Blade: The Series

[Phantom-like Menace]

I figure given the lack of a thread for this show thus far, the general opinion of it is low, but not so low as to warrant a thread about how much it sucked. I can't say my opinion of it is too high, but I'm hoping it will get better.

I guess one glaring problem is Kirk Jones as Blade. Say what you will about Wesley Snipes, I think he was awesome in the role. I think if I had to elaborate on my problem with Jones, it's just that he does a bad Wesley Snipes as Blade impression. I don't think I'd have as much trouble seeing this guy as Blade if I could tell myself he was bringing his own style to the role, but in trying to hard to get the part exact and failing, it jars a tad.

This first episode had the standard problem that comes with pilots. It was just boring to set up the story, and it was even more boring for people who already have the idea from the movie trilogy who have to sit through the whole Vampires-trying-to-create-daywalkers retread.

I'm trying to think to myself what type of character would best replace Whistler as the story device through which information is passed to the characters and audience. One played by Randy "Cousin Eddie" Quaid doesn't come to mind.

Aside from the fact that Krista Starr sounds like the name of a porn star, I'm curious why they didn't make this character a cop. She apparently used to be a sargeant in the military, I know, but they really should have had her return to Detroit and join the police. That would at least make it more acceptable that she pulls a gun more often than I can remember. Someone, somewhere is going to make you check that at the door . . . unless you have a badge. Otherwise, Jill Wagner, the actress playing Starr gets my obligatory "At least she's eyecandy," though they couldn't get her out of the Hanes cotton casuals until the second half of the show.

I'm not too fond of Blade's new techie, but then he really hasn't done anything either. Of course the only good thing about Scud from Blade II was that he was played by Norman Reedus of The Boondock Saints fame. It sure would be nice to have Whistler.

So, hmm, I really couldn't come up with a lot of good so far. Umm, since it airs so late, they didn't have to tone down the violence to kiddie fare?

Again, I hope it gets better. Some version of Blade III Hannibal King (as opposed to comic-accurate) or Abigail Whistler would be nice since Blade III was written almost exclusively to sell those two characters. That and King was a smart-***, and I loves me a good smart-***.

[JediTricks]

I was not surprised by this thing, it was disappointing and that's what I expected. The chick becoming a vampire and staying that way was the only interesting part, and she herself wasn't even remotely interesting, it was just that plotpoint. Sticky Jones is indeed doing a very bad imitation of Snipes, some of the sounds but none of the attitude, and he moves real oddly. This feels to me like another Highlander: The Series - except without the eventual fanbase - nobody was interesting, the action wasn't very good, the setting sucked and reeked of Canada, and the bad guys were too all-over-the-map. I may follow it for the summer simply because there's so little else on, but I won't expect much, especially from such a crappy Blade character.

[darthvyn]

meh... it's alright. i'll watch it to see if a: sticky gets more comfortable making the role his own, and b: the plot gets a little tighter... it was entertaining, but not fantastic. and i loved all three of the movies...

[Rocketboy]

I also thought it was just OK, not great.
I'll give it a few more weeks.

[shammykenobi]

I thought the dude had Blade's voice down pretty well...but here's what I don't get...if you want to make blade bald, fine, make him bald...but changing his tatoo's?!?!?! the tattoos this dude has are completely different than the ones in the movie...now how can you explain away such a hole in continuity like this?

[Phantom-like Menace]

the tattoos this dude has are completely different than the ones in the movie...now how can you explain away such a hole in continuity like this?

Blade may be a henna freak.

Well, checking the DVR, I see there is another episode. Let's see if this is better.

[JediTricks]

Last night's ep was more interesting, but of course Blade is barely in it, which is probably for the best since Sticky Jones completely misunderstands the character he's playing I fear, whenever he takes off his sunglasses his eyes tell the wrong story, like he's overly intense and awaiting something rather than experienced and determined. The show kinda reminds me of Kung Fu: The Legend Continues, and Robocop: The Series, some interesting twists with secondary characters and storylines, but the lead isn't really in it enough because they know how much the audience expects from the original versions. I think they need to really figure out how to get more out of the Blade character, and how to get Kirk Jones to stop imitating another performance and find a cooler, more world-weary way to play the character, but this show has enough potential to keep watching during the summer.

I totally agree about Blade's new tats, they seem all wrong.

[Hellboy]

I enjoyed the first two Blade films but thought the third installment was terrible so I was pretty skeptical as to whether I'd enjoy this series. Still I gave the pilot episode a chance but had to throw in the towel after the first hour or so. The acting and dialogue were horrendous, especially the female lead. I won't be giving this series a second chance either.

[Phantom-like Menace]

whenever he takes off his sunglasses his eyes tell the wrong story, like he's overly intense and awaiting something rather than experienced and determined.

I think you're on to something there. I definitely was thinking he should keep his shades on. Has anyone seen the Friends episode where Joey was saying one of his tips for acting is to look like he smells something bad?

I watched the second episode finally. So snorting vampire remains makes you high and strong? I thought ash was slang, not actual ash. I'm sick almost to death of the one-fanged vampire cop already. He wore out his welcome fast as far as I'm concerned. It mostly seemed like nothing happened in this episode. I guess the most interesting part is that something is fishy with Aurora. Still needs Whistler. Still not impressed. Still giving it a chance though.

[El Chuxter]

Whistler's dead in the movies, right? I can't remember. They should get Willie Nelson to play a sidekick on the show, since he's the only man who can fill Kris' shoes. Well, living man.