Catch-22

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Any literary adaptation will necessarily have to make changes to the source material to fit a different medium.

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A work likeCatch-22requires many changes to get around the novels structure and style.

With that said, not all creative decisions are created equal.

Some work much better than others.

Some dont make a lick of sense at all.

The people of Palermo have elected Milo the mayor because he brought Scotch to Sicily.

Now, Sicily is the third-biggest exporter of Scotch.

In the miniseries, however, Davies and Michod treat Milo as a purely whimsical character.

They characterize his war profiteering as ridiculous and charming without showcasing its nastier edge.

Milo wants Yossarian to pose as a wealthy American industrialist to help smooth the deal.

He doesnt tell Yossarian that the Caliph believes hes Nelson D. Rockefeller.

Unfortunately, the episodes other major change exists at the expense of established characterization.

His goal is to stay alive.

Purposefully risking his life to do that makes no sense.

At least Episode 4 features the series first thrilling aerial sequence.

Most of the plane scenes have so far been functional, humdrum, or labored.

Confusion infiltrates every moment: Multiple misunderstandings and misreadings amid heavy artillery fire make for a tense scene.

Davies and Michod put a sick spin on the dialogues screwball rhythms So is that the bridge?

No, different bridge.

Well, how do you were talking about the same bridge.

I dunno what bridge youre talking about, but its not the bridge I mean.

and it eventually culminates in Yossarian dropping the payload too late.

Theyre successful, but they take flak, and the tail gunner Nately ends up dead.

But its still another frustratingly conventional attempt to give life to these characters.

You pay her money and she doesnt love you.)

and was oddly moved when he accepted the position of best man anyway.