Van Helsing is the show many a vampire fan has been waiting for. When comparing it to other current blood sucking series it definitely is not for your teenager daughter, nor does it fall in the same vein as Dusk Till Dawn with its excessive gore. This is a gritty, relatively realistic take on vampires, more closer to The Strain, but so far, without the plodding narrative and unlikeable characters.
Where the first hour did go wrong was how it didn't show to viewers what makes Van Helsing any different than other post-apocalyptic survival tales, The Walking Dead in particular. In fact, it was not a smart move for Syfy to release episode one by itself in July as it may have turned off a sizeable amount of viewers looking for something more than just another post-apocalyptic show.
However, when watching it together with the second episode, the narrative felt more complete and Van Helsing really started to come into its own by the end of the second hour. The third episode, which will be reviewed next week, is when things start to get really interesting.
In the second episode the mythology is deepened and we get some exploration of Van Helsing's character. The doctor pre-vampire also got some screen time and is a highly likeable character. She seems like the type of woman that will be the voice of reason for our ragtag team of survivors.
Part of what makes Van Helsing so promising is the two leads. Kelly Overton as the titular heroine and Jonathan Scarfe as Axle portray two strong willed characters who are also very likeable and they have instant chemistry with each other.
The premiere also introduced us to other eclectic supporting characters. The most interesting of them all was Sam (Christopher Heyerdahl). Making his character deaf was interesting, as Heyerdahl's greatest asset as a character actor is his voice. Alistair in Supernatural, anyone?
Sam's friend and translator, Mohammed (Trezzo Mahoro), wasn't given much to work with in these first two episodes, but it seems he will be the much needed levity this show will need to keep it from getting too dark. There is something about his presence, the way he dresses and his body language, that is amusing in itself.
Van Helsing has a ton of promise. A middle of the ground first hour led to a very intense and character driven second hour. This show seems like it will only get better and hopefully viewers give it a chance.
Also, how about those opening credits? I love how the action is still going on as the title card pops up, its so over-the-top amusing, but yet visceral and savage. It is these small things like the title card that help make Van Helsing stand out on its own.
B+
