As I just wrote about the book, the second season of The Alienist, is finally gracing our televisions after almost two years. This season, based off of Caleb Carr’s novel, is being called The Alienist: The Angel of Darkness, and is to follow the events detailed in that book. Look, after a little over a year I was getting nervous that this second season was never going to happen, but I understand that with the level of detail in the show it is necessary to have an appropriate amount of time to complete. Still, I am nervous that we may not get another season after this. Too soon to tell, I suppose.
Anyways, I ignored my own advice and read the book before the show premiered its first two episodes last night. That was a mistake. Here’s how my advice goes: you will never be disappointed by a book if you read it after watching the movie or show, but you will almost always be disappointed by reading the book first. I say this because there are just too many details in a book that cannot get converted to the screen. It would just take too much time. And even though we are blessed with a series to tell the story in Carr’s 600 page epic, it appears it might still not be enough time.
Things that immediately jumped out to me during the first two episodes were that Kreizler’s institute was not being investigated, Mr. Moore is engaged, Sara’s detective services has a bunch of employees, there is an electric chair execution, and in 120 minutes worth of content, virtually NO Stevie Taggert! The book was told in Stevie’s perspective for goodness sake! I hope he makes more appearances in the remaining six episodes, although I highly doubt it. I also doubt we’ll be seeing much of Cyrus either, which is disappointing. It seems the story will focus on the efforts of the doctor, John, Sara, and the detective sergeants Marcus and Lucius. At this rate, I’m not even convinced that Mr. Picton will come into play!
Despite all those glaring differences, the base of the story is essentially the same, they are looking into the kidnapping of baby Ana Linares. They do also weave in the political tension between Spain and America, but they also pepper in some more in-your-face womens’ rights, which is fine. I think it’s making what Carr’s novel depicted a little more obvious to the average viewer. Another thing I didn’t really care for though, was the tension between Sara and Dr. Kreizler. They make it as though the doctor doesn’t respect her abilities, and that Sara is extremely bitter about it. One great thing about the books is the seemingly unbreakable friendship between all these people! Can’t we have one nice thing?!
I digress. Again, despite those tweaks to Carr’s original story, the atmosphere is dark and suspenseful, which makes 1800s New York sound really nasty, honestly. But I love it! It’s clear with some new characters that I may be surprised with some turn of events, and it seems like romance is going to be inevitable, too. Above all, the design and layout of the story is impeccably detailed and for that I know I will be given a great story to watch. This season is airing its eight episodes two at a time, so this adventure will conclude in about a month – buckle in!