the revival didn't deviate too much from the original show/HoDS
That was purely and simply because of DC's involvement. However, DC claimed that supposedly he was going to back away had the show been renewed, and the writers did have ideas to take the second season's storylines in new and totally different directions. But, again, alas...
For what it's worth, DC also wanted the '04 pilot and the concept for that series to be more like hoDS.
Thankfully he was overruled by John Wells and Mark Verheiden.
I'm quite honestly relieved that DC will have no involvement with the Depp/DS film.