Customer Reviews

Cracker: The Complete Series

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This American adaptation of the British series CRACKER has been much, and unfairly, maligned for not being as good as its UK antecedent, but I think closer to the truth is people are upset at it simply not *being* the UK CRACKER, in the sense that it's not a direct parallel. But then, it isn't supposed to be. Nor should it have been. Headwriter/show runner James Sadwith did an excellent job of transposing creator Jimmy McGovern's British series to an American key. The tone is similar but not slavish, and while certain key characters are of course Americanized versions of the originals, other characters in the ensemble are new or composite; this is CRACKER reimagined comprehensively within an American sensibility. (And to emphasize how well the show delivers on its own terms, this was my first exposure to CRACKER; I delved into the UK original -- which is also extraordinary -- long after. Never through that initiation did I feel as if I were being shortchanged, nor was I confused as to the show's intention and style. Nor do I think you'll be disappointed.)

Furthermore, I submit that (the alas late) Robert Pastorelli's turn as the haunted, dissolute criminal psychologist Gerry "Fitz" Fitzgerald is every bit as compelling as Robbie Coltrane's Eddie "Fitz" Fitzgerald. Though a man of somewhat smaller physical stature, Pastorelli has the same-but-different bigness of personality and easy facility for grandness of gesture that's endemic to Coltrane. I live in NYC where I'm a constant theatregoer and I've seen many a production numerous times to experience new cast members -- for example, in AMADEUS I saw three brilliant Salieris: Ian McKellan, Frank Langella and David Dukes -- and there's a similar thrill awaiting any who open mindedly experience both Pastorelli and Coltrane. Each is a brilliant virtuoso bringing his own unique imprimatur to the role. The contrast is profound, yet at the core, both ARE Fitz, not merely playing him, but inhabiting him, and for me it's impossible to say who has the more iconic spin.

Robert Pastori is not Robbie Coltrane. Even Mr. Coltrane's guest appearance in on of the latter espisodes would not hvae saved this series. This collection is only for a completest. But if you are making a decision I would buy the BBC series.