Random Ramblings

Thoughts on Dracula (First Episode)

Initially, I had my doubts about the 'new' (2020) Dracula TV show, seeing as there have been dozens of movies and shows depicting the infamous count and his unquenchable thirst. What new ground could this rendition break, I wondered? Hasn't it all been done to death? (Or undeath)

If not for the constant goading of a close friend, I would have been content to ignore it and go about my business. So how was it? Roughly halfway through the first episode, I was hooked. There are some rough patches to be sure and some creative decisions I was not a fan of but overall it was a solid piece of horror.

Each episode runs about the same length as the average movie, so there is plenty of Gothic goodness to sink your fangs into. Dracula himself is absolutely wonderful. Equal parts witty and wicked, he oozes charisma and malice whenever he slinks on screen.

The other characters are played with varying degrees of success, but they are fairly serviceable against the brooding backdrops and twisting halls. Most of them are going to die anyway, so just sit back and enjoy the show!

I'm only one episode in with two more left in the season but so far it has 'remixed' the classic tale as we know it and given a bit of freshness to those musty pages. It's a bit too modern in terms of sensibilities, especially with a certain nun who is very much out of place in the late Victorian era. At times her dialogue is a bit too... smug? On the nose?

"Religion is a waste of time, God doesn't care, I'm only in a convent because like many women I'm trapped in a loveless marriage so I can put a roof over my head."

I paraphrase of course. These are fine lines and I don't disagree with the message but it's a bit odd to have a character spouting this in a period piece. It would be comparable to a peasant in medieval times lamenting the woes of feudalism and demanding a democratic government be instilled.

Anachronistic. That's the word I was looking for. Agatha Van Hellsing is a character with anachronistic views and it takes me out of this very immersive show.

Dracula can get away with it at times because he is an immortal being who reads minds and acquires knowledge through blood. A few cheeky quips here and there aren't out of line. But a sequestered nun? Oh but she's a scientist too. Guess that makes sense...?

Minor nitpicks aside, I grew to appreciate Agatha but I wish she was a bit more well written. I won't even comment on Mina.

I'm getting ready to watch the next episode and will post my thoughts :)