Type O Negative: Tastes Great, Less Filling

Almost a year ago, I told you that NBC was developing a new series for the 2013 television season based on Bram Stoker's Dracula--with a few "made for tv" changes. And guess what? NBC announced at their recent upfront presentation that they have picked up the series and would air Dracula this Fall on Friday nights at 10:00.

I need a coffin *this big*

I am sure most of you are familiar with the original Dracula tale in some form, either from the novel or its many MANY adaptations. Needless to say, NBC is taking some creative license with the story. Over on the show's website, the network describes the plot as follows:

It's the late 19th century, and the mysterious Dracula has arrived in London, posing as an American entrepreneur who wants to bring modern science to Victorian society. He's especially interested in the new technology of electricity, which promises to brighten the night - useful for someone who avoids the sun. But he has another reason for his travels: he hopes to take revenge on those who cursed him with immortality centuries earlier. Everything seems to be going according to plan... until he becomes infatuated with a woman who appears to be a reincarnation of his dead wife. From the producers of the critically acclaimed, Emmy Award-winning hit Downton Abbey comes Dracula, a twisted, sophisticated and sexy take on Bram Stoker's classic novel, proving that some stories never die.

Ok, so a few things. First, Dracula poses as an American? What the hell? Jonathan Rhys Meyers has never really done it for me (too skinny!), but one of the things he has going for him is a natural Irish (or fake English) accent. But they're going to make him sound like an American? FAIL. Also, it's from the producers of Downton Abbey. WHAT. Let's just hope that means the costumes will be awesome.

The only footage we've seen of the new show is the trailer. It looks interesting, but let's be honest. It's going to fall into the "so terrible it's good" category for sure. Just like The Tudors (which for the first season was really just terrible).



There's an "empire of lies!" She will "find him and destroy him!" Love is his obsession and revenge is in his blood!

Please.

But y'all know I will watch the shit out of this show for real and the guy who plays Jonathan Harker looks kind of hot. Also, sword fighting! Hurray! Rhys Meyers is no Gary Oldman, but I suppose he will do for a network television version of the titular vampire, and I see a lot of potential for new stories in later seasons using the original Dracula premise as a spring board.

PS: I am trying to figure out the logic behind airing the show on Fridays. I suppose they want to pair it with the similarly supernatural-themed Grimm....but Friday night is kind of a loser night for tv. Maybe they are hoping to get the nerd losers who never leave the house. (pause for you to make a joke about how I will be watching it on Fridays for sure)