Air Date: Friday, January 24, 2014, 10PM E/P on NBC.
Rating:
“I’m here, I’ll always be here.” — Alexander Grayson
With the events of “Let There Be Light,” I can’t say for sure I know where Dracula is heading. This season finale is more like a series finale in that the actions of some characters lead to an end of certain storylines. Not only that, some scenes hold a sort of finality where you know there’s no way the show can return from it. And the unpredictability of certain events is refreshing. I don’t know whether to say I’m bummed or excited by what occurs.
Observations:
Man, Myth, Legend
He’s definitely got something sinister up his sleeve.
Who is Dracula? A man, lover, vampire? The writers of the NBC version give us a glimpse of the legend in more ways than one. We’re introduced to the man known to many as Alexander Grayson (Jonathan Rhys Meyers)—entrepreneur, billionaire, and playboy who has plans to take over the energy industry. While his plans may have gone up in smoke (pun intended), Alexander’s actions open him up to us, revealing what’s hidden beneath the American façade. The lover is a man whose mind is unable to release the woman he loves even through centuries, revealing Dracula’s beating heart. So much so, he undergoes extreme measures to walk in sunlight for a moment with his lady love. This, of course, leads to the final piece of the Dracula puzzle—the vampire. He cannot escape the monster he was forced to become. Through no fault of his own, he’s held captive by the dark. He lives in shadow, yearning for the light. It is with these three facets the writers have divulged the human, loving, and bloodthirsty being vying for a return to normalcy. Makes you question Renfield’s (Nonso Anozie) loyalty and Van Helsing’s (Thomas Kretschmann) kinship. They know who he is deep down, yet they maintain various relationships with him. Now, we learn how the two sides of these alliances differ, and it isn’t pretty.
Why The Switch?
In “Let There Be Light,” Renfield’s character seems to take a turn from confidant and friend to gofer and yes man. This is my only complaint about “Let There Be Light.” I mean, why take such a great portrayal and flip it on its head? I’m used to Renfield running errands for Alexander but here, the change in camaraderie is different. My guess is the writers went about exploring the origins of the Dracula/Renfield enigma and are turning to the more widely known depiction of the vampire’s helper. I can’t say I’m looking forward to that but who knows what will happen.
Van Helsing is known as the ultimate vampire hunter more than for his medical expertise. I’ve enjoyed seeing this angle of the man, otherwise known for his hatred of Dracula. His character flaws remain pushed aside to allow his vengeful spirit free reign. Once his vengeance is satisfied, what else does he have to live for? Well, the hunt. His story finds a link to the Huntsmen led by the Order of the Dragon in a way I didn’t see coming. What an interesting turn of events.
Man With A Plan
Do you think Jonathan will be able to live with himself?
Jonathan (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) is quite the actor. Jackson-Cohen has me convinced Jonathan hates Alexander one minute, then loves him the next. What an amazing job Jackson-Cohen does at playing both sides. I’m not sure his character is the smartest when it comes to subterfuge but it’ll be interesting to see how far he goes in this game. I don’t think Jonathan knows who he’s messing with. I almost feel sorry for him … almost. Monsters come in various forms, don’t they?
Her Day Has Come
Lady Jayne’s (Victoria Smurfit) got a pair of balls on her. I don’t expect her to back down when she knows she’s right. But sometimes, she can be so frustrating. Smurfit never lets her guard down. She plays Lady Jayne with a strength that cannot be rivaled. I almost get the sense she’s a method actor. I bet she stays in character while on set. You don’t get her kind of dedication without going all the way. Speaking of being dedicated, Lady Jayne forces herself to face off with the man she loves, the man she’s been hunting, and the man who knows her heart. I’m fascinated with the play-by-play between Smurfit and Meyers. Their characters taunt one another with words and action, seemingly becoming two has-been lovers with a grudge. The final scene between the two comes together with a heart-to-heart that fits the characters to a tee. I bet their encounter was fun to shoot. Lady Jayne always gives as good as she gets and I have to admit to rooting for her just a little bit.
Random Thoughts:
Don’t you get the feeling Van Helsing is being extra vague and mysterious? He’s certainly keeping something sinister to himself. You know, like harboring his enemy’s children for his own sick pleasure. I don’t like what Browning (Ben Miles) has done but Van Helsing taking revenge on Browning’s children is a big no-no for me. Van Helsing is losing points. And I don’t think his plans will give him the satisfaction he desires. Kretschmann, on the other hand, gets MVP status. He’s portraying Van Helsing with flawless precision. I believe he’s crazy. Not just regular crazy, incensed with achieving vengeance.
It’s interesting how Mina’s (Jessica De Gouw) costumes make her look like a little girl compared to Lucy (Katie McGrath), who exudes everything woman. You have to wonder if the difference is used to point out one’s perceived innocence and the other’s more assumed experienced ways. Lucy is the biggest fraud. I would love to see how she acclimates to life as a vampire.
Memorable lines:
“Grayson will never walk in sunlight again, much like yourself.” Van Helsing to Renfield at the end of a crazed moment.
**
Lady Jayne: “I know who you are.”
Alexander: “You’ve always known. Deep down. Admit it.”
**
“How do you think you can live through Mina Murray? You can never be what she needs, you undead thing.” Lady Jayne tries to crush Alexander’s hopes for love.
**
Jonathan: “What can you tell me about Grayson?”
Van Helsing: “Everything you need to know. His name is … Dracula.”
**
Love will make you do crazy things, right, Lady Jayne?
“Let There Be Light” doesn’t disappoint. It’s an amazing season finale that leaves viewers gasping, guessing, and greedy for more. I don’t know about you but I’m dying for another season. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below about the season one finale or drop me a line on Twitter @ellemoe. I’d love to hear from you.
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Photos © 2014 NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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