When my first review went up for episode one, there was a vast mixture of opinions on A Reluctant Vampire. From those who loved it to those who declared it was “utter rubbish”. I think people need to reframe their expectations on this one.
It is based upon the work of comedy genius Eric Morecambe, but he obviously isn’t in it nor had any part in producing it and I think this connection possibly has people expecting more.
Equally, there were some quite unfair opinions on the cast, this is not a show designed solely for adults, it is one aimed at getting the family together and the casting has been done so to reflect that.
For me, the style of the programme takes me back to Sunday evenings when I was growing up. Having a bath, pulling on comfy PJ’s and then getting cosy on the sofa to watch something together. It brings back those feelings of nostalgia and I am here for it. With that in mind, let’s delve into episode two.
We all know at this point that Val is not a vampire and this raises lots of challenges because Victor is unaware. Valeeta kept her unorthodox adoption of Val secret, but she is no longer able to because Val is coming of age and there are certain expectations that come with this – the biggest being the Initiation Ceremony.
What happens in A Reluctant Vampire episode 2?
In this episode, we watch as Victor becomes more and more excited at the prospect of Val’s ceremony, Vernon’s jealousy reaches boiling point and Valeeta finds herself colluding with the invisible woman to find solutions. Val on the other hand, decides he wants to explore the human world, venturing out into daylight for the first time.
For me, one of the best parts about this episode was Val accidently consuming garlic when eating a meal with his new human friend Gertie. Its pungent smell circulates around the castle causing much distress and anxiety on Val’s part. He has a training session with Victor and resorts to extreme measures to reduce the scent of garlic.
There aren’t constant comedy moments throughout the episodes. For example here, I found myself empathising with Val trying to find where he fits in, and also with Valeeta who is trying to do her best by her Son. Although it is a light hearted programme, there are some touching moments.
When the comedy emerges they are well done. The gargoyles are a classic example of this, in this episode Vernon is trying to get a message out to a young lady he wants to marry, the gargoyles fail to understand how to do this and it results in one of them being betrothed rather than Vernon.
Give this series a chance, reframe your expectations and seize the opportunity to go back to a simpler time.
A Reluctant Vampire is on BBC and is available on IPlayer.
