Demons

Watched it when it first came out on tv back.in 2009 just got the dvd still enjoyed it I think as much as I did 10 years ago.

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.

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!

I can just imagine a bunch of producers and writers sitting around a big table throwing around really bad ideas such as:

Producer #1: We need a show that targets the 13 to 19 market, like Buffy the Vampire Slayer did in the US.

Producer #2: I've got a great idea; how about a British Buffy the Vampire Slayer!

Writer #1: Brilliant!

Producer #1: We don't want to look like we're copying the Americans though.

Writer #2: We could change it up with a male lead.

Producer #2: That's good but not enough.

Writer #3: How about instead of a vampire slayer he's a demon slayer?

Producer #1: hmmm....I like where this is heading...

Producer #2: By using a comic book hero we could cut costs on the back story and comic book heroes are big time money makers. Look at Spiderman 1-3, X-Men 1-3, Iron Man, Batman, and The Hulk.

Producer #1: I like where you're going with this. We could even come up a video game to market the show.

Writer #1: So who's the comic book hero?

Producer #1: That's your department; my dear boy.

Writer #1: Right; hmmmmm....

Writer #2: What about Van Helsing?

Producer #1: Who the hell is that?

Writer #2: Remember that terrible vampire/werewolf film with Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale?

Producer#1: Oh yea...that Steven Somer's bomb

Writer #2: Hugh Jackman's character was Van Helsing, a famous monster hunter who goes to Transylvania to kill Dracula.

Writer #1: And Van Helsing's got all kinds of cool old weapons and gadgets like a medieval James Bond!

Producer #2: This sounds perfect guys!

Producer #1: I like it! Add a couple sexy teens to the script, leather, some cool demons and we got ourselves a UK hit!! I want you guys to write me up a pilot and I'll sell it to the big boys.

And Viola! just like that you have another crappy TV show called Demons!!

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!