Good Omens - book and TV series

[Zeljka]

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch is a book written by a composite author Terryandneil as Terry Pratchett said in one of his interviews, because neither Terry nor Neil were after so many typing hours, brainstorming sessions, rewrites, and additions, sure who wrote what.

The book was immensely popular right after publication, and still is. However, its adaptation took so many years to come into fruition. Terry Gilliam couldn't get the funds, the script didn't feel right, et cetera. Some might say only after Neil Gaiman himself took reins of it, wrote the screenplay and produced the whole thing, it came alive. That was also very proper, as Pratchett pleaded him to do so before his passing, seeing what was obvious from the start. He was the only person who could make this wacky novel filmable. Gaiman changed some bits to make them more contemporary, as it was written almost thirty years ago, and I think he succeeded in making it feel right for this time of environmental and political plights all over the world.

A sidenote to the book: The US edition of the book is different from the UK edition, former having some chapters and footnotes not present in the latter, so take note before checking your book if you wish to have more material to read :)

A sidenote to the TV series: Terry Gilliam's film planned to star Johnny Depp and Robin Williams as Crowley and Aziraphale. What do you think of that combo? Would that be a great match or not? I personally love David Tennant and Michael Sheen dynamics. I definitely won't be able to unsee their performances during my reading of the book. They were so brilliant!

I hope you'll like both the book and the TV series. Tell me what you think!

[Melinda]

Ok, the book was definitely very chaotic, and it took me a bit to get used to the character switches. I did get a little lost at times because there was so much going on as to who was who and why what they were doing was important. Overall, I laughed and was definitely entertained.

Ok, the movie. I thought the book was chaotic, OMG the movie took it to a whole new level! It was good but I definitely liked the book better.

I think Johnny Depp and Robin Williams would have been hilarious in the show. But David Tennant and Michael Sheen did a great job too.

[Zeljka]

Melinda wrote: "Ok, the book was definitely very chaotic, and it took me a bit to get used to the character switches. I did get a little lost at times because there was so much going on as to who was who and why what they were doing was important. Overall, I laughed and was definitely entertained...."

I hope I'll love the book too! The show was pretty good and funny. I remember though I felt the best parts of each episode were with Tennant and Sheen, the other characters and their scenes weren't that memorable.

[Zeljka]

Finally read it! I wasn't exactly overjoyed with this book, but I liked it. It was funny and exciting, but I guess the mood (and attention) was a bit ruined by vivid pictures from the TV show that went along with the reading. Sometimes it really pays to wait and read the book before watching the adaptation.

A sidenote: My edition was an American one. Just in case if that might mean something to someone.

[Kirsten]

I haven't read but after watching the Tennant-Sheen show, I really want to!!