Vampires have formed the basis of more than a few shows and movies, too many to count, in fact. Some of it's been good, some bad. Finding material that's truly exceptional, however, within the genre takes some digging (As someone who's a movie buff, I can personally attest to this). One of these exceptional pieces is the late night television series "Forever Knight". Airing first on CBS's crime time after prime time line up, it's a show that follows the story of Toronto police Det. Nick Knight (Geraint Wyn Davies) who, unbeknownst to his colleagues, is really an 800 year old vampire seeking redemption by solving crimes while working the night shift. Joining him in this quest is his wise cracking partner, Det. Don Schanke (John Kapelos), (who somehow seems to miss every clue his partner's not mortal!), as well as coroner Dr. Natalie Lambert, the only person in the entire department who knows Nick's secret and whom is committed to finding a way to make Nick human again. But Nick must also contend with interference at every turn by his 2,000 year old former master and vampire maker Lucien Lacroix (Nigel Bennett) who disapproves of his former protege's attempts at morality and does everything he can to make Nick live the vampire life he deems acceptable. Will Nick become human again, or will he be destined to live the life a vampire forever?
As cheesy and slightly ridiculous as the premise is (An 800 vampire as a cop!) "Forever Knight" is one of those shows that somehow, someway just works. The writing is superb, often times injecting depth and further meaning in each episode (often through well done historic flashbacks from across Nick's long life, which were a major bit of the show's fun) and being able to expertly combine a vampire story with that of a police/crime solving procedure type show (which is what "Night" is 50% of the time). And not to mention, the acting is terrific, and in many ways is what makes the show believable and entertaining at the same time. Geraint Wyn Davies is excellent in the lead role, and gives believable pathos to the tortured Nick Knight, a vampire who after living for 800 years desperately wants mortality. Jon Kapelos gives the show a little comedy relief as the always wise-cracking and lovable Schanke, as well as infusing some of that buddy cop aspect to it. Catherine Disher is great as Natalie, who is in many ways the love interest for Nick, and the one who ties Nick to the human world more than anyone else. However, none of this would be nearly as good if it weren't for the wonderful performance of Nigel Bennett as the evil, charming, and devilish Lacroix. Oozing charisma, seduction, and darkness all at the same, Bennett is able to bring a really strong devil-like persona to the character Lacroix, more so than perhaps any other evil vampire overlord, and injects a certain level of danger that should be present in any vampire story. Plus, you'll be treated to a variety of great guest stars, including a certain actress by the name of Carrie Ann Moss of "The Matrix" fame. Though the show may have ended too soon and was perhaps a little rushed, the show stands the test of time. Bottom line, if you love vampires as much as me and can't get enough of them, check out "Forever Knight".
P.S. It's available on you tube.
As cheesy and slightly ridiculous as the premise is (An 800 vampire as a cop!) "Forever Knight" is one of those shows that somehow, someway just works. The writing is superb, often times injecting depth and further meaning in each episode (often through well done historic flashbacks from across Nick's long life, which were a major bit of the show's fun) and being able to expertly combine a vampire story with that of a police/crime solving procedure type show (which is what "Night" is 50% of the time). And not to mention, the acting is terrific, and in many ways is what makes the show believable and entertaining at the same time. Geraint Wyn Davies is excellent in the lead role, and gives believable pathos to the tortured Nick Knight, a vampire who after living for 800 years desperately wants mortality. Jon Kapelos gives the show a little comedy relief as the always wise-cracking and lovable Schanke, as well as infusing some of that buddy cop aspect to it. Catherine Disher is great as Natalie, who is in many ways the love interest for Nick, and the one who ties Nick to the human world more than anyone else. However, none of this would be nearly as good if it weren't for the wonderful performance of Nigel Bennett as the evil, charming, and devilish Lacroix. Oozing charisma, seduction, and darkness all at the same, Bennett is able to bring a really strong devil-like persona to the character Lacroix, more so than perhaps any other evil vampire overlord, and injects a certain level of danger that should be present in any vampire story. Plus, you'll be treated to a variety of great guest stars, including a certain actress by the name of Carrie Ann Moss of "The Matrix" fame. Though the show may have ended too soon and was perhaps a little rushed, the show stands the test of time. Bottom line, if you love vampires as much as me and can't get enough of them, check out "Forever Knight".
P.S. It's available on you tube.