I don’t know how many years it’s been since Young Dracula was last on TV. A few, I know that much. I watched series one all the way through, and despite missing Series 2, I remember catching up during a Summer holiday by watching it every morning. And then it stopped. Vlad the Chosen One, Count Dracula locked in a cage, and Ingrid wearing a crown that looked like it had stepped out of 60s Doctor Who.
And then. 2011. Announcement that Young Dracula returns for another series. First of all, gutted it wasn’t filmed in Wales (my home from home) and the old castle at Caerphilly (a place I’ve visited at least… three times). But the location move hasn’t affected the new series in a bad way. It’s made it better and added to the story.
Being several years after Series 2, things have changed. Me for a start. Normally I wouldn’t watch a show on CBBC anymore, but the brilliance of the previous two series of Young Dracula made me want to watch the new series. And the new series is AWESOME.
Episode One begins with Ingrid on the run from slayers, Vlad and dad Count Dracula living in a school, and Renfield without a memory. The scene with Ingrid on the run is directed brilliantly, and the action, and the stunning location already give the feel for the new series. And then we cut to Vlad, who is considerably older than he was last time we saw him. And considerably more Vampire-like. But it’s clear that actors, characters and even theme has grown up in the series, and it doesn’t feel odd that me, a 16 year old, should be watching it. It’s more a grown up series, and it doesn’t neglect a younger viewer (with moments of humour dotted in in places) or a new viewer (with recaps on what happened last time).
Location is a big thing in the first episode. The forest, the roads and the school are all brilliantly cut together, and all give the perfect atmosphere. Having the main character being able to turn into a bat is also useful – meaning that Vlad isn’t stuck in a school or his home. Or his coffin, for the whole thing. The music also seems better in the episode, where used, and helps to add the drama and the darkness that this new series has brought in excellently.
The characters are a hell of a lot better now. Not that they were bad before, but they’ve all progressed. The relationship with Vlad and the Count is portrayed better, Ingrid is a stronger character (and the scene where she and Vlad meet again is perfect writing, directing and acting) and the new character of Erin is also excellent. The relationship between Vlad and Erin adds something which was absent in the first two series, and the developments all the characters, the location and the series has gone through make it feel like this series is expanding. The core theme of Vlad wanting to remain human is still there, but it’s been developed and is now portrayed better.
Basically, this new series is fantastic. The atmosphere is perfect, the acting is perfect, the characters are perfect, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching episode one. Twice. So far. I’ve also seen episode two, and a review for that will be coming later. But episode one sets a very high standard for the rest of the series. It needs to keep pushing Vlad’s character, his relationships, and needs to bring in other stuff as well (and since I’ve watched episode two, I can say it’s doing well on all of that so far).
Young Dracula is the perfect series and it’s a kids programme that doesn’t need age boundaries. There’s stuff in there to appeal to everyone, it is just, overall perfect.
Fingers crossed for an excellent series. Oh – and Vlad and Erin (or at least, the people who play Vlad and Erin) have created an unofficial soundtrack for the series. You can download their song here: http://soundcloud.com/rgsentertainment/syd-feat-gerran-howell-sun. The song is truly awesome, and I suggest that all of you listen to it immediately. And it’s a free download as well.
Or you can follow them on Twitter. @GezFez @shidknee.
More reviews coming soon.
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