The biggest problem with this disappointing miniseries is that the characters are neither believable nor especially likable. Each can be summed up in a few words -- and two of the characters, in fact, are so interchangeable that they can be summed up the same way, "empty-headed sexpot." During the course of the series, they pair up (or triple up) in various improbable and contrived ways, engage in feuds and rivalries with other characters, reveal some not-so-surprising surprises about their true sexuality, and -- for no logical reason except to keep the series' gimmicky premise going -- continue to meet together at one another's homes. The video that I watched includes, at the end, interviews with many of the cast members, and rather touchingly, they praise the show's writer/director and the supposed meatiness and unusualness of the characters they played. Well, as a friend who was watching with me said, "Actors always want to work," and so their expressions of gratitude -- especially in the case of Rory McCann, who as I recall had practically never acted before, and whose modesty and gratitude seemed quite heartfelt -- were understandable. All the actors and actresses seemed like nice, thoughtful, articulate people, and they deserved better than this glorified sex comedy.
Review of The Book Group
