That Times Square-through-the-ages CGI at the end rocked, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (pictured) sure is pretty. That’s about all I can rave about. Problem is, when I volunteered to cover last night’s debut of the Fox drama, I had no idea that New Amsterdam had almost the exact premise as the novel Forever, by Pete Hamill. A guy gets granted immortality by a vaguely mystical female figure (African-American in the book, Native American on the show) and spends the next few centuries doomed to suffer the woes of immortality, play the piano, prowl Manhattan, and deal with his visible scars… until he finds his One True Love, at which point he’ll win back the option of dying. Sounds ridiculous when I type it out like that. But it’s a good story, I swear! A story that was already written.
For the record, Hamill did speak out in August (the series was originally intended for Fox’s fall season) about how the show basically rips off his novel. Hamill called the commonalities "astonishing," but fronted a lighthearted attitude about it, claiming "You’ve gotta laugh," and that he’d rather spend the likely fruitless legal fees on his grandson. New Amsterdam’s executive producer David Manson insisted he was unaware of the book’s existence until production on the show wrapped. I’m not buyin’ it. But I guess I don’t have to. Ultimately, more people will watch the show than have read the book.
All I can say is that I’ll be even more disappointed if NAcontinues to conform to the mold of yet another Caper of the Week copshow. The creators have this potentially mind-blowingimmortality-in-Manhattan theme — already fine-tuned for them bysomeone else — and we’re going to have to sit through modern-dayamnesia victims and boring, standard-issue crime scenes? Moreflashbacks to centuries past, please! That "antique" furniture sale scene was adecent and clever start. If you’re gonna steal someone’s idea, at leastgo the distance and attempt to execute it right.
I should admit that if I hadn’t read Forever, I’d probably think New Amsterdam’spremiere was cool. As of now, though, I’d rather have read the novelthan keep watching the series. I don’t think I can handle both yet orever; it’s too weird. Just me? Probably! Now snap at me to stop readingbooks and get over it already, and tell me how much you dug thepremiere.
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I read “Forever” a few years ago. When I saw the commerical for “New Amsterdam,” the first thing I thought was, “Oh, they made a tv show based on that book!”
Since Jennifer’s entry is almost word-for-word what I was going to write, I’ll just say “me, too.” I saw a few minutes of the show last night. Meh.
I really liked the show last night. It always amazes me that shows like NA and Journeyman get panned in reviews, but L&O and CSI are taking over every moment of air time. It baffles me why people want to watch the same show in different cities. At least these new attempts at procedural dramas have a twist to them.
it’s lame that the producers didn’t acknoledge the Forever book by Peter Hamill. (Btw, did people like that book?) The show was a bit slow to start but the premise is interesting and so much more imaginaitive than 90% of the other shows on tv. I hope it stays on.
Shades of Moonlight, Angel, and Forever Knight (except without Vampires) Made it through 15-20 minutes and was all “meh” and thus endeth muy association with New Amsterdamn. I’ll give you this Annie, your right. He sure is a looker.
The hubby watched it last night & told me the storyline. After hearing it, I mentioned that the “immortal” plotline is a nice old chestnut to trot out (Vampires, Heinlein, etc.). He said it was freshly done. Haven’t seen it yet, but the hubby has a good eye. I feel badly for Hamill though, it sounds like more than his generic idea was take, basic plot points were lifted & that’ s a no-no.
I can not believe this. They are seriously insisting that this show is NOT based on “Forever”?!? I had assumed it was because, um, it’s EXACTLY like the book in premise and details?
After reading this, it’s clear the producers very well could have stolen the show’s premise from the book. Though, I’m surprised no one has noted the storyline also mirror’s another popular show – Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Duh. Hottie dude is totally Angel (and David Boreanaz did it better). Cursed immortal, trying to right wrongs, looking for love and purpose that will ultimately kill who he has become. And the Dr. who appears to be his true love (but now knows his secret) is the “Buffy” character. That said, I did enjoy the pilot. The acting needs to improve and the mythology needs to be pumped up, but if they do it right it could be enjoyable.
Nice TV show. Has potential. Will the author of Forever receive royalties as a good faith gesture for not suing Fox?
It’s nothing to worry about. The show won’t be around long. I give it a D-.
I think the idea is good, but like copies of an original, it’s just never the same.
I was unaware of the book and don’t really care. There are no new ideas, just rehash and reinterpretation of old ones. I liked the show. Books are almost always better, but its OK to let it go and just enjoy a show.
It’s so similar to the book that when I saw the show’s promo, I assumed it must be a TV adaptation of the novel. I would be mad if I was the author. It was a fun show, and I’ll probably watch it when i feel the need for a little brain candy.
Forever was one of my favorite books. I highly recommend it. I will never watch this show.
Read the book…forget this show, especially since they ripped off Pete Hamill.
The book is a great read….
What a fabulous story line. Loved the book.
Will NOT watch the show, as producer David Manson and his ilk prove once again how utterly reprehensible, money driven and soulless Hollywood continues to be.
Shame,shame,shame on this obvious ripoff.
I have to give Mr. Hamill credit for being a good sport, as it definitely seems like the premise for the show was lifted from his text. I read “Forever” a few years ago (based on EW’s solid “B” review, actually) and really enjoyed it, and will probably give this show a shot despite the creative inconsistencies.
There is absolutely no way the exec. producer has never heard of the the book. It is EXACTLY the same premise. Anyway, I enjoyed the book (until the end) and the show is on my DVR, so I’ll judge after I watch it.
Haven’t read the book (but will run out and get it now). The show wasn’t terrific, but may grow into something. One quibble, though – wouldn’t you think he’d be more careful about casually mentioning what he did many, many years ago? If it doesn’t blow his ccover, it’d mark him as needing hospitalization pronto, wouldn’t it?
Thoroughly entertaining (A). Wasn’t expecting much. The camera loves both of the lead actors and they have good chemistry. Nice sentiments with the elderly artist. Some good crime solving twists too. The sound track & music selection worked well. The editing was tight. What was not to like. The bartender sidekick added to the fold. Heavy points weren’t too dark, humor points were light and appropriate. Afterwards I thought, wow, were has FOX been hiding this? I fit Terminator TSCC’s if the same category. I won’t watch Prison Break, I barely tolerate House, Bones can be goofy, but I do hope New Amsterdam and Terminator get renewed/picked-up. I will watch! Way to go FOX…
i thought it was ok. i miss “Life,” so another quirky and socially retarded cop will do for now. I agree with “buffyfan” though, he is so Angel minus the fangs. In fact, he’s the guy from “Moonlight” too. Although repetition can get annoying (i.e. Cashmere Mafia & Lipstick Jungle), I don’t really have anything else to watch on Tuesdays…except, One Tree Hill.
I’m with TanziTwo. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but then I have not read the book so didn’t have a problem with the imitation. The acting was good, liked both lead actors and the part with the elderly artist. The lead actor reminds me of a hotter sexier Dennis Leary. Show looks promising to me as long as they don’t limit the focus to the standard ‘case of the week’ cop story.
BTW, wasn’t that Death Cab for Cutie playing at the end? Good song.
I liked it. A little new agey but interesting.
I missed it… IS fox reruning it?
I missed it… IS fox rerunning it?
I’d rather have read the novel than keep watching the series.
No you wouldn’t. I haven’t seen the series but the book is HIGHLY overrated.
I really enjoyed the show. Kind of reminds me of another fox show from several years back called “John Doe” with Dominic Purcell in it. Although he wasn’t immortal, but it still has kind of the same feel to it the way it is written.
I usually dislike shows like NA but as someone who loves history, I actually enjoyed it. As for copyright infringement, that’s all sorts of wrong.
The show was solid in all respects. The only problem it has is the prejudice the author of this article displays. Poorly written review! I want to read about the plus and minus aspects of the show, with only a half paragraph sidebar about the common themes it shares with a novel. I didn’t want to read a whole article where the author snipes at the show because of the (apparently unintentional) commonality with a book I’ve never heard of…. Muckraker.