HBO debuted its new series The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency tonight and, for me, it was sort of a mixed bag. I’m not really familiar with the book series on which HBO’s program is based, but I’m a sucker for anything that airs on the cable channel. First off, I have to discuss Jill Scott’s performance as Precious: It was fantastic. Perfect casting. She was warm but conveyed such intelligence and strength. I’ve always been a fan of her music, but I think she’s really evolving into a great actress. (She was the best part of Tyler Perry’s 2007 film Why Did I Get Married?) The Botswana location was another strong point. Director Anthony Minghella (who sadly died after completing The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency; tonight’s episode was the last thing he directed) captured Africa soooo beautifully. The colors and the landscapes were just stunning. I loved the early flashback scenes in which Precious described her upbringing and how her father taught her to be fully aware at all times and take note of details.
So that was the good stuff. The pacing is what really threw me off. It moved with the speed of an elephant taking a stroll. It actually sort of felt like Murder, She Wrote but even less dramatic. And that show starred a senior citizen! I’m hoping that as this show progresses, the plot lines become a teensy bit more suspenseful. I’m not expecting Precious to get into foot chases with suspects, but at least there could be some more scenes like the one toward the end with Idris Elba’s Charlie, which was tense and compelling. Also, I pray that Elba returns. One thing I think the show could benefit from is a strong, central villain.
And I’m hoping they find a way to use Anika Noni Rose better. She was such a scene stealer in Dreamgirls, and here she seems saddled with a kind of thankless role as Precious’ assistant. Or at least it was thankless in the premiere. Perhaps this character will become more involved later in the season.
What did you think of No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, PopWatchers? Got Angela Lansbury on the brain, too? Will you tune in again?
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I liked it.. It was refreshing and gorgeous to see Africa depicted in a positive light.
I was actually impressed. Never read the books or anything, just saw advertisements on HBO so I decided to tune in. I was pleasantly surprised! Great acting, interesting storyline, beautiful directing, and even a few laughs here and there. I will definitely watch again next week…and the week after and the week after! I’d give the show a 8 outof 10.
It put me to sleep. Full of heartwarming cliches, too cute by half.
Predictable, and sooooo PC.
The books are fantastic. I’ve read all of them. It’s difficult to carry the essence of a good book to the screen, but I was impressed. There are a few minor differences, but the tone of the books has been respected and Jill Scott, as well as the colors and feeling of Africa, were wonderful. The books have always been a soft place to land in a world filled with much turmoil. I look forward to the rest of the series!!
Good stories tell themselves. This is a good story.
Caught this purely by accident this evening on HBO. I thought it was very well done. I’ll be watching for it again!
Beautiful, but were those actual cases? If so, I don’t think they needed a detective. Love her mechanic beau.
It was well acted, and well written. I will be watching week after week. The premiere was a really good story, and like a previous poster, I hope the drug dealer villain comes back again, for a bit of tension.
i just tivo’ed the first episode and loved it! it’s definitely a fresh take on the comedic/feel-good detective series. my bf and will definitely be watching week after week on sunday nights!
I did not know the books and ended up watching by accident. What a lovely suprise, and for those who have been to Africa… understand you can’t hurry this story up… it is as you would find in Africa. I truly loved it and will watch week after week!!
I LOVED it! The pace was a little slow, but Jill Scott was a breath of fresh air. She conveyed the innocence and hopefullness of the character. I thought Anika Noni Rose was hilarious as the assistant. The accents were really good too!
I was attracted by the first book and eventually read all books last year. I subscribed HBO just for watching the series. So far I am not disappointed.
GOOD LORD. You idiot. Read the books. Read at least ONE BOOK. The whole point was a leisurely, thoughtful, simple view of life’s little challenges, pleasures and triumphs and to create a tiny Botswanian bubble that would allow us a peak into a simpler existence. It is also told in a very traditional English childrens’ story manner. Stately, simple, with a touch of light humor and sardony. To speed it up or inject some stupid TVLand melodrama into the story would destroy the appeal. The POINT is to BE different from regular TV. Go watch Gossip Girl.
Darling! Just darling from the first lead in to the show to the bright and charming credits at the end. I’ll be there for each and every episode!
I loved it. Jill Scott was fantastic – perfect casting. I actually enjoyed Anika Noni Rose as the secretary. I thought the character was interesting and a bit unexpected with the potential for a great character arc. The pacing worked for me – it seemed to mirror the landscape. I agree with Amber who called it a “soft place to land.” Am looking forward to the next episode.