This meme celebrates an awesome adaptation related to a weekly category. Any format of adaptation (television series, film, web series, etc.) is acceptable as long as it is based in some form on a book. This meme is hosted by Alisa Selene at PictureMeReading. Check out her site and join in on the fun!
An Awesomely Twisted Adaptation
Title: Jekyll
Adapted from: Jekyll and Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
Before Steven Moffat turned his awesome writing skills to modernizing Sherlock, he modernized Jekyll and Hyde, making modern-day Jekyll an unfortunate ancestor of the original. Unfortunate in that his darker side is more hereditary instead of the result of a potion and it comes upon Jekyll suddenly. The story line doesn't have many parallels with the original novel other than the basic transformation, and while Jekyll is your basic good character, with a family and good intentions, Hyde is the very twisted part of this adaptation as he is remarkably creepy and unnerving. His physical appearance doesn't change all that much, but his personality becomes smooth, cruel, unpredictable, and violent. Of course he has super strength and agility and keener senses too. As Hyde he is more animalistic and watching what he does makes this show pretty mesmerizing. I think it's fun how this series teases out expectation and suspense by setting up scenes where people cross or threaten Hyde, unaware of his power.
The sheer unpredictable way this story unfolds adds to sense of unease this story thrives on - because there is much more to the series than the Jekyll and Hyde transformation - there's a security team that monitors Jekyll for mysterious reasons and the reason why Jekyll transforms and his past presents some very unique and intriguing ideas.
This series has so much to offer - it can be scary and disturbing (not so bad as most horror films today though), there's a really touching love story at it's heart and some genuinely surprising and unexpected twists and turns. Hyde especially is just not what you think he'll be. Pretty much each episode ending didn't go where I thought it would go. The only sad thing about this series is that it was possibly due for a second season which somehow never happened, so the viewers are left with a few questions in the end.
The sheer unpredictable way this story unfolds adds to sense of unease this story thrives on - because there is much more to the series than the Jekyll and Hyde transformation - there's a security team that monitors Jekyll for mysterious reasons and the reason why Jekyll transforms and his past presents some very unique and intriguing ideas.
This series has so much to offer - it can be scary and disturbing (not so bad as most horror films today though), there's a really touching love story at it's heart and some genuinely surprising and unexpected twists and turns. Hyde especially is just not what you think he'll be. Pretty much each episode ending didn't go where I thought it would go. The only sad thing about this series is that it was possibly due for a second season which somehow never happened, so the viewers are left with a few questions in the end.
I didn't know about this show! It is never fun though when a show gets canceled before it's actually over. Since I know about this, I will never watch it. I can't stand when that happens. Whenever there is a new series on TV I am interested in I tape the first season and wait to watch it to make sure it's not canceled.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand, I did so much googling after watching this to see if I could get more answers! It really leaves some interesting twists in the end. I don't think the show was canceled though - it did pretty well - I just don't know why it ended. Those Brits really are weird about doing lots of seasons!
DeleteThis has been sitting in my Netflix queue for a while now. I looked interesting but I just haven't gotten around to it.
ReplyDeleteAh, this is really good! If you've seen Sherlock - it's not better than that in terms of adaptation but this is a very unique take on Jekyll. Maybe if you watch it you could tell me what you think of the ending, but I don't know if I remember all my questions now...
DeleteInteresting! I've never heard of this adaptation! Good choice! I finally posted mine... a little later in the day than I normally like to... but I chose Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
ReplyDeleteIt took me awhile to finally watch this adaptation - I was missing Sherlock so I decided to try it - totally was not disappointed. :)
DeleteOh I remember when this was advertised on TV! I should give it a watch, James Nesbitt is great. And it's on Netflix so I can watch it quite easily =D
ReplyDeleteThe trouble with the BBC schedule is that there is much they can show, and they get so many programme ideas, that if something isn't pulling its weight it can be easily cut and replaced, which is what happened to this I guess =/
I first saw James Nesbitt in the Fairy Tale Retold episode of Cinderella which I loved (and which will be a future Awesome Adaptation post) and now I've seen this, so I'm not too familiar with his work, but I think he's a great actor! I need to watch more of his things.
DeleteI do like how the BBC takes a chance on so many different kinds of shows - they should do that more in America - but I guess shorter seasons gives them time to do that and it is nice to have long seasons as well so I guess there has to be some balance.