Early nineties YTV programming had more substance than what is offered on screens today. There was a wide selection of horror shows to choose from (Are You Afraid of the Dark, Goosebumps, Scariest Places on Earth, Big Wolf on Campus) that mixed the elements of fear and humour. Geared for younger audiences, they still had enough substance to be enjoyable for adults as well. Although lasting only two seasons, Dracula the Series was one of the stronger ones.
It builds on the original premise of Van Helsing versus Dracula, save that the battle is now a modern one where the undead count runs a multinational business and Gustav (this generation's Van Helsing) and his nephews try to thwart his plans for world conquest and destroy him. Dracula, going as Alexander Lucard, is suave and enticing; even when turning into a bat, baring his fangs, or wrapping his hand around a victims neck he is still at the height of sophistication. The children Max, Chris, and Sophie are adorable as novice vampire hunters (Max especially) as they play what seems like an endless game against an immortal foe. Which is the basic formula of the program: some times the vampire wins, sometimes the vampire loses.
And sometimes they must even work together to stop the greater foe.
The series works well at being just frightening enough, but not too much, and dealing with death in a way that will not turn off the parents. The vampires do die, but there is little to no blood to be found; instead they dissolve into the air. And, although most of the plots are generic for a youth orientated show, there is still depth enough to make it a worthwhile viewing.
Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xOq8YX7FRE
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