The movie was good .. the book better ... but nothing beat the chemistry that there appeared to be between Edward Mulhare and Hope Lange on the TV show.
It's really apples and oranges -- other than the basic premise the two are totally different.
Like you, I loved the TV show and agree with you on the chemistry. I can hear the theme song in my head at this moment.
But I urge everyone to see the movie if they get a chance -- but expect a very, very dark, yet touching, movie.