‘The Lost Symbol’ is the third novel in Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon series, following ‘Angels & Demons’ and ‘The Da Vinci Code’. The book was published in 2009 and was a commercial success, selling over one million copies on its first day of release in the United States. The story follows Robert Langdon, a Harvard symbologist, as he investigates a secret society known as the Freemasons in Washington D.C.
The TV series adaptation of ‘The Lost Symbol’ premiered on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, in September 2021. The series stars Ashley Zukerman as Robert Langdon, and features a talented ensemble cast including Eddie Izzard, Sumalee Montano, Valorie Curry, and Beau Knapp. The series was created by Dan Dworkin and Jay Beattie, who also served as executive producers alongside Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, and Samie Kim Falvey.
Summary of ‘The Lost Symbol’ book
The book begins with Robert Langdon being called to Washington D.C. to deliver a lecture. Upon arriving, Langdon learns that his mentor, Peter Solomon, a prominent Mason and philanthropist, has been kidnapped. The kidnapper, Mal’akh, demands that Langdon find a hidden Masonic pyramid in order to save Peter’s life. Langdon is joined by Peter’s sister, Katherine, who is a scientist, and together they follow a series of clues that lead them through the history of the Freemasons and to the lost symbol, a powerful Masonic artifact.
The book is a fast-paced thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Brown weaves historical facts and symbols into the story, creating a sense of intrigue and mystery. The characters are well-developed, and the plot twists and turns keep readers guessing until the very end.
Summary of ‘The Lost Symbol’ TV series
The TV series follows a similar plot to the book, but there are several differences. For example, the character of Mal’akh is replaced by a new villain, Inoue Sato, who works for the CIA. The series also introduces new characters, such as the young Masonic historian, Warren Bellamy, and the mysterious tattoo artist, Noetic scientist, and Langdon’s love-interest, Trish.
The series is visually stunning, with beautiful shots of Washington D.C. and intricate Masonic symbols and artifacts. The soundtrack, composed by Will Bates, is haunting and suspenseful, adding to the overall atmosphere of the show.
Comparison of the setting and timeline in the book and TV series
One of the most significant differences between the book and the TV series is the setting and timeline. In the book, the action takes place over the course of one night, while in the TV series, the story is spread out over several days. Additionally, the TV series takes place in modern-day Washington D.C., while the book is set in 2009.
The TV series also includes more locations than the book, such as the Library of Congress and the United States Capitol. The series takes advantage of the visual medium to showcase the grandeur and historical significance of these locations.
Analysis of the characters in the book and TV series
Robert Langdon is the main character in both the book and the TV series, and Ashley Zukerman does an excellent job of portraying him on screen. In the book, Langdon is a somewhat reserved and introspective character, while in the TV series, he is more action-oriented and has a romantic subplot.
Peter Solomon is a pivotal character in both versions, but he is more fleshed out in the book. In the TV series, his character is given less screen time, and his relationship with Langdon is not as prominent.
The addition of new characters in the TV series, such as Warren Bellamy and Trish, adds depth and complexity to the story. However, some fans of the book may find these new characters distracting from the main plot.
Notable guest stars in the TV series
The TV series features several notable guest stars, including Eddie Izzard as Peter Solomon, Valorie Curry as Trish, and Rick Gonzalez as Nunez. However, the standout performance comes from Sumalee Montano, who plays Inoue Sato, the chief of the CIA’s Office of Security. Montano’s portrayal of Sato is chilling and menacing, adding an extra layer of tension to the story.
Memorable quotes from ‘The Lost Symbol’ book and TV series
One of the hallmarks of Dan Brown’s writing is his ability to craft memorable quotes. Here are a few of my favorites from ‘The Lost Symbol’:
- “The only difference between you and God is that you have forgotten you are divine.” – Peter Solomon
- “The human mind has a primitive ego defense mechanism that negates all realities that produce too much stress for the brain to handle.” – Robert Langdon
- “Great minds are always feared by lesser minds.” – Warren Bellamy
Exploring the soundtrack by Will Bates in the TV series
The soundtrack for the TV series was composed by Will Bates, who has also worked on other popular shows such as ‘Hannibal’ and ‘The Path’. The score is a mix of orchestral and electronic elements, creating a haunting and suspenseful atmosphere.
Bates incorporates Masonic symbols and chants into the score, adding to the overall theme of the show. The soundtrack is available on streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music, and I highly recommend giving it a listen.
Cosplay ideas: Dressing like Robert Langdon and Peter Solomon
For fans who want to take their love of ‘The Lost Symbol’ to the next level, cosplay is a fun way to do so. Robert Langdon’s signature look consists of a tweed jacket, turtleneck sweater, and khaki pants. Peter Solomon’s style is more formal, with a suit and tie.
To complete the look, you can add accessories such as a fedora hat, a leather messenger bag, and a copy of the book. For a group cosplay, you can also include characters such as Warren Bellamy and Katherine Solomon.
Dan Brown: A biography and his 5 best works
Dan Brown is a bestselling author known for his thrillers that blend history, art, and science. Brown was born in New Hampshire in 1964 and studied English and Spanish at Amherst College. He began his writing career as a songwriter and later transitioned to writing novels.
Here are five of Dan Brown’s best works, in no particular order:
- ‘The Da Vinci Code’
- ‘Angels & Demons’
- ‘Inferno’
- ‘Digital Fortress’
- ‘Deception Point’
Dan Dworkin and Jay Beattie: 5 other media works they have created
Dan Dworkin and Jay Beattie are a writing duo known for their work on TV shows such as ‘Criminal Minds’ and ‘Scream: The TV Series’. Here are five other media works they have created:
- ‘The Event’ (TV series)
- ‘Revenge’ (TV series)
- ‘Zoo’ (TV series)
- ‘Scream: The TV Series’ (TV series)
- ‘Surface’ (TV series)
10 similar movies, TV shows, and books to ‘The Lost Symbol’
If you enjoyed ‘The Lost Symbol’, here are ten other movies, TV shows, and books that you might also enjoy:
- ‘National Treasure’
- ‘The Da Vinci Code’
- ‘Angels & Demons’
- ‘The Bourne Identity’
- ‘The Firm’
- ‘The X-Files’
- ‘Fringe’
- ‘The Name of the Rose’ (book)
- ‘The Eight’ (book)
- ‘The Rule of Four’ (book)
Book club discussion questions for ‘The Lost Symbol’
If you are part of a book club and have chosen ‘The Lost Symbol’ as your next read, here are some discussion questions to get the conversation started:
- What did you think of the character of Robert Langdon? Did you find him relatable?
- How did you feel about the addition of new characters such as Warren Bellamy and Trish?
- What did you think of the ending? Did it surprise you?
- Do you think Dan Brown accurately portrayed the Freemasons and their history?
- How does ‘The Lost Symbol’ compare to Dan Brown’s other works?
Parent guide for ‘The Lost Symbol’ TV series
While ‘The Lost Symbol’ is a thrilling and suspenseful TV series, it does contain some mature themes and content. The series is rated TV-14 for violence, language, and suggestive themes.
Parents should be aware that the show contains scenes of violence, including gunshots and stabbings. There are also several references to sex and sexuality, including a scene in which a character is shown in lingerie.
Intriguing tidbits and behind-the-scenes information
Did you know that Dan Brown is a member of the Freemasons? He was initiated into the organization in 1993, and his experiences with the group inspired him to write ‘The Lost Symbol’.
The TV series was filmed on location in Washington D.C., and the production team went to great lengths to ensure accuracy and authenticity. For example, the Masonic symbols in the show were verified by experts in the field.
Buying guide and gift ideas for fans of ‘The Lost Symbol’
For fans of ‘The Lost Symbol’, there are plenty of merchandise and gift options available. Here are a few ideas:
- The ‘Lost Symbol’ book and/or TV series on DVD or Blu-ray
- ‘The Lost Symbol’ soundtrack on vinyl or CD
- A Robert Langdon-inspired tweed jacket
- A Masonic ring or necklace
- A copy of ‘The Secret Teachings of All Ages’ by Manly P. Hall
Conclusion
‘The Lost Symbol’ is a thrilling and engaging story that is well-suited for both the page and the screen. While the book and the TV series have some differences, both versions are enjoyable in their own right. I hope this article has provided some insight into the world of ‘The Lost Symbol’ and has inspired you to explore the franchise further.
