The Crow: Stairway to Heaven

First there was the cult following for the Highlander Movie. The sequels were not up to the originals. The series followed. People had a fit. But Adrian Paul (and every recurring character on there) changed everything. He IS the Highlander. The show took on a life of its own, and it certainly didn't confine itself to the boundaries of the movie.

Next there was La Femme Nikita. Point of No Return followed in the US and it was a pale comparison. Then the series followed. Peta Wilson (& Roy Dupuis and the rest of the excellent cast) changed everything. Now she IS Nikita. This show also soared way above and beyond where the movie couldn't go.

And finally, there was the classic Crow movie which gave the world a short glimpse of a brightly shining comet that soared across the sky. His name was Brandon Lee and may he rest in peace. Vincent Perez followed with a different (and really quite decent) turn of the crow that few liked, more out of respect to Brandon than anything. Immortality and all that. There was something missing, just like with Highlander 2 and 3, and with Point of No Return. Then along came the series The Crow:Stairway to Heaven. Slowly, because yes, there are big shoes to fill. A legacy to continue. And a fanbase who is fanatically loyal to Brandon Lee. Mark Dacascos is changing things once again. Bryce Zabel and Marc Gomes, and Katie Stuart and everyone else are good at what they do, and the show is starting to gel in the middle of the first season. They honored the story, while keeping different avenues open. Some things have changed, some things have stayed the same. It IS a good show. It is the BEST show on TV besides LFN, right now. No one could fill Brandon's shoes, but my friends, no one can fill Mark's either. He is a real talent. A graceful, expressive man. And a master of martial arts. So put your comparisons aside. Like Highlander and La Femme Nikita, The Crow:Stairway to Heaven has a life of its own. Brandon would have wanted it that way. You can't go back. It's not the movie, it wasn't meant to be. You have to go beyond the boundaries, just like it does. They have good writing, and good atmosphere, and good music and good acting and good action sequences. What more do you want? Let The Crow Fly.....

The show is basically a different take on the first Crow movie. The storyline varies to different degrees at times but they same characters and essential storyline including the murders of Draven and his girlfriend are the same. Draven wakes up to the reality his girlfriend is dead and as far as the world is concerned so is he. He has been sent back to take vengeance on those that murdered them, but in this version there is a twist. When vengeance is taken on those that took away his life and girlfriend shellys, there is a consequence that he must face and it is brought to him by those he has punished. The twist in plot took some getting used to but it still ran well with the first movies. Draven finds himself sent back here to set things right for others and more so to stop them from going wrong, usually being introduced to their stories when the characters are halfway there already. Draven does get SOME vengeance but in turn learns that no matter what he does he can not change what happened and retribution against those that so wronged him will be payed in the next life. One reviewer says this show isn't worth watching for "The Serious fan of The Crow" because of the differences from the movie, but evidently this person isn't one of them. In the original storyline in the 1st comic and book Draven and his girlfriend are murdered by a pack of Satanic bikers along side a desolate country road after they break down and are in turn stranded. The new installment of The Crow movies is based on this story from what I have read about it and hopefully won't be as disappointing as the 2nd movie and well as far as the 3rd goes it's not even worth mentioning!! If your a true fan of The Crow this series is well worth watching. Not every episode was great but plenty were and all were at the least good. Plenty of guest stars and some really great bands are in the show and soundtrack. Just forgive Mark Dacascos' scenes when he is on stage playing and singing. They wanted to stay true to the character so it was worked into the show but it was obvious to myself, a musician and anyone really, he was given a crash course in guitar and even less in singing. The show aired at around midnight or so, I don't specifically remember and was canceled all too abruptly. I know Dacascos wasn't real big on doing a TV series and would bet he was the main reason it was canceled. When he asked to close the series with a made for TV movie he was refused and we were left hanging. Way to go you Hollywood jerkoffs! The money's more important than the art! Anyway, it's definitely worth watching if you have the opportunity. Worth adding to the movie collection for that matter.

"Crow: Stairway to Heaven" was one of the best television shows I have seen on television. With his role in this television series, Mark Dacascos, a young and refreshing actor, proved he was not just an action star who survives by starring in no story action films.

Dacascos branches outside of what he is used to in order to play a reincarnated soul of dead man brought back by a crow in order to set things right after his girlfriend is killed. The ongoing battle of good vs. evil continues as Eric Draven is brought back to life to set things right.

Dacascos is great in the television version of the film that would turn out to be Brandon Lee's last. I couldn't wait for each week to come because it was a unique series in which the writers came up with great new stuff to write about for each episode. I enjoyed how the series went back and forth between the current world and the way it was when Eric Draven and his girlfriend Shelly lived in happier times.

Everything about this show from, storylines, music, and setting scream HIT!!!!! From Mark Dacascos to the supporting cast which includes the police detective whom he helps out by catching criminals; this series deserved to be seen.

Tired of actors who look off-balance and rigid while doing elementary fight scenes? Mark Dacascos brings a fluidity and balance to both the fight scenes and his normal motions that lend his character credence. I find it hilarious watching TV or movies where the lack of natural balance of the actor makes it difficult to suspend disbelief when he engages in activities that require controlled body motion. When the stunt double is obvious, not through build, or looks, but rather because he or she demonstrates a gracefulness that the actor doesn't possess. The show itself is fine, not something I religiously tune in to, but entertaining enough. What makes it most enjoyable is the fact that Mark Dacascos sells being The Crow through his body language and attitude.

This was one of the best shows on television. Mark Dacascos is a young and refreshing actor that proves he is not just an action star who survives by starring in no story action films. Dacascos branches outside of what he is used to in order to play a reincarnated soul of dead man brought back by a crow in order to set things right after his girlfriend is killed.

The ongoing battle of good vs. evil continues as Eric Draven is brought back to life to set things right. Mark Dacascos is great in the television version of the film that would turn out to be Brandon Lee's last.

I can't wait to see the next episode because it is a unique series in that the writers come up with new stuff to write about. I enjoy how the series goes back and forth between the world as it currently is and the way it was when Eric Draven and his girlfriend Shelly lived in happier times. Everything about this show from, story lines, music, and setting is outstanding!!!!! From its star Mark Dacascos to the supporting cast which includes the police detective whom he helps out by catching criminals; this series deserves to be seen during the week when everyone has the chance to see how great it is.