"Kat Scratch Fever" Review: Vampire Diaries Season 2 debut: The Return

     **Caution, may contain spoilers if you’ve not seen the episodes yet!**

"What Happened?" / "Katherine Happened!".

Well last night we saw the highly anticipated debut of The Vampire Diaries Season 2, aptly titled The Return and OMD! (Oh My Damon!) what a RETURN it was!

Picking up exactly where season 1 had left off, with Elena returning home to the ominous threat of the fierce, Katherine Pierce having been, "invited in" her home, with the only option, as Damon quite wittingly pointed out, being: "Move!"

This Return episode was, in my opinion, chocked full of:
 
Shock - with what Damon did to Jeremy           and       
Awe - the glimpse of Stefan's potential "badassness"      and
Touching Honesty - Elena's heartfelt revelation to and observation of Damon : "I care for you!" (her revelation) / "You care" (her observation).

And not to (forget to) mention heart break - when Katerine, all but drove a stake through Damon with her revelation that "it has always been Stefan"... and it didn't help that Elena, her "dead ringer", practically told him the same thing in a later scene.
It's like I said in the past, in one of my previous posts > Sympathy for The D-Man: Damon Salvatore, it's no wonder Damon has trust issues.

Ultimately, The Return episode saw Katherine leaving her scratches on just about everyone, most notably Damon, which in turn drove the episode onward at a fever pace.

And as usual with TVD, just when you thought it couldn't get any better... the end is only the beginning, as the final scene proved... Oh, sweet Caroline-a!

Here's a preview of next weeks episode!

Ready to take a bite, back into Fall: True Blood, Lost Girl, Three Inches/ Kyle Schmid, Vampire Diaries, etc

Well dear readers, I'm officially back from my Vampire(less) Vacation ready to bite (back) into a fang-tastic Fall. 

To the extent that I have added a new profile picture of yours truly all "vamped" out (well somewhat), sporting my Blood Ties vampire Henry Fitzroy tee from Cafe Press, reading Gabrielle Faust's Eternal Vigilance Book 1, while wearing my Lost Boys handmade bottlecap necklace by Holly Sparks . There was also my True Blood mug which I had forgotten to include in the pic at the time of taking, but nonetheless, I photoshoped it in, LoL! ;)

So, although my vacances (as they say en français) was supposed to be vampireless, it wasn't, at least not entirely. 

I still made sure to tune into True Blood - can you say helluva good season or what? Give or take a few unnecessary story lines, like that of Lafayette. I mean I like him as a character and all, but seriously, where is his and Jesus' storyline going to? 
Regardless though, I still think Alan Ball is a genuis in the way he has carved out his niche, making True Blood an original, stand alone show, to that of the books on which it is based.  

My only hope though, is that for season 4, with whatever changes he continues to make, that Alan Ball at least sticks to the Eric/Sookie saga that makes up book 4 Dead to the World. 
Mr. Ball I beg of you :)


Still on True Blood, of course by now, everyone and their vampire (or Alexander Skarsgard ;) loving mother, have probably already seen the (now infamous?) Rolling Stone cover of Alex/Eric, Anna/Sookie and Stephen/Bill. 

Well although I was in a part of the world where I couldn't readily put my hands on the mag, thank goodness for good friends. My best friend (who is probably reading this post and smiling :) was able to secure me a copy for my collection. I'm hoping/assuming that she may have secured one for herself as well as I know she, like me, is an everloving Eric/Alex fan ;o)


And with True Blood's season 3 finale set for next Sunday 12th of September, that Rolling Stone mag may be all that we have to tide us over 'til season 4 debuts next Spring/Summer 2011 (most likley, as per usual in June).

But whereas I remembered to tune into one vampire tv show, I forgot to tune in another vampire... (werewolf, witch, succubus) show, ABC's The Gates . But from what I've been reading, it's probably on its way to being cancelled, if it hasn't been already (though there has been no "official" word as yet).


I tried. I really did try to give this show a chance, but it was just so... bloodless and lackluster (worse than a hungry, pasty skinned vampire). 

And speaking of succubus, set to debut next Sunday, September 12th is a new show on Canada's ShowCase channel called Lost Girl. From the promo trailer <(seen here and included at the bottom of this post), this show looks hot/cool. With lots of action and an intriging storyline, I will definitely be tuning in. And what's more, Peter Mohan who brought us Blood Ties is an executive producer on Lost Girl (along with Prodigy Pictures' Jay Firestone).


And speaking of Blood Ties (yes, I do love a good segue :o). 
More vampire type news broke while I was away on vacay. This one involving a vampire three way (sort of). 


Our, as in my and fans of his, favourite (former vampire) actor Kyle Schmid (he played vampire Henry Fitzroy in Blood Ties) announced about 2 weeks ago, via his FaceBook page that he was set to star in a new pilot on the SyFy channel called Three Inches , cast as Brandon (aka: Captain Normal). And get this, Kyle will be alongside another favourite (former vampire) James Marsters (Spike from Buffy The Vampire Slayer.)


Yes my dear fang fans, vampire Henry Fitzroy (or "Captain Fantastic" as he was once called  by his Blood Ties co-star Christina Cox) and vampire Spike (aka: "William the Bloody", aka: "Captain Peroxide") will both be gracing our screens in one show, albeit not as vampires this time, but as "semi" or "not so super" heroes. 


As a fan of both of these actors, needless to say, I'm looking forward to seeing this show. 


And to complete the vampire three way (sort of). James Marsters will be a guest star on the premiere episode of the re-imagined Hawaii Five-0, which is headed by, you guessed it, another former vampire, this being MoonLight's Mick St. John himself, Alex O'Loughlin. Hawaii Five-0 is set to debut on September 20th, 2010.


So here, three cheers to having three of y/our favourite former vampires on the small screen again.

Of course this Fall, another of our current favourite vampire shows is set to return as well. Come this week, Thursday, September 9th, The Vampires Diaries will be back for its second season on the CW (US) and CTV (Canada) - note TVD airs at 8pm eastern in the USA, but 7pm eastern in Canada. Yes we lucky Canucks get to see it one hour beforehand (is it because the lead Nina Dobrev who plays Elena is Canadian?)


As well Supernatural - (we know they always have a vampire or two in there somewhere, so they more than deserve a mention) - it returns on Friday, September 24th, at 9pm (lead in by Smallville at 8pm). 
Yes, unfortunately the bothers Winchester have been bumped from Thursday nights by a new show, Nikita, set to debut on the CW.

More news on the vamp-tastic front. Canada's Space Channel (where on we get our daily dose of all/most things Sci-fi, Fantasy and Horror) have begun airing the BBC's Being Human series. They aired the first season in its entirety one week towards the end of August. And subsequently will be re-airing these season 1 episodes beginning Thursday September 16th at 10pm. They plan to air season 2 of Being Human, on Thursday October 28th, 10pm eastern.

And speaking of Being Human. The aforementioned SyFy Channel is doing their own, North Americanized version of the UK cult hit. And guess what? Said version is being shot right here in Montréal. 

Back at the beginning of August and on different occasions, I was fortunate enough to stumble upon two of the filming locations, albeit I did not know for what series at the time. However, upon research, I had soon discovered that it was indeed for this SyFy remake. (Here's a listing of films which have been shot in/around Montréal )


This re-imagined series will star a few familiar faces. Notably Sam Witwer (who played Davis Bloome / Doomsday on Smallville), Mark Pellegrino (last seen on Supernatural and on Lost respectively) and Meaghan Rath, a Montreal actress, whom I recall fondly from the series 15/Love with Laurence Leboeuf who currently stars in the local Quebecois series Trauma, the set of which, again I stumbled upon just this past Friday while in the Old Port area.

In vampire music related news now. If you're in Montréal this coming Wednesday, 8th of September you can catch New York indie rock band Vampire Weekend performing at Métropolis.  


And last but not least, I recently answered a few interview questions about Blogging via WhoHub. My responses can be read> here.  

From a Vampire Weekend... to a Vampire(less) Vacation!

Well, just last week, my best friend and I had, literally, a fang-tastic weekend, where in we stayed up late, pulling all nighters (or close to "dawners") and had our share of vampire related fare such as season 1 and 2 of True Blood, season 1 and 2 of Blood Ties... and even some aliens thrown in à la the Roswell tv series from 1999. We even had Vampire Gourmet coffee to wake us up. It was truly a fun time.

Now, this weekend, yours truely, will be off to a warmer clime for about 2 weeks or more on a Vampire-less Vacation, because, well, let's face it, ain't no way a real vampire will survive in the heat and sun, farless closer to the equator... (unless of course they're Twilight vampires, then they'd just "sparkle" us mortals to death, LoL!) 

So I'll see you all back here some time in the Fall/September, with my usual occasional vampire related posts, be it a book review or two (a few of which I'm taking on holiday), movie reviews (when I return I have to go see Vampires Suck... It's looks absolutely hilarious) and general observations, postings and vampire files! :[

Have a fang-tastic rest of the summer everyone, and see you all again... on the dark side of the sun! ;)

Vampire Henry Fitzroy's re-Birth-day... & actor Kyle Schmid's Birthday.

 
So today, Friday July 23rd, is somewhat of an auspicious day for those of us who are vampire fans. And more so, for those of us who are fans of a specific, Royal, blue blooded (albeit bastard) vampire Prince.

And whom might that vamp, du (ce) jour, be?

It's none other than vampire Henry Fitzroy.

Today marks the day when, thanks to the creative genius of author Tanya Huff, the real life persona of Henry Fitzroy, bastard son of King Henry VIII and 1st Duke of Richmond and Somerset, died, but was re-born into the world of Huff's Blood Books as, vampire.


Today is also the day when, in the zodiac, the sun enters Leo and will remain there until August 22nd. Leo is represented by the symbol of the proud lion, which in essence, it (the lion) is also a royal symbol. Noted among the traits of a Leo personality are: Loyalty, self-confidence, charisma.

And speaking of Leo's and vampires (and don't you just love a good segue? :)  

The actor who embodied and breath life into the aforementioned vampire Henry Fitzroy on tv's Blood Ties also celebrates his own birthday under the zodiac sign of the Lion.

Yes Kyle Schmid is, as vampire Henry Fitzroy was, a Leo (albeit of the other month).  




Kyle will be celebrating his birthday coming up on August 3rd and in anticipation of this, an e-card was put together for him, for his fans to sign and leave messages.
Said card can be signed> here.






His Blood Ties co-star, actress Christina Cox also celebrates her birthday under the sign of Leo. This "lioness" celebrates this month, on July 31st, and an e-card has also been created for her fans to leave messages for her. Her card can be signed> here.

Movie Review: The Sorcerer's Apprentice

So, once again, I interrupt the usual "vampire themed" posts of this blog to bring you a general movie review. Albeit, the film is of the fantasy genre (with some aspects of mild horror) and one of the two lead actors did play in vampire back in 1988 (so you see, in a way, it's still "all connected" :)

So what film am I talking about? 

What film, filled with fantasy, magic AND physics, mild horror, adventure, humour, great action and special effects and an actor who once played a vampire in 1988  (the film in question being The Vampire's Kiss)?

Why it's Disney's The Sorcerer's Apprentice of course. Starring Nicolas Cage and hometown (Montreal/Canadian) boy Jay Baruchel.

The Sorcercer's Apprentice made its Canadian debut, as the opening film feature at the commencement of the 14th edition of the Montreal Fantasia Film Festival, hosted, as it has been for the past several years by my alma mater (and present place of employ) Concordia University.

In one of the venue's largest theaters, 700 of us (or more if you include the actor Jay Baruchel and the Disney representatives who were present) were treated to the screening of said film, in advance of its opening next Wednesday, July 14th (date on above poster is incorrect).

And what a treat it was.

After the general Festival opening announcements, Baruchel, in a state of, what can only be described as "giddy, geeky, glee" introduced the film to the happy hometown audience. Then we sat back and allowed the magic to unfold.

Without giving too much (or anything) away, I can safely say that The Sorcercer's Apprentice was indeed an enjoyable film. 

Nic Cage made good as the "just a bit" crazy master sorcerer Balthazar Blake, on the quest to find the one who could be the next  to acquire Merlin's magic and defeat the evil Morgana.

And Jay Baruchel proved to be well cast as the nerdy, endearing, reluctant hero / apprentice.

With a nice, balanced blend of action, adventure and pretty cool special effects. The film takes the viewer on a fun ride, reminiscent of classic Disney / Bruckheimer fare. And it'd also no doubt leave you laughing out loud at some unexpected moments in dialogue.

If you enjoyed The National Treasure movies, then you will certainly enjoy The Sorcerer's Apprentice.


I've to give Special Thanks to Cindy Canavan (Manager of the University's IITS Cinemas team). As well as to the Disney Reps whom I'd had the pleasure of meeting.

True Blood: A Vampire Villanelle

So last week, I was given the assignment (in my poetry writing workshop) to write a Villanelle. (An example of which is the popular Dylan Thomas' Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night.)

Now mind you, I am (have always been) more of a free verse writing type poet. So as much as I may enjoy reading the occasional, traditional/ structured poetry, like, for example, Sonnets, I'm not much for writing them.

Nevertheless, I decided to take on the challenge of writing the Villanelle. And what a challenge it was... Until!

Until I decided to write on two of my favourite topics. Vampires, and more specifically True Blood.

And how apropos, because with season 3 almost upon us (with only 3 days left to go from today, June 10th), and as waiting has sucked to the point (of a fang) of wanting to "do bad things", here's hoping to God(ric) that the vampire villanelle helps sustain, even if only for a little bite... I mean bit! ;)

True Blood:  a Vampire Villanelle

 
 

True, it’s in the Blood and we know it all too well.
You don’t know how much is at stake!
'til Sunday, seeking solace in vampire Villanelle.

Season one was fangtastic, there was so much to tell.
How much more waiting does it take?
True it’s in the Blood and we know it all too well.

On Bill, Eric and Sam, *Sookeeh seems to have cast a spell.
Waiting sucks! Don’t tempt a fans’ faith.
'til Sunday, seeking solace in vampire Villanelle.

Lafayette’s a charm. Baby vamp Jessica’s a thrill, hell
Almost all in Bon Temps are just about great.
True, it’s in the Blood and we know it all too well.

Season two started strong. Close to the end it kinda fell.
Although, “I will Rise up” … the best episode to date.
'til Sunday, seeking solace in vampire Villanelle.

Season 3, soon we’ll see Alcide. So gravely we wait. We dwell.
HBO’s campaign? Bloody icing on the cake!
True, it’s in the Blood and we know it all too well.
'til Sunday, seeking solace in vampire Villanelle.

 

* Sookie – as per the way vampire Bill pronounces it on the show - Sookeeh

© 2010

"True" it's in the "Blood" T-minus 13 to the 13/06/2010 @ 9pm

Right now it's 9:00pm (eastern)on June 1st ... Day number 13 is almost over. Then tomorrow, day number 12, and the day after that, number 11... Can you feel it? Can you hear it? Can you smell it? Can you see it? Can you taste it? The anticipation is growing. Hell it's been growing for some time now. Since season 2 ended last summer... and boy does Waiting. Ever. Suck.  

But thank God(ric) our thirst will soon be quenched, as by about this time on Sunday June 13th, we'll be "neck" deep, back into one of our favourite shows. If you haven't figured out by now... I'm talking about True Blood baby!

HBO, the clever "suckers" that they are, have been teasing us die hard TrueBie fan(g)s relentlessly with their True Blood promos: "In Production" (behind the scenes shots), and the "Drop of Blood" minisodes, and the collectible posters ( VILF anyone ;) .... I'm sure some fans are just about ready to vamp, or better yet "were" out on someone's as...terix!  And speaking of Weres, well, we'll all see Alcide as he enters the Bill, Sookie, Eric triangle.

In any case (of TruBlood) while we continue to wait and count the days, towards nine that night, here are some random TrueBlood Season 3 stuff for the necking, oops I mean "checking". Enjoy!

HBO’s “Welcome Home” promo w/ True Blood S3 Clips

True Blood S3 official trailer # 3

True Blood S3 Invitation to the set

True Blood S3 minisode # 1 - Eric and Pam

True Blood S3 minisode # 2 - Jessica

True Blood S3 minisode # 3 – Sookie, Lafayette and Tara

True Blood S3 minisode # 4 - Sam

True Blood S3 minisode # 5 - Bill 

Exclusive clip True Blood S3 Eric and Sookie talk about Bill

Bite Bits: Kyle Schmid, VampChix, Faust and Fowley.

I interrupt the general vampire themed posts of this blog, to bring you a little acting review.... Well technically, the post is still "on point" as the actor in question has played a vampire before as well.

I'm speaking of Kyle Schmid, who played the vampire Henry Fitzroy in the tv show Blood Ties and who can now be seen in the new Canadian indie film GravyTrain. (Review on the new film GravyTrain in which Kyle Schmid co-stars with April Mullen and Tim Doiron redirects > Here!)

**Warning - This post may contain spoilers**

Kyle Schmid as Lance Dancaster in GravyTrain

Ok, so I know I can't do a review of GravyTrain, without giving mention to one of the actors there in, Kyle Schmid.

After all "some" (if not all) reading this review, may count themselves to be among his fans, who, though they (unfortunately) may have to wait a bit yet to see the film, are eagerly awaiting it, and are nonetheless, probably looking forward to hearing about his performance therein.
 
Well, I shan't give too much away regarding the plot a/o his role therein, but I must say, that the character of Lance Dancaster (as compared to the other characters of which we have seen Kyle play thus far) was yet another interesting departure for Mr. Schmid. And as we fans know, each of those other characters, in turn having been equally different from the other. 

Kyle embodied the character of the geeky Lance to a "baby blue turtle neck" T, injecting his performance with the personality, humour and mannerism of a sometimes bumbling, not-quite-adept, pencil pushing desk cop dork, who continuously, albeit vainly, tries to compete with Chuck GravyTrain's more cool, #1 cop persona.   


A friend, with whom I went to see the GravyTrain flick, and who by the way is not a fan of Kyle's (in the sense of, she has not seen much of his work and only knows about him because of yours truly... thus her opinion is an "unbiased" one), she told me, totally unsolicited mind you, that, and I quote:

"I think Kyle is a good actor and has the potential to do great things. This role was very different (from playing a vampire) but it's nice to see that he doesn't take himself too seriously and can take on the role of a goofy, funny character. I've seen him in *3 different movies and he portrays someone different in all of them. I'd like to see him in a comedy again."

*The "3 different movies" of which she is referring are: Zerophilia and The Blood Ties series and now GravyTrain.

Kyle Schmid continues to "become" or "inhabit" his roles on such a chameleon level that it's wonderful to watch. It is, to quote author Gabrielle Faust in a recent interview: "as if he has been that person in real life".

But to use a quote from Lance himself as he spoke to his "potato tooth-picked people" (as pictured above): "Don't believe what you hear I tell ya..."  But rather go catch GravyTrain if/when it pulls into a cinema station near you and see for yourself.

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And speaking of  author Gabrielle Faust and "recent interview". Be sure to have a read of said interview which Gabrielle did recently with Raelynn Coombs of the Memphis Vampire Examiner, see Here!

There in Faust talks about Kyle (yes Faust is also a fan), her life and work including her acclaimed post apocalyptic vampire series Eternal Vigilance (which by the way, there is a petition to: Help Make Eternal Vigilance into a movie!)

For those who haven't you should consider giving the Eternal Vigilance series a read. 

It's been continuously getting great reviews & the legendary Kim Fowley (record producer & former manager of The Runaways) recently compared Ms. Faust's writing to Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling. See the Dangerous Minds interview Here (at bite bit 14:17)!

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And speaking of vamp chicks like Ms. Faust.  One of my favourite blogs which I follow, VampChix has a new blog banner for those wishing to add to your blog or site to "show everyone you love vampires". You can find the banner Here!

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