I loved reading Irwin Wallace's novel upon which this miniseries is based. Given the modest ratings I was not expecting a masterpiece, but something that would do justice to the novel.
Unfortunately what I have seen is an atrocious disservice to the novel. The character of the bitter yet inquisitive Steve Randall, a doubting Thomas after the signs of faith, was reduced to a rambling drunkard without any nuances. The stony face of David Janssen is enough to put you off. Other characters like the fat cat publisher George Wheeler, who uses Steve's quest for faith as the bait to get him enlisted and then ultimately uses the stick to prod him, has hardly any of those characteristics from the novel. The relationship between Steve and his pastor father, his crumbling marriage are not explored at all. That would give a credible face to Steve's decision to become PR man for the Resurrection Two.
Instead what we got is a utterly boring three hours without any passion or drive.
I sincerely hope someone else would adapt this thrilling novel again to the small screen, while retaining its vibrancy.
Review of The Word
