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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Excuse Me While I Grieve . . .
India_Ana16 September 2022
I can't believe I subscribed to Peacock TV for this. I'm glad I got a discount for the year. It doesn't look like I'll be subscribing for a second year though. I will never understand why someone takes a book and reworks the characters, world, and story to create something different from the original form. The whole point of watching a book come to life as a movie or show is to see it play out on the screen like it did in my head. To see this world with my own eyes, and to see the characters in the flesh. I DO NOT want changes.
The more I watched, the more I fumed. The show writers CANNOT write this world, characters, nor story better than the author. And if they were true fans of the books, they would understand that veering away from the books is a stab to the heart. I only gave the show a chance because I wanted a better version of the movie. The movie isn't great, but I still love it dearly. I felt no love for the TV show. I'm being generous with a 3. Sadly, that will reflect badly for the look of the show, which was the best thing this show had going for it.
If you're a none reader, and you love the show, DO NOT read the books until long after the show gets canceled, you'll regret it. Or do yourself a favor and read the books, and drop the show. Your choice. I'm off to grieve for the high expectations I had that was murdered this evening.
===== ===== ===== UPDATE #1 ===== ===== =====
Since I paid for one-year subscription of Peacock TV, I will be watching more episodes of Vampire Academy's first season. I was hoping that once I had grieved the show I was wanting, that perhaps I could let it go and take on the show from a different, new viewer, perspective. Yeah. No. The fifth episode started out okay, and then more drastic changes were made. Sure, the changes were made to minor characters. But these minor characters had strong roles in the plot line of the main character and her posse. Which just goes to reinforce that the show is on a completely different path than the books. If I wanted to watch a show that was nothing like the books, I wouldn't be as peeved as I am right now. I just don't get why anyone would buy the rights to a book or book series just to change it up into something completely different. Why not just use the works as inspiration without buying the rights to it? (The built in fandom, duh! Guaranteed high ratings, at least in the beginning.) Why not let someone who will be true to the book/s buy the rights, and you just create everything from scratch that is similar to the book/s, and thus not tick off the fans. I'm not sure I'll even bother to continue to watch. I may have to find other things on Peacock to get my money's worth during my one (and only) year of subscription. Julie Plec has been added to my, "never again will I watch anything by this person ever again" list.
===== ===== ===== UPDATE #2 ===== ===== =====
I've finished the last episode, and I'm done with it. I'm hoping it doesn't get picked up for a season two so that someone else will buy the rights and give me a more book accurate version.
The best thing about this show is that it has given me an idea for how to sell the rights to future works. If the people planning to buy the rights to your work is going to make drastic changes to it, don't sell the rights to your original work . . . Instead sell the rights to a fanfic parallel world version of your original work. Make those who are planning to buy your work and making drastic changes buy the fanfic parallel version instead. Make them change the title and character names, and leave your original work free to be sold to someone who will be loyal to it. Make them pay extra to temporarily take the original work off of the market. They can pay a yearly fee, or a three or five year fee to prevent the original work from becoming competition.
I mean, if they buy the rights to your original work, and then create fan fiction with it, why not just sell them the fanfic rights instead, and keep your original rights to sell to those who want to use the original version of your work? Sounds like a win-win to me. Fans will know from the start that the new show or movie is a fanfic version, not an original version. If Vampire Academy had been sold as a fanfic version, with a new title and new character names, and the fans were made aware of it, I probably would have enjoyed it more. But to sell me a fanfic version of the original work? Nope. Never going to fly with me.
The more I watched, the more I fumed. The show writers CANNOT write this world, characters, nor story better than the author. And if they were true fans of the books, they would understand that veering away from the books is a stab to the heart. I only gave the show a chance because I wanted a better version of the movie. The movie isn't great, but I still love it dearly. I felt no love for the TV show. I'm being generous with a 3. Sadly, that will reflect badly for the look of the show, which was the best thing this show had going for it.
If you're a none reader, and you love the show, DO NOT read the books until long after the show gets canceled, you'll regret it. Or do yourself a favor and read the books, and drop the show. Your choice. I'm off to grieve for the high expectations I had that was murdered this evening.
===== ===== ===== UPDATE #1 ===== ===== =====
Since I paid for one-year subscription of Peacock TV, I will be watching more episodes of Vampire Academy's first season. I was hoping that once I had grieved the show I was wanting, that perhaps I could let it go and take on the show from a different, new viewer, perspective. Yeah. No. The fifth episode started out okay, and then more drastic changes were made. Sure, the changes were made to minor characters. But these minor characters had strong roles in the plot line of the main character and her posse. Which just goes to reinforce that the show is on a completely different path than the books. If I wanted to watch a show that was nothing like the books, I wouldn't be as peeved as I am right now. I just don't get why anyone would buy the rights to a book or book series just to change it up into something completely different. Why not just use the works as inspiration without buying the rights to it? (The built in fandom, duh! Guaranteed high ratings, at least in the beginning.) Why not let someone who will be true to the book/s buy the rights, and you just create everything from scratch that is similar to the book/s, and thus not tick off the fans. I'm not sure I'll even bother to continue to watch. I may have to find other things on Peacock to get my money's worth during my one (and only) year of subscription. Julie Plec has been added to my, "never again will I watch anything by this person ever again" list.
===== ===== ===== UPDATE #2 ===== ===== =====
I've finished the last episode, and I'm done with it. I'm hoping it doesn't get picked up for a season two so that someone else will buy the rights and give me a more book accurate version.
The best thing about this show is that it has given me an idea for how to sell the rights to future works. If the people planning to buy the rights to your work is going to make drastic changes to it, don't sell the rights to your original work . . . Instead sell the rights to a fanfic parallel world version of your original work. Make those who are planning to buy your work and making drastic changes buy the fanfic parallel version instead. Make them change the title and character names, and leave your original work free to be sold to someone who will be loyal to it. Make them pay extra to temporarily take the original work off of the market. They can pay a yearly fee, or a three or five year fee to prevent the original work from becoming competition.
I mean, if they buy the rights to your original work, and then create fan fiction with it, why not just sell them the fanfic rights instead, and keep your original rights to sell to those who want to use the original version of your work? Sounds like a win-win to me. Fans will know from the start that the new show or movie is a fanfic version, not an original version. If Vampire Academy had been sold as a fanfic version, with a new title and new character names, and the fans were made aware of it, I probably would have enjoyed it more. But to sell me a fanfic version of the original work? Nope. Never going to fly with me.
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.
What on earth...
beccaboobear-8361917 September 2022
Did the writers of this show get handed the book only to yeet it out the window... i wish companies would stop taking books that are A plus grade and turning them into steaming hot garbage. Poor choice in cast. I just... i cant believe they did this, if i was Richelle Mead i would be so pissed off. Honestly if you are reading these reviews thinking about watching this show, this is your warnings now... DONT DO IT, ITS A TRAP. Worst adaptation of a book I think I've ever seen... the movie was honestly 100000x better than this show at least the movie followed the book more and the choice in cast was way better.
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.
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!
What a Mess.
ejcooper-0186118 November 2022
I am so so disappointed. The TV series is an utter mess. The book have such a strong strong line with characters full of depth. This series has stripped the books down to nothing. The book series is my favourite series to read. I am so disappointed. The series have thrown so many of the story lines all together and immediately and without rationale. I cannot understand how the writers of this show are happy with what they have produced. I truly wonder how Richelle Mead feels seeing her hard work and story line tossed to the side for some bizarre interpretation that truly makes zero sense. The full length movie was better than the series and even then the movie was also not true to the characters and emotions that the books evoke.
Third times a charm. I hope that the next team to adapt these novels do it justice.
Third times a charm. I hope that the next team to adapt these novels do it justice.
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.
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.....
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 .
Some good with the bad
tinkkytone1 November 2022
You could spend your time while watching this show nitpicking it to death...or you could just enjoy it for what it is - a vampire show that doesn't take itself too seriously. Yes, there is a stunning lack of world building which at times makes things very confusing, and the writing is...not that good, but overall it's just a fun show to watch. The cast is very easy on the eyes, if not the best actors, and the costumes for the "royals" are an interesting show within the show. The first season is ten episodes and each episode is less than 50 minutes, so I got through this fairly quickly once I stopped all the nitpicking, and just started enjoying, which s what you need to do if you are reading this.
6/10.
6/10.
Really stupid
tranat7118 September 2022
I don't care about the skin colors of the actors or their sexual preferences or whatever.
I just care about great writing, directing and acting.
And this series has absolutely none of these.
The writing is atrocious. Things don't even make sense. For example, the reason for having a strong big security gate is to prevent intruders or prevent your enemies from easily attacking you. So what do these idiots do when they hear some strange sounds outside the gates? They freaking immediately open the gates so that intruders could easily attack them. So stupid.
The directing is atrocious.
The acting is atrocious.
You get the point.
Everything is just terrible.
I just care about great writing, directing and acting.
And this series has absolutely none of these.
The writing is atrocious. Things don't even make sense. For example, the reason for having a strong big security gate is to prevent intruders or prevent your enemies from easily attacking you. So what do these idiots do when they hear some strange sounds outside the gates? They freaking immediately open the gates so that intruders could easily attack them. So stupid.
The directing is atrocious.
The acting is atrocious.
You get the point.
Everything is just terrible.
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!
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.
They found a way to make the failure film from 2014 look good...
Honodi13 December 2022
I don't even know where to start with this one, it just fails on every level. Considering this is supposed to be an adaption of a book series, it has borderline nothing but the broadest of strokes in common with the books. The Casting is terrible and does not fit the Book Characters at all (which is exceptionally sad in the case of J. August Richards who i have liked in nearly everything since "angel" - while he is pretty much the only one in here who does a good acting job in this, he does not fit the role at all - even Gabriel Byrne in the 2014 adaptation fit better). The Main cast is so bad, they make the already not great cast of the 2014 movie look like award-winning performances.
The Production is cheapish feeling and the writing (was there a script ?) feels like a "well we figure it out as we go" approach - big surprise, it didn't work at all. After finally suffering through all the episodes (i had watched the first 4 when they released and just couldn't bring myself, for a long time, to waste the time watching the rest) i question who this is made for , anyone over 16 will cringe at the immaturity and bad storytelling, for anyone under it might be too much content that is inappropriate for the age.
It is a saddening that Richelle Mead was involved making this , the books deserved better.
No matter who it was made for in the end, my suggestion would be done not watch this, watch the 2014 movie instead and you will only be half as disappointed as you would be if you watch this.
The Production is cheapish feeling and the writing (was there a script ?) feels like a "well we figure it out as we go" approach - big surprise, it didn't work at all. After finally suffering through all the episodes (i had watched the first 4 when they released and just couldn't bring myself, for a long time, to waste the time watching the rest) i question who this is made for , anyone over 16 will cringe at the immaturity and bad storytelling, for anyone under it might be too much content that is inappropriate for the age.
It is a saddening that Richelle Mead was involved making this , the books deserved better.
No matter who it was made for in the end, my suggestion would be done not watch this, watch the 2014 movie instead and you will only be half as disappointed as you would be if you watch this.
I LOVE THIS SHOW!
cuzinit-9083824 October 2022
Honestly, I love this show! It does an amazing job at giving suspense and some seriously interesting plots and twists. Alot of people who like the books don't seem to like it much, but honestly I never expect a tv show to be a word for word of books or to even follow the entire storyline of a book. That's just not how it usually goes. If they did, it would just be another book. It wouldn't be a TV show that is inspired by the books. I can't wait and hope there is another season because I am in love with these characters and the actors playing them! MORE PLEASE!!! I really do find there to be quite a bit of great effects in this too that seem really well done.
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.
I created imbd just to review this
alicianone15 September 2022
I like the work of Julie Plec but sweet Lord of Potato, this is horrible. I loved the books and I wouldn't personally mind some changes (from the books) in the TV show (they are necessary I think). But this? This is so disappointing. The characters of many were completely ruined, the story sucks, the choice of actors is honestly not good in the most cases even though they are good in their other shows or movies.
Other than that - Dimitri Belikov is supposed to be Russian - it is actually very important for the story (of course story of the book) and not to be played by the actor with heavy British accent. It just doesn't make sense.
This is just sad.
Other than that - Dimitri Belikov is supposed to be Russian - it is actually very important for the story (of course story of the book) and not to be played by the actor with heavy British accent. It just doesn't make sense.
This is just sad.
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