As someone who believes Deborah Harkess's All Souls trilogy was a first rate example of what beautiful story writing is, I was extremely disappointed in this show. I watched all three seasons knowing that there will be several changes from book to screen and even appreciated some of changes to the plot. (No spoilers, but using Satu and Agatha in a bigger way in the adaptation gave them a much nicer character arc than what they had in the books) So while I came into watching the show with high hopes, I knew I was going to see changes along the way.
The show cut out a lot of depth and heart from it and the music choices were atrocious. Why not use a composer and some instruments, rather than song covers? Season 2 was set in the 1590s and yet they completely disregarded incorporating some of the music from its time..
The casting was great...for the most part. I really do wish that they had cast someone a bit younger for the role of Ysabeau and perhaps giving her the level of badassery she had in the books. Really, for those who haven't/won't read the books, she is a powerhouse.
The show was visually beautiful. I do not want to leave a scathing review, but I can't deny my feelings for how the ending came about.
I regret that they couldn't include more of the details of the relationship between Jack and Matthew, it just came off as stale /no chemistry. Their real relationship is much more thoughtful and loving . It sucks to see that Deborah Harkness produced this, as a storyteller, she created magic, as a producer? Not so much.