The Zoo over Ambuscade Street

Today sucked so badly, in so many different ways, that I don't even want to relive it again by typing it out in gorey detail. At least, as of 2:11PM, nobody has died.

On the plus side, there's a flock of about fourty or more cardinals in my front yard. That's neat.

I've been watching this version of The Count of Monte Cristo, and I'm torn. On one hand, it's a good production. On the other - it takes a few liberties with the story that I don't quite agree with. One of the most compelling parts of the original (in my mind, at least) is the cold, precise, inhuman, and utterly calculated way the Count behaves. He's more machine-of-revenge than man, which is part of the point.

This Count...isn't. He's bent on revenge, sure, but his machinations seem more accidental than calculated, and he's more affable than cold and menacing. And the way he keeps throwing his identity in people's faces...I don't know, but it seems to take something essential out of the story, the mystery and mystification that the Count's victims feel.

Also, no Haydee, which means that one scene can't happen (I'm only halfway through at the moment). And a little too much "Hey, Bertuccio is a stand-up guy!" Ah well, no adaptation is perfect.

Does anyone else think the cover looks like it should be for Wuthering Heights instead?