The Rook

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.

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.

I am on Episode 6 now. The book is much, MUCH better, however, the show has a life of its own. Don't try to see the book in this show, just watch it. The show is not bad, but it's an average one. The book (both if them, The Rook and Stiletto) are really original. The author ("That Aussi Guy") has a wild imagination, it's a pity that the show is not based on the book in any coherent way.

Stephen King's The Lawnmower Man was purchased for the title and the story was deep sixed. The Rook is similar to anyone how has read the book, which is magnificent. The book is totally Myfanwy's story and the TV show seems like they wanted the book title but not the book, which would have required the team from Stranger Things to do it justice and scare the pants off anyone watching which it would have. This is sort like watching MI-5 with some super powers thrown in. I can't say I dislike the show but knowing the book does get in the way. I will watch the TV show simply because it is not even close to the book other than the title so I just view it as a Procedural, but anyone watching the show good luck figuring out the 'Blonds' and no they are not the Children of the damned all grown up.

Watchable but the week by week drip does not help. This needs to be seen in one long weekend.

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.