Alex Rider

One of the many problems the 2006 film had was that it had to start with in my opinion one of the worst books in the series, Stormbreaker. Clearly learning from their mistakes this time they began with the second book in the series, Point blanc. This in my opinion is one of the best books. This resulted in a well adapted series which, while it does have a few problems, is a solid series which I recommend to anyone who is or isn't a fan of the books.

Alex Rider was a major part of my childhood, so I had high hopes and expectations going into this show. Safe to say, I wasn't disappointed.

Salient Features:

1. Otto Farrant - Otto Farrant does an incredible job as Alex, and he is everything the books made you believe. His physique and that superb run is just what you imagined Alex would have.

2. Casting - The casting for this show is great. Everyone does a very good job, especially Miss Jones, Jack Starbright and of course Tom.

3. Adaption - While they didn't meddle with the source story, significantly changes were made to fit times and make the show less childish. And they were mostly great choices.

Downsides:

1. Takes time to kick off - The show doesn't find it's pace immediately, and takes a good 3 or 4 episodes before it becomes intriguing. So PLEASE just watch the whole season before leaving behind a negative review, cause it really does get better.

2. Lazy writing - At times it feels like things happen too conveniently for Alex. There are a couple plotholes and inconsistencies, but nothing glaring.

3. Smithers - Not having Smithers is one thing, but calling someone Smithers and making his traits completely different is just unacceptable.

Conclusion:

Most of the bad reviews I've seen are people complaining about the show not getting you hooked and them leaving it after the first 2 episodes. Someone even gave a 3 stars for a poor synopsis. The show despite a rocky start finds its footing into episodes 4 and from there it's exactly the Alex Rider action the novels always promised us.

Tl;Dr - It's a great show. Just don't get discouraged by the first few episodes cause it really gets better. And if we get more seasons, the following books have some really great content so buckle up.

I read critics review. They seem to think the series was for kids. No way! Although I don't imagine that some won't watch it. I'd say 15+. Yes it was violent but not unnecessarily. Some called it slow, I think the pace was nicely set fast enough to keep interest but not so fast to miss the detail and the detail was needed. Ok it wasn't that believable but neither is James Bond. So what if the number of times Alex rider isn't shot is stupid, it's entertainment not reality. Compare it to other action adventure and forget that your meant to watching a kid. When you do this, you realise it's better that most and compares well with some of the best.

I watch a lot of TV -- check out my reviews -- and this is one of the best first seasons I have seen in years. The writing, the suspense, the tension are at a level as good as or better than the best spy films. WOW

I was a huge fan of these novels growing up, Point Blanc being one of the best of them. This is such a good adaptation I was blown away, from the trailer and lack of marketing I figured it would be some cheap attempt but this show is SO well done. Not only is it technically well made, with every shot looking slicker than the last, but it also sticks really closely to the original novel it's based on, while managing to flesh out areas where needed. I think the writers decision to skip Stormbreaker was probably a good one after that awful film, but I really hope this gets picked up for many future seasons. Fans of the books will definitely enjoy the name drop towards the end of the show that makes it clear they want to make this a long running success and I hope it is!

Oh and also, Otto Farrant, perfect casting. The closest I've ever had to the image I've had in my head when reading a book actually coming to the screen, he nailed it.