Deseret News | 'Moonlight' is not so bright

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Scott D. Pierce: 'Moonlight' is not so bright

SuLi | 5:55 a.m. April 25, 2008

Please make sure that you have the correct spelling of the actors involved...I would think that it's a pretty basic fact to check. It's Alex O'Loughlin, NOT O'Laughlin (unless you meant it as a pun because of your apparent disdain for the show).

While I admit that the show isn't going to win any awards for writing/acting, I enjoy it very much. It didn't appreciate the show until the 5th episode, and I believe that it is now hitting its stride.

It's a great escapist show, with actors that DO have amazing chemistry. Your review makes it seem like you've never even watched beyond a handful of episodes.

Susie | 6:48 a.m. April 25, 2008

You're wrong on many points in your article, one significant one would be that the fans of this show would want to put a stake through your heart. You've missed the mark on that. You have no idea what we're about. You're talking about people who gave their blood in support of this show - we're a kinder, gentler fan base - willing to take one for the tribe.
As mentioned earlier - Journalism 101 dictates that good or bad review you should at least have the courtesy to spell things correctly.
I don't agree with your review, and I don't think you have enough insight into the series. There are some correlations with previous vamp genre TV, but there are strikingly different aspects as well.
As for the acting - you couldn't be more wrong. Alex O'Loughlin has an amazing range and am almost natural ability to capture this character. If you're basing your opinion on one episode then you are cheating yourself and your readers out of the truth about the show.
C'mon over to the darkside - we'll show you the truth about Moonlight.

sarah | 7:18 a.m. April 25, 2008

can appreciate that vamp/drama shows may not be everyones cup of tea. have to state that I love this show.The storylines, actors and dont like the fact that show is compared to the likes of Angel(didnt like it) etc.Moonlight is a character based drama so what if the main character is a vamp there is so much more to this show than blood and fangs.Advise anyone to give this show a chance took me 2 episodes to get hooked and am now actively campaigning alongside thousands of others to get renewal.xx

Comments continue below

Suzanne | 7:42 a.m. April 25, 2008

Hmmm...I'm afraid I disagree with many points in your article. Beth's boyfriend died two episodes ago, not in the last episode. We saw her grieve for all of episode 11 and all of 12, and now we are ready to watch her move on.

The chemistry between Mick and Beth is palpable, and both leads are amazing actors. The concept of 'vampires among us' is refreshing, and Mick's character is very different from Angel or other past vamp PI's.

I'm guessing that you only saw the first and perhaps second episodes of the series. I hope you will give it another chance. You might find it's a great show. I know I did.

EmmaLee | 9:18 a.m. April 25, 2008

I enjoy watching Moonlight and am very excited about its return. But I have to agree with the criticisms of the detective elements of the show. It would be much more interesting if Mick ends up in France fighting to save Coraline from her brothers and finding out more of the mythology of the show. I like Mick and Beth together, but I can guess whodunit pretty quickly, so that aspect of the show is fairly weak.

Debbie | 1:44 p.m. April 25, 2008

It is pretty obvious you have not watched Moonlight!
If you think there is not enough chemistry between Mick and Beth.....you are blind my friend or have not watched this show at all!!!!
The show is well rounded it has a little bit of everything for everyone, and there is tons they can expand on. I think it is one of CBS's best shows and CBS would be really making a mistake not to renew for next season. Both Alex O'laughlin and Sophia Myles are great actors. Watch the next four episodes and you will be educate yourself about the show.

storm | 5:44 p.m. April 25, 2008

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt."-- Abraham Lincoln (also attr. Confucius)

"It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt."-- Mark Twain (1835-1910)

-both/either are applicable...you're clueless on this topic.

LB | 7:36 p.m. April 25, 2008

I agree actually. I had started watching Moonlight over Blood Ties because it was bigger budget and I was afraid of a repeat of the delicious Canadian cheesiness that was Forever Knight. Moonlight really is poorly acted and written. I tried watching it again tonight and had to turn it off 20 minutes in because it is just that bad. There is no chemistry between the characters, the vampire constantly comes off as too old for the lead female. The plots don't even try for an original execution. Any time I've seen it I feel like I've been there, done that and bought the t-shirt.

To storm | 10:01 p.m. April 25, 2008

Someone who has quote someone else has no thoughts of their own.

AshleyLynn | 10:02 p.m. April 25, 2008

You obviously haven't watched Moonlight or you just hate the vampire genre all together. Sure a vampire saving lives has been done before, but not like this. I've seen every vampire movie and show and read every vampire novel I can find. I've never seen anything quite like Moonlight.

How you can think that there is no chemistry between Mick and Beth is laughable. You obviously have no clue what love looks like then.

There is also the fact that you spelled Alex O'Loughlin's name wrong. You obviously didn't do any research into this article at all.

rijane | 11:04 p.m. April 25, 2008

I love Moonlight. I'll admit, there is the odd cheesy moment and the writing has some issue, but there is so much more to it. The MickBeth chemistry, the Josef snark, the vampire lore. Give this show another shot. You won't regret it.

Roger Michael | 11:43 p.m. April 25, 2008

He (Mick) is obviously in love with one woman--Beth--and after tonight, it can never be, because she exists within the reality of a dream that he can never wake up from--the dream of being human. Mick gave that up for Beth because their is a connection between the two. I agree, the mystery of the plot is somewaht dry from the latest episode, but the inter-communicative aspects of this outside vampire society is most intriguing. That these vampires operate by laws or a vampiric code makes for potential milieu of future episodes.... It kinda gets you in the neck of things.

Brenda | 12:06 a.m. April 26, 2008

Just to preface, I was never a particular fan of the vampire genre, was aware that the vamp-PI thing had been done before, and just watched Moonlight at first because it came on after Ghostwhisperer. I was very pleasantly surprised and soon completely won over. I don't usually get so involved with a TV show, I'm nearly 50 years old for heavens sake, but Moonlight and the online boards have got me acting like a teenager and I love it! Sure, the show's not perfect, but it is so refreshing from the endless reality and game show dreck that has dominated TV the last few years. Moonlight had a slow start and the the long interruption but it's hitting its stride now. Give it a fair chance!

Anonymous | 4:13 p.m. April 26, 2008

Wow. I understand you all like the show but do you really need to personally attack someone just because he *gasp* has a different opinion than you? Really, people. A little defensive, are we?

Lunalux | 6:10 p.m. April 26, 2008

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I would hope that someone who wields any level of influence would make sure they had done their due diligence. So? Have you watched all 13 episodes? No? Okay, maybe you should, and then give a balanced review.

I have never watched a vampire show before, but after making minimal effort in January when the show was in reruns, I discovered that these characters were interesting and I wanted to know more about them. No chemistry? You're joking, right? Again, watch all 13 episodes.

I can appreciate that a critic may be just a little jaded, and cynical when most of what is on network TV is just some rehased drivel. Easy to dismiss it, and that's what the masses do. Have to commit and invest time in a story about people? Easier to turn on a reality show (oh yeah they're real), is the 21st century equivalent of the Roman coliseum, thumb up, thumb down, no intellectual investment, where afterwards we can talk about the participants like we really know them, and what they do really matters. I apologize. You see its not only critics who are jaded and cynical about the medium.

Me | 9:50 a.m. April 28, 2008

I can actually understand the criticism about the procedural elements, they are often not wrapped up properly and only are the canvas on which the relationship elements are painted. On the other hand it is exactly the MickBeth relationship that keeps me entertained and captivated. If I wanted CSI, I would watch it. This show is original, sometimes cheesy (and I sometimes crave some cheese), lots of snarky and sexy and I love it.

botias | 2:04 p.m. April 28, 2008

Hon, just relax, it's a chick thing. Moonlight is so bad that it's funny, and it's worth it to see Jason Dohring play an amoral vampire. Sometimes, one just wants entertainment that panders rather than challenges, and this... panders like crazy.

Clau | 6:20 p.m. April 28, 2008

Like someone up here said you are entitled to your opinion but believe me it's not what most people think, I really love the show and has a huge fan base it's gonna be like La Femme Nikita a cult series. Thank you

Jessica | 11:42 a.m. May 4, 2008

I am not going to be like all the other people commenting and say that you are wrong. You are entitled to your opinion - most definitely. But I am going to give my opinion and say the following.

The show has a huge fan base and tons of fans are in love with the show. (Myself included.) In your refrence to the show being a lot like other vampire/detective shows out there, there may be some similarities, but also a lot of differences.

This show is way more than a few cheesy lines and unperfect writing. Not all shows can have the best writers. But people don't watch this show just for Alex O Laughlin. This show has a natural attraction for the thought of a vampire existence and that vampires and mortals can fall in love. Also the struggle for humanity, and being content with what you are, (Mick's struggle with being a vamp.)

The show has a complex plot line, and interesting plot twists. Give it another chance, and you may like it better than you thought.

Yvonne | 1:06 a.m. May 8, 2008

His name is spelled Alex O'Loughlin. Please spell it right. "Moonlight" Fans are very passionate about this show. I know because I'm one and love every second of "Moonlight". There's not another television series like this one. "Moonlight" is packed full of all the things that can put a smile on your face. I wait all week for Friday so I'll see my "Moonlight". And my husband likes it as much as I do. Please give our "Moonlight" a chance, watch it and get hooked.

paranormalfan | 11:47 a.m. May 8, 2008

More chemistry?! Please!! If these two had anymore chemistry my television would catch on fire and melt. I don't think you've actually sat down and watched all 13 episodes....you've probaly caught bits and pieces and made your own judgment from that. Give Moonlight a chance, sit down and watch all 13 episodes. You'll love it!

odie1972 | 12:04 p.m. May 8, 2008

Yes, it's true, everyone is entitled to have an opinion. Having said that, I love, love, love Moonlight! And my honest opinion is that the chemistry between Mick and Beth is off the charts! And Alex is a delight to watch, both for being incredibly hot and a very gifted actor!!

Jen | 12:23 p.m. May 8, 2008

I think you are entitled to your own opinion so I'm not gonna trash you for not being as addicted as us fans are but I would appreciate it if you got your facts right before you right a review or article. You misspelled Alex O'Loughlins last name. And you have gotten other facts wrong as well. Please fact checke your articles before releasing them.

AnnaLuna | 12:35 p.m. May 8, 2008

Okay...No chemestry?! Did I read right? You say there is NO chemestry between Alex O'Loughlin (btw, you mispelled his name...) and Sophia Myles?! Are you blind? Because you obviously don't see the same thing I do.
Have you actually sat down and watched a whole episode? Maybe you should...

Harmony | 3:50 p.m. May 8, 2008

It would be interesting to know exactly what credentials you have to be an reviewer because if you think this show is poorly written and acted, you have no business reviewing. Then again, one must consider the publication you're reviewing for (i.e....you ain't the New York times, buddy!)

Moonlight is not only well written, it is well cast, directed, acted and if that isn't enough....the lighting on this show is sublime! No chemistry, you say? If Alex and Sophia hadn't specifically told us they were "just friends", you would swear they were in love for real. They scorch the very set! Alex's facial acting alone is worth tuning in. He is phenominal. CBS has a winner with this show. It has something for everyone....action, romance, angst, humor, beautiful people, awesome sets and great storytelling across the board. Comparisons with Angel, Forever Knight, Blood Ties, etc. are inevitable, but Moonlight has them all beat six ways to Sunday. Sir, you indeed do your readers a disservice to steer them away from Moonlight. You should hang your head in shame.

kookiegirl | 5:17 a.m. May 9, 2008

I agree you're entitled to your opinion, but keeping your head buried on the ground regarding the facts about this show IMHO does not give you the right to critize a show like Moonlight, so I URGE you to Come Out of the Ddark and Into the MOONLIGHT and you will find out what this well written, casted and acted show is all about. I promise you will get hooked just as millions of dedicated and loyal fan(g)s are today!

Joyce Rackley | 8:59 a.m. May 9, 2008

I really hate to sound rude, but you are either blind or just plain dumb. You know nothing about MOONLIGHT and it's cast. You can not even spell Alex O'Loughlin's name correctly!

LookedThrough'n'Out | 10:26 a.m. May 9, 2008

I think Moonlight's a quite good show. Of course there are some facts missing that could give it a little more mysticism and thrill but at least it's better than the others I watched. Angel, Blood ties and all these had something but that something always has gone after a while of watching it. For now the problem hasn't come over Moonlight, for me.
Moonlight's humour and special sexuallity makes it way more worth to be called a good serie.
But, yeah a big "but" is that I really really got annoyed by the "fight" scenes. I'd loooove to watch a vampire not being that over-powered. High jumps, mega strong hits and all that. That's kinda making me tired. I miss smth special on the vampires. That straight thing.

Well whatever, all in one this serie enterains me well and sometimes I notice that this special "something" is coming up (since it always left again but.... who knows).

ps.: you guys shouldn't get angry just because this Mister spelled their names wrong. You better fight for your opinion.

monique.j | 3:07 p.m. May 28, 2008

yer your entitled to your opinion. Personally i LOVE LOVE LOVE the show and have every episode and have watched each one like a billion times each (:

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