I haven't read J.K. Rowling's first novel aimed at grown-ups, The Casual Vacancy (though I've read all of the Harry Potter books so I guess that makes me look like something of a philistine), but the new miniseries coming to HBO looks intriguing. It's funny though, I can't tell if all of the F-bombs and NSFW shenanigans on display here are intended to serve as a signifier ("this isn't a kids book, we swear") or if they're an organic representation of the plot. Regardless, the show looks fun enough. And this new trailer has a lot more going for it than the first teaser did.

Check out The Casual Vacancy trailer below. The miniseries is directed by Jonny Campbell from a script by Sarah Phelps and stars Rory Kinnear, Simon McBurney, and Harry Potter alum Michael Gambon. It debuts on HBO on April 29th.

Here's the official synopsis:

The Casual Vacancy centres on Pagford, a seemingly idyllic English village with a cobbled market square and ancient abbey. Behind the pretty façade however, is a town at war: rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils. Pagford is not what it first seems.

At the Parish Council meeting the subject of Sweetlove House and its legacy arises. Howard Mollison, the Chairman, heads up the faction who want to see an end to the legacy; the thorn in his side is Barry Fairbrother, who makes an impassioned speech outlining the importance of the legacy, and the services it provides. For now, Barry has won the argument.

When Barry dies suddenly, Pagford is left in shock, and the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the village has yet seen. Three candidates are soon lined up: Miles Mollison, Howard’s son; Colin Wall, Barry’s friend; and Simon Price, Barry’s half-brother.