Like many fans of the বই series, the moment I heard about the TV adaptation of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, I was incredibly excited. I eagerly awaited its release and binged it as soon as it dropped. Now, having watched the entire season, I’m ready to share my honest thoughts and feelings about this adaptation – the good, the bad, and everything in between.
One of the first things that struck me was the pacing. To be frank, the initial episodes felt surprisingly slow. Up until about episode three, I found myself struggling to stay fully engaged. The early part of the series felt somewhat trivial, lacking the high stakes I anticipated. While I understand the challenge of establishing drama and connection with newly introduced characters, three episodes felt like an extended period for a TV series to not fully capture my attention – and potentially that of other viewers as well. It’s a delicate balance, especially when adapting books, to draw in both existing fans and new audiences unfamiliar with the source material.
Alt text: Pip Fitz-Amobi and Ravi Singh intently examining clues in a scene from the “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” TV show adaptation, highlighting their investigation.
However, there were definitely moments that pleased a book reader like myself. A minor detail, but one I appreciated, was the mention of the Duct Tape Killer. For those who haven’t delved into the books, this character becomes significant in the trilogy’s final installment. Including this reference early on was a clever nod to the book series and a subtle foreshadowing for dedicated fans who are familiar with the broader narrative arc, adding a layer of depth for those in the know.
When it comes to character portrayals, some really stood out. Zain Iqbal’s Ravi was perfectly charming and endearingly awkward, embodying Ravi’s personality from the books. Emma Myers as Pip, while undeniably good, deviated slightly from my personal image of the character – still a strong performance, but not quite the Pip I had pictured. Henry Ashton’s Max Hastings, on the other hand, was undeniably charismatic, almost to a point where his likability was a bit unsettling given his character’s complexities. Asha Banks delivered a great Cara, and Jackson Bews’ Dan da Silva was surprisingly… not completely detestable. In the books, I distinctly remember a strong dislike for Dan, so this portrayal was an interesting shift. Beyond these, the rest of the characters didn’t particularly leave a lasting impression.
One aspect that fell a little flat for me was the romantic chemistry, or lack thereof, between Pip and Ravi. Throughout the series, I was hoping to feel that spark of romance, but unfortunately, their on-screen chemistry felt somewhat lacking, which was a bit of a disappointment considering the importance of their relationship in the books.
In terms of plot, the series largely adheres to the book’s storyline, though not always in the exact chronological order. However, I suspect that viewers unfamiliar with the book might perceive some plot points in the mystery as overly convenient. While the overarching plot is generally well-structured, some of the mystery elements might feel a little too easily resolved in the TV adaptation. That being said, after the initial slow episodes, the plotting did improve significantly and became more engaging.
Alt text: Close-up portrait of Emma Myers portraying Pip Fitz-Amobi in “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” TV series, emphasizing her determined expression and central role.
The ending of the series effectively sets up the future, mirroring the book’s cliffhanger and incorporating the twists and turns that are characteristic of the source material. My only minor critique of the ending is that certain elements were left unsaid or unexplored, details that are more fleshed out in the book for those who want a complete picture.
Overall, I would give A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder TV show a rating of around 3.5 out of 5 stars. It’s not a bad adaptation, but it’s also not the best. However, if you approach it without strict expectations based on the book, it’s definitely enjoyable, especially if you are a fan of mystery shows aimed at a younger audience. Just don’t go in expecting a strong romantic subplot, and instead, focus on the intriguing mystery at its core.
Where to Watch: Netflix
