The Durrells

Like many others, I repeatedly devoured the books by Gerald Durrell as a child, especially the Corfu trilogy, and was very sad to discover that the author passed away in my late teens. I also read some of Larry Durrell's writing and watched a documentary "Gerald Durrell in Russia", however I did not see the 1987 TV show (nor the 2015 movie). I am not English, so the Durrellian universe was much smaller in my reality of a post-soviet CEE country; nevertheless I regard it a vital part of my growing up and it brightened many a day back then. So I was really happy when I stumbled upon the TV show on the Durrell's tonight, keen on being reunited with little Garry, mercurial Les, Larry the intellectualist, girly Margo and all the other strange, goofy and dear characters roaming the emerald Greek island . I understand that expectations are high when it comes to childhood favorite reads and after the first episode it's pretty safe to say the show did not overwhelm me either, but I really enjoyed the different perspective on the adventures and struggles of this eccentric family I feel I know almost like my own.

While in the books you watch the family story through the eyes of a young boy keen on nature, in this show it's the grown-up perspective of a mother trying to survive with 4 intense teenagers on a beautiful yet unfamiliar island with no electricity, little money and very basic language skills. It's not all blue skies, sparkling green see, dazzling sun and the perpetual summer holidays feeling the books enchant you with. But watching the show, it's easy to imagine the small and bigger dramas behind Gerald Durrell's lighthearted and funny family portrait, making it a more real and less funny account. The show seems to unravel in a somewhat bumpy and chaotic way, with some originally hilarious scenes becoming more awkward than funny and I can't help the feeling the actors are neither able to play to their full capacity nor do they seem to harmonize with each other particularly well. But slowly the familiar feeling seeps in and the moment you see young Gerry's (Milo Parker) bright eyes widen up in thrill with some odd wildlife, you know you will want to watch the next episode. As a sworn Durrell fan I wouldn't miss it!

This seies get better with each new season. I love the crazy characters and the scenery! I have laughed out loud so many times, I can't wait to see every new episode. I hope there are many more seasons to come! What a gem, bravo! Or as the greeks say "siharitiria".

I find it hard to believe that some of the reviewers can be so harsh on this series, I find it so watchable, light and easy viewing, but somehow totally engrossing. The second series has built on the success of the first, and managed to build and develop the series further. Who hasn't thought about upping sticks and moving to the sun?

I love how the series has managed to show the family's move as turbulent and wonderful at the same time. The production truly makes the most of the glorious location, it's pure escapism.

Keeley Hawes is an actress of supreme talent, and whether she's playing the tough cop Lindsay Denton from Line of Duty, or the Home County's finest here, she adds something to everything she does. The characters are wonderfully observed, each quirky in their own right, and the use of animals is always lovely.

Sad to see it come to an end at Series four, but perhaps time enough.

Heart warming, easy viewing. 8/10

There has been substantial criticism of this series' failure to accurately portray the source material about the Durrells. Not having read the books, I cannot use them as a comparison. So I am judging on the series itself, and comparing it to other presentations of more modern material on Masterpiece. In that light, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. The actors, especially those portraying the children bring real spirit to the four quirky kids. The photography captures the brightness of Corfu, the sky and sea are brilliant blue. The countryside captures the rustic life of the 1930's. The animals add a realistic and fun realism to the family's life. Is it the best Masterpiece ever? No, because the story doesn't lend itself to high adventure and suspense. But it is an enjoyable series that kept me interested in the family's story.

With most recent TV dramas being centred on sex, money and or violence it's good to watch a drama based on a simpler and more relaxing storyline.

Typically British and well set in a more relaxed time this is a breath of fresh air, not a zombie in sight, no over beautiful over sexed unbelievable characters looking to solve world problems.