First, the good:
Nicholas Ralph is excellent in the main role. The most likeable, authentic (Scottish accent, yay!) portrayal of James yet.
The other cast members are well chosen too (with one exception, explained below). Samuel West is a good fit for Siegfried, although his potential in the role is not fully realised because of some disappointing plot choices.
Helen is given more to do, is a more independent and strong-willed character. This doesn't conflict with the books and is a welcome update. This Helen is free to wear trousers and speak her mind as her character in the books did.
The Dales scenery is gorgeous, the 1930s setting authentic, and the veterinary interaction with the animals convincing (for the most part).
The not so good: Much of the humour and warmth of the James Herriot books is missing. As an example: One of the funniest moments in the books, portrayed wonderfully in the BBC series, occurs when Siegfried visits a racecourse he wants a job at with a General who may get him the role. He ends up getting drunk with an old mate who unexpectedly turns up and his resulting hilarious behaviour means he doesn't get the job. In the 2020 version, the humour of the original story is discarded, replaced with a stilted point about Siegfried's loyalty to James.
Mrs Hall. In her 60s in the books. The creators of the 2020 series wanted to round out the character of Mrs Hall, give her a backstory etc. Great, good idea - but because apparently a woman in her 60s is incapable of being a well rounded character, they've also shaved 20 years off her. This ageist casting decision is baffling, until one considers the reason for it may be that the creators are planning some sort of Mrs Hall / Siegfried romance? Oh dear God, no... At any rate, the dynamic of Skeldale house is thrown off distractingly with plot twists such as Mrs Hall being responsible for James being hired.
I was really looking forward to a faithful update that would be as good as the BBC series, but alas, while a good attempt, it seems this is not to be it.
The other cast members are well chosen too (with one exception, explained below). Samuel West is a good fit for Siegfried, although his potential in the role is not fully realised because of some disappointing plot choices.
Helen is given more to do, is a more independent and strong-willed character. This doesn't conflict with the books and is a welcome update. This Helen is free to wear trousers and speak her mind as her character in the books did.
The Dales scenery is gorgeous, the 1930s setting authentic, and the veterinary interaction with the animals convincing (for the most part).
The not so good: Much of the humour and warmth of the James Herriot books is missing. As an example: One of the funniest moments in the books, portrayed wonderfully in the BBC series, occurs when Siegfried visits a racecourse he wants a job at with a General who may get him the role. He ends up getting drunk with an old mate who unexpectedly turns up and his resulting hilarious behaviour means he doesn't get the job. In the 2020 version, the humour of the original story is discarded, replaced with a stilted point about Siegfried's loyalty to James.
Mrs Hall. In her 60s in the books. The creators of the 2020 series wanted to round out the character of Mrs Hall, give her a backstory etc. Great, good idea - but because apparently a woman in her 60s is incapable of being a well rounded character, they've also shaved 20 years off her. This ageist casting decision is baffling, until one considers the reason for it may be that the creators are planning some sort of Mrs Hall / Siegfried romance? Oh dear God, no... At any rate, the dynamic of Skeldale house is thrown off distractingly with plot twists such as Mrs Hall being responsible for James being hired.
I was really looking forward to a faithful update that would be as good as the BBC series, but alas, while a good attempt, it seems this is not to be it.
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