Demons

Demons is an English mini-series about a young man who finds out that he is the last descendant of Professor Abraham Van Helsing (a character originally seen in the 1897 Gothic horror novel Dracula). It is this young man's destiny to fight inhuman creatures and protect the human race.

It is entertaining, suspenseful, and often funny. It used gorgeous imagery, fantastic computer animation, and a brilliant soundtrack. Demons is a very well-written series. In comparison to similar American shows, I found Demons to be better written, directed, and acted. The writers put together interesting, multi-layered background on every character

Unfortunately, the series ended after only six episodes, leaving many unanswered questions and unresolved problems.

The series has a fairly unique look but ultimately follows the same cliché progression as other dark-fantasy vigilante type shows that have aired before. The main difference being that the acting is mostly sub-standard and the characters are hardly compelling - aside from the villainous freaks.

Despite all this, it has potential as its loosely determined universe of "freaks" has the potential to yield some interesting plot scenarios as the Dr. Who universe did. As another plus, the series' cheesiness can be comical if you can let yourself go for a moment.

Hopefully as the series progresses it will enter into more gray territory with the nature of the "freaks" being explored and what appears to be a dark past behind some of the protagonists.

Reading reviews you can see a sharp division of opinion. So should you watch ITV's Demons and why is an American commenting on this show? As a fan of British Cult television I have to say I was a bit skeptical. I mean Joseph Hill Whedon's popularity and influence on British science-fiction and fantasy is all over Demons. Never having been a big fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Angel or the more recent Supernatural (and yes I know Supernatural isn't by Whedon but it sure as hell is inspired by Whedon)I have never understood the need to imitate that formula. Demons like Supernatural isn't a bad show just it makes me feel like its gotta long way to go. The ideas are sure as hell there: were-hyenas in hoodies, ancient demons, rat men who like to experiment on people(shades of Douglas Adams), and next week we get VAMPIRES (not a surprise with the Bram Stoker angle).But what isn't there is time. What I mean to say is that ITV has once again refused to whole heartedly get behind this show (no doubt afraid of risking a flop)and it shows in the way the show is constructed. Six episodes is simply not enough episodes to string a nuanced story on. Which is too bad for Demons because what I see I do indeed like. Demons is not a bad show but neither were Buffy, Angel, or Supernatural.Demons is promising but it has a ways to go to being great. And by the way Philip Glenister's American accent rocks!

Demons is about the descendant of Van Helsing picking up from where his ancestor left off and hunting creatures called Half-Lifes (demons). There are quite a few interesting characters in this show. One of them is a hunter named Galvin that worked with Luke's (the descendant of Van Helsing) father. Now he helps train him to hunt demons just like his father and ancestor did. Also there is a medium named Mina that helps them with finding out where to find demons while also having a secret that you'll learn a few episodes in to the show. Also one of Luke's friends named Ruby helps him hunt demons when he really needs help.

So far the show has just started but its very interesting. We start learning about all of their pasts and then there are episodes that are just about them hunting demons. The series is already starting to show some very promising material. Its already gotten interesting so future episodes are definitely going to be fun to watch.

This is a show that Charmed, Angel, Buffy, and Supernatural fans will enjoy just about guaranteed.

I was so put off by the first episode. A shameless theft of ideas and plot elements from other shows (Something the writers cheekily or unknowingly acknowledge, when they talk about how the name van Helsing was stolen by Bram Stoker) mixed with poor dialogs. Everything is so fake in the first episode: Fake accents, fake makeup and a bunch of silly and fake villains. Well, the effects were decent, but with overall standards so much improved recently, they are really not that much of a bonus these days. Then there was some obvious eye candy especially for younger females, as the main character was more or less shirtless half the time. But that couldn't distract from the fact that the whole episode was fundamentally silly and poorly made. However, the second episode was different and bordered on the acceptable. Richard Wilson certainly helped a little there with some solid acting and the 'villain of the day' was much better in terms of visual design. This said, the show still lacks direction and captivating plot elements, but I have to admit that the show still has potential. All in all a poor start and they don't have much time left to win me over, but there is hope yet.

EDIT

Just saw the third episode.....as inspiring as house dust. This show is too crappy to waste even the time of a dedicated couch potato. Avoid at all cost!