Netflix’s recent release of the teen thriller series, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder”, adapted from Holly Jackson’s popular novel, had many book fans eagerly anticipating its arrival. However, for those deeply invested in the intricate plot and nuanced characters of the source material, this adaptation proves to be a significant letdown. While aiming to bring the gripping mystery of Pippa “Pip” Fitz-Amobi’s investigation to the screen, the Netflix series unfortunately simplifies and alters key elements, ultimately diminishing the impact of the original story. The series, which follows Pip, an 18-year-old delving into the closed case of Andie Bell’s murder and disappearance five years prior, struggles to capture the complexity and suspense that made Jackson’s novel so compelling. Everyone in town believed Andie’s boyfriend, Sal Singh, was guilty, but Pip’s relentless pursuit of the truth uncovers far more than expected. While the book masterfully navigated the murky waters of morality and delivered a satisfying resolution, the Netflix adaptation falters, leaving viewers, especially those familiar with the books, feeling more confused than captivated.
Here are critical changes made in the Netflix adaptation of “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” that detract from the series’ overall quality and impact, ranging from minor missteps to major plot alterations:
6. The Subdued Sal Innocence Reveal
In Holly Jackson’s novel, the pivotal moment where Pip uncovers Sal’s innocence is a powerful and emotional scene. It stems from a meticulous examination of a Facebook post, leading Pip to realize Sal’s friends fabricated his alibi. The subsequent confrontation with Sal’s friend, Naomi, is a dramatic climax, filled with tension and raw emotion. This scene is the culmination of Pip’s determined quest to clear Sal’s name and is deeply impactful.
However, the Netflix series significantly diminishes this crucial reveal. After Naomi confesses to lying about Sal’s alibi, the series glosses over the aftermath. Pip appears to move on quickly, and the consequences for Naomi are left unresolved, leaving viewers questioning the significance of the confession. This pivotal moment, which serves as the emotional and investigative climax of the book, is rushed and lacks the weight and emotional resonance it holds in the novel. The adaptation breezes past Pip’s hard-won victory of proving Sal innocent, undermining the core drive of her investigation.
5. The Mischaracterization of Nat Da Silva
Nat Da Silva is a standout character throughout the “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” book series. She’s portrayed as fiercely independent, bitingly sarcastic, and harboring a deep-seated animosity towards Andie Bell, rooted in a dark shared history. Her role is significant, especially as the series reveals her to be among Max Hastings’ victims of drugging and sexual assault. Nat’s complexity and her justified anger are crucial to the narrative.
Regrettably, the Netflix adaptation strips Nat of these essential layers. She’s reduced to a fleeting appearance where she superficially praises Andie and discourages Pip’s investigation. Based on this brief interaction, the show inexplicably positions Nat as a suspect, confusing viewers unfamiliar with the books. The series omits all the critical facets of Nat’s character, diluting her importance to the point of narrative insignificance. Her backstory and motivations, vital for understanding the deeper themes of the series, are entirely erased, making her presence in the show puzzling and ultimately pointless.
4. The Exaggerated Antagonism of Becca Bell and Elliot Ward
Becca Bell, Andie’s sister, and Elliot Ward, a teacher Andie was involved with, are presented as the antagonists of the first book. They are responsible for Andie’s death – albeit accidentally in both cases – and subsequently covered it up, framing Sal to protect themselves. The book portrays them as flawed individuals driven by fear and desperation. Becca’s actions stemmed from a place of hurt and anger after Andie dismissed her rape, a decision she instantly regretted. Elliot’s motivation was to shield his daughters from the fallout.
The Netflix adaptation, however, abandons this nuanced portrayal, amplifying Becca and Elliot’s negative traits to the point of caricature. They are depicted as overtly malicious, lacking the shades of gray that made them compelling in the book. The show fails to explore the moral ambiguity inherent in their actions. The question of whether protecting oneself and one’s family, even through questionable means, constitutes pure evil is central to the novel’s exploration of moral complexities. The series’ oversimplified depiction sacrifices this crucial thematic depth, turning potentially sympathetic characters into one-dimensional villains.
3. The Dismissive Portrayal of Max Hastings’ Crimes
A significant failing of the Netflix adaptation is its superficial treatment of Max Hastings’ predatory behavior. The series barely acknowledges the fact that Max drugged and sexually assaulted multiple girls, completely sidestepping the trauma and lasting impact of his actions. Instead, the show inexplicably uses Max’s screen time for flirtatious interactions with Pip. This decision is not only baffling but deeply problematic, especially considering the contrasting portrayal of Becca Bell. Becca, a victim of sexual assault herself, is demonized far more than Max, the perpetrator of such crimes.
The book establishes Max Hastings as a central figure of insidious evil, the catalyst for much of the tragedy in the story. He represents a clear departure from the “gray area” of morality, embodying outright reprehensible behavior. In the novel, Max serves as Pip’s emotional anchor for understanding the depths of malevolence. The adaptation’s decision to downplay his crimes and instead portray him flirting with Pip is a disservice to the source material and sends a disturbing message, inadvertently minimizing the severity of sexual assault.
2. Pip’s Lack of Obsessive Drive
Pippa Fitz-Amobi in the books is the quintessential determined and intelligent female protagonist, driven by a strong sense of justice and a stubborn nature. Her unwavering commitment to proving Sal’s innocence morphs into an almost obsessive focus on the case, consuming her days and nights. This gradual descent into obsession, coupled with her sharp intellect, is a key element that propels the thriller narrative and keeps readers hooked. Pip’s internal struggles and relentless pursuit of the truth are central to the book’s suspenseful atmosphere.
The Netflix adaptation, however, fails to capture this crucial aspect of Pip’s character. She appears less consumed by the case, and the series includes scenes that feel superfluous and detract from the central mystery. The show loses the gripping, thriller edge of the book, resulting in a less engaging viewing experience. The sense of urgency and Pip’s relentless drive, which are palpable in the novel, are noticeably absent in the adaptation, diminishing the overall suspense and intensity.
1. The Obscured Villainy of Jason Bell
Jason Bell, Andie’s father, is arguably the overarching villain of the series, though his true nature is subtly revealed in the first book, becoming more prominent in later installments. He’s a serial rapist and killer, lurking in the shadows, and a prime suspect in Andie’s disappearance due to Pip’s discovery of his verbal abuse and objectification of his daughters. His insidious nature and hidden darkness are a chilling undercurrent throughout the books.
In the Netflix adaptation, Jason Bell is merely added to the suspect list with little to no groundwork laid to establish his true character. Viewers are left largely unaware of his deeply disturbing nature for most of the series, severely undermining his significance and creating a major plot hole. He is treated with a similar level of ambiguity as Max Hastings, which is a significant misrepresentation of Jackson’s carefully constructed villain hierarchy. The adaptation’s failure to highlight the distinct wickedness of both Jason Bell and Max Hastings diminishes the thematic depth of the source material and is a major disappointment for fans familiar with the books’ intricate character dynamics.
Ultimately, Netflix’s adaptation of “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is a disappointing endeavor. It clumsily attempts to replicate Pip’s intricate investigation, resulting in a narrative that generates more confusion than intrigue. By oversimplifying complex plot points and altering crucial character nuances, the series loses the very essence of what made Holly Jackson’s novel so captivating. Fans can only hope that if seasons two and three are produced, they will more faithfully capture the spirit and detail of the beloved book series.
