Le Tour du monde en 80 jours

I have not read the book and see that some of those that have are disappointed by this series. Free of such preconceptions I found this an enjoyable watch. Best was to see the three main characters develop and grow through their adventures, especially Mr Fogg.

So, if you have read the book I urge you to free yourself of any expectations and enjoy this in its own right. The book is a recognised classic and this is not, but this will entertain you if you can allow it to do so.

The key word here is adaption - this show is not the book, nor is it an attempt to represent the book in a methodical translation from page to screen - it's an adaption. That allows for some creative license and rejigging in its retelling of the original story.

For me, this was a successful retelling of a classic story. There was dramatic tension between the three protagonists - who go on the adventure - and the antagonists were suitably nasty and conniving. It seemed clear to me that one of the main themes of this version of the tale was the particular journey of Phileas Fog (David Tennant). His transformation from upper class man of leisure and suspended animation, who doesn't really care for anything anymore beyond his own comforts, into someone who eventually finds a part of himself and can begin to live, to be involved in his life.

This aspect of Fog's transformation plays out against the interesting main story arc of the 'romp' around the world in 80 days - an at times cavalier and hair raising journey that is quite entertaining - requiring some suspension of disbelief to be sure, but what classic heroes journey (within the realms of entertainment) doesn't.

This show is supposed to entertain rather than enlighten - and I think it does that very well.

I'm seeing lots of criticism for this show for not living up to the originals, but coming from someone who hasn't ever seen them, I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It doesn't have to be identical to the original to still be a really good series, you just have to look at it for what it is.

David Tennant is phenomenonal throughout and the supporting cast is very good. Okay, it's not a perfect series but what is? I'd highly recommend watching if you want some adventure!

Having read a few reviews before posting my own I've noticed a lot of the negative reviews seem to be a bit emotional, with most blaming their strange discomfort and alarm on the production's deviation from the original source material.

I've seen a few versions over the years but I didn't go into this thinking for one second that it would just be some updated copy, because from the very beginning the story never claimed to be. And how boring it would be if it were. I enjoyed the characters, storyline and locations. Although I do admit that some of the scenes were hard to view as they were quite dark. I also noticed that compared to previous versions they didn't over do the colour pallet. I don't think this hurts the story in any way.

I'm giving this series 7 stars simply because I enjoyed it. I was laid up with a back injury, bored out of my brains and the non stop action and suspense mixed in with a little goofiness was perfect for taking my mind off things. I appreciated the series for the light hearted piece of fun that it is. With a new twist to an old trope and a talented cast to boot. I definitely recommend this series for families and rainy days.

I've noticed on IMDB there seem to be a lot of people that start to cringe at the slightest hint of something being "woke, political correctness" etc etc and will just punish the show with their rating.

Well, sorry if for those reviewers that want to live on a crappy planet and feel pained by modern sensibilities. In the meantime, this was just an enjoyable series, great scenery, fantastic acting and it was around the world in 80 days.