappointed... a disgrace to the books and the wonderful world created within. It's not even the acting, it's the plot. If Julie Plec hadn't ruined it now at the beginning, she certainly would have after 2 or 3 seasons, drag it on and on just like with the Vampire Diaries.
5 minutes in and I was already thinking how boring it is. Decided to give it further chance. Another mistake.
Don't waste your time, reread the books, forget this ever exists.
5 minutes in and I was already thinking how boring it is. Decided to give it further chance. Another mistake.
Don't waste your time, reread the books, forget this ever exists.
surprisingly pretty good
paulalbrecht28 October 2022
7.2/10
It seems like every single review here is about how this show is very far off from the books it is based on. However as someone who has never even heard of these books I enjoyed the show. With that it is most definitely a teen drama so if that's not your thing then you can skip this one.
Teen dramas are typically very poorly written and acted, this show is just average in both of those departments with some scenes feeling a little bit too corny for me but overall its not nearly as bad as it could've been. None of the romances between characters feel forced or unnecessary and the fight scenes are done very well with high quality choreography.
Its by no means a show that is Emmy worthy but its a fun watch if you're looking for a bit of romance, a bit of action and some vampires.
It seems like every single review here is about how this show is very far off from the books it is based on. However as someone who has never even heard of these books I enjoyed the show. With that it is most definitely a teen drama so if that's not your thing then you can skip this one.
Teen dramas are typically very poorly written and acted, this show is just average in both of those departments with some scenes feeling a little bit too corny for me but overall its not nearly as bad as it could've been. None of the romances between characters feel forced or unnecessary and the fight scenes are done very well with high quality choreography.
Its by no means a show that is Emmy worthy but its a fun watch if you're looking for a bit of romance, a bit of action and some vampires.
They should have said "loosely based on" and not adaptation.
willandtruly14 October 2022
The subject matter is similar and most of the characters have the same names, but that is where the majority of the similarities to the book series disappear. The story in the show bounces all over all of the books picking and twisting the different events. These books were also for young adults and the content of the show is definitely not for young adults. I wish I had not read the books prior to seeing the show, maybe than I wouldn't be as disappointed. I read all of the Vampire Academy series books and then continued on the the Bloodlines series. I genuinely hope they do not attempt to convert those books as well.
It was not bad... as a stand-alone
lilred01301 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I've never read the books (I did see the movie... it wasn't Oscar material, but I thought it was cute), but from what other people say, it seems to vary too much as an adaptation. So my review is from the perspective of not having read them.
I noticed several reviews that stated a few things which indicated the reviewers maybe didn't watch all of the episodes yet, so I wanted to clear up what I found it to be, as I just finished watching all of them. The guardians do state that the Strigoi are wild and crazy, with no ability to think or plan, however, after a few episodes they start to realize how much more they are actually capable of. Rose and Lissa do run away, however, it's at the very end of the last episode as a cliffhanger. And Dmitri supports this, not chasing after them. A few people mentioned the characters being teenagers, which I assume they are in the book, but I think they're supposed to be older in the series. There's even a brief scene where Rose implies that Lissa is 21. Plus all the drinking would lead one to believe they're older than 17.
Anyway, as far as what I think: it was okay, some good, some bad. I didn't have much trouble understanding the idea of the characteristics of their world. Maybe it's becuz I watched the movie & Rose does VO & explains some stuff as it goes along. But also, there's some brief explanation in the credits (it tells what Dhampir, Moroi, & Strigoi are, what elemental magic is, & even a blurb about procreation).
The acting was fine, for the most part. I've seen way worse & for a YA storyline, it was on par. Again, some good, some bad. For instance, Victor (I forgot the actors names & I don't wanna go look, lol) did a great job, very passionate, not too melodramatic. Mason, Rose's lovesick friend, was good, too. I didn't like Christian's casting. I felt he should've been more broody & sarcastic. I didn't hate Rose, but I do think they could've gotten someone better. Becuz I didn't read the books, I can't quite put my finger on why or who would be better, I just had that feeling. She was okay, I guess.
The action was not the greatest. I've seen worse (SyFy movies, anyone?), but I kinda expected a bit better. Same with the CGI. Some of it was okay, but like the psi hounds were kinda cheesy looking.
Isn't Dimitri supposed to be fully Russian, with a Russian accent? I assume the actor can't do a Russian accent, then. Why else would they change that?? From what I understand, it's important later on. Plus, the actor is cute & all, but I expected a bigger guy. If he's a "god", wouldn't he be bigger & stronger than all the other guardians?
Also, idk if it's in the books this way, but why do Dhampir's seem to be stronger than Moroi? They're half human, half Moroi... what's gives them what seems like increased abilities? Is it just that Moroi are never trained to fight & if they were, they'd be as good as the guardians? We don't see much interaction of Moroi with humans, so it's hard to tell if they're supposed to be stronger.
Anyway, like I said, it's not bad, I've definitely seen worse. I did have higher hope for it, though. I'll not rewatch it, but I'll probably watch season 2, if they do one.
I noticed several reviews that stated a few things which indicated the reviewers maybe didn't watch all of the episodes yet, so I wanted to clear up what I found it to be, as I just finished watching all of them. The guardians do state that the Strigoi are wild and crazy, with no ability to think or plan, however, after a few episodes they start to realize how much more they are actually capable of. Rose and Lissa do run away, however, it's at the very end of the last episode as a cliffhanger. And Dmitri supports this, not chasing after them. A few people mentioned the characters being teenagers, which I assume they are in the book, but I think they're supposed to be older in the series. There's even a brief scene where Rose implies that Lissa is 21. Plus all the drinking would lead one to believe they're older than 17.
Anyway, as far as what I think: it was okay, some good, some bad. I didn't have much trouble understanding the idea of the characteristics of their world. Maybe it's becuz I watched the movie & Rose does VO & explains some stuff as it goes along. But also, there's some brief explanation in the credits (it tells what Dhampir, Moroi, & Strigoi are, what elemental magic is, & even a blurb about procreation).
The acting was fine, for the most part. I've seen way worse & for a YA storyline, it was on par. Again, some good, some bad. For instance, Victor (I forgot the actors names & I don't wanna go look, lol) did a great job, very passionate, not too melodramatic. Mason, Rose's lovesick friend, was good, too. I didn't like Christian's casting. I felt he should've been more broody & sarcastic. I didn't hate Rose, but I do think they could've gotten someone better. Becuz I didn't read the books, I can't quite put my finger on why or who would be better, I just had that feeling. She was okay, I guess.
The action was not the greatest. I've seen worse (SyFy movies, anyone?), but I kinda expected a bit better. Same with the CGI. Some of it was okay, but like the psi hounds were kinda cheesy looking.
Isn't Dimitri supposed to be fully Russian, with a Russian accent? I assume the actor can't do a Russian accent, then. Why else would they change that?? From what I understand, it's important later on. Plus, the actor is cute & all, but I expected a bigger guy. If he's a "god", wouldn't he be bigger & stronger than all the other guardians?
Also, idk if it's in the books this way, but why do Dhampir's seem to be stronger than Moroi? They're half human, half Moroi... what's gives them what seems like increased abilities? Is it just that Moroi are never trained to fight & if they were, they'd be as good as the guardians? We don't see much interaction of Moroi with humans, so it's hard to tell if they're supposed to be stronger.
Anyway, like I said, it's not bad, I've definitely seen worse. I did have higher hope for it, though. I'll not rewatch it, but I'll probably watch season 2, if they do one.
To many changes
jagler-1488123 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I wanna start by saying I read every book multiple times and I went in with an open mind but there are just a lot of changes that were not necessary. One why is Sonya the daughter of Victor ivashkov?!?! That makes no sense and why did they kill off Mikhail?? Lissa and Hathaway didn't run away in the beginning which sets the stage for her and Dimitri relationship. I was soooo excited for this series to come to TV format I'm just not sure it's going to last past one or 2 seasons God I hope the inheritance series doesn't do this badly when it releases.. Mia is also apparently in a love relation with a girl that never happens in the books either.
Much Better Than I Hoped
meltingmel16 September 2022
I was definitely on the bandwagon that this show was going to suck and I had ALL the reasons why. NOPE ! I was so wrong and I'm really happy about that. It's done SO WELL! Do I love some of the changes? I'm not happy about them but they smooth over them very well. I think the reason why I'm so happy is that the acting is really good, and the chemistry between key romantic characters is spot on. So because of that... I'm loving it. I also can very much see the polished work of Julie Plec.
I'm shocked to see a very low rating considering I was one of the worst, loudest, and angriest protestors on the changes before the show aired... I was sure more people would come around like I did. I'm hoping it doesn't get cancelled - I'm enjoying the hell out of it.
I'm shocked to see a very low rating considering I was one of the worst, loudest, and angriest protestors on the changes before the show aired... I was sure more people would come around like I did. I'm hoping it doesn't get cancelled - I'm enjoying the hell out of it.
Didn't like at first but it's growing on me!
cari_carter27 October 2022
I feel like it's coming full circle and while it started as eating up the entire book series storyline, it now almost seems like a prequel at the same time. I don't like a few things about the relationships and how Rose sometimes acts which is completely out of character for her in the book. While I didn't like the changes, I'm coming to be okay with them. We'll see how this season ends before making any final judgment. I'll watch it regardless because I Love VA! Totally different but similar at the same time. Hated it but now am okay since I kept watching! Give it a shot and don't take any reviews too seriously. I know it's tough for diehard fans but I think we'll get to the stories we love eventually as long as it continues!
Only decent if you never read the books but very confusing.
FatalxKrystal5 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I'm gonna be blunt. This is just a mix of the books (ALL of them) and original content. If you read the books, this will anger you, if you never read them, this will confuse you and leave you with many questions. Too many changes yet they have nods and references to book so who is the target audience?
Tatiana is not queen, some random new character is, Lissa and Rose never run away, Victor and Robert are married instead of half brothers, Jesse has his own storyline and Mia is with some random Dhampir novice girl. Someone said that this is an Americanized Idea of Diversity and I agree with that completely. Russian, Romanian and Slavic have all been washed away in favor of Black, Hispanic and Asian characters yet they still have Romanian/Russian Surnames? Give me a break.
The creators simply used Richelle Mead's characters and world to put out their own political beliefs and agenda, no different than the awful Interview With A Vampire Reboot that is also currently airing. I hope this gets canceled.
Don't bother, just reread the books or watch the movie, at least Richelle was involved in that one.
EDIT: It's been officially canceled. Because "they just didn't find the requisite audience to justify further seasons." Well, when you isolate book fans AND casual fans, what did you expect? SO happy they decided not to waste any more money on this.
Tatiana is not queen, some random new character is, Lissa and Rose never run away, Victor and Robert are married instead of half brothers, Jesse has his own storyline and Mia is with some random Dhampir novice girl. Someone said that this is an Americanized Idea of Diversity and I agree with that completely. Russian, Romanian and Slavic have all been washed away in favor of Black, Hispanic and Asian characters yet they still have Romanian/Russian Surnames? Give me a break.
The creators simply used Richelle Mead's characters and world to put out their own political beliefs and agenda, no different than the awful Interview With A Vampire Reboot that is also currently airing. I hope this gets canceled.
Don't bother, just reread the books or watch the movie, at least Richelle was involved in that one.
EDIT: It's been officially canceled. Because "they just didn't find the requisite audience to justify further seasons." Well, when you isolate book fans AND casual fans, what did you expect? SO happy they decided not to waste any more money on this.
Never read the books
crystle071322 September 2022
Maybe that's why I like the show. I find it enjoyable and it leaves me looking forward to the next episode. I really like Rose and Lissa. I certainly hope it is renewed for a 2nd season. Does it have some cheesy parts? Of course. Even some of the best shows suffer from cheesiness once in a while. If you haven't watched it, or read the books, don't go by just the reviews alone. Watch and make up your own mind. I mean, there are some shows out there getting 7 or higher in reviews, and I found them extremely boring. I would get one or 2 episodes in, just to go look for another show, ones I've watched before. All during the past couple of months when there has been nothing on.
Should have been Better
doug2go27 July 2023
First of all - I have not read the books that most reviewers seem to have a problem with the series not being faithful too. It is a rare movie or series that comes close to being faithful to a book - forget the book and enjoy the show or don't but don't criticize an apple for not being an orange - this series suffered from lack of direction - the show runner didn't really know what audience he/she was trying to appeal too - rather than telling a good story it was just full on conflicts, romantic, political and horror - without any depth . There was language that would push this rating to an R and enough nudity to push the limits of PG - 13 and Peacock complained after cancelling the series after on season that it missed the younger CW type audience it was shooting for - it is obvious Peacock need to know what they are buying before signing up - Having said that I would like to see Netflix or Amazon Prime pick this series up and turn this into a adult series - Vampires always work for me.
I can't watch anymore of this.
lineha-0915311 January 2023
Yeah I can't watch this, it's a bunch of clear as day adults playing teenagers with a whole bunch of different accents that change as they are talking which just adds to the list of reasons why this show is hard to follow. The rest of the list, and not in any particular order, is this: The plot is moving too fast and things are confusing as heck, way too many main characters and subplots for them, terrible acting, terrible script, terrible action, terrible cgi (the crash and those dogs), terrible everything. The accents really bug me. Yes, back to them. Why are they all different when these people supposedly live in their own little world? Shouldn't they all have the same accent?
Just wrong
pooya-932-55889317 September 2022
Vampires that can't move fast or disappear like any vampire movie or series, they are too ordinary and teflon to call them vampires. Just fangs? Are you kidding me? Elder vampires and kids are the same in powers? The vampires do parkour only that's hilarious instead of interesting. This series is a bad joke pretending to be serious with creators had no concept or clue on what vampires are...
Then it comes to elemental magic and thats another disappointment, weak vampires, weak story, weak philosophy and the whole series will lease a bad taste, with fights that looks like very bad johnwick copy fights in a vampire series thats hilarious. I should say WTF.
Not bad
apurvac-5020216 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
They are not exactly following the plot and changed a lot of things but the gist remains the same. Since Julie Plec is one of the developers of the show, I knew there would be changes. One only has to compare the differences between TVD books and tv adaptation. Why on the earthy did they make Robert and Victor lovers? They were brothers in the book. Then there's the part about Mia and Sonya being sisters, why? I have watched four episodes so far, i keep expecting Adrian to shop up any day now. Since everything is happening all out of order, who knows? (This reminds me of the Percy Jackson movies) Despite all these changes, I did enjoy the new perspective.
Honestly, it isn't bad at all. If you overlook the weird first half of the first episode and simply focus on the central characters. The entire cast was a surprise. Daniela Nieves, the actress portraying Lissa reminds me of Blair waldorf, she even speaks the same.
Honestly, it isn't bad at all. If you overlook the weird first half of the first episode and simply focus on the central characters. The entire cast was a surprise. Daniela Nieves, the actress portraying Lissa reminds me of Blair waldorf, she even speaks the same.
Enjoyed it!
paigeherberg15 September 2022
There have already been bad reviews on this show. However, it seems to be from not understanding the world in which Vampire Academy is in. Yes they are using umbrellas in the sun. If you pay attention in the show, it explains why. Yes they use sunglasses sometimes even at night; once again, this is explained in the episodes already available if they are watched.
Even with it being told before hand of changes being made from the books, this is a good show. They are adapting the changes from the books is a good way that works for TV.
Honestly, the only reason I got Peacock was for this show. I am glad I did!
Even with it being told before hand of changes being made from the books, this is a good show. They are adapting the changes from the books is a good way that works for TV.
Honestly, the only reason I got Peacock was for this show. I am glad I did!
A worthy watch thus far......
skpn12318 September 2022
I love the book series - it is a fun ride with some good messages about friendship and diversity. I also like the movie. So far the series is a worthy watch though there was a small problems.... I was getting quite confused and though WOW this series is a bit of a muddle - then I realised my program had jumped to Episode 4 instead of the Pilot Episode 1.....
Note to self: It helps a lot for the coherence of the show if you commence at Episode 1 ha ha ha. However it made little different - it is still somewhat disjointed, relatively unconnected and engaging......
I must say, Dimitri Belikov is my favourite character in the books and thus far in the series he is not grabbing me.... and I am not feeling the Chemistry with Rose..... Onwards and upwards....... there is plenty of time for that chemistry to build and become what it will.....
Note to self: It helps a lot for the coherence of the show if you commence at Episode 1 ha ha ha. However it made little different - it is still somewhat disjointed, relatively unconnected and engaging......
I must say, Dimitri Belikov is my favourite character in the books and thus far in the series he is not grabbing me.... and I am not feeling the Chemistry with Rose..... Onwards and upwards....... there is plenty of time for that chemistry to build and become what it will.....
Not the VA we know and love
devoncastle19 October 2022
I really don't understand why they give popular, lore rich book franchises to peoples who do not have slightest idea about them, this is not Vampire Academy, not at all. Writers, actors, producers everyone involved in making this, including peacock, are trashing these beloved books, bad reviews are justified, do not watch this if you are a real fan of the books, because they have butchered vampire academy beyond recognition and repair. I'm not even sure if I will ever look at the books the same way after watching a few minutes of an episode of this, or ever again at this rate. I guess the cash was too good to turn down for RM. 😡
I absolutely love it
nicholecarhart-3020816 September 2022
As a huge HUGE fan of the books I was a little concerned about this adoptation because of all the changes they announced beforhand. However after watching the first episode I absolutely love it .I just finished episode 4 it was fantastic I love all the changes it makes its own bold statement I can't wait to watch all the characters develop in the series I hope they go far and finish all the books and make a spin off series for Bloodlines .I love what they have done the filming locations are perfect I love the clothes the way the talk its perfect. Everything is amazing I can't wait to see more I highly recommend this show .Sure it's different from the books but that doesn't mean a bad thing give It a chance I did and I absolutely loved it .
In my opinion...
jssaaaaaa28 October 2022
The movie in 2014 was an atrocity. If you enjoyed that shallow puddle of a waste of everyone's time, you shouldn't be allowed to have an opinion on this series. In addition, if I wanted a word by word play of the book, I'd just go read the books again. That way, I could selfishly envision everything how I want, when I want it, in a way that doesn't affect anyone else.
Now... as a peacock series, I've found it curious how certain aspects of the book have been adapted to create this version of the material. Having changes ... made this series enjoyable, kept me intrigued and allowed the show to stand a comfortable distance away from the horrific movie that ruined vampire academy for so long...
Now, for those complaints pertaining to this adaption being "inappropriate". Are you serious? The Rose & Dimitri featured in the book, are in a student / teacher relationship. I don't know what those viewers are striving for, but they're going to be disappointed. That's simply an impossible ask based on the original material.
Some situational awareness would be nice from some of the viewers leaving 1 star reviews. As well as the awareness that young adults today DO enjoy some of the more modern takes contained in this series. The target audience is no longer 12 to 30 year olds living in the year 2007. The world has moved on and the series is trying to reflect these changes and bring in new audiences.
Now... as a peacock series, I've found it curious how certain aspects of the book have been adapted to create this version of the material. Having changes ... made this series enjoyable, kept me intrigued and allowed the show to stand a comfortable distance away from the horrific movie that ruined vampire academy for so long...
Now, for those complaints pertaining to this adaption being "inappropriate". Are you serious? The Rose & Dimitri featured in the book, are in a student / teacher relationship. I don't know what those viewers are striving for, but they're going to be disappointed. That's simply an impossible ask based on the original material.
Some situational awareness would be nice from some of the viewers leaving 1 star reviews. As well as the awareness that young adults today DO enjoy some of the more modern takes contained in this series. The target audience is no longer 12 to 30 year olds living in the year 2007. The world has moved on and the series is trying to reflect these changes and bring in new audiences.
Not a good show
stanforddeighton22 October 2022
Just could not get into this show and stopped watching after a couple of episodes. Not sure how it fares as it goes on, but it's starts off with way too much happening for you to really know what is going on what some things are. The script is by far the worst thing about this show. I don't even know how to explain how bad it is. The acting is probably the second biggest thing wrong with it. The actors don't seem to really know what they are doing, and when I say that I mean they aren't good with emotions and making things look natural. It's like everything has to be done in a way that it looks so unnatural that it stands out and you can't help but cringe at everything that they say and do.
Finally a good book to TV show adaption?
shunicedavies-5286715 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
So here we are again VA fans. Waiting anxiously for what we hope is finally a good adaption of our most beloved book.
So, the question is... Is this it?
And my answer is, from what I've seen so far, yes.
It has completely captivated me
Sure, it's not a straight book to screen adaption, there are changes. But I think that is inevitable when it coming to making a film/TV show. But what you want to know is, does it work?
And for me, yes.
There are some pacing issues at the start, but they improve as the episodes go on. This is a very big world we're diving into, and it's a lot to digest the first episode. But each episode you sink further into the comfortability of the world, and eat it all up!
The costume and sets are just spectacular. Like seriously, wow.
Sisi and Kieron both captivated me in their portrails of our lead lovers, Rose and Dimitri. Kieron especially, I've not seen him in much before this (only that little snippet in sex education) and I was so shocked at how well he portrayed the leading man that stole all our hearts, all those years ago.
Andrew as Mason also! What a sweetie.
I look forward to seeing the completed series, I'm interested to see where the plot will go, don't want to give any spoilers away of course so I won't say anymore.
So, the question is... Is this it?
And my answer is, from what I've seen so far, yes.
It has completely captivated me
Sure, it's not a straight book to screen adaption, there are changes. But I think that is inevitable when it coming to making a film/TV show. But what you want to know is, does it work?
And for me, yes.
There are some pacing issues at the start, but they improve as the episodes go on. This is a very big world we're diving into, and it's a lot to digest the first episode. But each episode you sink further into the comfortability of the world, and eat it all up!
The costume and sets are just spectacular. Like seriously, wow.
Sisi and Kieron both captivated me in their portrails of our lead lovers, Rose and Dimitri. Kieron especially, I've not seen him in much before this (only that little snippet in sex education) and I was so shocked at how well he portrayed the leading man that stole all our hearts, all those years ago.
Andrew as Mason also! What a sweetie.
I look forward to seeing the completed series, I'm interested to see where the plot will go, don't want to give any spoilers away of course so I won't say anymore.
Enjoyable despite book differences.
mercedeszerbini18 September 2022
Into episode 4. Not going to lie, the differences pulled me out of it a bit, but it is still enjoyable. I'm annoyed when interrupted and can't wait for the next episode - means it's great for me. The characters are likeable and dialogue flows. The drive for what they're doing doesn't leave me perplexed. The chemistry between the couples is there and I'm drawn in. It's good so far and I'll keep watching. I'm already worried it'll be canceled because of the negative reviews that want/need the books to be replicated. If I want what I've already read/seen in my head, I'll re-read the books - but I guess that's just me.
Read the reviews before you watch
kifep-2777425 October 2022
Glad I read the reviews before reviewing this. If you're going to make a show adaptation on a beloved book series and it isn't for the real fans of it, who is it for? Because this show, from what I'm reading here and elsewhere, appears to be nothing like the books. And if you didn't make if for the book fans, and you didn't make it for a new audience, which clearly you didn't since so many of us are struggling to get through the first few episodes because nothing is explained and it is all rushed, than who did you make this for? Another thing is that this show is meant to be made for teenagers, 12 an up like the books, but I wouldn't let anyone under 18 watch this. It's full of non-stop adult content, but it's done in a way that only people as dull as this show would find it to be likeable (think those who still watch children's shows on Disney and nickelodeon - bad acting). I'm inclined to agree with others and say that this was just meant to be money grabber for peacock, and they have failed miserably.
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