After a rather unspectacular opening, it’s pretty clear where we stand. The budget is low, and Sticky Fingaz (rapper turned actor) is basically imitating Wesley Snipes doing Blade. Rather than take his own personality and attribute it to the character of Blade, Mr. Fingaz seeks only to imitate Snipes. Suggestion from the director, or his own choice, either one is still an incredible misstep. Fingaz even imitates Snipes’ slight African accent, with no avail.
The accent jumps in and out, and there are expected changes to the plot. Now Blade has an entourage comprised of your usual characters, and the wolf pack, Whistler, Deacon Frost et al are all basically forgotten, and or never mentioned. Maybe it’s permanent or maybe they’re saving it for (wishful thinking on their part) future seasons. I liked the “Blade” series. While “Blade” may not have been a masterpiece, its successors were entertaining. It was only obvious a spin-off/series would be attempted. And it’s still a great idea.
“Blade” could end up being a harder edged “Angel” with the same cult status and fan following, but it’s short sighted. I have nothing against Sticky Fingaz, I’m sure he’s a committed actor, and Onyx was a pretty kick ass hip hop band, but “Blade” really isn’t the best vehicle, even if it does last for more than one season. Take into account the short shelf life of series on Spike, add to the short shelf life of series on basic cable, and the short shelf lives of comic book live action series, and “Blade” doesn’t stand a chance. And there are many reasons why.
The show is aimed at men and only at men, so that means there is no characterization, no focus on plot, and we’re left with many random scenes of Blade looking for a criminal while engaging in simplistic and awfully clunky choreography, while the obligatory cop/potential love interest/confidant is slowly introduced in the pilot.
Along with an odd walk-on by Randy Quaid, “Blade” really has no real aspirations to be more than a simple guy stalking vampires in the city series. And that will spell doom for a short life on television. And the series trails so far away from the films, that it will be unrecognizable to fans. Blade is vulnerable to sun light, no allusions or hints are made to past storylines or characters, and the pilot is utterly boring. Goyer, who has a knack for dialogue, really doesn’t even seem to be trying here. Characters look bored, the small cast is bland, and the plot is utterly listless. “Blade” may not be a terrible series judging only by the pilot, but it’s not a good enough series to inspire me to sit through more episodes to find out if it redeems itself.
Every Wednesday on Spike TV