Key Highlights
- Down Cemetery Road, Mick Herron’s first novel, is getting a TV adaptation starring Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson.
- The two-year journey from scriptwriter Morwenna Banks’ casual observation to the series premiere reflects the quick turnaround compared to the eight years it took for “Slow Horses.”
- Sarah Trafford, played by Ruth Wilson, is an everywoman caught in a crime drama, driven by her desire to find an orphaned child.
- Emma Thompson’s character, Zoe, a private detective, embodies rebelliousness and independence, challenging traditional gender roles within the genre.
The Journey from Book to Screen
The adaptation of Mick Herron’s “Down Cemetery Road” into a crime thriller series has taken an unusually short time compared to its earlier work, “Slow Horses.” The process began with Morwenna Banks, one of the writers behind “Slow Horses,” noticing the title on her desk. She joked, “I saw Down Cemetery Road and thought, ‘Hmm, who’s adapting that? No one, I hope.’ So then I can do it!”
Despite the rapid turnaround, the adaptation has seen significant changes to better fit modern times. For example, Sarah Trafford, originally a stay-at-home wife, now works as an art restorer, facing gender biases in her professional environment.
Character Development and Casting
Ruth Wilson’s portrayal of Sarah Trafford is described as “interesting,” with the character exploring themes of co-dependency and self-discovery. Wilson explains, “Mick’s written a character who doesn’t belong in this genre; she’s like you or me who suddenly finds herself in an episode of a crime thriller and gets quite excited about it.” Wilson’s immersion into the role revealed Sarah’s internal struggles, resulting in a nuanced performance.
Emma Thompson takes on the role of Zoe, a private detective with a rebellious spirit. She describes her character as “a woman who decided not to be a good girl,” adding, “She has decided not to try not to take up too much space.” Thompson’s casting is significant, given her long-standing admiration for Herron’s work and her willingness to embrace the challenging role.
Adaptation Challenges and Collaborative Process
Mick Herron discusses the adaptation process with enthusiasm. He explains that his novel was written 30 years ago and feels like it belongs to a different era, making adjustments necessary for relevance. The author emphasizes his non-collaborative writing style but found the creative discussions rewarding. “It has surprised me that I enjoy kicking ideas around and seeing what happens,” he says.
The changes in character portrayals reflect broader shifts in storytelling.
Sarah Trafford’s working life adds depth to her character, while Zoe’s prominence brings a fresh dynamic to the narrative. Herron remains pleased with these alterations, stating, “You have to remember this novel was written 30 years ago; it feels as if it were written by somebody else, almost.” His approach highlights the evolving nature of crime fiction and the importance of adapting classic narratives for modern audiences.
Conclusion
“Down Cemetery Road” marks a significant milestone in Mick Herron’s career, bridging his literary success with the television screen. The quick adaptation process reflects both the changing landscape of entertainment and the collaborative spirit that defines modern storytelling. As viewers tune in to this new series, they can expect a blend of high-stakes thrills, dark humor, and compelling character development, all set against the backdrop of contemporary crime fiction.
