ABC's NIGHT STALKER

I wanted to blog about this new show I've been watching, Night Stalker. It has the makings of a decent show but because of my history with television, I try not to become attached to any new shows. The reason is because every time I start to like a new show it's the first one to get cancelled and I was sick of it. But sometimes a show hits you and you wonder what it's about. I vow not to get attached to Night Stalker for the fear that they will probably cancel it. Then again it has that frightening/supernatural vibe going on that has helped other shows survive in the past. In case you've missed it, let me give you a little run down.

Premise:
Stuart Townsend (Carl Kolchek) and Gabrielle Union (Perri Reed) star as reporters for The Beacon. Their mission is to conquer supernatural and somewhat odd and frightening cases. Seems interesting enough right? I started watching the show because I wanted to see the job Gabrielle Union would do on television. She's pretty good in the show but there are some major problems.
What I like about the show is the stars' chemistry, which I am convinced, will lead to more. I would love to see Townsend and Union's characters embark on a romance but not too soon because the show needs to establish a setting first. But they have super chemistry. The problems include the script. The dialogue isn't that wonderful. In fact it's bland and even boring. The characters talk in monotone like Dragnet. They need to " kick it up a notch " as Emeril would say. I don't care how much I like a show, bad dialogue and bad writing will turn me off in a moment. It's not that bad but it needs work.

The show also needs to work on its pacing. In scenes where the story should move fast it moves slow. In scenes when they need to take more time with something, they move too fast and you get lost. The camera direction sucks. I swear a blind or deaf man is operating this camera. It cuts to other people before the current person finishes talking. If Gabrielle is speaking, why the hell am I looking at Stuart Townsend for five minutes? If you can't work the cameras, get another job. The show is also too dark, which leads to bland scenery. Everything is green, gray and brown. They need to brighten up the set in order to keep people's interests. This may seem like minor flaws but believe me they can hurt a show in the long run.

Now, the fright factor is pretty heavy on Night Stalker. The show is a remake of an old 70's drama and the cases so far have been very interesting and unique. I consider the show a cross between films The Sixth Sense and The Ring meets The X Files. It has a ton of different supernatural elements rolled into one. Because of this I am sure the show will develop a cult following in no time. Another major issue that should be dealt with is how the pilot lacked to fully introduce Union's character. We know nothing about Perri Reed's personal life or even her interests. Perri's family life hasn't been established. This should have been disclosed in the pilot. We know that Carl lost his wife in an accident in which people believe he was the cause, but we know nothing of Perri's family or history. Are her parents alive? Was she ever married too? We need to know more about her right now before the show moves on. I was surprised this was neglected.

If I had to rate this show from A-D with D being the worst, I'd give it a C. Like I said, it's a good show but can be even better if focused on certain elements. Hopefully it will be able to in the future. I could really dig this show and I am rooting that it comes out on top. It may be building a solid fan base now but it needs a lot of work if it intends on keeping an audience. I think the cast is pretty good. I love Union and Townsend together. I can't believe the chemistry they have. With such a good cast, it would be a shame if Night Stalker didn't get the chance it deserves due to small mishaps.

So if you're not watching this show yet, check it out. It comes on ABC on Thursdays at eight p.m. in Houston, of course check your guides where you live. If you are watching, maybe you have the same dislikes and likes about it as I. Like I said, it's not bad at all but it needs a lot of work.

The photo is of Gabrielle Union. Isn't she luscious, y'all? And that outfit's given me an idea for my next photo shoot. Look out, Gabrielle. You ain't got nothing on me, girl!