Run Away: What Netflix changed from Harlan Coben’s book, explored

The new year starts with Netflix dropping Run Away, an intense thriller series. The series dives deep into the challenges a father goes through after his daughter goes missing without a trace. This mysterious thriller series brings to life Harlan Coben’s book.

It cannot be denied that, just as the other projects that are brought to life from Harlan Coben’s books, this series also comes with the aspect of steady growth in mystery and the slow peeling of the layers, which brings in more complexity. However, Netflix’s Run Away features certain changes from the book.

The changes the Netflix series made from the Run Away book

Netflix’s Run Away and Harlan Coben’s book definitely share the same storyline, but there are certain changes that the series incorporated to enhance the appeal to the viewers. However, it cannot be denied that the changes are mostly subtle; however, readers were able to easily point out the significant changes that the series brought forth from the book.

The ending of both the series and the book is the same. A significant difference between the series and the book is the addition of Dee Dee and Ash’s backstory. This is not present in the book. In the series, Dee Dee and Ash visit Mrs. O’Hara. After visiting Mrs. O’Hara, they confront her for the incessant abuse that she put them through. The confrontation takes a difficult turn, causing them to kill her.

In the Run Away series, Maria’s character is added to the storyline. However, she is not present in the book. In the series, Maria’s presence is crucial as Elena begins to follow her, only to find that Maria is actually Joel’s secret daughter, which she had no idea about. She even confronts Joel’s mother, Lou, about this whole situation.

Lou’s character in the series is also completely different from that in the book. In the book, Lou’s presence is for a very short period of time, and Lou is actually a man. However, the series completely changes Lou’s storyline by making her Elena’s mother-in-law.

Her significance in the series is much greater when compared to the book. It cannot be denied that enhancing Lou’s character in the series definitely added a layer of depth to the series. Annette Badland’s performance as Lou truly leaves a lasting impact.

Yet another significant change that the Netflix series made from the book is adding the character of Ingrid’s past love interest, Doctor Jay Stanfield. Doctor Jay Stanfield’s character is not present in the book, but in the series, he plays a crucial role in saving Ingrid after she is shot. Jay’s constant care towards Ingrid while she is recovering creates doubts in Simon’s mind.

Jay also provides Ingrid with an alibi to save her from getting in trouble with Aaron’s death. The manner in which Aaron is killed in the book and the series is the same, and the series truly does a commendable job in bringing life to the scene of Ingrid killing Aaron.

The eight-episode series can definitely be added to your watchlist. The steady growth in the mystery and thrill makes this series a binge-worthy gem. So, if you haven't already watched this series, waste no time and dive right into the world of Harlan Coben.

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