The Dome Television Series: A Different Take on a Classic Stephen King Story
Stephen King, in a letter to his Constant Readers, addressed concerns about the deviations of “The Dome” television series from its source material. He drew a parallel to James M. Cain, author of classics like “The Postman Always Rings Twice,” who reassured a concerned student that his books remained untouched despite Hollywood adaptations. King echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the original “Under the Dome” novel remains unchanged for readers to enjoy.
King acknowledged the significant differences between the book and the series, but defended the show’s quality. He pointed out that many characters, major plot points like the supermarket riot and propane storage, and the thematic exploration of dwindling resources, all made the transition to the screen, albeit with modifications. He approved of the changes implemented by Brian K. Vaughan and the writing team, recognizing the necessity of adapting the story for television.
A key difference stemmed from the extended timeline of the series. While the dome encloses Chester’s Mill for a little over a week in the book, the show stretched this period to months, requiring substantial adjustments to the narrative. Furthermore, the writers reimagined the very origin of the Dome, a crucial alteration that King himself deemed necessary.
King explained that retaining the book’s explanation for the Dome would have spoiled the mystery for viewers, especially since many readers weren’t satisfied with his original solution. This change in the Dome’s origin necessitated further modifications to character arcs and storylines. Characters who died in the book, such as Angie, were given extended lifespans in the series, while others faced potentially different fates.
He emphasized his approach to writing as situational, allowing the story and characters to dictate the plot’s direction. While he typically starts with a general endpoint in mind, he often finds the narrative evolving organically, leading to unexpected outcomes. He cited examples from his own works, like “’Salem’s Lot” and “Song of Susannah,” where characters’ fates differed from his initial plans. This organic process, he believed, was crucial to maintaining authenticity and allowing the situation to guide the story.
The one non-negotiable element for both the book and the series was the Dome itself, the imposing physical presence that defined the story’s core conflict. King described the book and the series as fraternal twins, sharing a common origin but developing distinct identities. He encouraged viewers to embrace the series as an alternate reality, a parallel exploration of the same core concept. He found enjoyment in witnessing this alternate reality unfold, reaffirming the enduring fascination with the Dome’s premise. King concluded by reassuring his readers that the original novel remained untouched, inviting them to revisit the story in its original form whenever they desired. He emphasized the co-existence of both versions, each offering a unique and compelling experience of the same captivating scenario.
