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Based on the novel “The Earth Abides” by George R
After months of isolation, Isherwood “Ish” Williams learns that most of the world has succumbed to a mysterious disease. Yet despite his instincts to remain isolated, Ish leads the charge to develop a new civilization. Stewart. Referenced in Korman Productions Deep Dive TV Podcast: Earth Abides on MGM+ Deep Dive Episode 1 “Alone”; with Dave and Stacie (2024).
I read the original novel many times as a teenager, decades ago
It’s a great story with lots of powerful imagery, highly recommended, if a bit dated – published in 1949, seventy-five years ago. Although I had often wondered over the years if it would ever become a film, I wasn’t expecting this limited series adaptation, so I was very surprised when it came out. I’m also very concerned, as it remains one of my all-time favorite reads. "Men come and men go, but the earth remains" is a quote I often use.
I finished it saying, “Wow!
I watched the first episode with a bit of trepidation. That was really good!” Watching Ishi watch the smoke from Em’s house brought the book’s imagery to life. Sure, it’s been modernized in many ways, but the important parts of the plot remain essentially the same. The rattlesnake bite, finding Lucky the dog (a princess in the book), Milt and Ann.
"The World Without End!"
Other changes, like limiting Ishi’s trip to simply Las Vegas instead of Atlantic City, make sense and aren’t critical to the character interactions. The structure of the book also makes a limited series a great production option. I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of this series. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" is one of the biggest TV and streaming premieres this month.