Web Series: SUCK & MOANFor Fans of: DARK SHADOWS, PASSIONS, THE WALKING DEAD
What's Good: Wry comedy, good production values, style and a talented cast in easy-to-watch 5 minute webisodes. It's teeming with development potential.
What's Great: An Original and humorous contemporary spin on the Vampire/Zombie craze in pop culture. "The end of the world is near. As a horrific viral outbreak creates a growing army of flesh eating zombies, what happens to the Vampires who have been secretly feeding on mankind all along?"
What Could Be Better: Compelling incentives to "tune in" to the next webisode. I'd love to see "B" stories develop (maybe a mystery, spun through a creative use of flashback storytelling?) and more diversity among the supporting characters. Why not have a Zombie "family," too? (The Have's vs. The Have-Not's a la GUIDING LIGHT's Spaulding/Cooper, ANOTHER WORLD's Cory/Frame or PASSIONS' Crane/Lopez-Fitzgerald) Hopefully as the series develops, the characters will, too. It could also benefit from an injection of sexuality and scares. Alex Weed (hygienic Luke), Joel Bryant (blokey Mac) and Eric Hailey (neurotic Henry) are the most developed and interesting to watch...give them some action! Since the web is the place to take chances, I'd love to see a bolder comedic take on the inherent sensuality and gore associated with vampire themes.
Grade: A-
Review Based On: Season One, Episodes 1-8
Awards: LAWebfest's "Outstanding Dramedy Series" and "Outstanding Directing in a Dramedy Series!"; On SciFiPulse.net's "Top 10 Web Series of 2010" list
Check out SUCK AND MOAN at www.suckandmoan.com.
International entertainment journalist NELSON ASPEN got his start in Daytime TV and still keeps tabs on all things soaps! The author of several books, including DINNER AT NELSON'S and HOLLYWOOD INSIDER: EXPOSED!, he broadcasts the latest showbiz news and celebrity interviews around the world daily. You may visit him at www.nelsonaspen.com
Thank you Nelson - you are a scholar and a gentleman...and I'm not only saying that because of the positive review....
ReplyDeleteSincerely, we appreciate anyone who "gets" our series. Is it Shakespeare? Naw. But it is fun satire with a strong storyline.
And your ideas of other storylines/plots? Consider 'em stolen! (...with proper credit given, of course).
Thanks again - the more folks like you that champion web series, the closer some truly independent and creative people come to making their mark!