By: Kelsey Pinault (University of Miami)
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In the history of books, television series and movies, vampires have almost always been portrayed as a bad guy. However, in the time when just about anything is possible, few seem to hate the Edward Cullans’ of the world (unless you’re a werewolf lover, of course).
What is it about the numerous vampire-glorifying series that brings girls to tears and even keep the guys coming back for more? Here’s a little review of the most popular media wearing fangs for you to sink your teeth into.
There’s three series that come to my mind right away when I think vampires: True Blood, The Vampire Diaries, and of course, Twilight.
The first being the grittiest of the three, True Blood is an HBO series featuring people and vampires cohabitating (but unknowingly living with shape-shifters, mind-readers, werewolves, a maenad, etc.). The show, already signed for a fourth season to premier next summer, is based on the novel series “The Southern Vampire Mysteries” by Charlaine Harris.
Probably the least popular of the three listed, The Vampire Diaries, just finished it’s first series on the CW, home of One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl. Although girls would most likely identify with this show more, it still has action and always keeps the view guessing on what’s coming next. Also based on a novel series, I actually found this show very addicting with characters that were as easy on the eyes as Edward, even if they do burn in the sun rather than glimmer.
Speaking of Edward, no talk of blood-suckers can go on for more than five minutes without the obsession over Edward and Bella. The Twilight saga is a series of four movies based off the best selling novels by Stephanie Myer. Perhaps earning the more crazed fans, screaming girls can be heard across the country over this plot. About to come out with the third movie, the Twilight saga is still gaining buzz
One thing all these shows or movies have in common – the human girl falling madly in love with the vampire boy. The biggest twists to the plots seem to be when other mythical creatures come to life such as a mind-reader (True Blood), a witch (The Vampire Diaries), or a sexy werewolf (Twilight, of course). Whether these vamps glimmer or burn in the sun they ultimately have very similar personalities – having heightened senses, pale skin, and of course, a brooding personality that always lands the girl.
So with plots barely differing when you truly analyze it, what is it that makes all these shows/movies with vampires so addicting? Chew it over and let me know what you think…. Maybe it’s the hot actors….
