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Reviews
Lessons in Chemistry (2023)
Best Television in Years
Lessons in Chemistry is classed as a miniseries but it's more of a "Literary Novel in Television" - there should be no confusion with epic adventure miniseries like Clavell's Shogun or Le Carre's Night Manager. This is a very personal adventure of a woman protagonist pioneering an era that belittled women's abilities and values. A brilliant Chemistry student who had earned an MS but tragedy prevents obtaining her PhD. With both gender and academic bias work as the challenges to overcome, along with building a romantic partnership in the cusp of vast societal changes. Told in literary manner, beginning "in media res," interpolates backstory timelines for different characters; distinct plot advances and complications; love, loss and the climax will leave a satisfied "That was a hell of a show!" taste in your mouth.
Tai-Pan (1986)
Best book, worst movie
James Clavell's best novel made the worst movie of his works. King Rat, Shogun, all superb. This one? Had to leave the theater first time through. Having seen it now on video to confir, my first reaction, with the author having passed, seems even more egregious than before.