It's been a while but it's time for a rant:
What the HELL is wrong with the movie and TV industry? I'm positive the answer to that is quite lengthy, however my current rant is about book adaptations. I know the series hasn't been around as long as the Lord of the Rings, but the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan has as devout a fandom.They took one of my favorite series and gave it the 'Sword of Truth' treatment. I didn't even make it through one episode of that disaster. I am currently in my 17th reading of the series. I read the whole series every time a new book came out. I love the world that Robert Jordan built.
I was so excited when I heard they were making this into a series. Now, after 4 episodes, I have to say I am very disappointed. The last two times an epic book series was put on the small screen, The Dresden Files (Jim Butcher) and The Sword of Truth (Terry Goodkind), were both horrible.
My first complaint: Casting. Moiraine Sedai is supposed to be short; barely 5 feet tall. I think Rosamund Pike is doing a great job, but she is far too tall for the role. Liandrin Sedai is supposed have a "doll-like" face. The only doll I've ever seen that looked like her was a Bratz doll. Perrin Aybara is supposed to be powerfully built. He is, after all, a blacksmith. This actor doesn't look like he's ever even picked up a hammer. And what have they done to Loial? Why could they not do a CGI version? The actor just looks ridiculous.
My second complaint: Plot lines. Perrin Aybara was NOT married! The three boys are supposed to be 20 year old (the whole point of Moiraine's 20 year search) Moiraine and Suian are NOT lovers! They were best friends bound together by a secret that only they knew of and acted upon. I hold screenwriters responsible for the unforgivable sin of butchering the plot. I understand that there is a need to condense things for TV. Also, the current political climate requires some changes so nobody gets too butthurt, but come on!
In summation: Casting directors should be required to either read the source material or talk to someone who has. I understand that a "screen adaptation" is rarely going to be as good as the source material but (please, please, please) screenwriters should do a better job of choosing the scenes they use and not introduce irrelevant plotlines that screw up things that are supposed to happen in the future. They are provided with a great story. Jeez, in comic books, they are essentially given a storyboard to work from. Why change it? If it wasn't awesome, they wouldn't be trying to make a movie or show out of it! Get with the program screenwriters! The worst culprits of all are the producers because they give their stamp of approval to the casting and script changes. Rant ends.
