SummaryThe miniseries based on J.K. Rowling's non-Harry Potter novel is set in the English village of Pagford where parish council Chairman Howard Mollison (Michael Gambon) battles Barry Fairbrother (Rory Kinnear) over turning the charity Sweetlove House into a spa. When Barry dies suddenly, a heated election exposes secrets of many of the villagers.
The Casual Vacancy
Season 1 Premiere:
Feb 15, 2015
Metascore
Mixed or Average
60
User score
Mixed or Average
5.8
My Score
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All Seasons
Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
60
46% Positive
11 Reviews
11 Reviews
54% Mixed
13 Reviews
13 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Apr 28, 2015
83
Screenwriter Sarah Phelps has deftly adapted Rowling’s novel into a cautionary, metaphorical tale that pulls its weight and measuredly draws one in.
Apr 27, 2015
80
A three-hour miniseries that bounces between tragedy and comedy with ease.
Apr 28, 2015
70
The Casual Vacancy is more interesting than it is enjoyable, an unsparing look at the reality of English country life, not the reverie.
Apr 27, 2015
60
The Casual Vacancy was riveting while it lasted. When it was over, though, I wanted to stick a fork in my face.
Apr 29, 2015
50
Writer Sarah Phelps has done her best, but short of throwing out Rowling's characters and plot, there was no real way to make The Casual Vacancy bearable.
Apr 29, 2015
40
Despite its quaint picturesque town backdrop, The Casual Vacancy is an ugly little piece of work, filled with bitterness, sniping, selfishness, and cruelty. There is no character other than Barry who seems remotely appealing or interesting.
Apr 28, 2015
40
Despite the treacly smugness, which doesn’t become fully evident until the third episode, it’s easy to get caught up in The Casual Vacancy’s soapy drama and to admire a number of the performances.
User score
Mixed or Average
5.8
47% Positive
9 Ratings
9 Ratings
26% Mixed
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
26% Negative
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
Feb 11, 2020
6
I bought the book when it came out years ago but until today I've never read it.
It's still in my bookshelf completely untouched. The series itself doesn't really motivate me so much to grab the book after all this time but at least it didn't seem like a waste of time.
Production Company:
- Bronte Film and TV
- British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
- Home Box Office (HBO)
Initial Release Date:Feb 15, 2015
Number of seasons:1 Season
Awards
Critics Choice Television Awards
• 1 Nomination
Satellite Awards
• 1 Nomination
Writers' Guild of Great Britain
• 1 Nomination
