"The Crow" is one of my favorite comic book series of all time along with the movie. When I caught the news about a series loosely based on it, I'll admit I was excited. Back then comic book TV series weren't very commonplace at the time. This show is another under the radar gem, it's not really overlooked as this show has received some popularity in the past. But as time went on this show has been somewhat forgotten.
One of the things I really like about the series is that it explored the fantasy/supernatural aspect and world of "The Crow" a little more. Like for example seeing there is more than one Crow or one kind of Crow, like the character Talon a female crow which was interesting and makes sense as it's not just true to the function of the Crow spirit but the comic series which has always had different people take the Crow mantle.
But also, an evil version of the crow called "The Snake" which I thought was interesting, either someone using the powers for evil or another higher force is at work but on the opposite end of the spectrum. Just a lot of things, though one thing I would of liked for the series was to get into some folklore territory; ok that sounds a little more like "Hellboy" and "Grimm" but why not and it fits since "The Crow' is a dark fantasy.
But one thing I really like the most about the show is the emotional aspect which to me was always the heart of the franchise. I really like that we get a little more depth for the characters like Sarah played well by Katie Stewart we see both have more back and forth but also depth into the friendship both have for each other and Shelly.
I even like how we get into both Eric and Shelly's relationship and both as characters. From what more we learn about them it just makes it all the sadder and the tragedy all the weighty. Along with Eric's journey where it feels like he's so close but also so far to reunite with Shelly.
Mark Dacascos whom I think is an underrated martial arts star is solid as Eric Draven, to me he's my second favorite version of "The Crow" he's got good charisma. The action scenes are solid and well-choregraphed, really liked seeing Mark just put the moves on to the bad guys.
The only turbulence this show had was really the show's slight budget limitations, which is why we don't really get to see the Crow in the dark gothic noir alternate American atmosphere let alone the fact some bits of violence is toned down, even a CGI effect or two isn't very good (this was a network TV version of "The Crow" so what do you expect). But this didn't bother me at all or too much, because despite certain budget limitations they worked well with what they had, we still had the noir aspect if modern and the violence was still on a good level, and very little CGI special effects so I really can't complain too much.
However, the main problem with the show like most of these under the radar shows is its flight was canceled, season one ended on a cliffhanger note. Which was too bad because this show was truly gaining altitude opening itself up to more possibilities, maybe we could have had some mini arcs based on more of the graphic comic series "The Crow" where there is more than one. I don't know sadly the only way this series will ever continue is in the realm of "Fanfiction".
Personally, I would love to see "The Crow" made into a TV series again, but it would have to be on a premium channel and an even bigger budget and production value, let alone get the right person to play Eric Draven. Or even an animated series but for adults, get a good ensemble of voice actors like get Mark Dacascos to voice Eric Draven or any other character.
Or better yet, make the series go the anthology route where each season is based on a different crow character which was the exact route the comic book series took as there have been different people that have taken on the crow and stories with it, their flight paths worth considering anyway.
Crow: Stairway to Heaven is on the right flight path.
Rating: 3 stars
One of the things I really like about the series is that it explored the fantasy/supernatural aspect and world of "The Crow" a little more. Like for example seeing there is more than one Crow or one kind of Crow, like the character Talon a female crow which was interesting and makes sense as it's not just true to the function of the Crow spirit but the comic series which has always had different people take the Crow mantle.
But also, an evil version of the crow called "The Snake" which I thought was interesting, either someone using the powers for evil or another higher force is at work but on the opposite end of the spectrum. Just a lot of things, though one thing I would of liked for the series was to get into some folklore territory; ok that sounds a little more like "Hellboy" and "Grimm" but why not and it fits since "The Crow' is a dark fantasy.
But one thing I really like the most about the show is the emotional aspect which to me was always the heart of the franchise. I really like that we get a little more depth for the characters like Sarah played well by Katie Stewart we see both have more back and forth but also depth into the friendship both have for each other and Shelly.
I even like how we get into both Eric and Shelly's relationship and both as characters. From what more we learn about them it just makes it all the sadder and the tragedy all the weighty. Along with Eric's journey where it feels like he's so close but also so far to reunite with Shelly.
Mark Dacascos whom I think is an underrated martial arts star is solid as Eric Draven, to me he's my second favorite version of "The Crow" he's got good charisma. The action scenes are solid and well-choregraphed, really liked seeing Mark just put the moves on to the bad guys.
The only turbulence this show had was really the show's slight budget limitations, which is why we don't really get to see the Crow in the dark gothic noir alternate American atmosphere let alone the fact some bits of violence is toned down, even a CGI effect or two isn't very good (this was a network TV version of "The Crow" so what do you expect). But this didn't bother me at all or too much, because despite certain budget limitations they worked well with what they had, we still had the noir aspect if modern and the violence was still on a good level, and very little CGI special effects so I really can't complain too much.
However, the main problem with the show like most of these under the radar shows is its flight was canceled, season one ended on a cliffhanger note. Which was too bad because this show was truly gaining altitude opening itself up to more possibilities, maybe we could have had some mini arcs based on more of the graphic comic series "The Crow" where there is more than one. I don't know sadly the only way this series will ever continue is in the realm of "Fanfiction".
Personally, I would love to see "The Crow" made into a TV series again, but it would have to be on a premium channel and an even bigger budget and production value, let alone get the right person to play Eric Draven. Or even an animated series but for adults, get a good ensemble of voice actors like get Mark Dacascos to voice Eric Draven or any other character.
Or better yet, make the series go the anthology route where each season is based on a different crow character which was the exact route the comic book series took as there have been different people that have taken on the crow and stories with it, their flight paths worth considering anyway.
Crow: Stairway to Heaven is on the right flight path.
Rating: 3 stars