A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Made a Few Big Changes From the Book

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  • A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Tones Down Pip’s Sleuthing Skills
  • A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Changes Location and Time

As a devoted reader who has followed Pip’s journey from the very beginning, I must confess that I was initially taken aback by some of the changes made in the adaptation of “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.” The shift in setting and time did leave me momentarily bewildered, especially given my preconceived notions about Fairview, Connecticut. However, upon reflection, I realize that these alterations were necessary for the series to find its unique identity, much like how we all evolve as individuals over time.

In “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” the typical high school drama we’re used to is turned on its head. Unlike other stories where concerns about college, prom, or relationships dominate, this six-part series focuses on murder, mystery, and the profound impact a death can have on a town. Originally airing on BBC before moving to Netflix, the show delves into the aftermath of a tragedy that rocked the small town of Little Kilton. The protagonist, Pippa Fitz-Amobi, portrayed by Emma Myers who rose to fame as Wednesday, is not preoccupied with the usual problems faced by high school students. Instead, Pip’s sole purpose is to solve the mystery surrounding a murder that sent shockwaves through her community.

The show “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is based on the first book in a trilogy that won awards, written by Holly Jackson. The TV series primarily sticks to the original storyline, revolving around the murder of Andie Bell, suspected to be committed by her boyfriend Salil Singh. However, like any adaptation, it also showcases its own creativity, distinguishing it from the novel and creating its unique identity. Judging by the response of viewers, these creative choices have been favorably received, propelling the series to the top spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 list and earning an impressive 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer. That said, alterations made to the source material have left their mark on “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” with some changes impacting the narrative more profoundly than others.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Changes Andie Bell’s Character

One significant transformation in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder lies in the character of Andie Bell. The narrative centers around Andie’s murder, with Salil, her boyfriend at the time, accused and causing the Singh family name to be tarnished. In the series, Andie is depicted as a beloved figure in Little Kilton. She is a loyal friend, has a wide circle of acquaintances, and although there’s a surprising twist at the end of the series, she maintains a good bond with her sister, Becca. The series does highlight some imperfections in Andie’s character, such as dating Elliot and dealing drugs. However, the show also presents reasons for these flaws; Andie ends her relationship with Elliot upon meeting Sal, and she sells drugs to escape from her abusive father.

Contrasting sharply with her portrayal in the series, the character of Andie in the book is shown to be self-centered and unkind towards her friends. She exhibits traits such as jealousy, deceit, and bullying behaviors, always seeking to maintain the spotlight. For example, contrary to what’s suggested in the series, Nat is not depicted as a friend of Andie’s. Instead, their relationship is characterized by bitterness, with Andie having publicized Nat’s nude photos in high school, earning her the nickname ‘Nude-Gate Nat.’

Although Andie, portrayed as less than ideal in the books, was still able to stir up deep emotion within her community upon her death. It’s important to note that her actions towards others do not excuse her death. The adaptation of ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ transformed Andie into a kind and caring character, which intensifies the impact of her death. Five years later, Little Kilton is still mourning the loss of their beloved community member. This more compassionate portrayal of Andie makes the disclosure of her relationship with Elliot and drug dealing activities even more surprising. While book-Andie’s character traits might have made these actions seem less shocking, the sweet and innocent image of Andie in the series makes them all the more confounding, emphasizing that people are not always what they seem on the surface.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Tones Down Pip’s Sleuthing Skills

In the novel “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” Pip embarks on an investigation into Andie’s murder, even making it her EPQ. However, a reader of the original text might notice that the series appears to underestimate Pip’s detective abilities. In the book, Pip’s pursuit is more rigorous and meticulous, as she tirelessly follows up on every clue she finds. She speaks with numerous individuals, amassing information at every turn. Every detail Pip uncovers about Andie’s murder is a testament to her diligence and relentless quest for truth, which has been driving her community since Andie’s passing.

In the TV show, it isn’t just Pip who deserves credit for the solutions she finds; she receives assistance from several individuals throughout her journey, and at times seems to stumble upon answers by luck. For instance, Naomi suggests that Sal had an alibi for the time of Andie’s death in the early episodes, while it is Jesse who informs Pip about Becca’s assault. Although Pip eventually solves Andie’s murder and clears Sal’s name, the show’s portrayal of Pip as less skilled in detective work diminishes her character. However, given the time and space limitations involved in adapting a book into a series or movie, it might be understandable that the show chooses to avoid exploring the intricacies of Pip’s investigation in depth.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Changes Location and Time

Readers from the US might find it surprising to discover that Holly Jackson’s novel, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” has altered its setting. This is due to the fact that the book was published with two different settings – one for the US and another for the UK. As a result, US readers may have anticipated Pip’s murder investigation occurring in Fairview, Connecticut, but were taken aback when the series commenced in an English town reminiscent of a storybook. However, considering that the rights for the series were initially acquired by the BBC, it makes sense that the show is set in the UK.

In A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, the storyline shifts a few years earlier than the show. The novel is set in 2014, with Andie passing away that year, while the show starts in 2019, meaning Andie died five years later, in 2014. This time difference leads to some small adjustments in details that depend on time. For example, Facebook is the main social media platform used by Pip for investigating Andie’s death in the series, whereas Instagram is her preferred choice in the novel.

Just as any adaption does, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” has undergone some modifications in its transition from Holly Jackson’s book to the screen. Since Jackson served as an executive producer for the show, it’s likely that these adaptations received her endorsement. By departing from the original text, the series has carved out its own identity and provided viewers who were fans of the novel with something fresh and distinct. Although certain changes have impacted the storyline more significantly than others, the series’ success demonstrates that audiences are satisfied with what they’re receiving. Currently, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is streaming on Netflix.

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2024-08-20 00:32