 Welllllll…it wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be. But it didn’t exactly find me cheering for more, either. Over the past few months, you may or may not have thrilled to the saga of “Moonlight,” CBS’s decidedly troubled drama about a vampire turned detective who in no way resembles this dude I know who used to work for Wolfram & Hart, so here’s a quick recap of the highlights and lowlights of what’s happened: It started off being called “Twilight,” under the writing team of Trevor Munson (”Lone Star State of Mind”) and Ron Koslow (”Beauty and the Beast”), with executive producers Joel Silver and Gerard Bocaccio; Alex O’Laughlin (”The Shield”), Amber Valletta (”Hitch”), Rade Sherbedgia (”24″), and Shannon Lucio (”The O.C.”) were hired to star, and Rod Holcomb was set to direct. But, then… 1. The name changed from “Twilight” to “Moonlight.” As a result of all these changes, the show was retooled so many times that even when CBS offered its presentation for the show at the Television Critics Association Press Tour in July, the best they could offer us as an example of what to expect was a segment with the groan-inducing title of “Interview with a Vampire,” where the main character of “Moonlight” - Mick St. John - sits in a dark room and is quizzed by an off-screen journalist about what it’s like to be a vampire. I don’t know about you, but no-one on the press tour was very impressed, and, basically, we were all left thinking, “Oh, God, this thing is gonna do a major, major bellyflop”…and this was before David Greenwalt left! (He was basically the only reason any of us were maintaining a shred of hope for the show.) So here we are in that middle ground between mid-September and late September, with the premiere of “Moonlight” only a handful of days away, and, finally, we’ve gotten our hands on what’s almost certainly going to be the version of the pilot which airs on 9/28. And…oh, right, this is where you came in.
The first bad sign is that the series opens by recycling the “Interview with a Vampire” footage that was screened at the press tour. That ain’t good. I mean, yeah, it sets up the mythos of the vampire for the purposes of this particular show - they don’t sleep in coffins, garlic doesn’t do them any damage, sunlight ain’t good for ‘em but it doesn’t make ‘em burst into flame outright, and so forth - but it’s set up as being something that Mick is dreaming, and, well, it just feels lazy. From there, the first smile-inspiring moment came when we realized that Kevin Weisman (Marshall Flinkman on “Alias”) had quietly slipped into the cast. Weisman plays the cameraman of Beth Turner (Myles), an online TV journalist who, while investigating the murder of a co-ed, invents a tagline which suggests that the killing is rather vampiric in nature. This suggestion catches St. John’s ear, and he heads over to the scene of the crime, where he encounters Beth and realizes that he recognizes her from an encounter they had some years before…and, yes, that connection is paramount to the premise of “Moonlight.” Everybody likes a good vampire story. The problem is, “Moonlight” doesn’t look like it is a good vampire story. Since we’re talking about a bunch of bloodsuckers, it’s only appropriate that we should go for the jugular and say outright that, yes, “Moonlight” does suffer from its comparison to “Angel.” David Boreanaz was dark, brooding, and looked like both a vampire and a bad-ass; Alex O’Laughlin puts on sunglasses and leers at people and, frankly, he just doesn’t look very intimidating. As a vampire, Mick St. John’s greatest gift seems to be that he can leave a room quickly and quietly; the only truly kick-ass fight scene in the pilot comes via flashback, and it’s when he’s fighting his former wife, Coraline, who we’re led to believe is dead (which almost certainly means that she is not). The most intriguing character on the show isn’t even Mick; it’s his buddy and fellow vampire, Josef Konstantin, and, truthfully, he’s probably only intriguing because he’s played by Dohring, who comes off just as snarky here as he always did when he was busy being Logan Echolls on “Veronica Mars.” Maybe I’m being too hard on “Moonlight.” Maybe the show will find its feet after everyone finally gets settled and comfortable. Unfortunately, based on what’s been offered up for the first episode, it’s looking like we might have another cheese-fest like “Forever Knight” on our hands…and as vampire-centric TV series go, that ain’t necessarily the one you want to use as a touchstone. Filed under: TV and Actors and Actresses and News and Reviews and TV Dramas and External Entertainment and External TV and Fall TV Preview and Pilots Comments:
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I found this show to be sexy, stylish and romantic. It’s a fresh take on the vampire motif in literature. The lead characters should develop a sense of humor like the supporting characters. Please remember that the first season of Angel was weak compared to later seasons. Charmed lacked a sense of humor and chemistry until season two or three.
Many people, including myself, found Forever Knight to be completely entertaining. So please tune in and give Moonlight a chance.
Moonlight and Alex O’Laughlin are the best thing about Friday night! My friends know not to call each other during Moonlight, as we need all we can get of our new hottie, Mick! The girl is very pretty, too, but we love Mick St. John. Even when he’s in his vampire mode. PLEASE KEEP IT ON! The stories are fascinating and we love the other characters, too! Especially the metrosexual vampire who is always trying to get Mick to act like a regular vampire! Add 3 in Metairie, Louisiana to his fan club! Judy, Sofiea, and Margaret
I love this show. Alex is so hot. I love the stories too. I hope it doesn’t get cancelled.
Reality bites, this is fantasy and fun and a great escape. Cheesy, maybe… but when you’re having fun and thoroughly entertained… it doesn’t really matter. The cast is perfect, I hope they don’t change a thing.
MOONLIGHT is AWESOME!!!!I love it just the way it is!!! This show has become the favorite show for my family. I hope CBS keeps it going for a long-long time!!!
This article is B.S.
The reimagined genre is great. I loved Buffy and Angel but why recycle those shows over and over.
(Insert sarcastic inflection here) Hey I got an idea, why not add another CSI rip-off to cable. Now there is imagination!!!
WATCH MOONLIGHT! If only because MICK ST. JOHN is HOT!!!
I agree with Carrie this article is full of BS. It just aired in Australia and let me tell you I was hooked on the first show. It’s different from Angel or Buffy which I beleive was targeted for a a younger audience. I love all the characters and most especially the homegrown talent Alex O’Laughlin. He makes me feel as if I’m back in highschool again, having a crush on the cutest guy in the school. He is HOT!
I’m no doubt 1:3 people in Australia who is sick of all the CSIs and reality TV crap. The storylines are great! I look forward to watchin it every week!
WATCH THE SHOW WOULD REALLY LOVE TO SEE GO ON FOR A LONG TIME!
Wow, you folks are really getting up in arms about an article that was written based solely on the pilot episode!
Look, I’ve popped in on a few episodes here and there during the season, and it struck me as okay; when Season 1 of the series makes it to DVD, I’ll definitely watch it in its entirety and make a fresh call then.
But I gotta tell you, I’d probably trust some of your opinions more if there wasn’t so much focus on how hot Alex O’Laughlin is.
MOONLIGHT IS A GREAT VAMPIRE SHOW DUE TO THE FACT THAT ALEX IS SO HOT…. ILOVE YOU… KEEP IT GOING
AWESOME, AWESOME, WAITING FOR THE RELEASE OF THE ENTIRE FIRST SEASON.
ALEX O’LAUGHLIN IS MY NEW PIN UP. GOOD ACTOR, HANDSOME, SEXY, AND MUCH, MUCH MORE.
Will,The people have spoken!
I am a longstanding believer in the “to each their own” philosophy, so if ya’ll like “Moonlight,” more power to you. I’m just saying that while I’m willing to give the show a chance when it comes out on DVD, the declaration of the hotness of Alex O’Laughlin that’s been made in more than half the proclamations about the greatness of the show ain’t much of a selling point for me.
I tried watching a show once solely because I thought the lead actress was hot - yes, I’ll admit it: Ashley Williams got me to watch “Good Morning Miami” - but sheer hotness doesn’t sustain a series for more than a few episodes.
I happened upon this series two weeks ago and fell in love with it. I was shocked to find out that the two leads are an Aussie and Brit. They have the American accents down and I found the acting to be outstanding. The storyline is compelling and the chemistry between the two lead actors keeps me coming back week after week. I believe it just won a Peoples Choice Award for best drama so I hope it stays on for a while. I’ve been playing catch-up and viewing the back videos available on the net. It takes a lot to bring me back to network TV and I can honestly say this is the first network series I’ve viewed in over 5 years. I plan on watching every Friday night for as long as the program lasts. CBS has done a great job with this series.
Since when did critics make any sense. I don’t need a critic to tell me if I love or hate a show. I love Moonlight because it is sexy and exciting. I can’t recall any other show where the chemistry between the two lead characters is soooo electric. It leaves you wondering if and when they will get together, they are made for each other. Okay the story lines aren’t fantastic but who cares….. Aussie Alex O’Laughlin is hot and Sophia Myles is just gorgeous. Just enjoy the view if nothing else!!
The show won the People’s Choice Award for Best New Dramatic Series. That says a lot! If the studios are smart they will give the people what they want to see. We are ready for a series like Moonlight. Alex O’Loughlin is the best looking actor to grace the small screen in years. Rock on Moonlight! I hope the writer’s strike ends soon and Moonlight finds a spot in next years line up. Onward, Talon
Girls, I think we’ve established that y’all think the lead actor is hot.
I watched the first episode (the one with the cult at the university) and found it just OK, though it was too much like “Angel” and, for some reason, every closeup of Sophia Myles is shot with such a soft focus that it (ironcally) rivals all those fuzzy shots of Cybill Shepherd on “Moonlighting.” It’s very distracting and I hope that it’s not the case in future episodes.
Since it won a People’s Choice award, I’m going to check out a few more episodes, but so far, I’m skeptical.
I didn’t watch this show until the 4th episode. Due to the strike, I was able to catch the first 3 on reruns. The first time I watched it, even though, as many have said, Mick St. John (Alex O’Loughlin) is H.O.T., it seemed a little cheesy and I thought, there is no way my husband is going to watch this with me again. But, with nothing to watch, since we had TIVOed another episode, we decided to watch again. I was hooked from that moment on and SO was my husband! What a great surprise for me! This show is not only eye-candy for both me and my husband, it’s a love story and actually has interesting story lines explaining the ins and outs of a vampire’s life.
Now I am reading that this show may not return at all and I feel like I did when I had a boyfriend break up with me back in high school!! lol No good explanation, just an end to my idea of what I thought was a good thing. Only THIS time, I KNOW it was a good thing. Bring back MOONLIGHT!! PLEASE!
I came into the series towards the end. I admit, Alex O\’laughlin is easy to watch, but \
You need more than “hot” to make a show successful. You need good acting and good storylines. I think Moonlight delivers on all 3. It has become my new favorite show. I see no resemblence to “Buffy”, etc. except for the obvious. After the “People’s Choice Awards” I think CBS would be foolish to cancel the show. Alex O’Laughlin as well as the storyline have what it takes for success.
Jennifer, that might be the best-composed defense of the show yet. I agree that CBS would be foolish to cancel the show at this point; if they did, they’d have another “Jericho” situation on their hands, and lord only knows what fans of a vampire-themed show would send to the network to get it put back on the air…
well to start out with i have watched moonlight from day 1,it has only gotten better and better,i just wish cbs thought as much of moonlight as the uk living channel does, they have put great promos out on moonlight.some people in the united states don’t even now our show is alive. tell every one you now to watch.because the rating in the 4 new episodes will tell the tale if moonlight gets renewed or not.give people flyers what ever you have to do to make it work to our advantage.
Moonlight is the best show on television in 07-08! My husband and I have a \
Moonlight is great. Love the show.. I hope it keeps going.. the actors and actresses do a great
job . Ok Can’t help it …. Alex IS SEXY..
Absolutely loved this from the start. Never was a fan of Buffy, Angel, whatever, never was interested. But this, on the other hand…I love the fresh take on the old vamp story and find it quite entertaining. Ditto the comments on the fabulous chemistry between Mick and Beth. The terrific acting allows you to actually “feel” the sensual romantic tension and vibes in the air; I enjoy the “work” relationship and terrific story lines. How can so many people be wrong? How can a show win a People’s Choice Award and then be cancelled? Hellooooo! Just proves, like with anything else, it’s all “politics.” BRING IT BACK!!!
just watched thfe aprdil 25 show.Iam hooked..LOVED IT.I actually cheered when they kissed… wow..I love the acting the story line etc.. The show is great.. alex is gonna be BIG..
Sooo pleased with the new episode. Broke my heart he was “turned” again but glad in a way (!) great story line, can’t wait to see what happens next!
OMG! I didn’t catch on until the last few episodes of last season….I was heartbroken when it wasn’t on I thought it was canx…..Now I’m back on cloud nine! I gave up going to SunFest and seeing Fergi perform just so I could stay home and watch Moonlight…..I am obsessed with Mick….he could bite me anytime! The show is AWESOME as are all the other co-stars. I can’t wait for Friday nights!!!