i don't have a nose: BBC Waters Down ‘Watership Down’

It seems it’s remake season. Not only are the big screen blockbusters at it – even the BBC are resorting to recreating Watership Down, based on the classic adventure novel by Richard Adams, and no doubt also partly inspired by Martin Rosen’s 1978 animated adaptation of the same name. The BBC are collaborating with Netflix to produce what is to be one of the most expensive animated TV miniseries ever made for television. The finished product will air as four one-hour episodes in late 2017. Sounds promising, doesn’t it? But there’s a catch.

Adapting the novel in the form of a television drama has potential to exceed the capabilities of the feature film. With four episodes, the series has the ability to convey aspects of the novel that previously went unexplored. But there’s uncertainty as to whether this new adaptation will meet the standards of the feature film. The film is iconic, in that it doesn’t shy away from presenting the events of the novel in brutal and oftentimes graphic fashion. But it seems as though the BBC are burying (or is that burrowing?) their heads in the sand. Executive producer Rory Aitken states that the new adaptation will be toned down, at least in the visual sense, claiming that graphic visuals detract from the overall essence of the novel.

Nepenthe Productions, 1978

On the one hand, one might argue that the BBC are attempting not to misrepresent the novel based solely on the 1978 film’s iconic imagery. On the other hand, one might conversely argue that this new adaptation is representative of the tame and oversimplified programming presently affluent in children’s television. And, call me cynical, but I’ve a feeling the latter may be the case. This opinion is further propelled by their clear focus on pandering to politically correct standards by heightening the significance of the story’s female leads. I’ve no issue with promoting and enhancing gender equality – in fact, I’m a firm advocate of it – but it becomes recognisably strained, almost tokenistic, when alterations are made in retellings of classic works of fiction for the purposes of conformity.

Even so, the BBC are generally known for creating high quality drama for television, so it could be the case that these concerns are not necessary, and while I believe imagery and visuals are capable of being very powerful, story is paramount. Aitken acknowledges the dark tone of the novel, and confirms that they will not shy away from conveying the true intent of the narrative. With an all-star voice cast, including James McAvoy, Sir Ben Kingsley and Olivia Colman, this latest retelling incites great expectations. Only time will tell whether the BBC will pull a rabbit out of a hat, or plunge down the rabbit hole.