After two episodes I'm kind of ambivalent right now about Gleeson's Irish accent...
I'm a bit disappointed he's using it because, from reading the book, it's screwing with the image of Bill Hodges I had while visualizing (and audiolizing) the story...it distracts a bit from his characterization of a "grumpy old American guy." And btw, I'm not liking the beard much, either, but at least that would make sense for an old guy "letting himself go" in retirement.
But, the plot is starting to take over now, and I'm at least tolerating Gleeson's portrayal, so hopefully that will continue and it will become overlooked as the story proceeds. Still, in the back of my mind, I can't help but wonder if the reason Gleeson did not use an American accent for his character was because he tried and just couldn't make it work, or was he just too lazy to even want to?
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MissMargoChanning (6630)
7 years ago
I always visualized John Goodman in the part.
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pankoeken (469)
7 years ago
That could have worked too. I asked sandoz so I'll ask you as well. What's your thoughts on the horny neighbor since she wasn't in the book? She seems to be intended to have a role in the story other than just comic relief but if they follow the book she is also a bit superfluous.
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MissMargoChanning (6630)
7 years ago
Now I am being just as confusing as that poster in the other thread... the one who wanted to know if there were supernatural elements?
I haven't seen the show yet. I have only read the first two books. I unfortunately don't get the network it's on.
When I read a book I have my own cast in my head. I just always thought of Goodman as Hodges.
For Holly? I always had Geraldine Chaplin as the loopy aunt in Home For the Holidays in my head.
I suppose I'll adjust when I eventually see this adaptation.
Do you think it's pretty good so far?
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pankoeken (469)
7 years ago
I agree I had an entirely different image of Hodges but I think Gleeson has the "sense" of how I pictured Bill down pretty decently. He does seem a bit angrier than book Bill was but the depressed unfinished business aspect feels right.
How do you feel about the horny neighbor? She seems superfluous unless they want to add some love triangle silliness for some odd reason. Don't want to say too much for fear of spoiling for those that haven't read the book.
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Sandoz (2021)
7 years ago
Ah, the horny neighbor... There's something that's been added that is totally new apart from the book. If I remember correctly, I think the only mention of her in the novel was that she was nosy and bugged Hodges about not keeping up with mowing his lawn! The TV show sure extended her into a genuine sub-plot (although I suppose the actress who plays her is grateful for the work). I'm beginning to wonder if her part has been made more prominent to possibly make her a potential victim for Brady to kill (of whom I feel is going to do a lot more nasty things in the TV version than he does in the book).
And yeah, Hodges is way more belligerent in this version than he was in the novel. The book Hodges was sort of a curmudgeon, but he never actually cursed, bellowed, and said "F U" to anyone (I think Gleeson's Hodges did 3 times in just the latest episode!). I suppose the TV show had to up the stakes on the drama and conflict, though, so I can live with Hodges being meaner.
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