47/26
Based on the novel “Earth Abides” by George R
Chronology
After months of isolation, Isherwood “Ish” Williams discovers that most of the world has fallen to a mysterious disease. Yet despite his instincts to further isolate himself, Ish leads the charge to develop a new civilization. Stewart.
Featured in Korman Productions Deep Dive TV Podcast: Earth Abides on MGM+ Deep Dive Episode 1 “Alone” with Dave and Stacie (2024)
Having read Earth Abides 20-25 years ago and remembering the book fondly, I was pleasantly surprised to see a series made. There’s always a bit of trepidation when this happens, as you hope they stay true to the book and live up to your viewing expectations, knowing that it’s hard for a movie or TV show to match what you imagined when reading. With that in mind, I am watching the first episode with a bit of a bias, but trying to see it as both a “new” story and a welcome reminder of one of my favorite books in the “Dystopian/Post Apocalyptic” genre.
There is room for good pandemic storytelling after Covid
The book was written and set in the 1940s, while the series is a modern retelling, so the technology and general “feel” of the setting is different than the book. The pacing is naturally fast and significantly sped up to fit the character development and main plot into the first episode of a miniseries. Episode 1 successfully sets up a compelling story that seems to honor Stewart’s themes.
I can’t wait to see the rest
It invites both fans of the book and new viewers to contemplate humanity’s place in a changed world. The acting so far is good, the production and effects seem decent, maybe a little sparse (would expect a bunch of cars etc.). “One Hundred Years of Solitude” is one of the biggest TV and streaming premieres this month.