As Episode 1 of "Dear Edward" (2023 release; 10 episodes of about 50 min each) opens, we are introduced to siblings Jordan and Eddie, roaming New York's Central Park on their bikes. Big changes are in the air: their family is about to move to Los Angeles. In a parallel story line, we are introduced to Congresswoman Washington, whose staff includes her granddaughter Adriana. They are getting ready for a flight to LAX. At this point we are 10 minutes into the opening episode.
Couple of comments: this mini-series is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Ann Napolitano. I have not read the novel so I can't comment how closely this TV adaptation sticks to the book. Equally important, this adaptation is spearheaded by Jason Katims, best known for bringing us the critically acclaimed "Friday Night Football" TV adaptation. I have seen the initial 3 episodes of "Dear Edward", and bottom line is that I am now emotionally invested in the story line in a way that I did not expect. Kudos to young Colin O'Brien, who is masterful in the title role of the 12 yo boy who must deal with being the sole survivor of an airplane crash. Taylor Schilling plays the role Eddie/Edward's aunt, herself struggling with various life-altering doubts. There are LOTS of parallel story lines and characters, so it will take you a while to settle in, or at least it did for me, but I was surprised how it all works so well.
The initial three episodes of "Dear Edward" premiered this weekend on Apple TV. The remaining 7 episodes will be released on a weekly basis on Fridays. If you are in the mood for a heavy duty, emotionally-laden family drama, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
