A brilliant and realistic depiction of the struggles in maintaining a marriage that has run its course. The book and adaption offer a unique spin on the ending of a marriage, rather than ending as the result of an infidelity or huge secret as many other series do, this tells the story in a much more real manner where two people are no longer compatible for one another.
The flashbacks to their younger selves offered insight into the Petersens history and showed how their completely opposite personalities once attracted and even complimented one another. Now, after over twenty years of marriage the spark has gone and their differences have led to a strain. There is still love between the couple, however, which you could definitely feel and see through the actors efforts, and it really added to the sense of realism as often bitterness clouds leftover feelings of love in a majority of tv shows where a marriage has ended.
It also offers a harsh insight into Douglas' relationship with his son, Albie, with flashbacks from not so long ago showing the strains caused by Douglas' personality and emotional unintelligence as it was referred to. Although Douglas means well, like many parents, his expression of his feelings often comes across as disappointment or discontent and this very miscommunication pushes his only living child away. The climatic reunion and argument was very insightful and refreshing for the characters, it allowed them to slowly open up to one another and bond. Though the changes weren't automatic and required time, by the final scenes you knew that their relationship was in a much better place and would continue to grow.
I appreciate the fact that the story maintained the key elements of its book, and enjoyed seeing the changes made which overall made the characters more relatable and likeable. The ending of the book, whilst headed in the same direction, was slightly different to the series ending and a much more preferable one in my opinion. The show was a thoroughly delightful watch, one which could definitely be eye opening and too close to home for some audiences, which is what makes it such a great watch. The balance of humour and drama is just right.
The flashbacks to their younger selves offered insight into the Petersens history and showed how their completely opposite personalities once attracted and even complimented one another. Now, after over twenty years of marriage the spark has gone and their differences have led to a strain. There is still love between the couple, however, which you could definitely feel and see through the actors efforts, and it really added to the sense of realism as often bitterness clouds leftover feelings of love in a majority of tv shows where a marriage has ended.
It also offers a harsh insight into Douglas' relationship with his son, Albie, with flashbacks from not so long ago showing the strains caused by Douglas' personality and emotional unintelligence as it was referred to. Although Douglas means well, like many parents, his expression of his feelings often comes across as disappointment or discontent and this very miscommunication pushes his only living child away. The climatic reunion and argument was very insightful and refreshing for the characters, it allowed them to slowly open up to one another and bond. Though the changes weren't automatic and required time, by the final scenes you knew that their relationship was in a much better place and would continue to grow.
I appreciate the fact that the story maintained the key elements of its book, and enjoyed seeing the changes made which overall made the characters more relatable and likeable. The ending of the book, whilst headed in the same direction, was slightly different to the series ending and a much more preferable one in my opinion. The show was a thoroughly delightful watch, one which could definitely be eye opening and too close to home for some audiences, which is what makes it such a great watch. The balance of humour and drama is just right.