I loved the books. The TV show is fine but not great. It does not deserve high ratings based off the first season.

It takes the popular supernatural romance angle, adds historical mystery, and has a bit more world building than many similar themed shows. It's not 'action packed' and neither was the book.

The Good Points ******************* It creates the world of hidden creatures, tension and conflict well, with some added depth and perspectives compared to the book.

The settings and sets were fabulous: Oxford, Bishop Home, Sept Tour.

I didn't mind some of the changes to the plot and narrative, because of course there needs to be changes when the medium is different. There was one bit that was omitted from the show, which always made me *hmmm* in the books, and I wondered if it was given recent events (when Diana discovers Matthew had given her his blood without her knowledge, and the significance of that for their relationship).

There were some quality actors here too. I didn't mind that Ysabeau was cast much older than she is in the book (appearance wise), as the actress is awesome, and plays cool, refined and dangerous vampire well... it doesn't change the story that much.

Up front, I like Goode as an actor, and wasn't keen on him playing Matthew when I heard. But... he plays it well... with what he is given. He definitely pulls off the strong, silent but lethal vibe. Given overall script and quality though, I wonder why he's in this series and there's a few scenes where I wonder if he wonders why he chose this role.

The addition of other perspectives and more world building around the Congregation was great, and provided more depth.

The Problems ****************** Don't expect award wins. The acting was lacking in some corners, partially from poor dialogue scripting, and also from poor acting.

Firstly, the character of Palmer is weaker than in the books which is disappointing given she's the lead and heroine. Also, I don't buy Palmer as Diana. Palmer is flat in her portrayal and delivery, at times it seems going through motions. It's not that her Diana is unlikeable, she just doesn't draw you in as in the book. Hopefully she is more comfortable in the second season.

The dialogue was not great. Seriously. At times, it was downright cringe and terrible. And this would definitely not help the actors out.

For instance, the scene where Matthew and Diana meet. "You're a vampire!" stated in monotone. It was like at times they were trying to set the scene and the world, by hitting the viewer over the head with facts and info through dialogue. Viewers don't have to be treated like children, we can work things out if you craft the scene well.

I loved the books. I eagerly anticipated the TV show. I'm hoping the second and third seasons in production have much better scripting, and the acting quality is improved. There's so much to work with.

Just because it's a supernatural fantasy with vampires, doesn't mean it can't be an interesting, fully realised world with insights. Season 1 wasn't. Fingers crossed for Season 2.