dreams of pirate ships and patty hearst

So, Alex and I watched the first three episodes of Blood Ties today - or, possibly, the first two episodes, because I don't know if they aired both parts of the first story as a two-hour episode or not. Basically, we watched "Blood Ties" and the voodoo episode.

Short reaction? HELL YEAH. ♥ ♥ ♥



It's been a very long time since I've read the Tanya Huff books - probably five or more years, I can't remember the last time I reread them. But, one thing that impresses me about the TV series that always struck me wrong in the books: I was never a big fan of Celucci's, not until the very last book, when he thought he was sacrificing his own chance at having Vicki in order to let her live. I was always a little confused as to why he was as attractive to Vicki as Henry was, because in the books, Henry always seemed to be far more magnetic and interesting. But, here, they've made both of them incredibly magnetic, and it's really obvious why they're both important to Vicki in very different ways.

The actors are all perfectly cast - I knew I'd seen the guy playing Mike before, but it took a trip to IMDB to remember that he was Pacey's brother! Heh. Very, very impressed with the kid playing Henry; for only, what, 22 years old, he has a fantastic presence, plays a very old soul with surprising ease. As for Vicki, she's wonderful ... they've managed to keep her as stubborn and strong and flawed without crossing over into "bitch" territory, which seems to be really hard for a TV series to do.

Is it somewhat cheesy? Yes, but no more so than SPN. The guy in "Blood Ties" was way over the top ... but, what I love about this series is that it's more focused on the relationships between the main characters than it is on the magical elements. Alex was comparing it to The Dresden Files ... they are similar feeling shows, but Blood Ties is more character driven, while the TV version of The Dresden Files is more plot-and-magic driven. I'm enjoying The Dresden Files, but I think I'm going to end up more emotionally invested in Blood Ties. This show really has a feeling that reminds me of Forever Knight, and it's not just the Toronto connection. It's the stylized, modern take on vampires, the big city feel, the gritty-yet-romantic undertones.

Lots and lots of love. And another episode tonight! Yay! :D

ETA: Whee, I figured out how to make hearts! I am only slightly technically challenged! :D