I have that same dilemma.

My Spanish is conversational, but there are enough gaps in vocabulary that I have to have a dictionary open to read anything too challenging in Spanish.

My French is excellent, but I still read about half the speed in French compared to my native English. I’ve been putting off reading the Count of Monte Cristo for years because I don’t want to read it in English but I don’t want to commit to a slow reading of nearly 900 pages. It would probably take me 3-6 months.

I don’t know which you have, but the Pevear & Volokhonsky translation of BK is wonderful.

The book is meant to be entertaining and doesn’t strive for absolute realism. The characters being dramatic is completely intentional.

In fact, it’s hard to think of many creative works that don’t feature overly dramatic characters. Everyone in any Shakespeare play or most characters in modern film and TV, for example. Think of the “I am the one who knocks” scene from Breaking Bad - excellent stuff, but no one talks like that in real life.

And one thing that doesn’t come through in some translations is that the book is supposed to be really funny at times. Obviously there are serious moments and philosophical moments, but a lot of the book is supposed to be goofy. Several parts made me laugh out loud.

The Magicians had fun musical episodes (except the final one that just wasn’t good), and the cast had some really strong singers. That said, I have a hard time comparing because The Magicians didn’t use original songs, compared to musical episodes in shows like Buffy or Scrubs.

Or the people who cast the leads in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. That might be the worst casting I’ve seen in any project.

The Orville really should be on that list. Season 3 was fantastic.

I haven't watched all of those shows, but the ones I have were all great. Interesting that Rings of Power didn't make the cut - I agree with that. The writing just wasn't there.