Altered Carbon Season 2 -- Better to have read the novel or not?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between the Altered Carbon novels by Richard K. Morgan and the Netflix adaptation, particularly focusing on whether having read the novels enhances the viewing experience of the second season. Participants explore the narrative changes and character developments that diverge from the source material.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion over the significant deviations in plot and character behavior in the second season compared to the novels, particularly noting that it feels disconnected from the original story.
  • One participant mentions that the first season was closer to the book, while the second season seems to mix elements from multiple novels, creating a "mishmash" that is difficult to follow for those familiar with the source material.
  • Another participant suggests that watching the show first might be a better strategy to avoid confusion, given the narrative changes.
  • Some participants criticize the adaptation for not adequately addressing the implications of the revolutionary technology presented in the novels, labeling it as "bad SF."
  • There is speculation about how future seasons will handle the remaining novels, with some expressing concern about the direction the series may take.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the second season diverges significantly from the novels, leading to confusion among viewers who have read the books. However, there is no consensus on whether this is a positive or negative aspect of the adaptation.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the changes in the adaptation may stem from uncertainties about the show's continuation and the need to appeal to a broader audience, which could influence narrative choices.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in adaptations of literary works, fans of the Altered Carbon series, and those exploring the relationship between source material and its adaptations may find this discussion relevant.

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I love Morgan's Takeshi Kovacs character, and after Netflix serialized Altered Carbon in 2018, I went back and read all three novels again: Altered Carbon, Broken Angels, and Woken Furies.

Netflix has now released season two of Altered Carbon, which seems so nominally based on Broken Angels, that it raised a thought: for viewing benefit is it better to have read the novel or not?

I understand it's a tricky question, but the 2018 series was very close to the novel. This second season isn't, and, honestly, I am finding it hard to watch because it is triggering "Huh?" moments all the time as the plot veers away from the book. This includes the same characters operating in such entirely different ways to the novel, it is mystifying. Apparently, Morgan does have a say in the screenplay, so it does not seem to be a studio mangling an author's work, but I don't understand why you would need to change what is a terrific story.

Anyway, my question is likely to be only answerable if you've read the novel and seen the Netflix show, but I'd be interested in any view on this.
 
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I've read the books long before the series, and it took me as quite a surprise how different was the novel and the series (first season). I can understand the differences ( too much to explain, and they were not sure that it'll survive for a second season), but decided to pass any further seasons.

Maybe I'll reconsider in case of ever re-reading the books - then maybe I'll watch the show first, since it was visually quite good. It'll be a good addition to pepper up the book.
 
Rive said:
maybe I'll watch the show first

I think in this instance, that's a good strategy, @Rive, because the narrative deviations you'd have seen in the first Altered Carbon season are rifts in the spacetime continuum in this season by comparison!
 
For me, a good example of bad SF, ignoring the consequences of revolutionary technology.
 
Tghu Verd said:
the narrative deviations you'd have seen in the first Altered Carbon season are rifts in the spacetime continuum in this season by comparison!
Guessed that: while the actual story of the first season was close to the book, the painted background was completely different. And the second season is about facing the 'afterlife' of that background, so...
 
GTOM said:
For me, a good example of bad SF, ignoring the consequences of revolutionary technology.

Do you mean the novels?

Rive said:
And the second season is about facing the 'afterlife' of that background, so...

So indeed. They have taken the plot concept of book 3, Woken Furies, and populated it with characters from both that and Broken Angels. It really is a mishmash of two books which is terribly confusing if you know the novels at all.
 
Tghu Verd said:
It really is a mishmash of two books...
Ugh. Is it that bad?

What will they cook up for the third season, then?:eek:
 
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Yes, the first book. I couldn't finish it.
 
Rive said:
Ugh. Is it that bad?

It is if you've read them, because it triggers so many WTF responses :mad:

Rive said:
What will they cook up for the third season, then?

And the fourth...and the fifth! Apparently Netflix has optioned for five series. But I'm guessing they'll do the third book plot in the third series, then it's all new. Morgan, who said he was never writing another Kovacs novel, seems to have a renewed interest in the character (though I thought that his character Hakan Veil from Thin Air pretty much was Kovacs) which I am hoping is true.

GTOM said:
Yes, the first book. I couldn't finish it.

Ahh, it's not for everyone, obviously.