Originally, I planned to dedicate this post to TRUE BLOOD, a series based on Charlaine Harris’ Southern Vampire Mysteries featuring Sooki Stackhouse. I had high hopes for the series’ final season. Especially after a drawn-out sixth season that fell flat in the entertainment department, for me. However, the hubster and I found the premiere to be the worst episode in all the seasons. For us, it seemed that the writers and actors put very little effort into the episode, and we had to wonder if they just couldn’t muster the motivation since they’ll be unemployed after the finale. Honestly, if the entire season is that poorly put together then it would’ve been better to have not brought back the show.

The one caveat that did pique my interest was the switch up with the actor portraying James. In season six, Luke Grimes played the charming, goody vampire who developed a relationship with Jessica at the Governor’s vamp camp. However, when the camera panned to James in the Sunday night’s opener, he had a new face and body. All belonging to Nathan Parsons, of THE ORIGINALS and Boy, is he hot. If you haven’t seen THE ORIGINALS, stop what you’re doing, go to Hulu or Amazon Instant Video and submerse yourself in deliciously, decadent New Orleans and all her paranormal consorts in the comfort of your living room or bedroom.  THE ORIGINALS is a spin-off of the teen paranormal drama, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES and features the “original” vampire family from whom all other vampires are made. It’s a must see, and Klaus–the second brother is a compelling character both for his ruthlessness and his own, strict moral compass.  The second season will air in October. –But, I digress…

After our True Blood disappointment, we perused our DVR library for a new paranormal fix. What we found was PENNY DREADFUL, a dark thriller showcasing the classic paranormals in fresh and exciting tale.

If you’re a fan of THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN or AMERICAN HORROR STORY, then you might enjoy PENNY DREADFUL. This series isn’t as visually stunning as TLEG which was more Steampunk adventure, but PD’s storyline is tightly woven to bring together some of literature’s most horrific characters: Victor Frankenstein, Dorian Gray, and Dracula. Starring Timothy Dalton, Eva Green, and Josh Hartnett, this psychosexual, supernatural horror series isn’t for the faint of heart due to graphic onscreen sex and brutal carnage.  

Now the hubster and I are late to the debut season, mostly because he hoards TV shows on the DVR as if all such programming is in danger of imminent annihilation in the face of the inevitable zombie apocalypse. PENNY DREADFUL’s season finale is Sunday at 10 PM on Showtime. The earlier episodes can be seen on Hula.

Which paranormal TV dramas have you queued to watch and do they fizzle or sizzle on your viewing screen?