Van Helsing preview
Advertised as a relative of the Legendary Vampire Slayer I was intrigued by the series when I the first heard about it.
Sadly, no Kate Beckinsdale in this version of the popular tale, as a sidekick or the vampire .The Van Helsing in question is Vanessa Van Helsing played by Kelly Overton.
2019
Three years since "The Rising" began
Civilization has fallen
Vampires rule the streets
Only whispers of a human savior
Have given mankind hope
We start the series with our heroine, waking up in a post-apocalyptic world where vampires rule but quickly go back 36 hours before. This leaves a big problem for the pilot as most of it the lead character is actually asleep. We are given a few minutes of action followed by a very slow start and one that doesn’t do much to grab you to the concept. It’s slow, stilted at times and the acting is a little rocky in parts. The script appears to give them very little to work with which surprised me having been written by renown playwright Neil LaBute The fight scene’s while a bit bloody are the most entertaining part.
At the end of the pilot you really feel as confused as Vanessa, dubbed Sleeping beauty, when she does finally have a rude awaking and despite the surprising twist, you wonder is it worth hanging around for more.
I was pleased when I read that the premiere was going to feature the first two episodes as honestly the pilot really did not pull me in.
The second episode fills in some blanks and has you not quite as thirsty as the vampires but hungry for more.
We start this one back in 2016 before the apocalypse or 'The rising ' as it is known .
You get to meet Vanessa and she doesn't start out as your typical heroine.The back story of how she got to where she was in the pilot unfolds nicely and like all hero's tales it is a sad story to tell.
This episode while giving us a story it also gives you a feel for the characters very quickly including Doc (Rukiya Bernard) and Axel ( Jonathan Scarfe)and introduces more of the cast. We also learn how events help the vampires take control, these Vampires aren't nice and certainly don't sparkle !.
If you liked the Blade movies you are sure to enjoy this, it reminds me of all the three rolled into one. Get past the gore fest and there might actually be a decent storyline to follow.
Could she be the answer humanity is looking for?
Van Helsing starts its journey Friday, September 23 at 10/9 c on SyFy
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