Title: Van Helsing (15)
Year: 2016-2021
Running Time: 65 episodes
Director: Various
Cast: Kelly Overton (Vanessa Van Helsing), Jonathan Scarfe (Axel Miller), Christopher Heyerdahl (Sam)
Notes: Won one aware, nominated for others
Rating: 8
Thoughts: In a post-apocalyptic world the descendant of Van Helsing awakes from a three year coma. She has missed the rise of vampires but has been guarded by a marine as she holds the ability to turn vampires back into humans.
This is a good twist on both the vampire and post-apocalypse genres. Vanessa's ability means vampires are out to kill her leading to plenty of confrontation and risk.
There is quite a lot of violence and the characters, many of whom are just normal people, really do seem okay with that. It also means there is a steady procession of new characters to keep the body count high.
As the series progresses Vanessa finds various family members along the way and teams up with her long-lost sister to challenge the vampire elders. Along the way, it's easy to lose track of who has become a vampire and been turned back. One of them is Scarfe who ends up with super healing abilities when back as a human.
We are led to believe that Vanessa is killed in the fourth series allowing her daughters to fill the void. Now the vampires can go out in the daylight and the overall ruler of the vampires appears. And just happens to be the President of the United States!
At times it's a bit silly. At times it feels certain parts go on a bit. A bit too often enemies just aren't smart enough. But there are some great parts too.
They do develop some ritual ideas, which are strong. The character of Sam, a serial killer hiding in plain sight, is superbly dark. There are some great suspense moments. The ending, although a little preposterous in the build-up, ends up concluding very well.
It's a bit overblown but is filled with twists. Somehow they keep the standard generally high which no doubt prompted such a long run. They could have shaved a bit off to make this tighter. But it's a nice take on two genres and a great romp.