Friday, March 19, 2010

The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency


I was delighted to see the television adaption of Alexander McCall Smith's books was to be screened on Vibe. Naturally, as with any television or movie adaptation there is a certain amount of anxiety before viewing - will the casting of characters resemble what they are like in your head? Will they stay true to the plots or the intent? Will they completely butcher it? Will I be disappointed?

I am delighted to say none of my fears came to fruition.

I loved the casting of Jill Scott as Mma Ramotswe and her supporting characters. And I think what I found most pleasing was the director captured that essence of all things in their time ease, you believed that was what this corner or Botswana was like. It was so very much how I imagined it from reading the book.

Naturally there was plenty of red bush tea.

So over all, a big thumbs up for the television version. I'm looking forward to the next episode.

6 comments:

Claire Beynon said...

Hi Vanda - Gaberone is exactly as it's depicted in the movie. At least, it's as I remember it from my first encounter with the place 35 years ago (how that ages me!) I was fourteen when a boarding school friend invited me to go to Botswana with her for a long weekend. I especially loved the signage. In the movie, my favourite character was the Madam Ramotswe's hairdresser friend. Do you know when the next one is coming out? L, C

Kerrie said...

I was a little disappointed with the episode I saw Vanda- I don't think Jill Scott is old enough, and I found the dialogue difficult to understand. The setting seemed a bit westernised to me.

Anonymous said...

Vanda - I'm glad you thoroughly enjoyed the episode, althouth Kerrie, I'm sorry that you didn't. To me, it's just so interesting to see different perspectives on it. It hasn't been aired yet where I live; I'll just have to keep an eye out for and see what I think.

Kiwicraig said...

Sounds worth a watch [grumbling into his drink that he doesn't have Vibe...]

Vanda Symon said...

The next episode is this Tuesday at 9.30pm on Vibe - can't wait.

Unknown said...

I'm loving the series! Never read the books.