Also, the authors of the book were writers and producers of the show.
1. Cliffhangers at the end of each episode.
2. Multiple red herrings and 180 degree turns.
3. One *huge* reveal towards the end.
4. A mixture of grim realism and cynical humour.
5. Dramatic and often extreme action scenes.
It works for some series, and combined with good writing/acting/directing can result in a solid product (see Jack Ryan, The Expanse); but in other cases it either fails with bad filmmaking (see Sentinel), or simply doesn't fit the underlying material (see TRoP).Generally I think Amazon does a good job with the prime original series.
I liked the Expanse. The peripheral was interesting. Even the LotR “rings of power” I found enjoyable, and maybe better than expected after those hobit movies.. Not perfect but it had heart, some humor, good music (Bear Mccready, Fiona apple!) thought a bit too sentimental as LOTR tends to be..
HBO took the “last of us” and did something decent I fall into hope springs eternal camp. But I’d rather play the story than just watch it… I loved the uncharted games, but am never going to see an uncharted movie.
In this case I watched my partner play fallout. It had a story, but you play you, not a specific character. But a settlement always needs your help.