Last time I wrote a post, Sherlock had just finished. Therefore, it is fitting that the next post would be about the new detective on the BBC block, Mr. Cormoran Strike, PI! (it is important not to be confused with General Stryker; Mr. Strike did not make Wolverine the weapon he is today, I mean was… it’s really been a long time since I wrote a post). As this is a new detective series and as the true writer of the books it was based on is J.K. Rowiling, I think we can all agree I was meant to write a post about it.
Time for some background info. Rowling chose to write the
Cormoran Strike novels under the pseudonym Robert Gallbraith, as she did not
want them to be connected with her previous work in any way. Nonetheless, in
the chaos that is modern literature, the books did not climb the ladder well
(because chaos…is a… nevermind). Then, someone accidently let it slip that it
is Rowling’s work and she accidently made more money. That’s not to say that
the books are not worth the attention; they are really good! The woman has a
gift for underdogs with unwanted fame, it’s undeniable.
Cormoran Strike is a war veteran that lost his leg and is
now working as a PI in Central London. He is also the estranged son of an old
rock star and a groupie/model, because why the hell not. As PI’s are a
ridiculous occupation in the modern world, Strike is poor, has unpaid debts and
lives in his office. One sunny morning, the beautiful Robyn enters his life as
a temporary secretary, as does the brother of dead supermodel Lula Laundry. And
this is where we meet our hero, with a brand new employee and a high-profile
case to turn his financial situation around.
The book was really good, but this is not the place to talk
about the book. I am here to congratulate the best casting director in the UK,
because these characters were so spot on, it was spooky! Strike is described as
ugly, but with a certain charm, but as this is the magic box, they could not
cast someone who is too ugly. Tom Burke comes in with his scrappy upper lip and
chubbiness and those eyes and manliness, he is perfect! Needless to say, I developed
a much deserved crush that I had not felt since, well, Sherlock, who is
monopolising this post. Robyn is gorgeous in a girl-next-door way and the most
important thing; her chemistry with Strike is wonderful! That’s not to say she
is not doing the character justice independently, but their interaction cannot
be overlooked; it is exactly as the book had promised.
London is also portrayed in all its gloomy glamour, with
old, empty pubs and dodgy Indian food parlours. Then you get the over-the-top,
marble white, high-class houses all the celebrities live in and the hip areas
of east London, where coke-loving models and hipsters mix. There are some
beautiful little details that further ensure you that this is the London we
know and love; Robyn lives far out because she cannot afford central London and
commutes long hours every day. Strike lives in his office in a fold-out bed
because he cannot afford an apartment and every nicotine junkie smokes outside
like an exile. It’s really beautiful in its own, strange, London-y way!
And now for the complaints, yes we all knew they were
coming. While the three episodes do not deviate much from the book and they
also take care of a couple of issues, such as that vile attempt at rap lyrics by
MC Row-bling, they were… flat. Like the visual depiction of someone sitting in
a chair and narrating the book. Television is a different medium and especially
of late, TV shows have caught up with cinema and can be works of art! I would
have rather seen something less faithful to the book but something that would
have worked without Rowling’s name attracting the crowds. I am going to mention
Sherlock one last time. Of course, half the work in Sherlock is Benny and Marty
and their chemistry, but the other half is beautiful directing and, I am
assuming, a larger budget. And this brings me to my final question; why is Rowling
not giving her work a larger budget?
It’s more than Strike; as of late, everything feels rushed
and mediocre and this from a woman who wrote Harry Potter. I am not a
fan of the movies, but they involved recognised actors, beautiful effects, Alfonso
Cuaron (at a time) and a general feeling of polished work. And then we get
Casual Vacancy as a miniseries, which just made you feel like it was done to be
done; a checklist outcome. I can’t help but feel like this falls under the same
category; it could have been done more carefully, it could have been up in Sherlock territory (okay, I lied before). She is a billionaire, so is it still about the
money? Is it all a hit-and-run? Is it that her name only carries weight when
Harry Potter is involved? I don’t know, but I think that this story line and
these leads had so much more potential. I was really hoping for this series to
be my substitute for Sher… for that other detective series.
Now, am I going to watch the Silkworm this Sunday? Of course!
Because I believe in Strike and his potential and I am hoping this second installment
of the series will be better, because it still was very, very enjoyable and because Tom
Burke is a hottie! Had to be said.
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