They do that with a lot of their programming. I guess they figure it's a compromise between weekly episodes and dropping the whole season.
I watched it, but I hated how much they changed from the book (because they changed almost everything). I really enjoyed the book, but thought it wasn't fully fleshed out, and was really excited to see the show expand on it. But instead of expanding they just rewrote it.
I think I would have like it more if I hadn't read the book first.
I did absolutely love the little girl who played young Kirsten, she was phenomenal.
