The Rook

I haven't read the book,but I didn't really like what I saw.I gave it a 6 for its filming-London is beautiful-and the superb Joely,aside from these two...it had nothing else. A supernatural spy thriller is always an ambitious idea and it has rarely been done well.It was technical and boring,the writing was tedious and the plot was somewhat predictable and didn't evoke any kind of interest.Overall i found it flat and uninspiring.I really really don't like the lead girl,didn't like her when I first saw her in Shameless,didn't like her now.Character development was nonexistent.After finishing the episode I didn't care whether I would watch the next one or not.Keep in mind that STARZ is a network that traditionally renews shows for a second season,only to cancel them a little before its finale...has done so with BOSS, MAGIC CITY and COUNTERPART.Sooooo,I really don't know if I'm gonna invest.

Firstly you have to wonder about a TV series where all the characters call the lead by the incorrect way. Myfanwy is an old Welsh name pronounced me-van-wee, not as they say Miffany, surely someone should have pointed this out. As for the cast, well they are going through the motions, nothing more. From the first few minutes in you dislike the lead, wishy-washy, bland etc. To be honest if you want something different from the usual superhero, anti-superhero you're in the wrong place, it ain't Legion. Basically it's the same as all the other banal sci-fi teen stuff, not as bad as 'The 100', but daft. Six stone slight women beating the hell out of man three times their weight, woman loses her mind, but leaves clues that anyone could find etc. The script is laughable in places, you wonder what research was ever undertaken, crime scene, pathology wasn't included in the research that's for sure. If you like your sci-fi with pretty people, characterless, pointless sex scenes, swearing for the sake of it, poor acting and a plot more open than a mountain range then you'll enjoy. If you prefer TV series like 'The Expanse', 'Discovery', 'Legion', 'Westworld', then avoid.

The Rook is an interesting series with some fresh ideas, beautifully filmed, but a bit slow for its concept and not showing enough characters' powers in action. The main female character's play is mostly bad and cringe-worthy with awful psychological state of mind.

Most of all, the series lacks fluidity and logic from time to time, very often showing sub-plots and 'random' pictures and acts, leaving it to viewers to link them all together in relation to the whole story.

If they aim for a second season, they need to lube all parts of the story and script up, show more in-depth action and tangible use of characters' powers. The characters interactions together need to be more polished and realistic. In its current state, they are more like pieces of a puzzle, shuffled together and piled up.

All in all, a fresh series, still raw, having the potential to receive a nice polish and shine to brighten up like a diamond.

After first episode, it looks like a very interesting supernatural spy thriller. Well done with decent acting, great visuals and sound. I hope the series will maintain this level of excellence. I did not read the book it is based on, so have no prior expectations.

I've just realized how difficult it would be to bring the book as a whole to the small screen. You can make an endangered show for the fans or craft a semblance of the material for public interest. I think they've done a good job of the latter. I just miss the culled characters and storylines. Can see the direction they're on and, hopefully, the constant exposition and 5 minutes spent wandering the apartment were the foundation for the increasing exciting pace of a great story.