The Mysterious Benedict Society

I was quite fond of this book as a kid and the attention to detail in this adaptation is mind blowing. Almost every little thing is book-accurate. It is truly mind blowing. I respect anyone who adapts a book with this much love and attention.

Despite older source material, this show is perfect to deal with scars of the psyche left over from the quarantine, politics, constant whispers of wars, lax resourses, and total stress overload. This is perfect for children, and your inner child no matter your age. Because the U. S. does not offer critical thinking courses to children like most western countries, Americans are proving highly susceptible to "the emergency" of constant hidden messages of division, aggression, judgment, hatred & fear of others. *Deep breath*. Life is sacred. Nothing is worth turning on others, especially over the illusion of ideology. While everyone else runs around frantically losing their way in the moment, you must stay centered. Despite urgent topics, this series is an absolute fun time, and a great tool to preserve or revive, your child within. I whole heartedly agree with the other reviews, a million stars just isn't enough. Bravo.

I see a lot of reviews here saying it's very slow paced. IMO it's actually rather refreshing to see a show of this genre with child actors moving at the slower pace and taking it's time to build the plot up versus rushing through it because it's geared for kids (really it's for kids and adults but most kids under 14 won't get the plot, so parents will need to explain, if THEY get it 😉 ).

It's actually a rather cerebral show and reminds me a lot of shows like Star Trek and Quantum Leap.

If you're looking for a fast paced or action show this isn't it. But if you're willing to be patient and can understand and adjectives the intellectual aspect, then this is for you.

I was wonderfully surprised by this show. The entire cast was excellent, especially the child actors. I can't stress enough how great they played their characters. They were funny, felt genuine, and you really grew to love them. The adults too, played their roles incredibly well. I was not familiar with the books they are based on, but the story was compelling, while still being family friendly. A lot of love went into this story (both seasons). Sadly, Disney couldn't let a good thing alone.

Disney+ announced it would be removing this show this month, along with many others, as a way to cut back costs. You'd think they'd start with their poorly made stuff first. It was slated to have a third season, but now it's fate is uncertain. No wonder Disney is losing money. They struggle to make good content, and when they do they find a way to ruin it. Bad management across the board. Really hope this show comes back or finds another way to survive.

I absolutely love the book series! It's so well done. Overall, this is a great adaptation. I don't understand some of the choices (i.e. SQ is Curtain's son, Sticky's parents are dead and his aunt/uncle were the ones who had him on the trivia circuit), but overall not a big deal.

My two biggest issues: they made Kate annoying (I did not find her annoying in the books at all) and they made Mr. Benedict more anxious. It's been awhile since I read the first book, but I recently read the rest of the series. Kate was always confident and competent, but also a big team player. She's too arrogant and "maverick" in the show.

And Mr. Benedict is not portrayed as an anxious, nervous person in the books! He's certainly concerned for the children's safety, but he's confident in his plans and decisions. I pictured him more calm and confident than he's portrayed in the show.

Again, overall I really like it and think it's a good interpretation of the book. Those two things are really my only issues! Maybe they'll consider being more true to those characters in future season?