The first episode of Blood Ties, the series based on the Tanya Huff books airs in the US on Lifetime on Sunday night (opposite Dresden Files, which makes no sense, b/c duh, same audience!)
That said, iTunes has the first episode (which is part 1 of 2, evidently) available for free download. Which I did. I *had* to watch this last night, after watching BSG (which, OMG) and Dresden (enjoyed).
Of all the on-air series right now, this one means such a great deal to me. Blood Price (the first book in the series) was my entry into the world of urban fantasy/vampires that weren’t evil, etc. This and subsequent books I discovered are the reason I write what I do.
My reaction to the show: I loved it. No ifs, ands, buts.
About halfway through watching the episode – I had this utterly fannish squeeful epiphany: this year, there will be THREE series on the air by THREE of my most favorite genre authors. In order of premier: Jim Butcher, Tanya Huff and in the fall on HBO, Charlaine Harris (of whom two I know personally). I cannot tell you what a total THRILL this was to realize. I must say I did let a small squeal of joy escape. ::g::
I’ll be interested to hear your thoughts for those of you that watch the show. theamusedone, this absolutely means you. ::g::
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(1) Casting – brilliant. I adore Christina Cox and she is totally what I pictured as Vicky. Some of you will recognize her from Due South, or perhaps Better Than Chocolate.
I was less immediately enthusiastic about the 2 actors cast as Henry and Mike (that is, from looking at the Web site); but once I saw them in action, I was convinced. The guy playing Norman is suitably creepy/smarmy/icky.
(2) How they treated the story – it’s directly the plot of the first book and I’m very pleased with their interpretation. It’s been updated a little, set in today’s Toronto, as opposed to late 80s/early 90s. Henry’s no longer a romance writer, but a graphic novelist (this info is on the Web site). It worked for me, no jarring inconsistencies.
(3) General cinematography – suitably moody/gloomy when need be. Some very nice effects.
(4) One thing I really hope they keep is Henry’s unabashed bisexuality. His relationship/mentorship of Tony, which evolves later into the spin-off books series is one of my favorite aspects of this writing.
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Woo hoo! I knew it was on this weekend but had no idea iTunes had it! That so makes my day suddenly so much better! As soon as I get home, I will be downloading it for sure, thank you for the heads up!
I am pretty sure I read somewhere that there is not going to be a Tony in the series, something I am most unhappy about. I actually liked the Smoke books so much more than the Blood ones. But then that could also be because Tanya really has evolved as a writer.
I am still a bit mystified about some of the casting I have been hearing about for the Charlaine Harris series, but who knows, Michael Ball has done some wonderful things, so fingers crossed.
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I’m a Tony fan too, so darn…
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It seems to be taking a hell of a time to come down from iTunes, but I’m glad you mentioned this or I’d've never known!
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Thanks for sharing — must remember to watch!!