‘Going Postal’: A Crazy but Fun ITV Mini Series
Once in a blue moon something comes around that, while wacky is actually endearing. This ITV miniseries, Going Postal falls into that category. It’s completely crazy, making you wonder there’s even an ounce of sanity, but yet on the same side of this, its characters (somehow!) ground the production.
Going Postal (2010) ITV Mini-Series
Life is just one big opportunity. At least this is how Moist Von Ludwig (Richard Coyle), a budding con man chooses to look at life. Following the death of his parents, Moist is left with next to nothing, save for the “family nag,” but with some boot polish, he transforms his sorry excuse of a horse into an impressive stallion and his career begins. Years follow, and his cons grow bigger and better. But times go bad when the authorities finally catch up to him. He’s sentenced to death, only instead of waking in the hereafter, he wakes in a coffin, a little worse for wear but fine.
Waiting on him is the formidable Lord Vetinari (Charles Dance). Vetinari gives Moist one of two choices: either open a now debunk post office or suffer a painfully long death. Accepting, Moist knows all he has to do is pretend to follow their rules until he has a moment to himself, little knowing that his parole officer, Mr. Pump, is hot on his trail. Moist finds he has quite the task ahead of him including an incompetent postal staff and ghosts haunting the building. Then he meets the fiery Adora Belle Dearheart (Claire Foy).
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Pretty sure, reading up on this series alone might wear potential viewers out. If this is true, imagine the range of imagination you’ll be experience on-screen! This 2-part miniseries is interesting at the least, and enchanting in its best moments, just not in a traditional way. Liken this more to a dark fairy tale. The color palettes, and sets are generally very dark, so much so that when there is an outdoor shot, you notice what a difference natural lighting makes. It doesn’t really detract from the overall mood of the story, because it’s supposed to be dark and morbid. This is thanks in great part to the stylings of its author Terry Pratchett. I have not read any of his novels, nor am I really interested in doing so, but this miniseries is… entertaining.
In addition to a script with some truly memorable witty one-liners, the series is impressively clever in both its execution and sets. I like how nothing ends up the same. Almost everything has a different outcome than we visualize. Moist is punished for his thoughtless behavior but yet at the same time he isn’t; he’s gets something more valuable, a second chance. It’s rare to have the gift of second changes. Unfortunately for our hero, he doesn’t understand this. For the most part, I LOVE this series. It’s quirky but in the best sense of the word. The ending is adorable, too, which makes the crazy worth the ride.
You can find Going Postal (2010) digitally on Amazon Video; at publication, it’s free with IMDbTV
‘Going Postal’: A Crazy but Fun ITV Mini Series. Reviewing the 2010 adaptation with Richard Coyle ('Lorna Doone'). #TVSeries #PeriodDrama #Fantasy #Adaptation #FWArchive Share on XContent: There are a couple of frightening moments such as a weird-looking vampire creature that fly and nearly succeed in killing Moist and a brief appearance by a werewolf. A man is hung twice [non-graphic]. A severe beating leads to a man’s death; multiple situation involve dealing that aren’t on the up and up. There’s thematic elements about death and adult themes.
The book sequel features Moist tackling the Banking System after his success at the Post Office. (… yeah.) I haven't read it, but I'm told by a friend it's just as funny and endearing and insane as "Going Postal" was, so hopefully ITV will take it on at some point.
This was my introduction to Pratchett so it holds a special place in my heart; I think my morbid sense of humor enjoys "Hogfather" more but overall, I have a lot of fun with this film. If you ever read the books, they range from the delightfully absurd to the hold-your-sides funny to the blatantly satirical and at times even a touch risque, although it's always done with such a wink and a nudge that you almost don't know what just happened.
If you ever have an inkling to read one of the books, try "Going Postal" (if knowing the end won't intrude too much on the narrative) or "Mort." I rather think "Mort" is my favorite at this point in time — life just is never the same for Mort when he becomes Death's Apprentice.
Hmmm… well, whatever the case, I knew Moist had to be up to something crazy! That plot sounds about right. =) While I haven't read Prachett's novels, I love, LOVED this miniseries. It was so weird, it was endearing. ;D
Thanks for the book tips, Charity! I will remember them. Knowing the ending to "Going Postal" wouldn't deter me from reading it, and I think if ever I would get a book by Prachett, I'd go with something I know, and thus "Going Postal."
(Oh, dear! Poor Mort, he does have a complicated life.)
I rented this miniseries right after it came out and LOVED it — and now I'm about halfway through the novel. All I can say about that at this point is that the film is remarkably faithful to the book, and the actors are spot-on with their portrayals of the characters. A thoroughly enjoyable, delightful surprise!
I have never heard of this series either! But, it sounds fun!
Thanks for sharing :)
Ruth – glad to know that the novel is so faithful to the miniseries (or rather the miniseries was faithful to the book! Do I sense that there will be a "Going Postal" book review in the near future…?) The characters in the TV adaptation are way funny, and even without reading the book, I liked how they interacted with each other. For me, the series literally was a surprise because I just wasn't sure about it, but now I just may order if off Amazon during the Christmas ordering season. =)
Rebekah – if your family likes wacky productions, then this fits that description to a T. It is just… crazy! =D
I love this series. Moist and Adora Belle Dearheart are on my top favorite characters of all time. I need to read the book too.
I really enjoyed it too, Seraphina. It's so clever and quirky, but that's what makes it good. I have a friend who loved Terry's books. I've never read them, but hear they're hilarious. :)