Alert! Alert!

If you love The  No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency novels by Alexander McCall Smith, don’t miss the pilot of the HBO series of the same name.

Check your local listings for additional showings of the movie this week, because HBO got it right!

No, the  writer/director,  Anthony Minghella, did not follow the exact plot line of the book, but all of  the essentials can be found sprinkled throughout the 105-minute  movie presentation.  The essentials being the beauty of the  sun-kissed land of Botswana, the happy songs of the children, and the evils of witchcraft still prevalent even in modern day.

Casting Grammy-winning singer, Jill Scott, as Precious Ramotswe was right on target.  Readers might expect a more mature leading lady, but Scott provides the humor and strength of character necessary for the role.

Too bad Scott’s  singing capabilities weren’t put to better use.  Maybe in future episodes of which there might be  6 or 13 – sources differ on the number at the moment.

Anika Noni Rose of Dreamgirls fame is a hilarious Mma Makutsi, the new detective agency secretary.  After hearing a client call Precious the “great big slut who has seduced my husband,” a stone-faced Makutsi quips, “I suspect that this is not a case for which we will be receiving payment”.

Desmond Dube, as gay hairdresser BK, is an addition to the list of characters found in McCall Smith’s books.  He pops up  with an engaging smile and cheerful advice every time Mma Ramotswe begins to despair.

As the mechanic JLB Matekoni, Lucian Msamati is very believable.  When Precious declines his softly spoken marriage proposal, the viewer can sense the character’s  regret even though the actor’s face remains stoic.

Look for episode #1 next Sunday evening on HBO.  It’s time well spent.