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New TV series: The Durrells

Discussion in 'TV, Movies, Books about Zoos & Wildlife' started by Panthera1981, 29 Mar 2016.

  1. Panthera1981

    Panthera1981 Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    A new series begins on ITV on Sunday April 3rd entitled "The Durrells."

    Couldn't gather much from the trailer, although it looks like it's not solely concentrating on Gerald, rather following the family's time in Corfu.
     
  2. FunkyGibbon

    FunkyGibbon Well-Known Member

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    Understandable, given that My Family and Other Animals also arguably doesn't focus on Gerald. The cast of characters is so strong, it should be good to see all of them get screen time. Excited to see this.
     
  3. Chlidonias

    Chlidonias Moderator Staff Member 15+ year member

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    I just started watching this - just the first episode so far, but it is very good! This is the third television version of the Corfu books that I've seen, the others being the 1987 tv series and the 2005 tv movie. I think this 2016 one might even be the best of the three.
     
  4. Macaw16

    Macaw16 Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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    I've watched all the episodes which have aired so far, and I too have been impressed! I haven't seen any other adaptations of the books, but this would take some beating. Although there are a couple of inaccuracies in terms of animals used I wasn't too annoyed by this as I didn't expect them to be accurate. So overall I've found it excellent!
     
  5. Hix

    Hix Wildlife Enthusiast and Lover of Islands 15+ year member Premium Member

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    I don't think it's being screened in Australia yet (at least, not that I'm aware).

    I've heard that a second season has already been commissioned as its been a big hit in the UK.

    :p

    Hix
     
  6. zooboy28

    zooboy28 Well-Known Member

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    How are you watching it Chlidonias - it it being screened in NZ now?

    The reviews and trailers for it look great, so I want to see it. I thought the 2005 TV movie was great too, I have it on DVD but haven't watched it for ages. Must do that sometime soon.
     
  7. Chlidonias

    Chlidonias Moderator Staff Member 15+ year member

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    which inaccuracies were those?
     
  8. Chlidonias

    Chlidonias Moderator Staff Member 15+ year member

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    I am watching it on Putlocker.
     
  9. Macaw16

    Macaw16 Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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    I think they included a Bearded Dragon in one of the episodes, but I can't remember others (but I seem to remember spotting them!)
     
  10. Chlidonias

    Chlidonias Moderator Staff Member 15+ year member

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    I let that pass because they were using bearded dragons as stand-ins for starred agamas.
     
  11. Hix

    Hix Wildlife Enthusiast and Lover of Islands 15+ year member Premium Member

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    I remember seeing a Beardy in the trailer.

    :p

    Hix
     
  12. Chlidonias

    Chlidonias Moderator Staff Member 15+ year member

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    I've finished watching the whole series (I assume there are only six episodes total), and I'm not really so enthusiastic about it after all. It is pretty good overall, but the content diverges considerably from the books. The core of the series is actually Mrs. Durrell, with Gerry being almost background material. A lot of the plotlines are entirely fictional and there is a very 2000s air about the way everybody acts and talks.

    I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I hadn't read Gerald's books.
     
  13. Panthera1981

    Panthera1981 Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    It was getting a bit saccharine near the end, however I did notice Gerry coming more to the fore as the series concluded. Hopefully this bodes well for the second series.
     
  14. Moon

    Moon New Member

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    I likes "The Durrells." very much too. Very funny show!))
     
  15. Astrobird

    Astrobird Well-Known Member

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    Ive just started watching the series on youtube.... I'm enjoying it so far but I haven't seen any of the other adaptions :D
     
  16. Hix

    Hix Wildlife Enthusiast and Lover of Islands 15+ year member Premium Member

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    After reading most of the above comments I was keen to see the series when it eventually screened in Australia. I was disappointed with the promos on TV as they didn't mention Gerry once, or indicate it was based on a true story - what I would imagine to be two strong selling points (but to be honest, the promo department at the network screening the show probably thought it was just one of those quaint fictional BBC dramas).

    Wasn't too sure about the first episode, but wanted to see more, and was enjoying it by the time it finished. The Executive Producer, Simon Nye, wrote all the episodes (and incidentally, wrote the 2005 movie) and so was probably going for a different angle, one that would appeal to a wider audience, and those that haven't read Durrell's books.

    The fact that it didn't focus much on Gerry didn't actually detract too much for me, and I still enjoyed each episode. Some of the storylines were unfamiliar to me, but then I haven't read Marrying Off Mother, and I've only read The Picnic and Suchlike Pandemonium once, and don't remember much of it.

    I found it interesting that Nancy was brought in halfway through as Larry's girlfriend, who then left because she didn't think Larry would commit to their relationship. Durrell never mentioned Nancy in his books, nor that Larry was already married to her when they all moved there, although I think Larry and Nancy were living there first and encouraged the family to come and join them. And for most of the time Larry and Nancy lived in another villa to themselves, but would return for dinner with he family most nights.

    And I was disappointed the Bootle-Bumtrinket didn't make an appearance.

    I'm looking forward to Season 2.

    :p

    Hix