'Malory Towers' (2020-)
Opening thoughts: Am a huge fan of the 'Malory Towers' book series, they were major childhood favourites and still very easy, entertaining and charming reads now. Although Enid Blyton is heavily criticised for being a terrible person (and she was) and for her writing style being simplistic and repetitive (understandable), she was one of the authors that had the biggest influence in my childhood and alongside JK Rowling, Jacqueline Wilson, Lewis Carroll and Roald Dahl she contributed heavily towards my love for reading which has not gone away.
Hearing that there was a series adaptation of the 'Malory Towers' books, my heart leapt with joy. Especially as someone who has fond memories of many shows that aired regularly on CBBC (and similar channels like CITV) and shows like 'The Worst Witch' (the 90s adaptation), which was a fine example of how to stay true to a classic book series while having its own identity. Hearing that there was diversity didn't bother me at all regardless of it being true to time period, have actually appreciated the increase of it in film and television, though if she were alive today Blyton herself probably wouldn't have been as approving as even in her time her views were considered problematic and out of touch. While the 'Malory Towers' adaptation is not great or perfect, it is still fun, charming and nostalgic escapism that really took me right back to my primary school years.
Bad things: Starting with the flaws, it is agreed that 'Malory Towers' doesn't find its feet straightaway. Some of the editing is choppy at first and it takes a few episodes for momentum to fully settle and decipher completely who is who (only Darrell and Gwendoline are established immediately). Ellen is also handled very well and is very relatable, actually found some of myself in her.
Didn't find all the acting great, with Alicia being played too seriously and with not enough of the jokey personality that made her so fun in the books (especially with a few of her funny moments being given to other characters, like the deafness feigning). Especially towards the end of Season 2, where she is too surly, spiteful and judgmental without thinking about other options in regard to the stealing. Sure, Alicia is those things in the second book but it is overdone here in the adaptation. Jean, Katherine and Pamela don't have enough screen time to shine properly. While Miss Johnson in Season 3 is played well (suitably cold and formidable), her role is too one dimensional (very Dolores Umbridge like) and her true intentions too obvious too early in an ongoing story that was actually fun and intriguing but with a predictable truth and outcome.
Good things: On the other hand, there is a lot to like about 'Malory Towers'. Ella Bright does a great job as Darrell, very spirited, very natural and easy to endear to, her moments of comic timing not feeling forced. Excelling at showing her flaws (like her temper, which is neither overdone or glossed over and really appreciated that it was always acknowledged that it was a fault where any hurt was not meant and often done in situations where something unjust happens) and excelling just as well at showing her strengths. Imogen Lamb is an adorable Mary Lou and really liked how much Mary Lou progressed from being so scared of everything to wanting to help whenever possible. Really nice to see how loyal and sympathetic Sally is while also perceptive and reading to give good advice.
Best of all of the girls is Danya Griver as Gwendoline, she really relishes her spoilt brattiness, her arrogance and dishonesty while not overdoing it (reminding me of Ethel Hallow a bit) while also showing a conflicted side in Season 2 with the dormitory thefts. Which to me was an improvement over the book series, as it stopped Gwendoline from being mean spirited and/or annoying, as was the more complex relationship between her and Darrell which was more on and off rather than initial pure loathing. Of the adults, Ashley McGuire is a joy as Matron and her bigger roles in Seasons 2 and 3 allowed for more funny moments. Mamzelle Rougier was good fun too and Miss Grayling is played well and perceptively by both actresses. The chemistry between the cast is unforced and has a wide mix of emotions, while the series does very well at fleshing out most of the characters' personalities (do wish that more was given to the more minor roles).
Furthermore, 'Malory Towers' is well made on the whole. Malory Towers itself is very like how it should be, a mix of castle and national trust manor. The time period is evocatively recreated and lovingly so, and the photography is always slick. The music doesn't overbear and is not overused, did like it when it incorporated songs from the period or popular music styles from the time. The theme tune is memorable and sets the tone of the series very well, actually had no problem with the school song. The script writing gets better, more polished and more confident with each episode, and balances comedy and drama well. Also not straying too far from how people spoke back then and from Blyton's prose.
The stories are well paced and are entertaining and charming, while showing a realistic portrayal of boarding school life and attitudes within it. Loved its mature and easy to relate to approach to its relatable and educational life lessons and messaging without preaching, primary school kids are going to learn a lot about what is good and what is bad without feeling like they are being treated stupidly. Actually thought that the Lady Malory storyline had good eerie atmosphere and sense of adventure, and the outcome was surprising, though it didn't need to be stretched out over most of the season.
Closing thoughts: In summary, not mind blowing but very nice adaptation of a classic book series.
7/10.
