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DRACULA
2020
Yet another re-imagining of the source material by Bram Stoker.
BBC thought that as long as they are working on repackaging old material, why not thrash something out of DRACULA by Bram Stoker? The source material, while being a simple novel would best be translated onto the screen as a mini-series, which is what BBC did, three 1.5 hour episodes. In fact, it was rumored that the first three episodes were released earlier this year and that three more were on their way. However, upon watching all three episodes, I have no idea how that would be possible, but I shall get to that point later.
In 2020, as you can guess, there must be some role reversals in production. Taking place in 1897 Count Dracula remains a male blood-thirsty vampire, but know he seems pan-sexual played by Claes Bang who does a good job. His arch-foe is Sister Agatha Van Hellsing played by Dolly Wells. Of course, our new hero is a God-questioning Nun who is well-versed in lore and superstition.
Episode one seemed to start off reasonably close to the source material be went off the rails soon enough. Regardless, it was fine to watch, but might had dragged at points. The story was set: the Count hired a law firm in London to represent his interests in that city. His intention was to go to the New World. However Van Hellsing stood in his way.
In Episode 2, it was the voyage by sea from eastern Europe to London. This was completely original material. This broadened the concept that "blood is life" and memories as Dracula would consume people and then contain their entire lives and even customs and languages. The only problem was that Van Hellsing and the ship's captain sank the ship at sea, preventing the Count from getting to the shores of England.
Episode 3, Dracula is awakened in modern times. Zoe Hellsing, descendant of Sister Agatha, is part of a vigilant force prepared for that circumstance. This episode is something of a long and drawn out soap opera that leads to the demises of Hellsing and Dracula in each other's arms.
Honestly. I didn't care for Ep03 very much until the ending which seemed thoughtful and almost beautiful. And based on how this ended I cannot see how there can possibly be future episodes.
I wasn't crazy about this series, and it seemed to drag quite a bit. If you pass on this interpretation of Dracula, you won't be missing much. I am sure the critics would disagree with me since anything the BBC does is pure brilliance in their eyes.
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