True Blood Season 3 Premiere "Bad Blood"

Spoilers Ahead

It's back! And it was so worth the wait.

I'm slightly giddy from the triumphant return of this brilliant show, so I'm not quite sure where to begin. I can tell you the premiere starts out with both humour and drama. And that there are some truly awesome moments in this episode. And that there is plenty of eye candy in the form of naked and near-naked characters. Oh yes, something for everyone.

Sookie spends the episode looking for Bill. When she can't find him anywhere inside or outside the restaurant, she gets the police involved. When the police are less than helpful, she gets Jessica involved. When Jessica doesn't know anything she gets Eric involved. While trying to track down Lorena (suspect the second, after Eric) she discovers that Bill and Jessica have a mental link. Tearing Jessica away from her own, rather interesting, activities Sookie uses Jessica as a tracking system. And they make a discovery that does not bode well.

By the way, the scene where Sookie confronts Eric is one of those awesome moments (and involves a good chunk of that eye candy I mentioned). I really am starting to like Eric more and more.

But I'm still a Bill girl at heart and I was ecstatic to discover he has a major role in this episode. After he was kidnapped I was sure we wouldn't see him for a while. I love it when I'm wrong. We find him--held by silver chains--in a car full of redneck-looking guys. One is the person who kidnapped Bill, still wearing the gloves he had on as he slipped the chain around Bill's neck. They call themselves the "Fuck-You Crew" and proceed to stab Bill and help themselves to his blood. As they get rowdier, they get stupider. The kidnapper removes his bloodied gloves, giving Bill the chance to put them on and get the chains off. The next thing anyone knows, he's snapping the driver's neck. The car goes flying and flips over. Bill's hurt but alive. Let this be a lesson, kids: don't do V and drive

After spending the day underground (am I the only one who finds Bill totally hot as he's digging himself out?) Bill goes in search for blood. He finds it in an unlikely place. Fully healed he asks the glamoured blood donor where he is, and finds out he's been taken to Mississippi. As we hear wolves howling in the background Bill suddenly has to leave. Right now. Running through the woods (too bad he can't fly like Eric) he suddenly finds himself surrounded by werewolves. Turning to one (I'm assuming the alpha) he warns them he's fed. Then the fangs come out and the episode ends. One vampire, five or six werewolves... this is going to be... fun.

Before the wolves show up we cut back to Sookie and Jessica. Thanks to Jessica's tracking ability, they've found Bill's mangled car and the dead driver inside. They notice a rune branded on the driver's neck and look it up, discovering that this particular symbol is related to Operation Werewolf. You really can find anything on the internet! But Sookie's face tells us she realizes how much trouble Bill is really in. Werewolves = bad news.

Incidentally, I think the wolves looked really good--no easy task. For whatever reason, wolf makeup almost always looks fake/bad and CGI werewolves are even worse (*cough*Twilight*cough*). Kudos to the True Blood team for getting it right.

As usual, Bill and Sookie's storylines are merely parts of a much larger whole.

Sam has wandered off to Arkansas in search of his birth family. After discovering he has a brother (Tommy, played by Marshall Allman, Prison Break) and following him home, Sam finds what he's looking for (a little too easily, perhaps). But we know there'll be complications and all kinds of trouble in Sam's future. My theory? Mr. and Mrs. Mickens are werewolves, but the missus (Sam's mom) stepped out with a shapeshifter and made Sam. Obviously you can't raise a mutt among wolves, so they had to get rid of him (by giving him to the Merlottes). Either that or they're just jerks. Or maybe both. Can't wait to find out.

Oh, and the scene between Sam and Bill? I couldn't stop grinning.

Tara is completely broken over Eggs's death. When we first see her she's still in the parking lot holding his hand. There's a sad and beautiful moment as a white sheet is placed over Eggs's body and a red stain starts slowly seeping outward from the wound in his forehead. After Lafayette helps her inside she ends up going off on Arlene, Sheriff Bud, and Andy (who's taking responsibility for the shooting). Later she attacks Sookie after finding out that Sookie helped Eggs regain his lost memories. And later still she actually asks for her mom. Now we know she's in trouble. I knew Lettie Mae wasn't the brightest bulb but just how stupid she is doesn't become apparent until she invites Reverend Daniels over to "comfort" Tara (more likely to comfort herself as she's obviously got the hots for the holy man). As Tara lies, near catatonic, the two of them tell her how fantastic God's plan is, and how the two evil people (Maryann and Eggs) took her through hell so she could return to her mom. Any other time Tara would be telling them to fuck off, but this time she obediently thanks the Reverend before heading to the bathroom to take a shower. And by take a shower I mean take a bunch of pills Lafayette's got stored in there. When Lafayette gets home after work Lettie Mae is watching TV, blithely unaware that there could possibly be any problem with Tara. At least Lafayette realizes what's going on. The last we see of Tara is her shoving pills into her mouth as Lafayette bangs on and kicks the door.

Jason--Eggs's real killer--isn't doing much better. After freaking out over the fact that he killed a person, a talk with Andy calms him down a bit. Andy convinces him that he needs to suppress his conscience and act like the same old Jason Stackhouse (even if he's really not that guy anymore). Or, as Andy puts it, "Conscience off; dick on." Resigned, Jason sets out to pick up a pair of veterinary students, who are only too happy to follow him home. But they're not too happy once they get there. Let's just say Jason can act like his old self, but he can't perform like his old self. Mainly because he keeps hallucinating bullet holes in the girls' foreheads. They leave in a hurry.

Jessica's been keeping quite busy this episode. Returning to Bill's she discovers Hoyt's flowers on the porch. She seems pretty pleased to find them. Then she drags a body into the house behind her. The body belongs to the trucker she fed on the last time we saw her, but surprisingly he's not dead. Yet. She begs him to stay alive (but won't take him to the hospital) until she hears a car in the driveway. Hiding him, she's surprised to see a panicked Sookie. Unable to help her, Jessica reluctantly promises to call Sookie if Bill returns (even if he orders her not to). Then she goes back to her victim, who has since expired. Desperate she bites into her own wrist and pours the blood into his mouth, hoping it'll turn him. Unfortunately, when she wakes up the next night she's still got a corpse on her hands, only now it's stinkier. Before she can figure out what to do with it, Sookie shows up again and drags her out to track Bill. Next episode: Body Disposal 101.

And then there's Eric. His fans will be happy to know Alexander Skarsgard has finally made it into the opening credits (at least, I never noticed him there before) so we'll surely be seeing a lot more of him. Not that there is a lot more to see after this episode's nude scene. Actors on this show really need to put aside any shyness they might harbour. Mr. Northman spends time (apparently about six hours) getting to know Fangtasia's new dancer, Yvetta (Natasha Alam, The Bold and the Beautiful), as well as trying to pretend for the Magister's benefit that he hasn't noticed the sudden spike in V use in his district. While the Magister explains why a vampire is clearly behind the skyrocketing trade in the product, the Queen stands by playing innocent. After the Magister leaves, the Queen (who I liked a lot less this time) informs Eric that he's to sell all the remaining V by whatever means necessary, and then cover their tracks. Why? Because she needs the money. Why? Because the IRS is breathing down her neck. Um. So, I thought that was a pretty damn lame reason why the Queen would be selling vampire blood; they could have done much more with this storyline. But it is what it is and hopefully it'll be concluded soon. We also find out that Eric, although not behind Bill's kidnapping, did hire a vampire (whose name I couldn't quite catch, but it sounded like Mr. Rugen) to get Bill from the restaurant and bring him back to Fangtasia. Of course, by the time Eric's guy got there Bill was already gone. Now Eric's in a bit of a panic because the one vampire who can link him (and indirectly, the Queen) to the V sales is missing. On the other hand, I'm sure he'll take full advantage of the opportunity to get to know Sookie as well as he got to know Yvetta.

Plenty going on in the season's first episode, which can only be good for future episodes. There were a couple of weak spots and a bit of rushed pacing, but I think those can be forgiven as this week was all about setting the stage. And luckily all the good aspects of the show easily outweigh the few bad bits. Sex, violence, wit, and fangs: welcome back, True Blood!

Fang Files

Appearance: Pale humans with prominent snakelike fangs that descend or retract at will. Vampires cry blood.

Strengths: Super strength, speed, resistance to injury. Fast healing. Ability to glamour (hypnotize) humans. The mental link between maker and made.

Weaknesses: Silver, sunlight. People are willing to kill vampires for their blood ("V," which is a drug). The mental link between maker and made. Werewolves?

Mythology: Once a human has consumed a vampire's blood there will always be a connection between that human and the vampire; the vampire can sense and track the human, while the human will start feeling a sexual attraction to the vampire (complete with disturbing and erotic dreams). In order to turn a human, there must be an exchange of blood, and the human and vampire need to spend a night together in the earth. A vampire needs an invitation to enter a private residence. Vampire society is hierarchical, with the world divided into territories ruled over by Sheriffs, Kings, and Queens. The Magister is judge and jury presiding over vampires.

Sound Bites

Terry: That first kill--it's got a way of making you feel that that's all you are.

Sookie: Where were you tonight around 11 o'clock?
Eric: Here. With Yvetta.
Sookie: Doing this? For the last six hours?
Eric: You seem surprised. Is Bill's stamina not up to snuff?

Driver: Stop it or you're going to get yourself--
Bill: Killed. (snaps driver's neck)

Jason: You wanna really fuck somebody's life up? Tell the truth about 'em. I ain't never gonna be the same.

True Blood, Season 3 Premiere "Bad Blood." Written by Brian Buckner. Directed by Daniel Minahan. From HBO.

Moonlight S1 E2 "Out of the Past"

Spoilers Ahead

If there's one recurring theme throughout the world of redemption-seeking vampires, it's that the past will always come back to bite our reformed monsters (purely evil vampires don't tend to have such issues). Mick St. John's past isn't as long as some (he was turned in the late 1950s/early 1960s*) but it's long enough to be fertile ground for regrets and recriminations. "Out of the Past," as you can probably guess from the title, is all about one of them.

The episode starts with a "wrongfully accused" murderer, Lee Jay Spalding (David Fabrizio, Desperate Housewives), being released from prison after 25 years. While most of the world (and particularly Beth's friend Julia) is enamoured with the seemingly decent Lee Jay, Mick knows better.

Via flashback to 1983 we learn that Mick was hired by Lee Jay's wife, Ilene, to protect her from her psychotic husband. After Mick thrashes Lee Jay, making sure he understands he's to stay away from Ilene or else, Mick believes the problem is solved. Until Ilene turns up dead. Incensed, Mick tracks down Lee Jay and gives the terrified murderer a good look at him in full-on vampire mode. Sinking his fangs in and preparing to finish Lee Jay, Mick is suddenly interrupted by the arrival of the cops. Oops. He's forced to take off before they see him, while Lee Jay has the next 25 years to research and study vampires.

Back in the present Mick sets out to prove Lee Jay's guilt (and prevent any other women from ending up dead), while Beth starts having questions about Mick. Her dreams are filled with memories of her childhood abduction, while the buried knowledge that it was Mick who saved her is beginning to surface. She knows he's hiding something from her, but she can't figure out what. The situation gets even more complicated when Beth sees an old photo of Mick St. John in Julia's book on Lee Jay (note to vampires: you might want to change your name every twenty years or so if you plan on staying in the same city).

Once again the crime aspect of the show is mediocre. It could have been interesting had it been given more time (maybe two or three episodes) but it felt rushed. Still, there were a few unexpected twists, so not all bad. And once again the relationship between Mick and Beth shines. They have a connection between them that draws you in. I know I want to see more of the two of them together. Luckily, I have no doubt I'm going to get my wish.

I'm also enjoying that so many of the flashbacks (actually, I think all of them so far) take place in the 1980s. The party this episode with Duran Duran's "Hungry Like the Wolf" playing in the background? Nice. It's also nifty to see a bit of Mick before he acquired a pesky conscience. Hey, even rehabilitated vamps need to remind us about the monster every so often.

The episode ends with Mick staggering home wounded and desperate for blood. Beth arrives looking for him just as he's all vamp faced and sucking down a bag of plasma (bonus points for using the outlet tube as a straw). He tries to hide from her but there's no getting away this time. Beth sees him in all his glory, and he's forced to admit what he is. The next episode should be interesting.

*In my previous review I said Mick was 90: I should have clarified that I meant 30 years as a human + 60 years as a vampire.

By the way, supposedly you can watch the full episodes on CBS's site but I just get a blank page when I click on the link. That could be because I'm in Canada and somehow civilization as we know it will come to a crashing halt if Canadians download shows from American network sites. The horror! But give it a try and see if it works any better for you.

Fang Files

Appearance: Human, until the vampire emerges; then, ghostly white eyes and fangs that descend or retract at will.

Strengths: Super speed, strength. Ability to scale walls, jump easily from heights.

Weaknesses: Fire, silver (acts as a poison), stakes (paralyze but don't kill).

Mythology: Vampires don't appear in photos taken with film, but digital devices will capture their images.

Sound Bites

Mick: When you live forever it's disappointing how little humans change.

Lee Jay Spalding: Catch you later, Mick.
Mick: Yeah you will.

Beth: Why does the girl always have to wait in the car?

Moonlight, Season 1 Episode 2 "Out of the Past." Written by Trevor Munson and Ron Koslow. Directed by Fred Toye. From CBS/The CW.

Video: FangAGRA

Suffering from Fangile Dysfunction (can't get them down)? Click on the link to watch this video!

FangAGRA:

Dead until Dark by Charlaine Harris

Spoilers Ahead

Sookie is not Barbie. I just had to clarify that because, going by Charlaine Harris's description of her heroine (as narrated by Sookie herself) you could easily get confused. Apparently Miss Stackhouse has blonde hair, blue eyes, strong legs, a "waspy waistline," and a "substantial bosom" (seriously--who talks like that?) She even has a fake smile plastered permanently in place. Just try to ignore the disconcerting resemblance (or do as I did and picture Anna Paquin instead). At least Bill doesn't look like Ken.

Okay, we all know the Sookie Stackhouse books are the basis for True Blood, so it's not surprising that it's difficult to separate the two when reading and reviewing. I've heard the show diverges in season two, but the first season relies heavily on "Dead until Dark" (book one of the series). In fact, it's almost like reading a recap of the season. Almost. There are a fair many differences (most of the major ones kicking in after Gran's murder). And almost all the changes made by the show are better. In fact, if I'd read the books first I might not have watched the show at all.

That's not to say the book is horrible. It's a fairly average paranormal romance. It's just not going to rock your world.

Some of the problems with Dead until Dark are typical of the genre. A great concept gets lost in the execution. Instead of spending more time on the integration of the newly out-of-the-coffin vampires into prejudiced human society, Harris gets bogged down describing irrelevant details (does anyone really need to know what Bill's socks look like?) Several things seem to go nowhere. The possibility that either Bill or Sam might be the murderer is built up throughout the book and then just dropped. And the editing sucks (a couple of examples I found: Picken's instead of Pickens's or Pickens' and goodness's instead of goodness'--really basic errors).

Bill and Sookie's relationship, such as it is, leaves something to be desired. After starting off saying how she's been waiting so long for "her" vampire to find her, Sookie is incredibly judgmental and suspicious once he is in her life. They seem indifferent to each other until they have sex, and then they still seem pretty indifferent (Sookie ranges from insecure to disgusted to "loving"). I don't know if their relationship was set up from the beginning as a prelude to bigger and better things (Eric, according to Bill's bizarrely adulatory description) but there's really no connection between the characters. What they call love is more about loving what the other can give them rather than loving who the other person is. Romantic.

There's also a really weird, apathetic attitude toward pedophilia in the book. Nobody who knows about Sookie being molested by Uncle Bartlett seems to be all that concerned. Sure, Gran cut off ties with her brother (after pretty much ignoring the same situation when it involved her own daughter), but apparently there was never any thought given to, I don't know, having the asshole arrested. Jason doesn't even believe it happened until Sookie proves it, and then he snaps at her to "get over it." Bill seems to care the most but even he reacts callously, insisting he and Sookie have sex immediately after she tells him the traumatizing details. Is this a Southern thing, because if so, man am I glad I live in the north.

And in the slightly-less-disturbing but stupid-and-pointless department, I have one word: Bubba. Somehow this character is a fan favourite, but I can't think of a more ridiculous plot device. Guess what--Elvis is a vampire (but don't call him Elvis--he doesn't like that)! Oh, and when he was turned, he came out wrong. So since he's basically useless, the other vampires keep him around to do odd jobs for them (like guard Sookie when Bill has to go out of town). But he's dangerous so Bill tells Sookie never to be alone with Bubba--right before Bill leaves her alone with Bubba. And he's dim, so he can't really perform said odd jobs correctly anyway. Oh, and did I mention he loves to snack on cats? Yup--hate him.

But like I said, it's not all bad. A few of the scenes play out better in the book. For example, Malcolm and Diane's visit to Merlotte's makes more sense here than on the show (as did Bill's naked underground nap). I was also really glad when book Sookie realized right away that Sam and the dog were the same creature, unlike show Sookie, who sometimes seems to have trouble figuring out what two plus two equals. And I was thrilled that Amy Burley was a non-entity in the book. I even kind of liked Eric, which I certainly didn't when I first saw him onscreen.

The book's not badly written--there's intelligence behind it, even if there's no love for vampires. It's also a fast read, and oddly compelling; I didn't want to put it down even though I knew what was going to happen. Harris also sets a good scene: you feel like you could be there, just another resident of Bon Temps. And I do have to give props to the independent, strong-willed heroine; even in the face of a murderous stalker she's prepared to save herself.

I think I'll get a better sense of the books when I read the next one, not only as the characters and relationships develop further, but also with less of the show's shadow looming over the action (the second season apparently doesn't have much in common with the second book). Maybe Harris will find her groove. And hopefully Sookie will give up that plastic smile and become a real girl.

Fang Files

Appearance: Glistening white fangs that descend and retract at will (often descending when the vampires are excited). Pale, glowing skin (although apparently only Sookie can see the glow). Hair/facial hair remains the same as when they were turned. Dead vampires decompose very quickly, turning into black gunk before finally dissolving into smoke.

Strengths: Super strength, speed. Excellent night vision. Ability to glamour humans (or "glamourize," as Harris puts it, although that sounds more like giving a makeover than the ability to hypnotize). Some vampires can levitate or fly.

Weaknesses: Silver, stakes, fire, sunlight. Vampires are sometimes drained for their blood, which is a potent drug for humans.

Mythology: Vampires don't eat or drink anything other than blood or synthetic blood (aka Tru Blood on the show). Vampires keep their origin a secret, but they've perpetuated a story that their "condition" is caused by a virus that makes them seem dead. Unlike in the show, when a human drinks a vampire's blood, the vampire cannot then sense or locate them. Sookie can read some vampires' thoughts (but not Bill's).

Text Bites

Sookie: I stared into space while Bill braided my hair, a pastime that he apparently found soothing. Every now and then I felt like I was Bill's doll.

Sam: Vampires aren't big on doing each other favors. They have a lot of structure in their world.

Sookie: I scuttered backward, getting up, trying to put distance between myself and the man who was a monster just as surely as Bill was.


Dead until Dark by Charlaine Harris. From Penguin (Ace Books).

Moonlight S1 E1 "No Such Thing as Vampires"

Spoilers Ahead

First there was Nick Knight. Then came Angel. And finally there's Mick St. John.

I mentioned back in one of my Vampire Diaries reviews that The CW is going to start airing the cancelled 2007 vampire series Moonlight on Thursday nights at 9 (after TVD re-runs). I caught the first episode last night and was pleasantly surprised--apparently there is room out there for another show about a tormented do-gooder vampire who fights crime.

It's actually impressive how unlike Forever Knight and Angel this show is, given all the surface similarities (for one thing, all three of our heroes apparently shop at the same car dealership). But Moonlight is clearly its own show.

Unlike the others, 90-year-old vampire Mick (Alex O'Loughlin, Hawaii Five-O) is less broody and more relatable. I'm not sure if it's an act the character is putting on (doesn't appear that way), but Mick seems every bit an average Joe (only, you know, with fangs). You can picture yourself having a laugh down at the pub with him, even if his drink of choice is A positive. He also has a real aura of emotional vulnerability about him. This character is deep and likeable--what more could you ask? An attractive blonde love interest, you say? Done!

Beth Turner (Sophia Myles, Underworld, Dracula) plays an LA internet tabloid reporter who, in the course of investigating a murder, ends up nearly outing the world's vampires. Not bad for the first episode. She's attractive, smart, capable, and has a connection to Mick that only he knows about (for now).

The cast of characters is rounded out by Mick's vampire buddies Josef (old, powerful, amoral, and paranoid; played by Jason Dohring from Veronica Mars), Guillermo (his contact at the coroner's office/blood supplier; played by Jacob Vargas, Death Race), and Coraline (his disturbed ex-wife/sire; played by Shannyn Sossamon, How to Make It in America). There are also mere mortals Steve Balfour (Beth's cameraman; played by Kevin Weisman, Alias), Mo (Beth's boss; played by Tami Roman, Summerland), and Lt. Carl Davis (played by Brian J. White, The Shield). The lesser characters could get annoying (particularly Josef, who is a little over the top) but hopefully they won't get enough onscreen time for it to be an issue.

Being a private investigator, it stands to reason that Mick's going to be solving a crime each episode. In "No Such Thing as Vampires," he and Beth end up joining forces to solve a murder by what appears to have been a vampire. The mystery/crime-solving storyline is meh. Not that interesting and super predictable. Luckily, that doesn't seem to be the main focus of the show. Think of it more as a framework for exploring the relationship between Mick and Beth, which looks quite promising indeed.

Aside from the lacklustre mysteries, the writing is decent, with snappy dialogue and voice-over narration that's neither intrusive nor too heavy on the exposition.

Moonlight's production values are interesting; you can tell they didn't have a huge budget, but what they did have they wisely invested in the vampires. I have to say the fangs look really good (possibly the best I've seen on a TV show). Smart move.

The cinematography was okay--nothing stood out as particularly good or bad (although the SO did comment that the cuts were very reminiscent of Angel). As far as the soundtrack is concerned, Evanescence's "My Immortal" was put to good use at the end of the episode.

The vampire mythology is unusual in a few ways. For one thing, Mick sleeps in a freezer (hope that ends up being explained). Also atypical: stakes don't kill vampires. And sunlight can be tolerated, although the longer the exposure the sicker the vampire becomes. Holy water, crucifixes, and garlic do nothing, and there's no turning into a bat (but Mick allows that would be cool). Mick's personal code of ethics also prevents him from feeding on innocents, women or children. When he's not injecting himself with plasma, he feeds only on those who deserve it (jerks of the world beware!) He also seems to be the only vampire injecting his meals.

There's a rumour that The CW might pick up the show and get it going again. If the rest of the episodes maintain the level set by "No Such Thing as Vampires" (or hey, maybe even surpass it), I really hope they do resurrect Moonlight. If you missed this show the first time around, now's your chance to make up for it (and maybe give Forever Knight and Angel a look too).

Fang Files

Appearance: Human until the vampire comes out, then ghostly white eyes and elegant fangs that descend or retract at will. When Mick injected himself with plasma, his eyes turned entirely red.

Strengths: Heightened senses, super speed, super strength, super stealth. Not easily hurt, quick to heal. Ability to levitate.

Weaknesses: Fire, beheading (the only things that will kill a vampire). Sunlight makes them progressively sicker, although they can tolerate it.

Mythology: A vampire will leave a telltale scent after feeding on/biting a human.

Sound Bites

Beth: I mean, obviously she had a thing for vampires.
Mick: Yeah, I guess they're back in style.

Josef: (re: Mick's refrigerated plasma) You seriously drink this stuff? What is it, like nonfat soy vegan blood?

Christian Ellis: When most people hear the word vampire, they immediately conjure up an image of some undead monstrosity running around at night trying to drink human blood.
Mick: I hate that.

Mick: Sixty years is a long time to deny yourself the touch of another, but you do it. Because you just can't bear the thought of seeing yourself as a monster in someone else's eyes.

Moonlight, Season 1 Episode 1 "No Such Thing as Vampires." Written by Trevor Munson and Ron Koslow. Directed by Rod Holcomb. From CBS/The CW.

Trailer: The Gates

Looks like there's no end in sight to this vampire "craze." Good thing too, even if I am slightly overwhelmed by everything out there, old and new. Speaking of new, ABC's decided to jump on the bandwagon with their upcoming show: The Gates, premiering 20 June (at 10 pm/9 central). Described as part Buffy (good) and part Desperate Housewives (dear gods, no) I'm sort of looking forward to it and sort of dreading it. Reviews may have to wait, though (did I mention I'm slightly overwhelmed). In the meantime, you can get a taste with this brief trailer:



There's also a series of short videos (press tours, sneak peeks) on the ABC site. Or you can save yourself the trauma of having to go to another page and just watch them here:



If Sunday nights don't work for you, you can always watch the full episodes on ABC's site, so really, there's no excuse for not watching. Unless it sucks (or maybe especially if it does).

Trailer: Lost Boys: The Thirst

The release of the Lost Boys: The Thirst trailer is bittersweet. Unlike The Tribe this Lost Boys sequel actually looks pretty good, not least because it reunites Corey Feldman and Jamison Newlander as the Frog brothers (and if it stays true to The Tribe comics, then Alan Frog is coming equipped with something other than stakes and a beret). On the other hand, Sam Emerson's not in it and he won't be coming back due to Corey Haim's sad death this past March. No matter how good The Thirst is, I know I won't be able to watch it without a pang of regret.