When it was announced that the Robert Rodriguez backed El Rey Network would be airing a reimagined take on FROM DUSK TILL DAWN, I was skeptical. As a fan of the collaboration between Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino, I had been disappointed by the awful direct to home video sequels to the vampire flick that sullied a very enjoyable horror action movie. So, making it into a TV series, even one with Don Johnson and Robert Patrick, filled me with disdain.
But, once I watched the new full trailer for FROM DUSK TILL DAWN: THE SERIES, I am not excited to see what the project has to offer. With a pilot directed by Robert Rodriguez, this trailer presents some signature moments from the movie (Richie’s bullet wound, Seth’s tattoo, the “be cool” line) while expanding the scope of the story. Where the movie had a bright and vibrant color scheme, there is a grittier look to the series that almost made me wonder if both had truly been directed by the same person.
FROM DUSK TILL DAWN: THE SERIES is a supernatural crime saga centered around bank robber, Seth Gecko (Cotrona) and his violent, unpredictable brother, Richard “Richie” Gecko (Holtz), who are wanted by the FBI and Texas Rangers Earl McGraw (Johnson) and Freddie Gonzalez (Garcia) after a bank heist left several people dead. While on an escape route to Mexico, Seth and Richie encounter former minister Jacob Fuller and his family who they take hostage. Using the family RV to make a run for the Mexican border, chaos ensues when the group detours to a strip club that is unknowingly populated by vampires, and forces them to fight until dawn in order to get out alive. The series deepens the tone of the film, adds new characters and backstories and expands the Mesoamerican mythology behind the vampires.
We also get a crazy Wilmer Valderrama as Carlos, a role origated by Cheech Marin. Here, it appears that he is also a vampire. We see the RV and a lot of similar beats from the movie, but no mention of the Titty Twister or the final destination for the outlaw brothers. I have to say I am surprised at how good this looks and while it will never take the place of the movie, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN: THE SERIES may be worth checking out.
Also starring Adrianne Palicki, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN: THE SERIES premiers on the El Rey Network on March 11th.
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