We couldn’t have been more excited for the series premiere of NBCs newest show, Dracula, starring Jonathan Rhys Myers, and we weren’t disappointed. We loved this Golden Globe winner in The Tudors, and we knew he’d be perfect for the role of Dracula. He’s got a sexy charisma that is dark and dangerous, and he nailed this role last Friday night during the premiere.
Set in the late 19th century in London, Myers poses as an American entrepreneur who has big dreams for the future of electricity. In the first episode, many plot lines are set in place that bring mystery and intrigue to the story. First, he has an invention that could revolutionize electricity and bankrupt the rich white dudes who are banking on a future of oil. But we soon see there’s more to the story than just business as a secret society unfolds, one that not only hunts vampires, but was responsible for some pretty dastardly deeds in the past (and possibly present.) The plot thickens as Dracula (acting as Alexander Grayson) meets a woman who just might be his dead wife reincarnated.
I always find it amusing that in many of these reincarnation plot lines the person in question looks exactly the same as they did in the previous life. That notwithstanding, there’s sexual tension in every exchange between these two, and a decidedly brother/sister chemistry between her and the man she’s supposed to be in love with. Not looking good for the lovable reporter boyfriend.
With a setting and costuming as lush as you would expect for this era and storyline (particularly with the producers of Downton Abbey!), and actors who nail their parts, Dracula is strongly positioned to become a hit.
We can’t wait for this Friday night!
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All of my Book Worms that have watched the first episode are ga ga over it. I don’t watch TV, and doubt I will ever see it. But, I do love a good vampire story. I think we enjoy the mystery and the overwhelming man in control of a vampire. I don’t think they will be overdone, but the media likes to try to steer our likes and dislikes.
Very true, but we agree that the cultural obsession won’t diminish.
I think the timeless allure of the vampire comes from our obsession with immortality and sexual exploration. even if we repress that. The vampire in literature and movies, represents that dark side of humanity we all want to secretly taste. Add to it the allure of the bad boy, and the quest for power, and its a potent combination.
As for Jonathan Rhys Myers, he nailed it. Fantastic shoe. I did a blog post on it as well and I was really impressed with the tory line and the acting. Well done.
Feel free to link your post here, we’d love to check it out. And yes, he really did nail it!
I think it is the allure of the power and the mystery of the unknown; the art of being immortal and never aging; and the ability to create a ‘new life’.
Over the years, the vampire has changed both in literature and on the screen. From a hideous, evil and disgusting creature to a beautiful, sensual, romantic and sexual being we are pulled into a world of fantasy where only our minds can venture because there is no reality only the fantastic.
Readers and viewers want to see the ‘beauty in the beast’ and the new and improved vampire is the ultimate beautiful beast.
Well said, Sandy. We completely agree!