Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere Mini-Series

Over the course of two mornings this week I watched the tv miniseries Neverwhere. It was originally made and shown on British tv in six 30 minute episodes. It is now available on two dvd's; each 90 minutes or so long.

Many people have read (or heard of) the novel Neverwhere, but the tv miniseries actually came first, and Gaiman based the novel on his screenplay.

I really enjoyed the miniseries. I hated the music (it was unpleasant enough that it was actually distracting to me) and some of the special affects were a bit cheesy (though that is understandable given that it was made for television on a tight budget).

But the strengths far outweighed those two issues. The acting was quite good. One thing I like about British productions is that the performers tend to look like normal (albeit attractive) people rather than plastic dolls.   I think that they are chosen on talent rather than looks. And of course the story is top notch and very interesting.

The story tells of a man named Richard Mayhew. He is a man originally from Scotland, who now lives and works in London. He has a rather uneventful life, warpped up in work and his beautiful and somewhat mean fiance. Then one day he stops to help an injured girl on the sidewalk and his life is completely changed as he gets sucked in an alternate London.