Vampires appear to be making a comeback on the small display, and Syfy brings a comedic entry into the resurgence.
Reginald the Vampire Season 1 Episode 1 managed to offer some light-hearted vampire enjoyable whereas staying true to vampires.
Whereas its seriousness remains to be evident, we are able to recognize its enjoyable in a time when critical (Let The Proper One In) or sexual (Interview With a Vampire) vampires appear to reign.
The premiere arrange all the season properly however did not do a lot else to attract us in.
Jacob Batalon portrays Reginald splendidly, and we hope the present improves because the season leaves setup mode.
In a world filled with remakes and reboots, the freshness of Reginald the Vampire supplies a superb signal of aid.
Based mostly on Johnny B. Truant’s novel, Fats Vampire, the collection follows Reginald as he turns into a vampire and offers with the inner politics that replicate his real-world points.
Whereas the lore of vampires stayed the identical (like how he bought turned, the daylight factor, and so forth.), the collection provides an thrilling factor to its plot: fatphobia.
Reginald had already been coping with fatphobia at work and all through his on a regular basis life, however the vampire neighborhood did not approve of his dimension both.
Maurice, the vampire that turned him, desires to maintain his existence as hidden as doable to keep away from the high-up vampires’ scrutiny.
That is Syfy’s second foray into plus-sized illustration in sci-fi/fantasy media this 12 months, with Astrid and Lilly Save The World’s first season earlier this 12 months.
A crossover sooner or later can be tremendous cool (simply saying, SYFY), however again to Reginald.
Jacob Batalon, who comes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ned Leeds (Peter Parker’s greatest good friend), leads the solid as Reginald.
He portrays the titular character splendidly, showcasing his comedic capability and emotional vary.
Sadly, the primary episode falls right into a sample of many first episodes: it is all arrange.
Reginald bought turned. He handled the ramifications. He tried out his new powers.
Whereas they solely hinted on the extra profound politics of this world’s vampires, the hints proved attention-grabbing.
The pinnacle vampire, performed by Savannah Basley (a SYFY alum from Wynonna Earp and SurrealEstate), appears to be fairly menacing and harbored points with the vampire that turned Reginald, Maurice.
Maurice proved attention-grabbing, as he seemingly cared for Reginald as his maker.
Performed by Mandela Van Peebles (Mayor of Kingstown), Maurice turned Reginald and acted as his mentor.
Hopefully, Reginald and Maurice’s friendship will proceed to develop as a result of they’re an incredible pair.
Their chemistry works properly, and with Maurice being Reginald’s maker, there’s loads of alternative for a captivating relationship.
As talked about, although, the hour primarily launched all the things with out many indicators of the whole thing of the collection’ high quality.
The plot is there, and the characters are established, so hopefully, we’ll get extra from the episodes sooner or later.
The consequences are serviceable, and the blood appears to be like nice—nothing t, however nothing extremely monumental both.
The romance facet of the collection may take extra of the forefront within the coming weeks, however that is probably not a nasty factor.
The romantic curiosity of Batalon’s Reginald is Sarah, performed by Em Haine (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), and their chemistry (to this point) is gratifying.
The hour noticed Reginald ask her out, then break up together with her the subsequent day after lacking her date (due to the vampire factor).
The episode ended together with her displaying up at his place demanding they discuss as a result of she appreciated him and him making an attempt to regulate his vampiric urges.
Reginald’s vampire training have to be fast-tracked if he desires his buddies to remain alive.
Hopefully, spherical two will reveal how he handles the scenario with Sarah!
We would like them to make it in some way work out, however a vampire courting a human does not seem to be a good suggestion (particularly when there are not any werewolves concerned — that we all know of).
As soon as we get previous the setup, the present could also be brilliantly hilarious or depressingly unfunny and tiresome.
Hopefully, the inspiration in place will launch the collection right into a humorous success.
The supply materials is six novels lengthy, so there are many concepts to go throughout the universe.
The plethora of latest vampire media in 2022 appears bizarre, however most (if not all) of the opposite exhibits/films have taken a critical and darkish method.
Possible in comparison with the opposite vampire comedy on cable, FX’s What We Do In The Shadows, Reginald The Vampire occupies a bizarre area in style tv.
What We Do In The Shadows and Resident Alien function the exception to the rule, however style comedies are a distinct segment that does not usually get a lot consideration.
Jacob Batalon will draw his followers from the MCU over to Syfy, however will or not it’s sufficient to achieve success?
Hopefully, the collection will enhance from right here due to its potential within the premiere.
Batalon’s efficiency holds up, and the plus-sized facet of vampire politics might be fairly attention-grabbing (if executed properly).
Solely time will inform if the collection turns into profitable, however the debut teased what’s to return, and the present’s intrigue is there.
Hopefully, the subsequent hour will decide up the pacing and transfer previous the setup.
So, Fanatics, what did you consider the primary episode?
Will you be tuning into extra Reginald the Vampire?
Tell us within the feedback beneath, and keep in mind to observe Reginald the Vampire on-line right here!
Michael Stack is a workers author for TV Fanatic. Comply with him on Twitter.
