Julia Slaughter

Posts Tagged ‘tv shows’

As I may have mentioned a few times, in July I went to Comic Con and while I was there I was dragged, practically kicking and screaming, by my friend Rod to see the Eastwick panel. I never saw the movie, the Witches of Eastwick, and I am a reluctant fan of witches at best. Vampires and Werewolves I’m always willing to give the benefit of the doubt, but witches have to win me over before I’m willing to spend any of my hard earned money on them! I don’t really know why I’m that way, but I am…

Anyway, Rod announced that we were going to see the Eastwick panel for ABC’s new show and I rolled my eyes. He went on and on about how great the movie was, and was grievously wounded when I admitted that I had never seen it. When they announced that they were going to show us the entire premier and they dimmed the lights, I counted myself lucky that we only have an hour to go before the panel is over, and then – it got me. I don’t know when it happened but suddenly I realized that I wasn’t just tolerating the show but I was enjoying it.

The characters are well played by their perspective actresses and actors. I have to admit that Paul Gross, who plays Darryl Van Horne, stole the scenes that he was in and afterwards he stole the panel every time he talked. I suppose that he’s following in big footsteps since his role was played by Jack Nicholson in the movie but I think he owns the role completely when he’s playing it. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Eastwick starts in earnest tonight on ABC, I can’t remember the time exactly and I guess it would vary from time zone to time zone, but if you get a chance check it out.

There are few things I enjoy as much as curling up with a good book, but I have to say that I’ve always loved to curl up with a good movie or tv show. This past weekend was all about good quality vampire television.

I discovered True Blood last year when it started. Last year at Comic Con HBO was getting the word out, they had street teams getting petitions signed for (and against) vampire rights, they gave out a comic book that discussed the general premise of the show, and somehow I managed to acquire some True Blood pint glasses.  I usually enjoy vampires and the premise seemed interesting so not only was I “in” but  I dragged my friends along with me. (I had a True Blood viewing party with some friends for the series premier.)

I love the writing on True Blood. I love Lafayette’s wit and wisdom, the way he is tough and vulnerable all at the same time. I love that the characters are complicated and well developed. There are characters that are likable even when you don’t want to like them. It makes my skin crawl, my heart race, my eyes water…it evokes real feelings. I love this show, I love talking about it with my friends who watch it – debating theories on what’s going to happen next (or sometimes on what just happened!).

However, this weekend I also discovered another vampire show the BBC’s Being Human. The general premise of the show is that a vampire,  a werewolf,  and a ghost are roommates. I know it almost sounds like a bad joke, but it’s a drama-comedy. The writing is sharp, I have fallen in love with the wonderfully flawed characters. They are struggling to remain in touch with their humanity and to live normal human lives.  I’ve only got one complaint, the werewolf has some special effects that seem a little cheesy, but let’s face it Hollywood’s big budget flicks have kind of spoiled us and I’d take a substantial story over flash effects any day.

I love that both shows have stories and plot lines that take you by surprise. However,  True Blood brings in elements that are unexpected and thrilling to true geeks.  I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give any spoilers but I have to say that C.S. Lewis actually gave me a hint as to what was going on in True Blood and that brought me no end of joy.

I just can’t wait to see what happens next!

HBO’s True Blood website

BBC’s Being Human website