Jonathan Rhys Meyers

NBC’s Dracula has been a tough show to love, or even like for that matter. One episode is effortless fun, another darkly intriguing, and the next unbearably frustrating. On one hand, lead Jonathan Rhys Meyers is delightfully fun and dark as Dracula/Grayson and supporting actors like Katie McGrath have been marvelous even when their plotlines are not. On the other hand, Dracula has never felt quite right. It’s just never really found its footing. At least that was the case until a few episodes ago, when it seemed to settle into a steady and entertaining pattern.

In its last few episodes Dracula has done what seemed impossible, especially after its meandering and somewhat disappointing first half season. The last three episodes have actually exceeded expectations, showing that things really aren’t as bad as they seemed. With its penultimate episode, “Four Roses”, Dracula has righted many of its early wrongs, starting with Grayson (the awesome Jonathan Rhys Meyers) declaring war on the Order.

Dracula has to be the most up and down show on TV. One episode is good, one is bad, and one simply inspires indifference. That’s a shame too because the things that Dracula does do well, it does really well.

“The Devil’s Waltz” works best when showcasing how lonely it can be for a “man of mystery with no biography”.

Dracula, Season 1, Episode 2, “A Whiff of Sulphur” Written by Daniel Knauf Directed by Steve Shill Airs Fridays at 10pm (ET) on NBC Dracula’s first episode was sinfully good, giving this week’s follow up a lot to live up to. For the most part, “A Whiff of Sulphur” is an entertaining episode that advances …

Dracula is one of literature’s most enduring and adapted characters. What often sets each production apart is their ability to put a new (and believable) twist on the classic character. Expectations may be low going into any new version but the most surprising aspect of NBC’s take on Dracula is that it’s actually very good.