La Folle Aventure des Durrell

One thing you Brits have across the pond is some outstanding shows. Man this is such a well made series and so worth watching. The acting is perfect from every character and the story lines are just outstanding. Im done watching Hollywood TV cause it absolutely sucks compared to British shows. Bottom line is I am a United States Marine... I love my country but the TV over here sucks!!!! I am Definitely not the demographics the show was looking to reach. So If a guy like me can enjoy it, anyone can. I was totally hooked after the very 1st episode. Watch and enjoy cause this is simply one of the best shows I've ever watched... I'd fly over there on my dime just to be an extra on a show of this caliber... Well done!!! Well done!!!

With most recent TV dramas being centred on sex, money and or violence it's good to watch a drama based on a simpler and more relaxing storyline.

Typically British and well set in a more relaxed time this is a breath of fresh air, not a zombie in sight, no over beautiful over sexed unbelievable characters looking to solve world problems.

While I have some empathy to other reviewers who are disappointed this series strays from the original source materials of Gerald Durrell, I have no such concerns. I haven't read any of them. Instead, I see this as a charming, sun baked, Mediterranean-blue inspired bit of froth. The family is suitably wacky, the scenery is stunning and the script is full of good fun. Opa!

There has been substantial criticism of this series' failure to accurately portray the source material about the Durrells. Not having read the books, I cannot use them as a comparison. So I am judging on the series itself, and comparing it to other presentations of more modern material on Masterpiece. In that light, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. The actors, especially those portraying the children bring real spirit to the four quirky kids. The photography captures the brightness of Corfu, the sky and sea are brilliant blue. The countryside captures the rustic life of the 1930's. The animals add a realistic and fun realism to the family's life. Is it the best Masterpiece ever? No, because the story doesn't lend itself to high adventure and suspense. But it is an enjoyable series that kept me interested in the family's story.

Totally against the grain of the other reviews here I love this. I haven't read the book since school so basically I have forgotten it. That gives me the advantage of watching this as an original work (not an adaptation). And I love it, I love the characters, the actors, the direction and the cinematography. Overall it is just charming, crammed full of dry wit and it's a bit of a page turner as I can't wait for the next episode. Margo's besotted face is a delight, Leslie's imperialist stomping around with guns and suitable opaque wit is a hoot, Larry's fey artist trip just sucks you in and gets you ready for the 'Quartet', Mrs Durrell is like a real Mary Poppins and Gerry (well he, sacrilegiously, is the weak link for me, I don't really care about the animals). I usually hate this kind of family thing but with this I am a convert. So if you are not a stickler for adaptation fidelity and you want a smile on your face for an hour a week then watch this.