TV Review: Shadow and Bone Netflix Adaption

Dear Readers,
Like many fantasy fans, I was thrilled when I found out about the Shadow and Bone Netflix adaption. I was even more excited when I found out that the characters from Six of Crows would make an appearance. Both of these series had an influence on my reading taste today, so I loved getting to revisit the stories on screen.

As it so happens, the Netflix series came out just in time for me to review it for Wyrd and Wonder. I decided to make this review my (belated) contribution to the day 16 prompt: From Page to Screen.

Review of Shadow and Bone Netflix Adaption

Plot

The plot follows book one of the Shadow and Bone trilogy with additional subplots that include the Six of Crows characters. I liked how the main plot was handled, but I think the show would have benefitted if more time were spent on the exposition.

*Note: all of the criticism I have for the Shadow and Bone Netflix adaption is with how the plot was handled, so I’m going to get through the things I didn’t like before I talk about the things I loved.

As happy as I was to see the cast of Six of Crows on screen, their story was too complex to be thrown into another plot. Having two full casts of characters–all with different stories–introduced in 8 episodes was too much. The plot was scattered to begin with and there wasn’t enough time in the exposition to let the audience settle into the story. With how fast the show moved in the beginning, most of the characters didn’t get the introduction they deserved. I only cared about them because I knew them from the books.

Alina was the main focus of the show, so she at least had some backstory, but even that left something to be desired. In the adaption, Alina is half Shu, which meant she faced racist discrimination because of the tension between Ravka and Shu Han. I liked the idea the writers were going for, but it was left underdeveloped. Kate from Your Tita Kate has a great post on why the anti-Asian racism in Shadow and Bone didn’t work.

I also wanted to see more development for Alina’s best friend, Mal. While cutting out Mal’s sexual escapades made him seem more loyal to Alina and therefore more likable, it took away his character arc. Mal became a symbol of Alina’s humble beginnings instead of his own character with his own story to work through. I didn’t mind having the male character’s arc sidelined in favor of the female lead’s (for once), but I hope he’s given more personality in the next season.

Although I was disappointed by the exposition, the series got better as it progressed. I liked how The Crow’s heist was tied into Alina’s story (yes, even though I wish they had their own series). I also loved how smoothly the tension built while Alina was at The Little Palace.

Characters and Casting

Now, on to the best part of the entire show.

The actors in the Shadow and Bone Netflix adaption were perfect. Enough people have raved about Ben Barnes that I don’t need to say much about him, but his performance deserves all the praise. Ben Barnes = the perfect darkling. His portrayal of the character was so natural. He was smooth and charming in a way that only mysterious YA love interests can be.

And of course, Alina was a delight. Jessie Mei Lei was the perfect casting choice. They effortlessly showed Alina’s insecure yet determined nature. It was impossible not to love her.

I also fell in love with Inej and Kaz. They were exactly as I imagined them. I loved that even though they didn’t get much introduction, the actors were perfectly able to portray the tension and unspoken bond between Kaz and Inej. Just *chef’s kiss* they were perfect.

Jesper was a surprising highlight of the show. He wasn’t particularly memorable to me in the Six of Crows book series, but his charming and flirtatious personality came alive on screen. I loved every interaction he had with other characters, especially Milo the goat. If you’d told me before watching Shadow and Bone that a few scenes with a goat would be my favorite part of the entire series, I would probably have believed you because I am a very trusting person. But I would have been very surprised.

I think of all the characters, Mal was the one that stood out to me the least. He was… there, I guess? I mentioned before that what little character development he got in the books wasn’t included in the series. He just wasn’t interesting enough for me to care about.

I was disappointed that some characters didn’t get as much screen time as I’d have liked because of how much was happening in one season. But overall, I loved the characters in the Shadow and Bone Netflix adaption. I’m hoping the series is renewed for a second season because I’m already itching for more.

Rating and Recommendation

⭐⭐⭐

A lot of characters and minor plots are introduced in a short period, so the show might be confusing for anyone who hasn’t read the series. However, I really enjoyed getting to see the story come to life.