If this programme didn't contain characters with the names Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and D'Artagnan, nobody would think twice about considering it an adaptation of anything.
One could argue that the aforementioned characters are, in fact, based on those of the same names found in Alexandre Dumas' masterpiece "The Three Musketeers," but the only similarities are found in the base stereotypes and character tropes that could be boiled down to apply to any thousands of characters through literature and television for hundreds of years.
Therefore, it is a shame that the creators of this programme believed it necessary to use these iconic names, and to call this programme inspired by "The Three Musketeers." This assertion causes literary buffs like myself to look forward to a retelling of a greatly loved tale, and to new portrayals of characters and relationships that I have come to deeply admire.
Alas, it is because of these expectations that I have come to be disappointed by this programme. I admit it: I watch adapted material judging more on the basis of adaptation than individual product--and without a doubt, this is a poor, poor adaptation. It is a squandered opportunity; for I believe, with the programme's production values and decent cast, the creators could have created something fresh and exciting. Instead, they have labelled this an adaptation and, instead of forging new characters, have butchered characters much loved by many.
Imagine--a brand new period piece on television: marvellous costuming, rollicking plots, flashy sword fights, brand new characters establishing their own original quirks and worthiness. *Sigh*. Rather, we are made to wait for contrived reveals about characters "reimagined," and for bits of familiar plot clumsily inserted into what could have been original story lines.
Perhaps, if I pretend that this is simply a television programme about three unknown musketeers in the service of the king at *around the same time but not necessarily when Athos, Porthos, and Aramis were musketeers* I will be able to enjoy it. If nothing else, Tamla Kari plays a wonderfully refreshing female character. I hope she doesn't lose her quirks and depth as she inevitably develops into a love interest.
One could argue that the aforementioned characters are, in fact, based on those of the same names found in Alexandre Dumas' masterpiece "The Three Musketeers," but the only similarities are found in the base stereotypes and character tropes that could be boiled down to apply to any thousands of characters through literature and television for hundreds of years.
Therefore, it is a shame that the creators of this programme believed it necessary to use these iconic names, and to call this programme inspired by "The Three Musketeers." This assertion causes literary buffs like myself to look forward to a retelling of a greatly loved tale, and to new portrayals of characters and relationships that I have come to deeply admire.
Alas, it is because of these expectations that I have come to be disappointed by this programme. I admit it: I watch adapted material judging more on the basis of adaptation than individual product--and without a doubt, this is a poor, poor adaptation. It is a squandered opportunity; for I believe, with the programme's production values and decent cast, the creators could have created something fresh and exciting. Instead, they have labelled this an adaptation and, instead of forging new characters, have butchered characters much loved by many.
Imagine--a brand new period piece on television: marvellous costuming, rollicking plots, flashy sword fights, brand new characters establishing their own original quirks and worthiness. *Sigh*. Rather, we are made to wait for contrived reveals about characters "reimagined," and for bits of familiar plot clumsily inserted into what could have been original story lines.
Perhaps, if I pretend that this is simply a television programme about three unknown musketeers in the service of the king at *around the same time but not necessarily when Athos, Porthos, and Aramis were musketeers* I will be able to enjoy it. If nothing else, Tamla Kari plays a wonderfully refreshing female character. I hope she doesn't lose her quirks and depth as she inevitably develops into a love interest.