Vampires, Vampires, Vampires!, Dark Shadows, Moonlight, Blood Ties Options

[Raycheetah]

...Cause you know you love the nightlife!

Welcome to the crypt, or, if you're a more modern sort, a loft with timer-activated blinds to save you from that final sunburn, each morning.

Vampires on television, as recurring, even sympathetic characters, started with Barnabas Collins on Dark Shadows, a gothic-horror daytime drama (okay, so, it was a soap; it was still cool!) which ran from 1966 to 1971.

There have been other shows, since... Forever Knight; Kindred: The Embraced; Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Angel...

And, currently, two newer shows: Moonlight, on CBS, and, Blood Ties, and almost unknown show on equally obscure women's network, Lifetime.

Both the two latter shows feature a male vampire operating in the role of private detective, harkening back to Forever Knight and Angel. Seems vampires never get jobs as air-traffic controllers, brain surgeons, or, professional wrestlers.

At any rate, Moonlight's Mick St. John is a "younger" vamp, still not at all at ease with his condition, while Henry Fitzroy of Blood Ties (based on Tanya Huff's novels) is much older, and, fairly at ease in his "lifestyle.' This makes for an interesting contrast between the two. In comparison, Dark Shadows' Barnabas was much more sinister and selfish, even evil, to begin with, and, while he eventually sought to regain his humanity, he was always very dangerous to those around him.

To view episodes of Dark Shadows online as free, streaming Video, go to:

www.guba.com

...and, type "Dark Shadows" into the Search Guba box. They're not in any particular order, but, they are labeled:

Dark Shadows - 1-030 - 030 - VHS2XviD.avi, for example, is season 1, episode 30, which is also episode 30 of the entire series. Keep in mind that Jonathan Frid first appeared as vampire Barnabas Collins in episode #210. However, the character's hand was briefly seen in the climax to episode #209, prior to Frid's introduction.

Episodes of Moonlight may be viewed at:

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/moonlight/

Episodes of Blood Ties may be viewed at:

http://www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/shows/bloo...od-price-part-1

...Be sure to use the "Select and episode" drop-down menu to see each one. There are 22 episodes, each broken into approximately 9 minutes for ease of streaming.

Also, you can order the DVD set of all 22 episodes online at Amazon.com UK; search by title. It's Region 2 (UK and Japan), but, if you have a region-free player, that's no problem. You can also order both Blood Ties and Moonlight on ITunes.

There are 5 Blood Ties novels out from Tanya Huff (Amazon.com, again, US is fine), plus another book on preorder (looks like short stories). She also does another series, the "Smoke" series with Tony Foster, another character from the Blood book series (you won't see Tony in the TV series, per Tanya Huff, as, she thought he had potential for his own series!), which include Henry, the Blood Ties vamp protagonist, as well.

The novels present the characters and their relationships rather differently, and, might not be to some viewers' tastes. However, they are the original source material for the series, so, adventurous completists might give the first novel or two a try.

Finally, while Dark Shadows is long-since off the air, except on very rare occasions, and, Moonlight's status is unsure but relatively positive, the future of Blood Ties is still up in the air; although the series is unaffected by the WGA Writers' strike, being produced entirely in Canada, Lifetime has not yet committed to a third season. A growing coalition of BT fans have started a Yahoo group to share information and to coordinate efforts to encourage the renewal of this show:

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/saveblood...yguid=322589985

Once you've seen a few episodes, you might also play the online game:

http://www.mylifetime.com/fun-games/games/puzzle/blood-ties

...Since views of online episodes and downloads of the game help Lifetime gauge interest in the show, and, have the potential to influence a renewal.

So, will you sharpen your stakes, or offer, a hungry vamp a bite to eat?

-Raycheetah =^[.]^=

[antipyrene]

Ray I know I've told you this before.....

YOU REALLY NEED TO SEE BUFFY AND ANGEL!!!

My work here is done.....

[DSF54]

Ray I know I've told you this before.....

YOU REALLY NEED TO SEE BUFFY AND ANGEL!!!

My work here is done.....

There is only so much times. Still trying to get through Blood Ties.

[russant]

I love Moonlight. Awesome show.

[EldarKinSlayer]

Blood Ties isn't bad.

[Raycheetah]

I love Moonlight. Awesome show.

Blood Ties isn't bad.

Two great shows which actually provide some vampire "lifestyle" contrasts.

And, yes, I know, I really need to watch Buffy and Angel... And, prob'ly, Forever Knight, too.

-Raycheetah =^[.]^=

[TBug]

Okay...my .02. Blood ties was...okay...when there wasn't any other available vamp to offer my blood to, but now that Mick St. John is on the case....<swoon> He's perfect as a vampire. Dark, brooding, troubled, honorable, sexy, valiant...he has a keen sense of justice that I also love, even if it is his own brand of justice. I like the chemistry between Mick and Beth too even though I think the woman is totally off her nut for pining for that whiney Josh, when Mick is around and totally willing. I mean seriously. He's a much better age for lusting after too...mid 30's instead of Henri Fitzroy's mid 20's (actors ages mind you not characters ages) Lusting aside, I like the show overall as well. And now that the writer's strike is over, there will be four more eps of Moonlight starting April 11th. No word yet on if the network will renew for a second season yet though...not till May. <crosses all appendages she has two of>

Immortality has never looked so good....

[TBug]

Two great shows which actually provide some vampire "lifestyle" contrasts.

And, yes, I know, I really need to watch Buffy and Angel... And, prob'ly, Forever Knight, too.

-Raycheetah =^[.]^=

Okay Ray...here's where we're a lot alike. I've never seen an ep of Buffy or Angel either for that matter. I know they're both Joss's creations and everything, but for some reason I'm still dragging my feet. Maybe it's because I have a difficult time assigning seriousness to a so called vampire slayer named buffy, or that maybe david boreanaz doesn't do anything for me <sigh> maybe I'm just waiting for Santa to bring me box sets of all the seasons....

[Raycheetah]

Okay...my .02. Blood ties was...okay...when there wasn't any other available vamp to offer my blood to, but now that Mick St. John is on the case....<swoon> He's perfect as a vampire. Dark, brooding, troubled, honorable, sexy, valiant...he has a keen sense of justice that I also love, even if it is his own brand of justice. I like the chemistry between Mick and Beth too even though I think the woman is totally off her nut for pining for that whiney Josh, when Mick is around and totally willing. I mean seriously. He's a much better age for lusting after too...mid 30's instead of Henri Fitzroy's mid 20's (actors ages mind you not characters ages) Lusting aside, I like the show overall as well. And now that the writer's strike is over, there will be four more eps of Moonlight starting April 11th. No word yet on if the network will renew for a second season yet though...not till May. <crosses all appendages she has two of>

Immortality has never looked so good....

Well, Henry Fitzroy was "turned" at age 17, so, he will always look more like a "bad boy" than Mick. This also creates a bit of an image problem, in his relationship with Vickie, who is acutely aware of the apparent age difference between them, not to mention her love/hate/love with her former partner, Mike (who is, by turns, a jerk, and, a decent guy, a nice bit of character development). On the other hand, he is more "mature" in his condition, having had centuries to adapt. I prefer Vickie to Beth, simply because Beth has always come across, to me, as a pushy, nosy "Lois Lane" type. Vickie is more capable, and, has a bit more originality and depth. Of course, you and I are approaching this from diametrically opposing ends of the gender-interest spectrum, so...

Okay Ray...here's where we're a lot alike. I've never seen an ep of Buffy or Angel either for that matter. I know they're both Joss's creations and everything, but for some reason I'm still dragging my feet. Maybe it's because I have a difficult time assigning seriousness to a so called vampire slayer named buffy, or that maybe david boreanaz doesn't do anything for me <sigh> maybe I'm just waiting for Santa to bring me box sets of all the seasons....

Buffy, the original movie, was high camp, and, amusing, on its own merits. The series rapidly evolves into something much more serious, darker, even tragic. And, I've only gathered this much from watching over the missus' shoulder, occasionally.

What daunts me is that, there is SO gorram much of it to watch, and, to absorb. And, then, you have Angel, which, as I have been informed, one does not watch after Buffy, but, starts to watch while still watching Buffy (any help, here, antipyrene?)

But, yeah, a lot of what makes Firefly so enjoyable, the character chemistry, the dialogue, the progressive story arc... That is what makes Buffy/Angel popular. In fact, if Firefly had been allowed to progress, just based on Joss' handling of Buffy, well, we might have had some sharp twists and tragic moments, just like Buffy (in fact, what happened to certain characters in Serenity would likely have happened, for some of the same reasons, in a later season of Firefly, given the chance).

-Raycheetah =^[.]^=

[TBug]

Of course, you and I are approaching this from diametrically opposing ends of the gender-interest spectrum, so...

But you gotta admit there's even a similarity there to, lol.

I read the first two books of Tanya Huff's series and to tell you the truth, it just didn't grab me by the throat <pardon the pun> the way Laurell K Hamilton does for instance. So I guess I was predisposed to not thinking much of the series. But I'll give you one thing...Vicky is certainly more appealing than Beth...even though I prefer men that doesn't preclude me from noticing when one is more sexy than another...

[herbsinger42]

I'm tickled that there are more venues for the concept... not that Vampires are languishing since the advent of Anne Rice... but that the mecium has space for more than one perception of reality is a good thing...

Much like Ghost Whisperer and Medium are both dealing with the departed or ectoplasmic energy of one kind or another... and able to connect/ view/ understand... and those connections are made with the ordinarily immesurable... a good thing.

Now, I'm not in praise of either show... even if I praise the material. Neither are written with the pathos of Moonlight or Firefly... not near the wit... very little humor. I fear the shows are kinda "slasher light" or CSI by vision. It could be the lack of ensemble...

Now, the cast of Moonlight is not that large... but it acts like an ensemble...tho losin' the boyfriend so soon... surprised me, while the "cure"... following on the heals of the dearly departed... hmmmm.
Which harkens back to Laurel... and whoa!! how long does the cure last...

I like Tanya Huff, generally. I have not yet read the Blood ties series.
I've been too tied up reading Hamilton...
Good grief!!! I love the selection here!!!

[Raycheetah]

I'm tickled that there are more venues for the concept... not that Vampires are languishing since the advent of Anne Rice... but that the mecium has space for more than one perception of reality is a good thing...

Much like Ghost Whisperer and Medium are both dealing with the departed or ectoplasmic energy of one kind or another... and able to connect/ view/ understand... and those connections are made with the ordinarily immesurable... a good thing.

Now, I'm not in praise of either show... even if I praise the material. Neither are written with the pathos of Moonlight or Firefly... not near the wit... very little humor. I fear the shows are kinda "slasher light" or CSI by vision. It could be the lack of ensemble...

Now, the cast of Moonlight is not that large... but it acts like an ensemble...tho losin' the boyfriend so soon... surprised me, while the "cure"... following on the heals of the dearly departed... hmmmm.
Which harkens back to Laurel... and whoa!! how long does the cure last...

I like Tanya Huff, generally. I have not yet read the Blood ties series.
I've been too tied up reading Hamilton...
Good grief!!! I love the selection here!!!

Important safety note: The Blood Ties (and, the "Smoke" series, featuring another character in the same milieu) books present the characters rather differently than the show; some readers may find their sensibilities tested. If you like Laurell K. Hamilton, I have it on good authority (the missus, of course) that you should enjoy the Blood Ties/Smoke novels.

That said, the missus is also getting a tad bored with LKH's Anita Blake novels; the more recent ones seem to be lighter on plot, with the emphasis on the sex. I guess that's what sells the books, but, it's not all my Sweetie reads 'em for. Your mileage may vary.

-RC =^[.]^=

[antipyrene]

Buffy, the original movie, was high camp, and, amusing, on its own merits. The series rapidly evolves into something much more serious, darker, even tragic. And, I've only gathered this much from watching over the missus' shoulder, occasionally.

What daunts me is that, there is SO gorram much of it to watch, and, to absorb. And, then, you have Angel, which, as I have been informed, one does not watch after Buffy, but, starts to watch while still watching Buffy (any help, here, antipyrene?)

But, yeah, a lot of what makes Firefly so enjoyable, the character chemistry, the dialogue, the progressive story arc... That is what makes Buffy/Angel popular. In fact, if Firefly had been allowed to progress, just based on Joss' handling of Buffy, well, we might have had some sharp twists and tragic moments, just like Buffy (in fact, what happened to certain characters in Serenity would likely have happened, for some of the same reasons, in a later season of Firefly, given the chance).

-Raycheetah =^[.]^=

Watch the first 3 seasons of Buffy (be patient, it starts slow, but by season 2 it has moments of absolute brilliance, and by season 3 is clicking on all cylinders) then alternate episodes for Buffy seasons 4/5 and Angel seasons 1/2 (at that point they aired back to back, with some stories starting on Buffy and ending on Angel)...after that Buffy moved to UPN so theres less crossovers, I'd just watch the end of Angel season 4 before seeing the final 3 episodes of Buffy

Look for Captain Tightpants in Buffy season 7, Summer in season 3 Angel, Gina as the Big Bad in Angel season 4, and Adam in a tailored suit as a lawyer (literally) from Hell in Angel season 5

As for Firefly, the events of Serenity were originally supposed to be Firefly seasons 2 and 3 (Joss tends to plan events well ahead...in Buffy theres was foreshadowing of events in seasons 5 and 6 as early as seasons 2 and 3)

[TBug]

I'm tickled that there are more venues for the concept... not that Vampires are languishing since the advent of Anne Rice... but that the mecium has space for more than one perception of reality is a good thing...

Much like Ghost Whisperer and Medium are both dealing with the departed or ectoplasmic energy of one kind or another... and able to connect/ view/ understand... and those connections are made with the ordinarily immesurable... a good thing.

Now, I'm not in praise of either show... even if I praise the material. Neither are written with the pathos of Moonlight or Firefly... not near the wit... very little humor. I fear the shows are kinda "slasher light" or CSI by vision. It could be the lack of ensemble...

Now, the cast of Moonlight is not that large... but it acts like an ensemble...tho losin' the boyfriend so soon... surprised me, while the "cure"... following on the heals of the dearly departed... hmmmm.
Which harkens back to Laurel... and whoa!! how long does the cure last...

I like Tanya Huff, generally. I have not yet read the Blood ties series.
I've been too tied up reading Hamilton...
Good grief!!! I love the selection here!!!

Hey Ms. Singer! Welcome!

I'm still in exile at skiffy after 9 days....maybe they'll get things straitened out there soon...

[TBug]

That said, the missus is also getting a tad bored with LKH's Anita Blake novels; the more recent ones seem to be lighter on plot, with the emphasis on the sex. I guess that's what sells the books, but, it's not all my Sweetie reads 'em for. Your mileage may vary.

I can only speak for myself here....but books...especially books like Ms. Hamilton's <pant, moan> they're my sex life. Sad to say, but true nonetheless. Being single has it's perks but when it comes to sex, sharing your bed with a total stranger that knows nothing about you (one night stands at MY age? <shudder>) is a total waste of time and effort and unsatisfying to boot. And the selection of men here in the piney woods of east Texas is laughable....you either have inbred rednecks or drunks....or inbred redneck drunks. So Ms. Hamilton is doing a public service imho.

Not everyone's cup o' tea, but certainly mine.

[herbsinger42]

I can only speak for myself here....but books...especially books like Ms. Hamilton's <pant, moan> they're my sex life. Sad to say, but true nonetheless. Being single has it's perks but when it comes to sex, sharing your bed with a total stranger that knows nothing about you (one night stands at MY age? <shudder>) is a total waste of time and effort and unsatisfying to boot. And the selection of men here in the piney woods of east Texas is laughable....you either have inbred rednecks or drunks....or inbred redneck drunks. So Ms. Hamilton is doing a public service imho.

Not everyone's cup o' tea, but certainly mine.

I concurt!!! While I do love the storyline... I also appreciate the graphic nature and Ms. Hamilton's rather inventive nature, ahem, and the extent to which the characters have found ways to deal with both their nature and their real and imagined needs. That she deals with the difficulties in relationships, as well as what works, and confounds it with the politics and intrigue... that's why I read 'em.

The erotic scenes are magnificent... and I have fallen for the fairie... I still deeply love the necromancer... different women... and different problems, obviously. But the concept that sex is magic is one I have always believed... so, it is right up my alley. I find it an act of creation... imitating the gods, if you will... sort of.
Hey T... I think I need another cup.

[TBug]

I concurt!!! While I do love the storyline... I also appreciate the graphic nature and Ms. Hamilton's rather inventive nature, ahem, and the extent to which the characters have found ways to deal with both their nature and their real and imagined needs. That she deals with the difficulties in relationships, as well as what works, and confounds it with the politics and intrigue... that's why I read 'em.

The erotic scenes are magnificent... and I have fallen for the fairie... I still deeply love the necromancer... different women... and different problems, obviously. But the concept that sex is magic is one I have always believed... so, it is right up my alley. I find it an act of creation... imitating the gods, if you will... sort of.
Hey T... I think I need another cup.

I want mine supersized, LOL

I fell in love with the way she writes in first person, and that while you're reading her books you believe 100% that there really are shapeshifters, vampires and fairies among us....she makes it all so convincing. And hell, what woman wouldn't want so many men lusting after them that were all magnificent in bed? Given the opportunity (not that there's one iota of chance of that happening where I live) I prefer a monogomous relationship, but if I could put myself in Anita's or Merry's shoes? I'd learn to live with the adoration of the many for the good of the few, LOL.

[herbsinger42]

Hey, T... do you know why my siggy has text sizes in it??? Did I need to put text between the markers???

[TBug]

Hey, T... do you know why my siggy has text sizes in it??? Did I need to put text between the markers???

I think you're supposed to type the text then highlight it and click on size and/or color. So that the text falls between the bboard code.


"It's been a while -- a long damn while -- since anybody but me took ahold of my plow"
Malcolm Reynolds


Yuppers....I previewed it and voila!

[herbsinger42]

Ha!
Got it...
I feel ever so much better, now.
I still need to do some work... get an image... maybe an Icon.
Things to work on.