V Wars on Netflix!
From the graphic novel/comics by Jonathan Maberry and Alan Robinson, comes V Wars on Netflix…
Before I start this review, a quick disclaimer: I actually dislike vampire stories. They typically bore me – so there’s a lot to be said about the fact I actually binged this series in 2 days. Let’s get into it… without spoiling anything.
The Who
Quite a few impactful characters in the show – let’s go over a bunch of them and who/what they are.
Dr. Luther Swann (Ian Somerhalder – Vampire Diaries, LOST): Our main man who attempts to figure out what is going on with this new virus.
Michael Fayne (Adrian Holmes – Arrow, Supernatural): Friend of Dr. Swann – and also happens to be patient zero.
Kaylee Vo (Jacky Lai – Shadowhunters, Beyond): An in-your-face investigative reporter who likes to learn things the hard way.
Desmond Swann (Kyle Breitkopf – PJ Masks, Rusty Rivets): The son on Dr. Swann – who may hold some secrets about the virus.
Danika Dubov (Kimberly-Sue Murray – Shadowhunters, Killjoys): Fayne’s girlfriend – for better or for worse.
Calix Niklos (Peter Outerbridge – Umbrella Academy, 12 Monkeys): Let’s just say… he’s a bad dude
Jimmy Saint (Michael Greyeyes – True Detective, Fear the Walking Dead): Could be a bad guy, could be a good guy. Only one way to find out.
Ava O’Malley (Sydney Meyer – Shadowhunters, Departure): A quiet and young, yet sinister “executive” for Blood Nation.
The What
An emergency trip to the Arctic region accidentally exposes the world to an ancient disease – that you guessed it – turns people into vampires. Government conspiracies, scientific research and discovery, a battle of new humans against old – all creates a world of distrust, chaos, and wonder.
These aren’t your Dracula-style vampires – these are super human. No need for a coffin… just feed every few days and you’re faster, stronger, smarter, and every single sense seems to be enhanced as they navigate their new lives. They call themselves Bloods – and, I suppose, rightfully so.
Half the government is terrified and wants to eradicate them, the other half wants to find a way to learn and live with the new species of human – and there’s no easy way to do either option. (They even offer a blood substitute at one point to halt the killing – wait until you see why that backfires!)
The Bloods are here to stay – how will the world respond? How will this new variety of humans (are they still human?) change the world? Will the original human race continue to exist?
Initial Ratings:
So Many Shows Scoring 1-10: 8.0
High points: I love the story! Ancient disease brings on a new world and new human species? Scientific and military drama and intrigue? Sign me up! The cast is really great – there isn’t anyone on the show that shouldn’t be – and they do a great job bringing their characters and the myriad of emotions to life.
I really believe Somerhalder as Dr. Swann. Adrian Holmes as Fayne is one bad ass motherf&%ker that, at the same time, you can’t help, but care about! My breakout star of the show has got to be Sydney Meyer as Ava O’Malley though. She actually scares the hell out of me and I love it.
The drama between humans and bloods is handled well, and even the government conspiracy stuff isn’t overdone like in a lot of television. The action and adventure is strong and compels you to quickly click to the next episode.
Potential low points: There isn’t too much for me to complain about. Perhaps my only issue is the overdone vampire mouth/fangs. They’re really big – maybe too big and for me, would have a bigger impact if it weren’t so noticeable.
The moment they get “angry” or ready to feed – the quick transition into scary monster just isn’t necessary for the story. Tone it down some and I think they’d actually be scarier!
Final thoughts: Not being a fan of vampire “stuff” – it took me a few days to sit down and decide to give it a shot. I’m glad I did.
Learning how and why people become Bloods helps a lot with the story (and is a key reason why I enjoyed this show – the whole science / CDC-type dystopian atmosphere.) Watching this new human “species” evolve and attempt to insert/assimilate themselves into the normal world has a lot of interesting intrigue and messages for the viewer – and who doesn’t like an ‘us against them story’ anyway?
It’s worth your time… If you’re into anything dystopian, other-worldly, or even like to dissect human evolution – this show could be for you. The actors are great, the story is good, and there’s plenty to keep you on your toes as you move through the season.
On a side note, and I’m curious how many people will agree with me on this… Fayne is probably my favorite character overall, but I find Ava perhaps the most fascinating. What about you?
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