Caffeinated Clint
By Clint Morris
There have been quite a few shows, and films, that have fixed on good-guy vampires – there was ”Angel,” of course; ”Interview with the Vampire”, both ”Lost Boys” movies, ”Near Dark”, even the kiddie flick ”The Little Vampire” – but if my memory serves me correct, I don’t recall there being an Aussie vampire before (I suppose Jess Gower’s turn in the “Blade” series might count?).
Australia’s own Alex O’Loughlin, possibly best known for his role in the acclaimed local film ”The Oyster Farmer”, hit the big time with this much-loved U.S series. In it, he plays [American; sorry, he doesn’t keep his accent] a charming private detective named Mick.
Six decades ago, Mick was bitten and changed into a vampire by his new bride, the seductive Coraline Duvall (Shannyn Sossamon). Eternally 30 years of age, Mick’s as handsome as the day he was “turned.†After a life changing event — when he saved the life of a young girl named Beth Turner — Mick devotes himself to helping the innocent.
O’Loughlin is great in the series but “Veronica Mars” star Jason Dohring (Logan) is, as to be expected, a scene-stealer as Mick’s arch-enemy Josef, a hedge-fund trader who embraces his supernatural vampire abilities.
The series was unfortunately canceled after just one season, but in today’s age – shows are axed all the time yet come back in the form of features or direct-to-video movies, look at ”Futurama”! – that hardly means the end. Well, I hope it ain’t the end anyway… because there’s no ending here. Obviously the sixteenth, and final episode of the show was shot well before the network decided to can the series and as a consequence, the writers weren’t able to close the series properly.
“Moonlight” is a fun show. Possibly not as addictive or as fun as “Angel” was, even HBOs “True Blood”, but it definitely has something going for it – or should I say, had.
Extras
A very slim affair – but expect no less from a short-lived series. At least it’s getting a DVD release.
