J.K. Rowling’s first novel that wasn’t about boy wizards received a mixed-to-negative critical response, but it sold a buttload of copies, so it was a foregone conclusion that someone would want to wring more money out of the property. According to Deadline, that someone is the BBC, which is partnering with Neil Blair, Rowling’s manager, on a television series based on the book.
The Casual Vacancy is a dramedy following a seemingly idyllic small town torn that tears itself apart over an election after the death of a council member. I haven’t gotten around to reading it, but that’s a good foundation for a miniseries. If the book is truly as deficient as I’ve read it is, then hopefully the adaptation can improve on it. Of course, since the project has only just been announced, all that remains to be seen.
