Earlier this year I reviewed referenced the book jPod by Douglas Coupland. Written back in 2006, the book touched on what were most likely some personal moments from his time spent working for Electronic Arts. Though some feel that jPod is just a rehashing of Coupland's earlier work Microserfs; I feel jPod has a more sadistic and perhaps darker humor that sets the tone for the book.
Earlier this year the book was turned into a television series for the CBC. While it was announced that the series wouldn't return in April, the remaining episodes were broadcasted anyway. The show then remained on the CBC's website for streaming, available only to Canadian IP's. Then in the summer with the revamping of the WB's website jPod became available for streaming for only American IP's.
The series takes quite a bit from the book. Almost all of the characters are present for the TV show, minus one Evil Mark. Though Mark is addressed in later episodes, he isn't referenced how many fans of the book would think. But those aren't the only changes many will notice from the book. There are several revisions that make some of books originality feel like formulaic transitions to television.
Additionally, the casting feels off. It would seem that the CBC and I'm Feeling Lucky Productions, hanged their hat on the casting of Alan Thicke as Ethan's off kilter father. Thicke is capable of playing the role, but it would've been better suited by someone like Brian Cranston of Breaking Bad and Malcom in the Middle.
Apart from the tangent story arc's from the book and the casting of Thicke, there's a lot of humor from the book that actually make's it's way to the small screen. Just make it through the first episode; I know it's hard and all of the humor seems forced, but just like the book jPod hits you in the mouth with it's forwardness and just keeps going. Though the 13 episode jaunt was a short stint in the television world, it's worth watching especially since it's free.
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