Thursday, July 29, 2010

We Interrupt this Outlander Blog...

...to talk for a moment about The Pillars of the Earth, which I finally watched last night.

YOW. SA!!!  I could not BELIEVE how much of that book I forgot. There are so many storylines - and all I really remembered was Tom Builder and Ellen. Holy COW! 

I have to say - I truly enjoyed it. I really liked Rufus Sewell as Tom Builder - even though I pictured him completely differently (Kevin McKidd from the second he was mentioned, actually). I was a little confused at Ellen. I expected the character to be played in a much more sultry and seductive way. The actress - Natalia Worner - was very good (holy crap when she peed on the table I thought I'd die) but just not what I was expecting. And hello? Did someone forget the scene in the woods between Tom Builder and Ellen??? How could they omit that? I am wondering if it will be a flashback.

Hayley Atwell - aka Aliena - was awesome. Perfect casting.

Donald Sutherland - her father, Bartholomew - equally as riveting. But then, when is Donald Sutherland not awesome? (I can hear Tracey saying "He's the father of Jack Bower! Of COURSE he's riveting!")

I am looking forward to - yikes - tomorrow already?! I can't believe how much of the book they shoved into one two hour episode!

Biggest actor surprise of the night? Matthew MacFadyen - Prior Phillip - aka MR DARCY in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE!!! You could have knocked me over with a feather when I put that together in my brain (with a little help from IMDB, of course!)

11 comments:

  1. Hello Everyone, I am a new poster but not a new follower.I love reading all your posts. You are friendly, funny women. I am an Outlander Addict. Thank you for being here. (kind of sounds like AA but it is OA)
    I am at the point where I am reading Pillars because I cant read anything else. Tried other books after all of Outlander but they just dont cut it.So far Pillars is doing the job. Really kind a getting into it. Still,in the back of my mind I am missing our guy. WTF, why does it affect us so?

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  2. I lasted an hour before giving up. There are just TOO many storylines to keep track of--for some reason, while I didn't have a problem with that in the book, I just couldn't mentally deal with it on TV.

    It did feel that they packed the first 100 pages into maybe 15 minutes. You're right, there was a BIG Tom/Ellen scene in the woods that didn't happen at all.

    And yes, Donald Sutherland rules. And not just because he spawned Jack Bauer :-)

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  3. i read pillars years ago and i didn't remember anything. it's obvious i'm going to have to reread it.

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  4. Pillars was my fav book until Outlander. I loved the first episode! I think they did a really great job even though they did leave out the bit with Ellen and Tom.....

    I, too, pictured Tom differently... but I like Rufus :-)

    Mel - I agree. My Outlander Purgatory has been a great find for me. I can now connect with awesome ppl who love the books as I do. I used to feel so alone in my world of addiction....

    Sadly, I have not found ANY series that is on the level of Outlander. Jamie has become a part of my DNA and I've just learned to accept it :-)

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  5. Random- but I am in the middle of Into the Wilderness and IT IS AWESOME. I havna been able to put it down!! Give this book a try if you are trying to find something to read.

    If you loved Outlander, you will definitely love Into the Wilderness!

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  6. I've heard of Into the Wilderness but couldnt find it when I wanted it. So started Pillars since it was coming on TV. I'm really glad that you like tho book Megs, give me something to look forward to reading.

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  7. I've been wanting to read this book, but as I'm consumed with Outlander, well...
    I was thrilled tonight that I was able to watch the first two episodes free on a STARZ preview I really liked it! Also, right before there was a making of special. Very cool!

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  8. Random- I thought this was a fun read on Stone Circles.
    http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/30/five-stunning-stone-circles-besides-stonehenge/?icid=main|hp-laptop|dl6|link1|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gadling.com%2F2010%2F07%2F30%2Ffive-stunning-stone-circles-besides-stonehenge%2F

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  9. Mel - you are most welcome at My Outlander Purgatory! Pillars is awesome. I missed Friday but plan to watch it tonight. I am just biding my time until Book 8 comes out. Thank god for a series like Pillars though - it keeps the addiction demons at bay... for a little while. ;)

    Maryse - I was like that during episode one. "Huh??" "Whaa?" But after a while it came back to me. What's funny is that a few times I actually got confused between that and Outlander. The later stuff with Jack?? Totally got it confused with Jamie for some reason!

    ooh Megs - I'll try it!

    Patti I didn't know there was a making of until I went to watch ep 1 and saw the last few seconds.

    Thanks Angela!! I'll go try that right now!

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  10. I am all caught up on Pillars as of an hour or so ago. Wow! It is awesome!
    Tracey, I know what you're saying, I was confused during the first hour too and wondered how I kept all the storylines straight in the book...but hang in there! Its totally worth it! (Oh, and so is demanding we get Starz just for this mini-series event alone)
    Can't wait till next Friday! :)

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  11. I know I'm going to be addicted to it after watching the first two episodes for FREE and then have to order STARZ. :)

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