Watch Terry Pratchett's Going Postal
- TV-14
- 2009
- 1 Season
-
7.6 (9,914)
Terry Pratchett's Going Postal is a four-part British television series produced by The Mob Film Company and released in 2010. Based on the novel of the same name by renowned fantasy author Terry Pratchett, the show is set in the fictional city of Ankh-Morpork, a bustling metropolis ruled by the Patrician, a ruthless and enigmatic leader who has kept the citizens in line through a combination of fear and bureaucracy.
The story follows the adventures of Moist von Lipwig (Richard Coyle), a swindler and notorious liar who is captured by the Watch, Ankh-Morpork's police force, and given a choice: either face the hangman's noose or take on the job of Postmaster General, a position that has been vacant for years and that nobody wants.
Despite his initial reluctance, Moist decides to take on the challenge, partly because he sees it as an opportunity to make some quick money, but also because he is intrigued by the challenge of reviving a moribund institution that many people believe to be obsolete. With the help of Adora Belle Dearheart (Claire Foy), a passionate and rather intimidating young woman who runs a rival delivery company, Moist sets out to modernize the postal service, to the consternation of the entrenched interests who would prefer things to stay in their old, inefficient ways.
At the heart of the story is the character of Reacher Gilt (David Suchet), a charming and unscrupulous businessman who has his own plans for the city and who sees Moist and the postal service as a threat to his schemes. Gilt is a compelling villain, a man who is engaging and manipulative but who also has a dark side that becomes increasingly evident as the story unfolds. His machinations drive much of the plot, forcing Moist and his allies to engage in a game of cat and mouse that becomes increasingly dangerous as the stakes get higher.
One of the strengths of the show is its richly imagined world. Ankh-Morpork is a city with a long history and a complex social hierarchy, and the show does an excellent job of bringing to life its various neighborhoods, institutions, and denizens. From the ornate buildings of the Patrician's palace to the grimy alleys of the Shades, the show is visually stunning, and the attention to detail is impressive.
Another strength of the show is its cast. Richard Coyle is an inspired choice for the role of Moist, bringing just the right mix of charm, humor, and vulnerability to the character. Claire Foy is equally impressive as Adora Belle, a woman who is tough and independent but who also has a soft spot for Moist, and who helps him navigate the challenges of the postal service. David Suchet gives a memorable performance as Gilt, creating a character who is both charismatic and chilling.
Overall, Terry Pratchett's Going Postal is a smart, funny, and engaging show that will appeal to fans of fantasy and comedy alike. It's a story about the power of redemption, the importance of community, and the need for innovation in a world that often seems stuck in its old, outdated ways. With its richly imagined world and its compelling characters, it's a show that will stay with you long after you've watched the final episode.