Sweet Vengeance. Advance Review: Dracula – “The Blood Is The Life”

Season 1, Episode 1

Air Date: Friday, October 25, 2013, 10/9c on NBC.

Rating: ★★★★★

“Visionary. Delusional. Egomaniac.” — Jonathan Harker

From the moment I learned Dracula was coming to NBC, admittedly I began to salivate thinking about the sexy Jonathan Rhys Meyers who plays the dashing and seductive lead. He’s been a favorite of mine since Bend It Like Beckham and The Tudors.

Alexander Grayson and his right-hand man Renfield welcome their guests with optimistic trepidation

As I sit down to watch the pilot episode, one thing runs through my mind…OK, more than one thing—but that’s neither here nor there. The main thing I wondered was “How would this reimagining of Bram Stoker’s classic character hold up in a world filled with sparkly and day-walking vampires?” To be blunt, Meyers is the Dracula I’ve dreamt of, reminiscent of the classic vampire played by Frank Langella in the 1976 Dracula film. Dressed in Victorian attire—yet, sadly donning an American accent—Meyers’ Dracula/Alexander Grayson embodies the mystery coupled with the allure of something sinister. I’m smitten.

The story unfolds with a captivating opening sequence and we get a glimpse of the darkness that waits. Two men lower themselves into a dark cave and discover Dracula’s coffin. One sacrifices the other to resurrect the decrepit creature from his long, dry slumber—fast forward to Victorian London where a lavish ball is being held by the American entrepreneur Alexander Grayson (aka Dracula). With his trusted man Renfield (Nonso Anozie) by his side, Alexander welcomes his guests with open arms, or so it seems. There is a reason to all the fanfare and we soon learn that Alexander has suffered a tremendous loss at the hands of some of London’s most elite citizens.

A grand spectacle at Grayson’s party – wireless electricity! Pictured: (l-r) Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Jonathan Harker, Jessica De Gouw as Mina Murray, Katie McGrath as Lucy Westenra — (Photo by: Jonathon Hession/NBC)

With the tale being set in London, it’s not surprising to find that everyone—except Alexander, who is masquerading as an American and Renfield—speaks with a British accent. It is a tad disappointing to see the mock city of London no doubt set up on a back lot somewhere, but the costumes are quite fetching. I am impressed with Jessica De Gouw who plays the demure and enchanting Mina Murray. You may remember De Gouw as the badass Helena/The Huntress on Arrow, so seeing her in such a delicate role is a pleasant change of pace. Putting on a British accent doesn’t seem to hinder this Australian beauty. I’m anxious to see how her déjà-vu encounter with the handsome Mr. Grayson plays out as he believes she is the reincarnation of his deceased wife. The way Alexander gazes at Mina across the opera house as he frolics with the beguiling Lady Jane (Victoria Smurfit) sends chills down my spine. He even keeps his eyes open while kissing Jane, gazing at an unknowing Mina with covetous fury.

Of course, in the beloved version of Stoker’s Dracula, he has a nemesis, Jonathan Harker (Oliver Jackson-Cohen). But in this version, Harker is not an attorney; he’s a journalist who just so happens to be courting the beautiful Mina, much to Alexander’s chagrin. Poor Jonathan is already feeling like he’s not good enough for Mina. If Alexander woos his way into her heart, Jonathan won’t stand much of a chance. I adore Jackson-Cohen. He had a brief role in The Raven with John Cusack but what made me adore him was his role in What’s Your Number? He’s believable as Harker and seems well suited to hold his own against Meyers secretive Alexander.

Mina studies medicine/surgery under the tutelge of Prof. Van Helsing. Pictured: (l-r) Jessica De Gouw as Mina Murray, Thomas Kretschmann as Abraham van Helsing — (Photo by: Jonathon Hession/NBC)

Of course, the story wouldn’t be complete without a vampire hunter. They’ve cast a wonderful German actor, Thomas Kretschmann, to play the enigmatic Abraham Van Helsing, who has a surprising connection with Alexander. Kretschmann caught my attention in an Indie film called Grimm Love, co-starring Keri Russell. It’s a disturbing film but despite his character’s atrocious behavior, you are drawn to him. His rugged good looks lend authenticity to Van Helsing’s legacy throughout the various versions of vampire lore. Kretschmann wields his unsuspecting charm and quiet confidence into his character making his portrayal that much more credible. To say I’m anxious to see further interactions between Van Helsing and Alexander is an understatement.

And the one I’m keeping my eye on is Lucy Westenra played by Katie McGrath. Syfy’s Merlin fans will know the name as she played Morgana on the series, but in Dracula, McGrath sheds her dark locks as a confident and commanding blonde bombshell who urges her friend Mina to consort with men of wealth rather than a poor, struggling journalist. In the 1992 movie version of Dracula, Lucy succumbs to Dracula’s infectious bite. Will this new version of Lucy become an unwitting conquest of Alexander’s or will she be immune to his wicked charisma? I’m betting on the latter.

NBC’s Dracula is a fresh spin on the classic tale. While many of the characters are there, this retelling delves into a darker side of Grayson/Dracula’s origins and how he becomes the man/vampire he is today. In San Diego at Comic-Con, the tag on all the billboards and advertisements read, “Hell Yeah, It’s Friday,” and I second that. With Grimm leading in to Dracula, Friday nights are going to get dark and steamy this fall…I’m totally fine with that!

Tune in to the premiere of Dracula Friday, October 25, 2013 at 10/9c on NBC.

For more on the show, go to http://www.nbc.com/dracula/.

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Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.