Review of TV Show "Blade"

Although the show mimics the movie with much martial arts mayhem,and wild motorcycle
manuevers, the similarity to the film trilogy ends there. Kirk(sticky)Jones ,former rapper, and
cast member of the brilliant series "Over There", is more than adequate for the role, but the
producers have given him little to work with.
Happily, the series has not mimicked Kristofferson's "tough old fighter" persona (it's a one
actor only role);sadly, they have cast a young Asian actor with much potential ,who may or
may not be an asset. He never gets a chance to do very much; he's regaled to the post of
gate-keeper, with a very one-dimensional character. I suspect beefing up his role could
improve the overall appearance of the show, Mr. Lee seems to want to do and say much more.
Blade is also teamed with a female protagonist who is battling the duality of good-guy-bad-
guy image, while being scouted by the opposition through physical and chemical coersion.
She is played by a relatively successful actress who seems to be overcome by the web of
her new role. It would be best if Ms. Wagner concentrated more on her acting than her TV
success(she is also on the series "Monk").
The villains are suitably nasty, shrouding their pasts that account for their evil ways. Again
I find the characterization over-simplified. This series seems to be relying on its built-in fan
base to attain success. Spike TV has 11 episodes ready for air and I have only seen 3, I
sincerely hope they improve over the summer. This may be too much to ask, but perhaps
the Spike people could use a little less testosterone and a little more craft. I am a big fan
of the films and the comic book and would like nothing better than a quality TV program to
enjoy as well.