Constantine

The first season was awesome. I loved it. I was very disappointed that the series did not continue. That was a horrible way to end the first season without any follow-up. I feel that it could have been a very popular show had it been given the opportunity. Some of the criticism that I have read about it I didn't even see in the show. If there had been more episodes I would have rated it a 10 for sure. I have also watched the movie which I did enjoy, as well as John Constantine's limited presence in other series.

I love this genre, even though it is easy to go the way of Supernatural" and rely way to heavy on real world religious themes. Constantine has so far maintained this delicate balance and stays squarely within the lines of a core storyline. However, I am afraid this is going to suffer the fate of many of my favorite shows. They are going to do one of two things-- U.S. network programming that isn't specifically called a "Mini-series" either runs- on till it runs out of plot line or gets canceled with no conclusion worth the name. If one of the above happens here...I recommend cutting cable and going an online route.

At least that way you watch on your time table and without having to pay extra.

Why is this so good? Probably for the simple reason that Jamie Delano, Garth Ennis & Alan Moore are on board. These 2 made the comic I loved soar when I subscribed to it all those years ago. That's right, this is no Keanu Reeves version of our favorite Hellblazer. This is the real deal. His compatriots are back. His story arc and background story intact. I just finished episode 1 and like Gothem having Frank Miller & Bob Kane (probably the best writers of Batman comics and going way back ) on the writing staff, this show Constantine will be appreciated by fans for what hopefully will be a sustained effort at excellence in writing and faithfulness to character. The Hellblazer of Alan Moore and Garth Ennis is a deeply flawed and nuanced John Constantine and with Chaz and Zed at his side this wrecking crew are sure to make a dent in hell's plots.

Other Comic luminaries that worked on the monumental character are Dave McKean, Grant Morrison, Neil Gaiman and Stephen Bissette. Let's hope this television series will do a fitting tribute to the excellence of writing and artistic talent due to its pedigree.

The writers and designers have done an outstanding job with filling the script, the set, and the costumes with all kinds of details true the comic books and the DC world. (The arcane laboratory is fantastic!) There is also a rich dark feel to the whole show that is pure Vertigo. The whole vibe is creepy and wonderful, and fills that blurry good-vs-evil void that Buffy and Angel left behind, without getting maudlin and soap-operatic. The chemistry between John and Zed is snarky and fun, and the supporting cast is so good. Papa Midnite is PERFECT, and Chas is brilliant. One thing that really works is the special effects. They don't get hokey or feel CGI'ed to ridiculousness- A contorting demon, instead of being twisted by camera tricks, is played by an acrobat that leaves you breathless the 15 seconds she is on scene. I so hope NBC doesn't let this one go; it would be as bad a move as Fox dropping Firefly.

Being a MASSIVE fan of the Hellblazer comics, I was dead excited to see that they were finally going to bring an accurate version of John Constantine to life. No offense to Keanu Reeves, who did a badass job, but Matt Ryan has done a brilliant job of capturing this character for who he really is.

To anyone comparing this to supernatural, PLEASE don't. Give me a break. Supernatural was INSPIRED by the Hellblazer comics (it's in the Supernatural Wiki). i.e., Constantine came first. Saying "we don't need another Supernatural" couldn't be more wrong. Supernatural has lost the plot, and is no where near as good as it was before. This brings an entirely new, fresh viewing of demons and angels and possessions. So far I absolutely love it and I really hope they stick true to the comics. I hope they won't rule out the chain-smoking just to calm viewers down. On a network that shows the Hannibal series, I sincerely doubt that chain-smoking is the thing to worry about when it comes to bad habits.

I loved the actual comic art they showed at the end of the first episode too. I can't wait to see where this series is going and I REALLY hope it continues. This series has what Supernatural has lost; a dark, gritty ambiance that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Definitely worth a watch, especially if you're a DC fan.