-
5 of the biggest differences between the book and the show-
-
Where is Pete?
-
The first difference any reader of the books would have noticed was that the writers of the show completely omitted Eddie’s brother Pete, who in actuality was the first member of the band that decided to quit in the books. The show runners have stated the reason as there not really being enough of a character arc to actually cast and actor. While the absence of Pete does not directly impact the story line there is an awkward moment in episode 2, when the name “The Six” is proposed even though there are only 5 of them.
-
Graham and Karen’s relationship
- In the books the relationship between Graham and Karen is kept as a secret by both the characters for as long as possible until it was finally revealed to Camilla by Karen when she found out that she was pregnant, apart from that no one was truly aware of the relationship except for Eddie it seems as he admits in his interview later on in the book. In the show however, the relationship is not only revealed by Karen herself to everyone but is also more serious than it was actually in the books, while in the books finding a letter that Graham wrote to his mother about Karen being the women he loved, freaked her out, in the show that never happens rather we watch as Karen falls in love with Graham as well.
-
Billy’s relapse
- After is first time going off the wagon during the first tour for The Six, unlike in the show the book explicitly states that it was Teddy who takes Billy to rehab. Later on, in the book during their second tour and Billy’s successful attempt at sobriety, Billy admits to having half a drink before the Chicago show, to which he narrates, “I put the glass down.” In the show, he has a full and complete relapse on the day of the final performance. He gets drunk, which he hasn’t been since their first tour and then proceeds to continue his journey in rehab with a lot of self-reflection and growth after the band splits.
-
Billy kissed Daisy
- Although there is a kiss that takes place between the two in the book, it is Daisy who initiates it and Billy who stops, even though there was mutual attraction Billy has a clear mind and doesn’t want to jeopardizes his relationship with Camila and their family. But in the show, it seems that Billy quite likes toying around the line and on many occasions indulged in kissing Daisy.
-
Billy finds Daisy after her overdose.
- At the end of episode eight, Daisy overdoses in her hotel room and nearly diee. In the book, she wakes up to Nicky, and decides to leave him because of the lack of care and love she felt. She realizes that while she was dying Nicky did not bother to call the ambulance but rather put her in the shower in the hopes that it would help. However, in the show it is Billy who is there for her; while Nicky packs his bags and runs out the door Billy frantically cares for Daisy while Teddy calls the ambulance. This change is one of my favorites because it truly shows the deep care and love that Billy held for Daisy, and whether you were a Camilla and Billy supporter or a Daisy and Billy stan, you noticed the affection.