Desperate Romantics #TV #miniseries #reviews

I've meant to watch the six-part BBC series, Desperate Romantics, one for a while now since the Pre-Raphaelite and the related Arts and Crafts movement numbered among my most inspirational when I was studying art. A little background about the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood (PRB). The ringleaders were Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Holman Hunt and John Everett Millais, but there were other notables associated with and influenced by the movement. 

In essence, the Pre-Raphaelites rejected the artistic style of the time, which was heavily influenced by the classic artists Michaelangelo and Raphael et al, and sought to create art that was expressive, sensual, emotive and colour-filled as opposed to the oppressively dark and heavy painting styles of the time. Subject matter also changed, often harking toward the medieval and heavily influenced by nature.

Perhaps two of my favourite Pre-Raphaelite works of art feature the luminous muse Elizabeth Siddal. The first is Ophelia by John Everett Millais which depicts the doomed Ophelia floating downriver before she drowns. The second is the Beata Beatrix which was painted by Gabriel Dante Rossetti after the death of his wife, Elizabeth Siddal. 

As for the series, it was entirely delightful, starring the rather lush Aidan Turner (Rossetti), Rafe Spall (Holman Hunt), Samuel Barnett (Millais), Sam Crane (Fred Walters), and the rather captivating Amy Manson (Elizabeth Siddal), among others. Granted, I don't know all *that* much about the actual history related to the PRB's personal lives, so I vaguely knew "this won't end well" when I went into it.

Plus points subtle touches of humour, some wonderfully witty dialogue and beautiful styling if you're interested Victorian-era drama. This mini-series serves to remind exactly how steeped in custom the Victorians were. Reputation was everything, and if wanted to cock a snook at society, your path was fraught with difficulty. As an introduction to the world of the PRB I think this is a good departure point, but I do feel that they took more than quite a few liberties with actual history. 

Nevertheless, Desperate Romantics was eminently watchable, and has left me with a number of TBR titles on my book list. It's light, witty but has an undercurrent of tragedy. There are times when I'd really like to kick Rossetti hard – really, really hard – but his passion for creative expression is inspiring. 

About bloody time ... Finished season 1 of Supernatural

I am a terrible person because I only finished watching Supernatural Season 1 this month, and the darn thing came out in 2005 already. As an editor and author of chiefly fantasy and horror, and whatever other sub-genres you care to basically split these into, I guess it was about high time that I got into Supernatural, if only to catch any references to this when reading submissions.

And now I'm chiefly reminded of Anna Dressed in Blood, a recent YA paranormal novel by Kendare Blake which, now that I look at it, has all the hallmarks of an extended Supernatural episode – just sans the bromance elements we've come to know, love and expect with Sam and Dean.

There's no doubt that Supernatural has had a massive impact on urban fantasy an paranormal fiction. And perhaps there's a bit of bio-feedback happening by now, I'm sure.

But getting back to Season 1. I'll start with the uglies. The dialogue and the writing for the episodes feels very hit and miss for me. The first half of the season mostly limps along like a monster-of-the-week kind of scenario. We have everything from vengeful spirits, demon possession and bugs to such urban legend stalwarts like Bloody Mary. Don't forget ancient pagan gods that require blood sacrifice or ... yes. Vampires. This latter thread was left open and I'm curious to see whether our fanged buddies will show up again. (No! Don't tell me! I want to find out for myself!)

Character motivation to behave in certain ways tends toward sketchy. How many times when the brothers split up to do stuff and shit goes wrong... Or just weird dialogue. Or insane leaps of logic.

But yeah. This didn't bother me too much because I was looking for a fun paranormal fix for the same reason that I often love watching classic horror films.

Plainly put, Supernatural is just fun. The Sam/Dean dynamic is just that – dynamic. It's abundantly clear that the actors are having *fun*. The writers play with just about every trope in the horror genre you can imagine, so there's often instant recognition if you're up to speed with your assorted trivia.

If I have to peg a favourite episode from Season 1, it's definitely #19 "Provenance" which features the haunted painting. I think this was the only episode that had me even the tiniest bit anxious. And the writers did a really good job with their misdirection on this one.

Of course I did love the vampires in #20 "Dead Man's Blood". Luther was suitably slinky and schmexy, and I do hope we get to see Kate again. Also, I dig the concept of that magical Colt with its enchanted bullets.

So far everyone tells me things get better from Season 2, which is next up on my TBW list. I'd love to know from you what your favourite episodes from Season 1 were, however.