Scarpetta Series Divides Audiences: Critics Praise Stars, Viewers Slam Casting and Tone
A new forensic thriller series, Scarpetta, has landed on Prime Video, but it’s proving to be a real mixed bag for viewers. Based on the popular book series by Patricia Cornwell, the show features Hollywood heavyweights Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis in the lead roles. However, early reactions suggest that while the star power is undeniable, the series itself is failing to win over a significant portion of the audience, with many expressing disappointment after just a single episode.
The series centres on Kay Scarpetta, a brilliant forensic pathologist, brought to life by Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman. The character, as depicted in Cornwell’s novels, is a formidable figure in the world of crime investigation. Sharing the screen is fellow Academy Award winner Jamie Lee Curtis, who takes on the role of Kay’s sister, Dorothy.
Despite the pedigree of its lead actresses, Scarpetta has ignited a firestorm of debate on social media. A common thread among the detractors is a feeling of irritation and a perceived miscasting of the main characters. One viewer lamented, “Irritable and poorly cast. Anything that could have been interesting about the murder-mystery gets completely drowned out by over-the-top artificial drama.” This sentiment was echoed by many who suggested alternative viewing options, with one commenter advising, “Skip this one and go rewatch Mare of Easttown or Sharp Objects.”
Casting Concerns and Character Disconnects
A significant point of contention for some viewers has been the casting choices, particularly in relation to the source material. One critic pointed out the discrepancy between the book’s description of Kay Scarpetta as a “diminutive woman of Italian heritage” and Nicole Kidman’s stature, noting, “Nicole Kidman stands at 180cm (5ft 11′) and hails from Irish stock (via Australia).” The critic also referenced reports that Patricia Cornwell herself had long envisioned Jodie Foster in the role, suggesting Foster would have been a “better fit, in terms of physicality and gravitas.”
The casting of Jamie Lee Curtis as Kay’s younger sister, Dorothy, also drew criticism. The viewer questioned the age gap, stating, “I love Jamie Lee, but there is a 9-year age gap here, and in the opposite direction.” The portrayal of Dorothy as “narcissistic” by the show’s creators also seemed to rub some the wrong way when combined with the casting choice.
Further criticisms focused on the overall execution of the series. “Don’t bother,” advised one unimpressed viewer. “The main characters are not likeable. Dialogue is not good – feels like they are improvising a lot of it and not in a good way. Lots of shaky cam. Jamie Lee Curtis is overacting and her character is super annoying. Side characters are just odd…One ep was enough for me.”
Another viewer expressed deep disappointment, stating, “How to ruin my love of Patricia Cornwell. I so loved the books, and was so excited to watch this series. Something is off.” This viewer also highlighted technical issues with the visual presentation: “The overly dark contrast of the picture (for me). Like, I can’t see what is happening. I have upped the brightness, lowered the contrast on my screen, and nada.” The core issue, for this fan, was the perceived disconnect between the on-screen adaptation and the spirit of the original books: “But the real problem is it feels like whoever adapted this for TV has not ever read the books. This cannot be true, but it feels like it.”
A Ray of Hope: Positive Reactions Emerge
However, not all viewers have been left wanting. A segment of the audience has found the series to be a compelling watch, praising the performances and the gripping narrative. One enthusiastic viewer declared, “Brilliant start, ignore bad reviews from people who prefer the books. This is a really well-done show with brilliant casting. Would highly recommend.”
This positive perspective highlighted the strengths of the series: “Strong characters, brutal murder mystery and intense scenes. Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis are fantastic in this role and both play really well off each other the rest of the cast are also strong.”
Episode One Breakdown
The opening episode of Scarpetta sets the stage for the intricate crime drama. Kay Scarpetta is called to investigate a perplexing case involving a body discovered on train tracks. Interwoven with the present-day investigation are flashbacks to nearly three decades prior, revealing Kay working on a similar, haunting case. The early interactions between Kay and Dorothy immediately establish a complex and far from harmonious sisterly dynamic, hinting at underlying tensions that will likely drive much of the series’ drama.
Critical Acclaim Amidst Viewer Division
The critical reception has also been mixed, though notably more favourable in some quarters. The Daily Mail’s critic, Christopher Stevens, awarded Scarpetta a respectable four-star rating. Stevens acknowledged Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of the modern-day Kay Scarpetta, while noting the presence of Rosy McEwen as her younger self in a separate timeline.
Stevens suggested that Jamie Lee Curtis, who also serves as a co-producer, was instrumental in bringing the series to fruition, having acquired the rights to the books four years prior. He described Curtis’s portrayal of Dorothy as “frenetic” and “selfish,” and observed that the on-screen chemistry between the two leads, particularly their “screaming rows,” generated “so much pent-up tension that the rest of the cast are blown off the screen.” The critic concluded by expressing surprise that Cornwell’s compelling characters had not been adapted for screen sooner, stating, “Kay Scarpetta is such a strong character that it’s extraordinary the books, by crime queen Patricia Cornwell, have never been adapted for film or television before.”
Scarpetta is currently available for streaming on Prime Video.
