As a fan of the books since I was in high school I was highly anticipating this show. But you have to know before going into this tv series that it is not like the books. At first while I was watching the series I admit I was annoyed by how much they changed, but as time went on after episode 4 I learned to appreciate it. Don't get me wrong I am a huge fan of the book series and am little disappointment that they didn't follow the books. BUT this series DOES NOT DESERVE THE ONE STAR people are giving it. Reading the reviews you can tell that they are not fans of the series. Also you have to remember that Julie Plec is having a hand in Producing the show. If you watched Vampire Diaries you have to know Julie Plec's style. She is definitely changing the books to fit this modern 'Bridgerton age.'
Now onto what I appreciate about the series: I love the diversity and representation that was included. Yes, I know Rose is supposed to be Turkish and Dimitri Russian, but I would like to believe they have a plan to incorporate these cultures. Remember people can be mixed race and even we did not know Rose was Turkish until later in the books. Another thing I love is the opening scene, we got a glimpse of the car crash and meet Lissa's family for ourselves. By the way I did not like Andre.
What I wish was included and wasn't: There was a reason that Lissa and Rose ran away from the academy. I wish that was included because it is such an important character arc for both Lissa and Rose. Also, it seemed more believable that forbidden sense for Dimitri and Rose as Dimitri was forced to be her teacher. I don't feel that forbidden sense in this show and that is what I loved about the books.
But even with all these opinions and frustrations, I will give this series a chance. I am curious to see where they will take it and the characters. It is almost exciting to know that I don't know what will happen next.
Also just a side note: at the end of episode 4 it felt like Dimitri was okay to use Rose as an experiment to fight against Strigoi. I hated that. I yelled "Book Dimitri would never". I hope the creators don't ruin Rose's first Strigoi kill by making it an experiment for the Royals instead of how it was in the books. Rose was a badass in the books and I don't see that in the show which is a little disappointing.
What I wish was included and wasn't: There was a reason that Lissa and Rose ran away from the academy. I wish that was included because it is such an important character arc for both Lissa and Rose. Also, it seemed more believable that forbidden sense for Dimitri and Rose as Dimitri was forced to be her teacher. I don't feel that forbidden sense in this show and that is what I loved about the books.
But even with all these opinions and frustrations, I will give this series a chance. I am curious to see where they will take it and the characters. It is almost exciting to know that I don't know what will happen next.
Also just a side note: at the end of episode 4 it felt like Dimitri was okay to use Rose as an experiment to fight against Strigoi. I hated that. I yelled "Book Dimitri would never". I hope the creators don't ruin Rose's first Strigoi kill by making it an experiment for the Royals instead of how it was in the books. Rose was a badass in the books and I don't see that in the show which is a little disappointing.