I would just like it on the record that I did read the book first…
And OMG, I LOVED it! I also loved Hidden Bodies (See Review), maybe even a little bit more. One thing I know for sure, is that I love Joe, and trust me, I am not the only one. Everyone is rooting for him. But how can that be? He’s a serial killer, a sociopath. He’s also charming, witty, and dreams of finding true love. His methods are unconventional sure, but like all of us, Joe is just looking for “The One”.
Now you must be asking, “what’s wrong with this lady? How can she be rooting for the killer? Well, since you ask, it’s incredibly easy when you have an author like Caroline Kepnes writing the story. It’s all her fault really. She’s so damned good, she has managed to make the nation fall for a killer, and for that, and so many other reasons, we want Joe to get the girl and live happily ever after.
The Show
As with all adaptations, there is always the fear that it won’t do the source material justice. We hear time and time again, that “The book was better”.
In this case, they have done an excellent job translating the story onto the little screen. It’s been cast well, and for the most part, season 1 followed the book pretty faithfully. Like all adaptations, you wont get every little detail the same or have every scenario play out, because there simply isn’t room for it all. That said, it’s very close, and as a huge fan of both the author and YOU, I am very satisfied with the final product. I think it helped that Kepnes produced each episode as well.
Penn Badgely as Joe
Personally, I feel like he is a good choice for the character. Physically he fits the criteria, and since he stalked Serena van der Woodsen so well in season 1 of Gossip Girl, he already has experience. Especially, since we found out at the end of the series that “Dan” was the infamous Gossip Girl, and stalked all of NYC’s elite. Seriously, this guy’s a natural!
Joking aside, he has the broody intellectual thing that Joe has and it works. I think he has done a brilliant job of bringing the character to life, and I look forward to seeing what he does next.
My Verdict
I was so thrilled when this show dropped on Netflix! I hadn’t expected it so quickly but I knew that I needed to be patient because this show had BINGE written all over it! And that’s exactly what I did! Over the course of only 24 Hrs too. Hey, what can I say? I was committed.
Overall, I enjoyed season 1 immensely and I cannot wait for season 2! You don’t have to read the books to watch and love the series but I highly recommend that you do. Caroline Kepnes is an exceptional writer and her books are addictive, unique, and entertaining.
This show get an A++ from me!
What did you guys think?
I’ve watched the trailer on netflix and it properly scared me 😛 So I have to read the book now, because books often scare me more than tv series and I love being scared!
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I am watching this and loving it – the shock value, the voice overs, the character of Joe. I haven’t read the book, but I am definitely going to add that one to my list. Glad to know I am not the only one watching this!
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The show is amazing but the book is brilliant! I hope you get a chance to read it soon 🙂
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Update: I have now read the book, and loved it even more than the TV series. Her writing is so good!!
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Right? So refreshing! Love her!
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I read the book also when I heard about the show! I loved them both so much. I felt kind of creeped out when I was cheering for Joe in the book even though he was a really bad person! I’m reading Hidden Bodies now and honestly I’m not loving it as much as I did You.
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That’s how a lot of people felt about the second book. It’s such a departure being in California, all the new characters…. its been a while since I’ve read them. I think it’s time to revisit them 🙂
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Hi! I just read your review on YOU tv series and I agree and I love Penn Badgely’s character as well! Despite of being serial killer, understanding his side that he’s just desperate in finding true love 🙂 I actually binge watched it too! I am sort of interested to read the book as well however it isn’t available here in PH yet. Waiting for season 2!! 🙂 xo
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I hope you can get your hands on the book! It’s so good!
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The ending was great not what I had expected.
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My daughter is watching this and had no idea it was a book! I do need to watch though!💜
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It’s a series actually! Books 1 and 2 are both amazing!
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I hear Book 3 comes out soon – in Sept. And she is working on Book 4.
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I know! I can’t wait!!!!
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My sister raved about this one – looks like I’m going to have to check it out.
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Let me know what you think! It’s a fun one. Prepare to binge lol
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I read the book and didn’t like it at all. I do plan to reread it as an audiobook though to see if that changes my opinion on it and I do want to watch the show on Netflix.
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Wow! You’re the first person I’ve heard say they disliked it. Maybe you will like the show better and how the characters are depicted etc… you’ll have to let me know what you think
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Yeah I know I have a very unpopular opinion. Idk if maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for it when I read it or what. I’ve been told the audiobook is amazing which is why I want to give that I try.
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Hmmm maybe I will too
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I need to read this book! I loved Dexter when it was out (another serial killer we rooted for)
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Yes! But this is such a different experience because Joe actually has feelings. It’s crazy. The book is amazing!
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I need to read the book still, but loved the show. I’m so conflicted, loving Joe. What a ride. Great review!
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Oh the book is insanely good! I hope you get a chance to read it soon
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I haven’t read the book yet, which means I can’t watch the show yet. 😫😫 it looks so goood though I can’t wait to read and watch them!
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It’s all good! Don’t wait! Someone could spoil it for you 😉
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