I like Kelpie's point here - if you want a story that is geared for the lowest common denominator, with no risks or chances taken, nothing out of the ordinary or interesting, why choose Earthsea in the first place? It was chosen (IMO) because of it's previous popularity and consistent sales. That series has been out for ages and still sells without any trouble at all. So, they chose it because it is a good story with a large audience already attached to it. That throws Brian's 'marketing' idea of 'not taking risks' out the window because they chose it specifically because it was already a familiar story with a large built in audience. The biggest remaining problem is the same for most fantasy stories - cost of production, but the SciFi channel knows that before it begins and there is no cost savings in making the cast monochrome. Therefore, why make the story bland and dull by removing particular themes and ideas that made it interesting in the first place? There are many directors and producers out there who realize that the world isn't solely white, they should have chosen one of them to portray such a multicultural story.
I wasn't able to catch the miniseries when it aired as I had to work and forgot to set the vcr. I might have to see if it plays again so that I can see what Ms. Le Guin is disappointed in. Just so I can whine and moan knowledgeably here with you guys
