In
January, new TV series Bitten was introduced based on Kelley Armstrong's Women
of the Otherworld series (more specifically, her first book of the same
title). Having read the first two books in the series (review of Bitten coming soon), then discovering
the TV adaptation, I decided to give it a go - after all, nothing says procrastination like catching up on an
entire series in a matter of days, right? Having read a minor synopsis of the
TV version, I gathered that the first series at least was only based on the
first book in Armstrong's series, so I'll be briefly comparing the series to
the novel.
Plot
The first episode opens very much
like the book; we are introduced to Elena - played by Laura Vandervoot -
undergoing a change in Toronto. So far, so good. In fact, the series maintains
a closeness to the plot of the novel, but this can also be bad because it's not
exactly the same. First of all (plot spoiler here for anyone who hasn't read
the novel) Logan is very much alive and features in a lot of the episodes.
Rather than being a voice on the phone, he is firmly in Toronto and in Elena's
life. Instead of killing him off, Antonio is killed off later in the series,
and the Mutt situation gets way more out of hand than the events in the novel.
Casting
As far as casting goes, it was
never going to be exactly how I imagined it - after all, everyone imagines the
characters differently. In my opinion, all the characters are fairly accurate
to their descriptions in the book, with a few very minor exceptions (like
Clay's hair not being as blonde as it should. Like I say, we are talking very
minor). Their choice of Greg Bryk as Jeremy Danvers is, in my opinion, perfect.
All the actors are clearly talented and take on the roles brilliantly - you get
a clear sense of the emotion intended in the script. Which brings me to my next
part...
Characters
As a standalone series, Bitten
is really great. But in comparison to the book? So e of the characters seem a
little off. My main qualm is their portrayal of Clay. Don't get me wrong,
Greyston Holt plays the part brilliantly, but the Clay scripted in the series
lacks some of the key traits as the Clay in the novel. Rather than being the
almost primal being he is in the novel, failing to engage with human emotions
simply because he doesn't want to, he is portrayed in the series as a lost
romantic hero who wants to change to win back Elena. This is fine, if you've
not read the book. If you have, not so good. There are a few other minor
details as well - Jeremy doesn't seem nearly as level-headed as he does in the
novel, and Elena only seems to get ballsy around the fifth episode - again,
works well as a standalone series just not if you've read the book. Nick,
however, is a perfect match on his book character, however I'm worried he may
change now that they have killed Antonio.
Final Thoughts
As a series by itself, Bitten
is absolutely fine for anyone who likes supernatural dramas. If you've read the
novels and don't like the idea of them being changed, don't watch the series.
That's not to say anyone who has read the novels shouldn't watch the series,
but it's important to keep an open mind and see them a separate from each
other. Otherwise, if you're as pedantic as me, it'll drive you crazy. Perhaps
I'm too picky, but these are my thoughts. And I will probably continue to watch
the series.
