'YOU' - LIFETIME Series Review Based on Book by Caroline Kepnes (2018)

"This isn't Facebook, Beck. Nothing is complicated. It is or it isn't." - Joe

I must admit, I was excited for when it was announced that the book 'YOU'  was being made into a TV mini series, and Penn Badgley was cast as 'Joe'. Only knowing his work on 'Gossip Girl' and a small role in 'John Tucker must Die', I was intrigued with how he would take on the role of a (romantic?) psycho. He did not disappoint.

Maybe he did too good. I felt more endeared to the character 'Joe' watching Badgley portraying him. Its different when you watch an actor than reading about the character and coming up with more in your imagination. I would have to step away and take a moment to REMIND myself, Joe is NOT a good guy!

Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble (who I have watched their work over the years on numerous other hit shows, I am a huge fan!) did a great job adapting the book to screen. It definitely works as a mini series as opposed to a film. You need the slow build up and character development that a 2 hour movie would mince to a cheap thriller.

Yes, there are a few creative choices that they took that are not in the book, but do help the story along and keep as close to the original. Do you need to read the book to understand the show? No, but I am always a fan to "read it before you see it". It does help to know the backstory better even if its not presented or necessarily needed, you instantly feel a deeper connection to each character.

I am looking forward to the 2nd season which will be based on the sequel book, 'Hidden Bodies'. Not as good as the first, (are they ever) and takes you out of New York to Los Angeles, which you can instantly feel in the tone of the book, so way to go Miss Kepnes for achieving that!

*Want to know more about 'Hidden Bodies'? Check out my Blog Book Review!