It is a shame that this episode is as bad as it is. For the most part, I like the casting. The acting was good too. Joe's part was a little strange, but I think that had more to do with the writing.
A few things derailed this episode. First, the changes were bizarre and unnecessary. Why change Wayne Stuckey? Having Larry steal the song changed him too much. That just doesn't seem necessary. Why the gunfight in the middle of the city? What happened when Rita walked out? Did those guys let her go? Stop following? Why not include the tunnel instead of the sewer? I think the tunnel would have been more powerful.
Second, messing with the timeline really failed this episode. They introduced Nadine and Joe with zero background. I have read the book more than once and it left me confused. What about people that haven't? The gift to harold makes zero sense without build up. That was a key part in Larry's character development. He was also tipped off about Harold from the meeting, but that doesn't come across at all in this episode. Then suddenly Nick is introduced as if he is the side character friend of a side character. Very, very strange and disappointing.
Messing with the timeline made this episode an absolute mess. The first episode had some issues and left zero room for character development, but it was still logical and entertaining. This episode was neither of those things. The only reason I continued watching is that I want to see how they portray Nick and Tom. Its a shame. There is zero connection to Larry, Stu, Fran, or Mother Abigail at this point. What a waste of source material and acting.
A few things derailed this episode. First, the changes were bizarre and unnecessary. Why change Wayne Stuckey? Having Larry steal the song changed him too much. That just doesn't seem necessary. Why the gunfight in the middle of the city? What happened when Rita walked out? Did those guys let her go? Stop following? Why not include the tunnel instead of the sewer? I think the tunnel would have been more powerful.
Second, messing with the timeline really failed this episode. They introduced Nadine and Joe with zero background. I have read the book more than once and it left me confused. What about people that haven't? The gift to harold makes zero sense without build up. That was a key part in Larry's character development. He was also tipped off about Harold from the meeting, but that doesn't come across at all in this episode. Then suddenly Nick is introduced as if he is the side character friend of a side character. Very, very strange and disappointing.
Messing with the timeline made this episode an absolute mess. The first episode had some issues and left zero room for character development, but it was still logical and entertaining. This episode was neither of those things. The only reason I continued watching is that I want to see how they portray Nick and Tom. Its a shame. There is zero connection to Larry, Stu, Fran, or Mother Abigail at this point. What a waste of source material and acting.