So for this series to get those characters so wrong in the first few episodes, even if they later correct it, I just don't think I can say they've done the source material justice. Without the deeply endearing, flawed but fundamentally good nature of these characters, the rest is largely meaningless. But the central characters are for me what binds it all together, James and the Brothers Farnon.
(and it *is* beautifully produced), and of course for the endearing animals and their stories. I'm sure many people like these stories and this particular series for the beautiful countryside, period charm, etc. Not to mention the opening walk to Darrowby in the rain is a complete fabrication, again for added drama I suppose. None of the muddy shenanigans with the horse, nor Herriot getting drunk and being late to the job and getting sacked, etc. drama, I guess?Ĭompare the first episode here to the one that began the earlier and long-running series of the same name from the 70s: there Farnon is late because he was visiting his mother (as in the books), he comes back and excitedly shows Herriot around the practice, they go deal with the horse with pus in its hoof and Farnon cracks jokes and compliments James on doing a good job, then they go to the pub, and later get drunk *together* in Skelldale House. I've only watched the first 3 episodes, but in that time this series seems to have betrayed that nature for the sake of. I don't mind them picking and choosing or even blending storylines and characters, but Herriot and, especially, the two Farnon brothers, need to be true to the fundamentally good nature of the characters in the source material. Both Farnon brothers are downright mean to Herriot from the start, only warming to him after trials and tribulations and him standing up for himself at last, a cliched arc that the original charming story didn't need. I am a life-long fan of Herriot's original book series, having read it in full literally 10s of times in my life, so I can say with confidence that this series sadly betrays the very nature of the characters it is based on. I seem to be in the minority here, but this was a real disappointment for me.
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