Lincoln Rhyme: Der Knochenjäger

I keep watching the next episode hoping that my ambivalence to this show will dissipate. It has yet to do so. I loved the movie, I never read the books to be honest, so my critiques is less regarding source material and more the show. At first I couldn't put my finger on what bothers me about the show...but unfortunately it comes down to Russel Hornsby. His portrayal of the main character is painful to watch. The timing feels strange, the writing for him is terrible. His stoicism is almost annoying. He is really hard to watch. (This isnt to say I haven't liked Hornsby in other roles, I really blame the back room for this mess)

The writing in general is terrible. They don't allow for any exposition to come naturally, through acting or organic story. Its all shoehorned really awkwardly into some cringe-worthy dialogue.

This series really misses out on the chance to recreate some amazing people that appear in Jeffrey Deavers Lincoln Rhyme. I have no problem with changing the race of the characters but I think you need to keep it consistent If Rhyme is black I think Sachs should be black also not that there is anything wrong with interracial couples but that nowhere this story lies. None of the characters in the tv series have the little quirks that make them so compelling. Sachs has no arthritis,no Mustang that she loves to drive fast,red hair and she does not seem to falling for Rhyme the way it is in the books. And don't get me started on what they have done to poor Tom. The carekeeper they have in the series is interesting and I like her but if you are representing someone's writings don't you have an obligation to keep the people consistent with the way they are in the books. Tom from the books is one of the more interesting characters in the book and I would like to have seen him in the series. I think they have done a good job in capturing Rhymes personality,the actor does an amazing job capturing his disregard for people's feeling and over all misanthrope. Maybe going forward they will add some more depth to the characters and give Sachs the amazing personality she displays in the novels.

The way the character is written and acted is really annoying. I like the show at certain levels but overall not great.

I realize a lot of viewers probably also read Jeffrey Deaver's bestselling books so they will have preconceived notions before watching this. It's not PERFECT but it's good. The cast is terrific but I think it's a bit too ambitious in the pilot episode and it was a bit overwhelming. But episode two is better and more evenly paced. Let's try to judge it based on the SHOW not the books However. I think it has definite potential if it continues getting better. It's interesting.

But I seriously can't stomach Russell Hornsby's smarmy and irritating portrayal of Rhyme. Even the other characters on the show are making excuses and hoping that he will lighten up. I am hopinh he will go through some epiphany eventually becoming a decent human being but I am not holding my breath.

The implausible and convoluted clue-solving is fine though.