The Day After the Triffids …

You know, I really much more impressed with Part 2 of Day of the Triffids, than I was with Part One.

To the point were I’m watching it, at the moment, while I’m writing this.

All credit to QuickTime X, there, by the way: the usual scalability that the application shows has been somewhat improved over Quicktime 7. It means I can watch the back up I’ve made, for until I buy the DVD, in one window, and play Café World and write this, in another!!

¿But I’m rambling, aren’t I?

I am …

At any rate, the second part of Day of the Triffids was — in my humble opinion — was a lot stronger than Part One.

Saying that, there are a few differences between this version and both the original BBC series and Wyndham’s original novel.

Coker’s an American, for starter’s.

Mind you, I think it was a good decision, there. Somehow, having the cynical — but idealistic — character as an equally idealistic — but practical — American character, played by Jason Priestly*, helped me make a touch more sense of the character.

There’s other plot changes, as well: maybe a few too many for some people’s comfort.

But, to my mind, I can at least point to many of them, and work out which bit of the book the producer’s got them from.

The deeply ambiguous Torrence, played by Eddie Izzardª, for example?

Wasn’t that prominent in the novel.

And Vanessa Redgrave’s deranged Mother Superior, or Brian Cox’s portrayal of Bill Masen’s father, Dennis?

They weren’t, either: nor the side plot that sees Bill — wonderfully played by Dougray Scottº — along with Dennis hatch a scheme to eradicate the triffid menace.

Nor were the African tribal references, but that was actually a nice little twist …

I also know a few of my friends weren’t completely stunned by the pacing.

But …

But …

But on the whole?

After seeing Part Two, I’m more than happy to admit, I liked the effort put into this version of Day of the Triffids.

Granted, the pacing could’ve been better. And maybe a Children of Earth, five night mini-series could’ve helped, there.

But that’s something of a side-issue, maybe.

As things stand, the 2009 series was a nicely done, work-man-like job.

• Bill Masen Dougray Scott.
• Jo Playton Joely Richardson.
• Torrence Eddie Izzard.
• Dennis Masen Brian Cox.
• Mother Superior Durrant Vanessa Redgrave.
• Coker Jason Priestley.

* Yeah, Andrea, Sean, @fanofcullen: that Jason Priestley. You know, 90210? Yeah, him. Wouldn’t have thought it, but he did rather well.

º Who seems to make a habit of playing academics …

ª Who actually played a sort of villainous version of himself, I think: and rather well, actually. Beautiful bit of casting …