Moonlight

I just caught the new supernatural series premiere of CBS's new show, MOONLIGHT. To be honest, I liked the first episode, but after seeing countless shows of this natural, it seems to repetitive.

Now don't get me wrong, MOONLIGHT isn't a bad show. It's compelling, stylish and has characters that are very interesting. I have to say I have finally found a show to replace the void left by STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE and STARGATE: SG1 and a show that isn't another CSI copycat. Even though the show is somewhat cool, it seems way to familiar to some of it's predecessors--Remember a show called FOREVER KNIGHT, or a more recent one ANGEL? In fact the first episode is a blending of some of the previously mentioned series' episodes. And the vamp-does-good thing is a bit old.

Well, the show may some its flaws, but it is a welcome addition to a night that is getting more boring and repetitive by the hour.

This show had an odd premise, but was quite a bit of fun to watch. The plots were a little thin, but the love triangle running through the show made it interesting. The triangle is Mick, Beth and the problem of Mick's being a vampire.

I predict that you will see a lot more of Alex O'Louglin. This is the most interesting man to hit any screen in a long time. The camera loves him.

He has just the right amount of sex appeal and sympathetic demeanor.

I am really sorry to see the show go. I think it should be given another chance. It is more fun to watch than a lot of shows that are clones of each other namely the numerous Laws and Orders and CSIs.

I know Moonlight has not gotten rave reviews, has been likened to so many other vampire stories but, it truly is different.

Mick St. John is a new breed of vampire with new rules, new ways of meeting his needs and, a new outlook on being a vampire. He sometimes jokes about being a vamp, admits even tomato juice makes him think of blood.

He loves Beth very much but, he knows that relationships with humans are difficult at best and, is forever concerned that she may, someday, see him as a monster which he cannot bear the thought of.

Not your typical vampire do gooder, he does try to be the good guy but doesn't hesitate to be the predator and, kill if he feels it's warranted.

Classic film noir style with flashbacks to the past and voice-overs in a modern Los Angeles, Ca setting. Wonderfully portrayed, beautifully wardrobed and the ideal actors for each role. Moonlight has hot babes, seductive hunks, even if he doesn't try to be one, and great storytelling.

Love it, love it, love it.

Okay, I've seen the promos pretty much all summer long. Our family is a Big Brother family and they touted this series continually. Honestly, I really figured I'd give it a miss. However, tonight I watched "Ghost Whisperer" with my wife, then she left the room and I was about to change the channel when two of my kids asked me not to change it because they wanted to watch it. Being a concerned parent, I stayed and watched.

Some of the plot points were easy to pick out, but I can say that about 85% of shows on television. What did keep me interested, however, was the lead character. He had a lot more depth than was portrayed in the promos. There were some neat complexities to him that I found intriguing. I also liked how they presented the reporter girl and the relationship established with the vampire. In fact, while plot was a bit been there, done that (again 85% of television), this show works well in the characterization.

I also felt things worked well in the last quarter of the show. The effects shots of the vampire's abilities were done well. I was comfortable throughout with my kids watching, which I'm happy about because I hope to turn them on to H.P. Lovecraft within the next few years. MY twelve year old son and I both agreed that this is a show we will definitely make the attempt to watch (however, we live in West Texas, I teach school, and the show is on Fridays...gotta warm up the VCR and buy some new tapes).

In summary: the show caught me off guard in a pleasant way. I take it for granted that you cannot do a vampire show without touching on ground already walked on, but the characterization in this show will keep me watching.

I had a chance to see this show last night for the first time. I guess I missed its opening episode last week.

Its campy, predictable in some places, and we've seen it all before. But then, its television, we've seen pretty much everything before and nothing is a shock anymore.

It also resembles Forever Knight in almost every way (loved that show). I'm curious why they couldn't have chosen a different name for the main character than "Mick" considering that the first thing it does is bring us back to "Nick" on Forever Knight. Any vampire fan is going to immediately recognize where this comes from. The main difference between the shows is that La Croix was the star in Forever Knight (despite that he wasn't the lead), while in Moonlight you can immediately tell that the lead is the star.

Mick is charming, handsome, engaging and, frankly, I can't wait to see what he does next week. If he ever leaves the show, it will crash.

This show has the promise to become a cult classic if it can make it past the first season. Or its going to crash and burn because no show can repeat Forever Knight.

Wish they hadn't revealed he was a vampire so early to the reporter. But I guess they felt it needed a bang to get started.