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Saturday, August 16, 2008

I know it's based on a book but...

I discovered Kathy Reichs my sophomore year in college while I was working at Waldens. Deadly Décisions was just out in hardcover so I only had two others to catch up on, and I was totally enamored with everything forensics. In fact, at that point I had already decided that I wanted to go into forensic anthropology myself so I was thrilled that there was a mystery series about the very thing!

I've been a die-hard fan ever since. Tempe's story, her relationship issues, her family issues... The very nature of a continuing series, if it's done right, is that you get to know the characters inside and out. You're there for as much of their lives as the author allows and you end up feeling as if you "know" them. 

Imagine how happy I was when Bones started, then. Until I saw the first episode anyway. At this point I can't pinpoint exactly what it was about the show that just didn't hook me, but I'm pretty sure it's the fact that they really don't follow the books at all. For one, Temperance is the only character in both, (her ex does make an appearance in the first episode) and I kept trying to connect tv characters with book characters - wasn't working at all. 

I didn't give up totally, though. My mom is hooked and has been watching the series on dvd. I also read an interview with Reichs herself in which she states that the tv series is supposed to portray a much younger Tempe than the book series. So, I gave it another shot. 

This time something must have clicked (I have a sneaking suspicion it may be in part thanks to the fact that the show is now on season 3 and I have a certain amount of fear and trepidation attached to any FOX show these days - hey, they always cancel the ones I like!). Now, I'm totally obsessed. I've only got 2 discs left in season 2 and I am dying to see season 3. I've caught a few on tv, but out of sequence and without knowing all the back story from seasons 1 and 2. 

I'm a tv on dvd junkie! Next up for me, Dexter season 2. I also have to share the new Dead Like Me news. I could have died when I heard, but apparently they're making a straight to dvd movie and if it does well (drum roll) they may bring back the show! Yay! 

If you haven't already I suggest you jump on the bandwagon and join one of the rental mailings so you can start catching up on these series as well. And, if you're a fan of the Reichs books and had the same issue I did with the show, take it from me and give it another shot. How can you go wrong with David Boreanaz again anyway? 

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Maybe I'll give the series a try. Reichs' books are great, but I'm always a little suspicious of series and movies based on books I like. Thanks for the tip!

Jaime said...

No way, they might bring back Dead Like Me? I really liked that show.

Becky LeJeune said...

Jon, I would definitely try at least a few episodes. You'll have to suspend some of your expectations that come from being a fan of the books, but I find the episodes are quite amusing and have some really interesting story lines.

Jaime, I know. How freaking cool would it be if it really did come back, right? So tell all your DLM fans to run out and buy the movie when it comes out!

Michele said...

I love the books! LOVE! And watched a few episodes the first year and did not love. So sounds like I need to try again. Thanks for the push!