There is just something about vampires and other such creatures of the night that everyone wants to see. Dracula, the Werewolf, Frankenstein, and on and on for over a century now. It's a theme we all seem to never tire of.
The BBC recognizes this of course. They constantly have television shows that either focus on this theme or include it. And in 2010 they will be debuting yet another show firmly ensconced in the otherworldly.
Demons will preimere right after Dr. Who finishes The End of Time pt 2 and introduces the new, geeky kid as the Doctor. I'm sure more than a few fans will want a distraction from the end of David Tennant's tenure as the Doctor. This new show seems to fit the bill.
Now I always tend to enjoy European depictions of vampires, lycanthropes and such. There is just a flair that seems to be added that probably comes from the centuries of rumor and mystery on the subject. Whatever the reason, I just enjoy Eurpoean, and especially British versions more.
The storyline is pretty basic though. The last of the Van Helsin's is needed (likely because some aspect of a secret base or weapon requires the bloodline) by a modern day secret society of vampire hunters. The stories we have grown up with are all true and more. Thrust suddenly into this other world within our own is a young man that has to learn quickly what is going on.
Obviously there will be the battle-hard veteran that will watch his back. There will be no end of baddies that will be seeking him out to kill him so they will be safe to graze upon humanity forever without fear. There will be a love interest that is questionable in loyalties (a young looking vampiress) and unattainable of course. And the young man will grow into his role of the hero that never knew he could be.
Still as rote as some of the background seems to be, and as oriented in the youth culture as it is, the show seems to have potential. The CGI effects and make-up look good. The styling of the show mixes modern and old goth well. There is a dark feel while obviously employing some action too. In a way it reminds me of the style of Torchwood in it's early episodes.
This will not be a Buffy the Vampire or Angel type show. At least not at it's beginning. Which bodes well for the program. And I hope it does not fall into the trap of Twillight. If it can avoid these pop fads there amy be a show that will really take off.
The question I am left with is how long will it be before some American television (probably cable if we are lucky) network takes the idea and copies it? With shows like Santuary, Supernatural, and so on all the craze these days and with copies of Brit shows (Leverage, The Office, Life on Mars, ect.) the new in thing on American television you just have to imagine that this too will be copied. One can only hope that the American version is closer to the Office copy than say the failed near-verbatim yet highly flawed Coupling version.
Ultimately only time will tell how well this develops. And until then American television fans will try to enjoy David Tennant in his new show about a lawyer that doesn't do trials. It's a comedy, and honestly sounds to bland for American tastes. American shows about lawyers are so focused on trials and law these days I'm not sure if this show will work. Maybe if it's more akin to Night Court or Ally McBeal than say The Practice or Law & Order (given they are dramas).
But back to the point at hand. Do you think the supernatural shows are overdone? Have you seen your fill of vampires and goblins? Do you want the ghosts and inhuman creatures to be banished to television void or are you looking forward to another try at it? What do you think and will you check this show out?
No comments:
Post a Comment