Lovecraft Country on HBO

I'm a huge fan of genre-bending author Matt Ruff. And I was very excited to see him finally get some recognition (and money) by the fancy folks who wanted to adapt his novel (which is more like a collection of linked stories) about the gothic monsters that an extended Black family must battle in Jim Crow America.

The pilot was a little weak, telling way more than it showed, which is almost inexcusable since the medium is more visual than the one from which it was adapted. I didn't mind the changes from the source material at all (a few gender switches here, some shortening/lengthening of scenes there, etc.), just the execution was very piloty, especially if you've already read the book. I expect it to get better. Hell, many pilots to some of my all-time favorite shows are damn near unwatchable, so I think I'll stick this one out based on the source material and the names involved.
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Comments

  • F Me In The Brain
    F Me In The Brain this knows everybody from other commets Posts: 31,880
    DVR'd and look forward to watching....did not read the stories/book.
    The love he receives is the love that is saved
  • dankind
    dankind Posts: 20,841
    DVR'd and look forward to watching....did not read the stories/book.
    I kind of feel like the pilot will be better for those who haven't read the book. Interested to hear your take.

    I'm hoping that people give Ruff's work more love if this series is successful. 

    I'd love to see an animated film adaptation of Sewer, Gas & Electric. And Set This House in Order would be a cool limited series.
    I SAW PEARL JAM
  • Fifthelement
    Fifthelement Lotusland Posts: 6,965
    Just finished watching it.  I haven’t read the original source material.  I loved it and am very much looking forward to the rest of the season.  I’m a big fan of supernatural elements playing out or hidden from the “real” world.
    "What the CANUCK happened?!? - Esquimalt Barber Shop
  • 23scidoo
    23scidoo Thessaloniki,Greece Posts: 20,070
     I haven’t read the book but this show was on my radar for months..
    Athens 2006. Dusseldorf 2007. Berlin 2009. Venice 2010. Amsterdam 1 2012. Amsterdam 1+2 2014. Buenos Aires 2015.
    Prague Krakow Berlin 2018. Berlin 2022
    EV, Taormina 1+2 2017.

    I wish i was the souvenir you kept your house key on..
  • GlowGirl
    GlowGirl New York, NY Posts: 12,177
    Finally watched the first episode last night. I thought it started out a bit slow. Wasn't sure I was going to like it. However, then it picked up, and the ending was great. Made me excited for the next episode.
  • dankind
    dankind Posts: 20,841
    Second episode was pretty good. And I dug the preview of episodes coming up. 
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  • F Me In The Brain
    F Me In The Brain this knows everybody from other commets Posts: 31,880
    I really liked the first episode once it picked up steam.  Like the lead lady character/actress.
    Laughed at a few parts and was pissed off at a few parts.  I get putting uncomfortable scenes on the screen but sometimes can be tough to sit through.
    Look forward to watching the second episode, on DVR.
    Stuck in a book the past few nights and also working to finish a British police show.
    With only an hour or so on most days available right now it is tough to fit in.
    Tonight may be an off night and cam have a few drinks and take a few hours, if I don't end up going back to work.

    Fuck Covid.
    The love he receives is the love that is saved
  • dankind
    dankind Posts: 20,841
    edited September 2020
    Excellent gore in episode three. No spoilers, but someone should get an award for one particularly squirmy scene.

    That Jurnee Smollett is something else. First thing I've seen her in, I think. 
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  • GlowGirl
    GlowGirl New York, NY Posts: 12,177
    edited September 2020
    dankind said:
    Excellent gore in episode three. No spoilers, but someone should get an award for one particularly squirmy scene.

    That Jurnee Smollett is something else. First thing I've seen her in, I think. 
    I guess you didn't watch Full House :)




  • dankind
    dankind Posts: 20,841
    GlowGirl said:
    dankind said:
    Excellent gore in episode three. No spoilers, but someone should get an award for one particularly squirmy scene.

    That Jurnee Smollett is something else. First thing I've seen her in, I think. 
    I guess you didn't watch Full House :)




    I did not, but kid Jurnee does look familiar.

    I didn't know she was a child actor.
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  • F Me In The Brain
    F Me In The Brain this knows everybody from other commets Posts: 31,880
    She was in that shitpile DC Harley Quinn movie.  I love her.

    Still haven't watched the latest two episodes but look forward to.
    The love he receives is the love that is saved
  • dankind
    dankind Posts: 20,841
    Checked IMDB. I've seen Eve's Bayou probably a few dozen times, but I haven't seen it in at least 10 years. She's the titular character, and I recall being floored by her performance back when it came out.

    Shit, now I need to rewatch. Haunting flick.
    I SAW PEARL JAM
  • GlowGirl
    GlowGirl New York, NY Posts: 12,177
    dankind said:
    Checked IMDB. I've seen Eve's Bayou probably a few dozen times, but I haven't seen it in at least 10 years. She's the titular character, and I recall being floored by her performance back when it came out.

    Shit, now I need to rewatch. Haunting flick.
    Her brother is Jussie Smollet. He is the actor who got in trouble for lying to the police about being a victim of a hate crime.

  • dankind
    dankind Posts: 20,841
    GlowGirl said:
    dankind said:
    Checked IMDB. I've seen Eve's Bayou probably a few dozen times, but I haven't seen it in at least 10 years. She's the titular character, and I recall being floored by her performance back when it came out.

    Shit, now I need to rewatch. Haunting flick.
    Her brother is Jussie Smollet. He is the actor who got in trouble for lying to the police about being a victim of a hate crime.

    Well, you can’t choose your family. All you can do is love them.
    I SAW PEARL JAM
  • dankind
    dankind Posts: 20,841
    Midseason plodding episode, but It definitely had its moments. 
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  • F Me In The Brain
    F Me In The Brain this knows everybody from other commets Posts: 31,880
    Finally watched E2.  That shit was badass.
    The love he receives is the love that is saved
  • F Me In The Brain
    F Me In The Brain this knows everybody from other commets Posts: 31,880
    E3 was good but I liked 2 better


    The love he receives is the love that is saved
  • GlowGirl
    GlowGirl New York, NY Posts: 12,177
    E3 was good but I liked 2 better


    Agreed. Episode 2 had some serious gore. 
  • njnancy
    njnancy Posts: 5,096
    Recording the series,  haven't watched yet. Now that I know it's based on a novel I have to read it first. Goes for movies too. Cant watch until i read the book or series. I want my own vision before I watch someone else's. 

    Thanks for the heads up @dankind
  • dankind
    dankind Posts: 20,841
    GlowGirl said:
    E3 was good but I liked 2 better


    Agreed. Episode 2 had some serious gore
    Wait ’til you get to episode 5!
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