Since the last Harry Potter film landed in 2011, fans of franchise creator J.K. Rowling have clung to the possibility of further magical exploits for Harry and co. While Rowling is hard at work scripting Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, which will centre on a young magician named Newt Scamander, it’s only set in the same world and won’t feature the original trio. So perhaps a more satisfying dose of Rowling’s creative output can be found in the next screen adaptation of her work, The Casual Vacancy.
A wholly different undertaking than the Hogwartsian adventures littering her most popular series of books, The Casual Vacancy stems from one novel. And it’s aimed at adults. Adopting a somewhat more mature style which caters to a different demographic, the BBC has now adapted the book into a three-part miniseries. `
Based on its story, it’s about as far away from spells and potions as you can get. The show focuses on a small idyllic English town called Pagford, whose citizens come to blows when a local figure dies, leaving an open spot on the parish council. A touch of Downton, a splash of Rowling’s keen observational eye and a massive cast suggest that the show has all the makings of a small screen smash.
This first trailer is a very cunning twist on the typical BBC dramas we see year after year. Introducing the veritable array of Pagford’s residents in beauteous natural light, the tone soon shifts, hinting at a far darker show indeed.
The Casual Vacancy debuts in the UK on BBC One on February 15th. Will you be tuning in? Let us know below.
The Casual Vacancy centres on Pagford, a seemingly idyllic English village with a cobbled market square and ancient abbey. Behind the pretty façade however, is a town at war: rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils. Pagford is not what it first seems.
At the Parish Council meeting the subject of Sweetlove House and its legacy arises. Howard Mollison, the Chairman, heads up the faction who want to see an end to the legacy; the thorn in his side is Barry Fairbrother, who makes an impassioned speech outlining the importance of the legacy, and the services it provides. For now, Barry has won the argument.
When Barry dies suddenly, Pagford is left in shock, and the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the village has yet seen. Three candidates are soon lined up: Miles Mollison, Howard’s son; Colin Wall, Barry’s friend; and Simon Price, Barry’s half-brother.
