NBC released a brand new series Oct. 26th; however the new series is revitalizing an old story told by Bram Stoker. Yes, NBC took on the challenge of restoring Bram Stoker's "Dracula" novel into a modern television show. Stoker's "Dracula" is a horror-drama most of us are familiar with from our high school days studying British literature, yet NBC's "Dracula" doesn't seem to be a storyline one can make any assumptions based on their knowledge of the novel.
The premier of "Dracula" holds a lot of promise; however the flow of the episode is rather puzzling. Cole Haddon has great intentions for the series but some major clean up may be necessary for the series to be enjoyed thoroughly and picked up for another season. The production value is very high, from the costumes, props and backdrops, Haddon did it wonderfully. The casting is pretty decent, with high regards to Jonathan Rhys Meyers starring as Dracula. But, there is something about the movement of the episode and emerging story lines that makes it rather difficult to follow.
Beginning the story in Romania in 1881, two men journey to Dracula's resting place, where one man is slaughtered to revive Dracula's mummified corpse. The story, then, resumes to London in the year 1896 where Dracula is looking well-fed and dressing for his debut to London society. Yet, this debut is anything but forthright on both Dracula's part and his guests. Dracula adopts the identity of Alexander Grayson, American industrialist. Many of his guests came to pacify the buzz surrounding "Grayson's" arrival and make hasty judgments on the party, his home, etc. Some of those guests include characters of the novel, specifically Jonathan Harker (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), Mina Murray (Jessica De Gouw), and Lucy Westenra (Katie McGrath). Other characters are introduced later in the episode, and you better bet Abraham Van Helsing will make an appearance.
Later in the episode, various subplots from Bram Stoker's novel are unearthed once more, with a special highlight to Mina and Dracula's relationship. But other subplots come about that confuse viewers.
One thing that should be understood is one cannot compare and contrast the two works. With that being said, "Dracula" can be a great television show, but it does need work on tightening up. If you're interested in seeing what "Dracula" can do for you, check it out on NBC every Friday at 10 p.m.
Gloryeanne Lindenmuth can be reached at gloryeanne.lindenmuth@student.shu.edu.
