I just started it, I read the first chronological novel (Sharpe's Tiger, 1799), which is well down the order of publication. To this point, my main question is, does it matter in what order they are read? I haven't seen anything so far to indicate I'm doing it wrong, but in book two, I noticed a character being given a prominent introduction, with narrative weight, despite his seemingly insignificant role. This makes me think he's someone whom readers who are more familiar with Sharpe's future adventures and companions will recognize.

Also, I can't help but feel this General Arthur Wellesly is going to be important somehow.

But seriously, any opinions?

Also-also, any word on the TV movies, with Sean Bean? Those last three words strongly incline me to watching it, and I saw on IMdB that Pete Postlewaite plays Sgt. Hakeswill, which I think is just inspired. Is the series any good? Are there books that pertain directly to certain episodes that should be considered if one is trying to avoid having one medium spoil the other? How does the screen compare to the print?