12.10.2009 Richard Wilson & Rick English in "DRACULA"

BBC Series "Demons" Is Contemporary Version Of "Dracula"
December 10, 2009 08:46 pm CST
"The Twilight Saga" may be the current champion of vampire media, but there are plenty of other features focusing on the undead. The new series "Demons" is a modern-day update on author Bram Stoker's "Dracula," the quintessential vampire literature. Coming from the creators of other such fantasy features "Hex" and "Merlin," the show is a look at the evil forces that lurk in the streets of London in a manner not unlike "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." The story's protagonist is British teenager Luke Rutherford, played by "Doctor Who" actor Christian Cooke, who finds his completely ordinary life interrupted when he meets American Rupert Galvin (Philip Glenister). The best friend of Luke's long-deceased father, Galvin enlightens the young man about his heritage. Luke finds out that he comes from a lineage of vampire hunters dating back to "Dracula" hero Abraham Van Helsing, who was not only a real figure but Luke's great-great-grandfather. With Galvin's appearance, Luke learns that he has to take up his family's creed of defending the world from vampires, werewolves and other such creatures, all while maintaining the guise of a normal teen. Helping him in his training is blind pianist Mina Harker (Zoe Tapper) - another descendant of a "Dracula" character - and teaching him the mythology of his foes is Father Simeon (Richard Wilson). Among Luke's many enemies is Gladiolus Thrip (Mackenzie Crook), a powerful vampire who has loathed the Van Helsing family for years. Other monsters include Redlip (Martin Hancock), Gilgamel (Rick English) and Mr. Tibbs (Kevin McNally), a hybrid of a human and a rat. The series premiere of "Demons" will air on BBC America at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Following episodes are scheduled to air at 9 p.m. Saturdays.