The Casual Vacancy - BBC series changes Rowling book
J.K. Rowling TV mini-series features rape, drug abuse and racism, but it's not as grim as the book
A new television mini-series based on J.K. Rowling's best-selling novel, The Casual Vacancy, will screen on BBC One this Sunday night. The Casual Vacancy, published in 2012, was Rowling's first adult novel following her phenomenally successful Harry Potter children's book series.
It sold well but received mixed reviews when it was released, with one Telegraph writer calling it “so howlingly bleak that it makes Thomas Hardy look like PG Wodehouse”.The story was also a little too dark for the BBC, and producers at the broadcaster have reportedly taken some liberties with the narrative. So what can viewers expect?
The Daily Mail reports that programme makers decided Rowling's story was 'grim' for the small screen - so they rewrote the ending for Sunday night audiences. But the three-part drama, starring Sir Michael Gambon, Keeley Hawes and Rory Kinnear, still involves scenes of rape, drug abuse and racism.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Screenwriter Sarah Phelps said: “It’s still heartbreaking, but I had to find some kind of redemptive moment at the end, that sense that after the tragedy, someone gets to stand with a slightly straighter back.”
But changes to the storyline have not been limited to the ending, says the Mail. Questions have been raised over other edits to the plot, which some have suggested were made in order "to ramp up left-wing issues weeks before the General Election". The drama does not mention any political parties but critics say the battle over Sweetlove House is "a thinly disguised attack on the Government's welfare cuts" in the lead up to the May election.
Politics aside, episode one starts gently, says Kasia Delgado also in the Radio Times, with a camera swooping over the English countryside, "but soon the colossal cracks begin to show and things get very dark indeed".
Delgado describes the show as: "Beautifully shot, brilliantly acted and swarming with vivid characters."
Viewers can make up their own mind when the series airs, BBC One, Sunday 9pm.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - May 5, 2024
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - annoying noises, gag orders, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 highly educational cartoons about student protests
Cartoons Artists take on apolitical camping, the National Guard, and more
By The Week US Published
-
French schools and the scourge of teenage violence
Talking Point Gabriel Attal announces 'bold' intervention to tackle rise in violent incidents
By The Week UK Published
-
Silversea cruise review: a Central and North American adventure
The Week Recommends An incredible journey featuring cultural exploration, cooking classes, comfort and more
By Yasemen Kaner-White Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published