The Mysterious Benedict Society

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 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 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?

Wow - the first two episodes were excellent. As someone who loved the books and read and re-read them over and over again as a child, this was everything I could have hoped for-a masterclass in capturing the wit and spirit of a book while making subtle improvements. This is probably the best adaptation of a book series I have seen since Season 1 of the Handmaid's Tale!

The four main kids are perfectly cast, with Marta Kessler being an excellent Constance Contraire. Although I was apprehensive about Tony Hale as Mr Benedict, the first two episodes settled most of my concerns and the writing does a lot to help him feel at place in the role. And of course, Kristen Schaal is pitch-perfect casting for Number Two, as is MaameYaa Boafo as Rhonda. And Ryan Hurst makes for a sad but hilarious Milligan.

The scenes feel lifted right from the book, with much needed adjustments like Mr. Curtain no longer using a wheelchair so as to avoid the Evil Cripple trope. The production design is vibrant and captivating, and the sets are as colourful and exciting as the books. Meanwhile, Theodore Shapiro writes an EXCELLENT and catchy theme tune.

I am VERY satisfied!

Two episodes into it, and we absolutely love The Mysterious Benedict Society. A quirky fun mix of fantasy/reality. Excellent set designs and musical score to match.

Hopefully the remaining seasons episodes are equally enjoyable.

Highly recommended!