I didn’t really enjoy the new Amazon pilot Casanova. I thought it was overwrought, over-the-top, and I simply didn’t like the lead character (played by Diego Luna).

Of course, if I’m being fair, it would be hard for any show called Casanova to win me over since the 2005 British version of the tale — not to be confused with the 2005 film starring Heath Ledger — is so delightfully spectacular. Queer as Folk and Doctor Who scribe Russell T. Davies’ version of Casanova doesn’t just present a more progressive take on the legendary lover, but it’s also a lot more fun.

The series opens with our hero, Giacomo Casanova, (David Tennant) being caught with a Venetian nobleman’s wife. He whistles for his steed, leaps from the balcony, and lands on his ass, cursing, “Bollocks!” After a Benny Hill-style chase through the streets of Venice, our protagonist takes to the canals and quips to his aggressor, “Just consider: you love your wife. I love your wife. Aren’t we both on the same side?”

Sure, this Casanova is a total home wrecker and cocky bastard, but he’s fun. We get a sense of his adventurous spirit long before we ever get to see him in bed with anyone and this choice humanizes him. That’s really what makes this version so extraordinary: it gives you a human explanation for Casanova’s luck with the ladies. In a time when women were raised to be bought and sold, and seen and not heard, Casanova is the one man who respects women enough to listen to them. That’s his game. It’s not that he’s oozing sexuality or has a six pack of steel. He doesn’t even — as the new Amazon version argues — love women more than any other man alive. He just has the good sense to treat women like equals. He seduces women with empathy. It’s rather revolutionary and altogether romantic.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCIpdbsMYsc]

The 2005 version has other things to recommend it, though. Russell T. Davies’ script is overflowing with gorgeously witty bon mots and quotable conversations. The acting is superb. In fact, this was the series that made David Tennant a star in Great Britain before he took over the T.A.R.D.I.S. on Doctor Who. (You could even argue that Tennant and Davies’ successful partnership on this series set the stage for Doctor Who‘s future world domination.) There’s a subplot involving the geriatric Casanova (played by none other than Peter O’Toole) befriending an inquisitive young maid (played by a young Rose Byrne) that frames the entire story. It’s highly stylized, there’s sharp social satire, deliriously silly sight gags, and a whole lot of drama. And, yes, there’s sex. There’s a lot of sex. Though, because this aired in the USA on Masterpiece, don’t expect any real nudity.

I suppose that’s where the new Amazon pilot has the 2005 version beat. There is certainly a lot more nudity in the Diego Luna version. There are more heaving bosoms, leering looks, and sumptuous set design. I will admit that the new Casanova is more beautiful to look at, but I worry it already lacks the smarts and soul of the 2005 one. But then, that was always what defined Tennant’s take on the character. Where Luna is a handsome traveler who can’t resist the pull of passion, Tennant’s Casanova is a man whose strengths aren’t physical and whose seduction technique is all about what’s ticking in his lovers’ heads.

Then again, you might prefer a prettier take on love and sex and the 18th century. Or you might find yourself pleasantly surprised by the 2005 version’s spunk and fire. And then, there’s the possibility that you’ll like both. The good news is you can watch both versions on Amazon Prime right now and decide for yourself which Casanova you’d prefer to fall in love with.

[Watch the 2005 Casanova starring David Tennant on Amazon Prime]

[Watch the 2015 Casanova pilot starring Diego Luna on Amazon Prime]

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