I watched the 6 episode run of the Blade series. The cable network original series has definitely improved over the series opener. Several thoughts seem to have been correct, while on others I completely missed. Overall the development of the storyline and characters is interesting and highly watchable. It’s obvious at a glance that there is a deep storyline behind the entire series.
I’m glad that Mr. Kirk Jones has improved in the lead role. He has become more confident in his portrayal, and is making Blade his own. Where I found him very stiff in the opener, Mr. Jones is now more relaxed. He has captured more of the menacing and ultra-determined essence that make Blade the feared creature he is. There is room for improvement, and a lot of it, but there has been an improvement. The fight sequences need a lot of work though. It appears that Mr. Jones is not a martial artist, or if so not a highly ranked one. The moves are sloppy and choppy. Most are repeated in each sequence. Hopefully that will improve as the show continues as well.
Krista, as done by Ms. Jill Wagner, has also grown. We can feel her conflict, in a new world that she despises and at the same time is drawn deeper into in each episode and consequence of her decisions. Her urges to satiate the thirst, and her struggle to just have the serum feels like a difficult choice. Her alliance with Blade, and dependance to Marcus is a fine line indeed.
Marcus is quite the schemer, as played by Mr. Neil Jackson. His eyes and demeanor seem to drift as if he is looking 5 paces into the future in every scene. This is not a bad thing. It gives his character an appeal that the more classic villains have. Kind of like Moriarty. His plans, both for Cython and his own are subtle and intricate. I wish they were just a bit more detailed though.
There is a lot going on in this series. There are loose ends waiting to pop up and create problems for everyone. Blade has his vampire progeny, determined to like him and move up in the vampire societal ranks. Mr. Bokeem Woodbine gave that character, and the insight to the youthful past of ‘Little Man’, a nice edge. I look forward to seeing him again. Chase’s ex-husband (formerly a Neitzcheans from the series Andromeda) and his knowledge that Krista isn’t drinking blood could be a help or a massive hindrance. And how much of Chase’s past was real in that meeting?
While I would have enjoyed seeing the Lycans being lycanthropes, the fact that they are essentially monks is different. I like how the other houses are being brought in. That there many be many more than just 12, each with its own history and traditions, and enemies. The Arami seem to be Slavic in origin and quite angry with House Cython. The deep plots within and of House Cython are unique and fitting people that can live centuries.
There are things in this series that most anyone can grab onto and become a fan for. Whether its trying to anticipate the various plot twists, or learning more of the background history, or following the various character there is a lot that works in the series.
Of course there are problems too. The Fritz character could have been interesting, especially if Aurora doesn’t work. How the cop Boone knows so much on different houses seems odd. There still is no answer why purebloods are so feared and respected, or even created. The trust and need that Marcus has for Krista doesn’t make sense. Most of the secondary plot arcs are barely touched on in each episode, I mean you tend to basically get one or 2 cryptic sentences on a sub-plot and then that’s it.
Even so I like it and am interested in seeing where the story goes.
This is what I think, what do you think?
No comments:
Post a Comment