Moonlight begins with an interview where the main character just explains everything right to the camera. It's very blatant exposition but at least it debunks the popular vampire myths to establish this show will be different. It turns out that is just a fantasy which gives way to a voiceover narration, which is the show's main device. Narration is also an easy way to just tell us everything but since this is a private eye story, it fits.
Mick St. John (Alex O'Laughlin) is a modern day vampire who lives off blood in vials he keeps refrigerated. He runs a private investigation business, only using his powers to hunt evildoers.
It seems like CSI for mythology. Instead of uncovering real forensic evidence, they find clues that speak to vampire mythology, familiar or specific to the show. That puts a twist on the standard investigation drama.
The cast of characters is intriguing. Josef Konstantin (Jason Dohring) is the oldest vampire at 400 years old. Being played by a young guy is already ironic, and he's suave and in charge swiveling as he barks orders on his cell phone. He's also got blood mistresses which are awesome.
Beth (Sophia Myles) is a go getter internet journalist with a connection to Mick's past. And in flashbacks we see Mick's wife Coraline (Shannyn Sossamon), who turned him against his wishes.
The vampires have a need to bury the news. If a vampire-like crime makes headlines, it threatens to expose their secrets. That seems very practical. If there were vampires, they would have to keep it secret because they wouldn't want to be captured for science experiments or have to register with the IRS or anything like that.
It is like a mystery of the week with a new bad guy who has to be stopped. There is a lot of interviewing of suspects and witnesses and the dialogue is hardly Philip Marlowe. There are no metaphors or double entendres. It's just simple.
The big action doesn't come until the end but it's pretty good. Vamp vision is used sparingly enough and car chases/crashes are exciting. Mick's powers have the potential for lots of big action to come as he can jump far and throw people around. Those flashbacks have the potential for 60 years of past adventure too.
The first episode of Moonlight has a good balance of the current mystery and Mick's back-story. Obviously, Mick is the interesting one and his ability to solve modern day crimes is only a small aspect, but it's the one that is likely to be addressed every week. Hopefully, the whole show's mythology will grow. The potential is there.
