Greetings my dear Gothlings!
As many of you may have noticed, on NewGothCity.com’s upcoming events roster, there is a weekly listing for a television show entitled “Demons” that premiered last Saturday (1/2/10) on the obscured BBC-America channel, which, if you don’t know, is a British channel. This show, having only six episodes per season, centers around a teenager’s, Luke, coming to age (and grips) story (do you start to smell a similarity here) as he finds out from his long lost God-Father, now turned mentor, that he is in direct lineage of Abraham Van Helsing, and it is up to Luke (played by a very boy-hunk-attractive Christian Cooke, to lure in the teen female viewers) to continue in his family’s legacy to “Smite” the “Freaks” and “Inhumans,” all the while studying for an exam. Does this sound all a bit confusing? It should…for a 47 minute season opener.
However, much like my favorite para/super-natural show, “Being Human,” also found on BBC-A (I can’t wait for season 2 soon!!!), this show has that certain edgy and independent feel to it making it more raw and believable, rather than the slick production values American series tend to embrace. Don’t get me wrong, Demons does have some good production value…mostly in the lighting. The special effects and character costumes can be a bit laughable at times, as well as some of the dialogue…but you know what? It’s actually fun that way. This show definitely does not take itself seriously…at all! And neither did Being Human. It’s over-the-top at times, yes, but it does have it’s moments. Moreover, the entire season only lasts 6 episodes out in the UK, as opposed to dragging out hour-long shows to 12 or 26 episodes here in the states…in that respect you are getting a better bang for your buck!
My one big problem with Demons was the story’s blatant disregard for the “Freaks.” They could range anywhere from a “level 1″ rat to a “Level 12″ something or other…Goblins, Werewolves, Vampires, etc. are all fair game. The darker characters don’t have much ‘meat’ to them…but this is only episode 1 that I saw, I’m sure like other series of this ilk all the characters shall be better explored, and thus not turn into a simple us vs. them situation. Fingers crossed.
I urge you to take a look at Demons at least once to create your own opinion of this show. It’s good to broaden your television watching horizons, especially internationally. If you have Time Warner Cable here in the N.Y.C. area you can go to the BBC-A On-Demand channel, on channel 1011, where you can see past episodes for free whenever you want. Also, if you get the chance, watch Being Human…it really is quite good!
See you in the Dark!
Sir William Welles