Vampire Reviews: Kindred: The Embraced

[@nikthedestroyalator6796]

Nosferatu curse in canon: I look like a disgusting demon person and my very existence is a masquerade violation so I have to live in the sewers. Nosferatu in the show: I'm bald and I got floppy ear lobes FEAR ME

[@existenceisrelative]

There's a _brooooad_ range of Nosfigurations. Besides, the canon's caught up to the boring version of the nosferatu.

[@JnEricsonx]

@@existenceisrelative Hell, just look at Jasper on LA By Night. The way you see the actor in some makeup is correct, except though that he has a lot of black veins on his face as described also.

[@almightykue3914]

Using the title Kindred: The Embraced I would have thought this show was about a newly embraced vampire trying to deal with the chaos of falling into this world they never knew existed. Hell they could do that right now. Using the newly embraced vampire as a caitiff (the sort that just doesn't know their clan yet) and have them trying to figure out which of the clans embraced them, clearly not the Nosferatu but that doesn't narrow it down much. The angst of looking for their "Sire" to see why they embraced them, what they should do, etc.

[@imperialsunstrider7873]

Isn't this the plot of Alien Hunger? I mean I haven't finished it yet and apparently the ST modified it a lot, but Alien Hunger could be an interesting premise for a show.

[@nadinep.4929]

I actually loved this show. I was a senior in high school, and I watched every episode when it came out on TV. I recently bought the 8 episodes from Amazon. This is still one of my favorite vampire series. I was so upset that it didn't last.

[@danielhoffman4741]

Nadine P. As did I. Great HS memories

[@evangelinasmusic]

Same except I was a little younger ❤️

[@theoneandonlymichaelmccormick]

Shame, Vampire the Masquerade has a lot of potential for a television show. It'd probably have a better shot nowadays given modern pop-culture's acceptance of the vampire genre. Hell, it definitely has a lot more vampire lore for nerds to sink their teeth in than True Blood or...(ugh) Twilight. So who knows?

[@CT_Phipps]

Actually, True Blood basically became the WOD toward the end. It had a Camarilla and everything. Mind you, while we geeks love thinking RPGs are high art, the majority of sessions were just "The Prince wants you to go kill some Sabbat, why don't you go off the rails and kill some werewolves instead." :)

[@theoneandonlymichaelmccormick]

C.T. Phipps Well yeah, but the stories themselves were never really the draw, were they? The REAL appeal of Vampire the Masquerade is its fantastic world-building, and the interactions between all the various Kindred Clans. And that's something that, done right, can really translate to television well!

[@Imanoth]

It can totally see it working today and moreso as an adult animated show (at least at first) wich wouldn't be restricted by the many limitations (not only technical) a live action show would. With a Nosferatu/Ventrue/Malkavian trio of protagonists. (Well that's just fan dreaming now). But, anyways I totally believe new childe will love it as well.

[@theoneandonlymichaelmccormick]

Imanoth Yeah! It'd be like the Netflix Castlevania show! That'd be bitchin'! As a matter of fact, I too speculated on what the plot would look like in my head after watching this episode. I also came up with a central cast of a Nosferatu, a Malkavian, and a Ventrue, (The perspective can change between them to show of different aspects of the Kindred culture.) Maybe the conflict can be structured around how an insurrectionist cell has infiltrated the Kindred's sects of power, and plans to orchestrate its destruction from within to cause chaos. The Ventrue doesn't want the world he worked hard to help maintain to be destroyed, but he knows that their influence is too deep to remove diplomatically, so he's going around trying to assemble a team to take them out with the hands-on approach. The Nosferatu could be initially indifferent, because maintaining the Masquerade is what's making him an outcast to begin with, but eventually begrudgingly agrees to help because he knows that he'd probably still have to live in the sewer like a rat even if he didn't need to withhold the Masquerade. And the Malkavian could just be in it for the fun of it all, or because the voices in her head told her so, or something funny. This is all sounding a bit too fan-fiction-y isn't it?

[@Demolitiondude]

The One and Only Michael McCormick episode three had a malkavian. Though the night stalker was officially a Gangrel that's mentally ill.

[@HiFiJackGames]

God, I have to reinstall Bloodlines...

[@Dream0Asylum]

... and lo did a thousand hard drives begin hungrily spinning - spinning towards Gehenna.

[@Demolitiondude]

HiFi-Jack wait a bit a WtA is coming.

[@nikwaggoner2480]

Every time i see anything about vampires i have that same feeling tbh

[@Demolitiondude]

Nik Waggoner Werewolf the Apocalypse is coming.

[@drknight48]

Dang it! Now I have too also.

[@FearlessSon]

I love how you introduced the clans using the "Quest Updated" sound effect from the 2004 "Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodlines" immersive sim game. Jack from that game remains one of my favorite characters from that setting. :)

[@DarthArachnious]

Buffy and Charmed also didn't get cancelled because they where on WB instead of Fox. Start-ups like UPN and WB will give shows a chance to grow. Fox is notorious for cancelling things for any reason. Married with Children was cancelled while still a top rated show.

[@ZipplyZane]

They were on the same network? So why were they so obviously competing with one another? Charmed started becoming more Buffy-esque as time went on.

[@DarthArachnious]

They weren't competing with each other, Charmed had to restructure the show several times. So they made it more like the other successful girl show. Watch Lupa's retrospective.

[@Malthan]

Do you perhaps happen to have a link to that retrospective?

[@interfrastically]

phelous.com/2013/02/10/obscurus-lupa/manic-episodes/me-charmed-season-1/ You can navigate to the other seasons using the page buttons at the bottom of this link (which has season 1 and 2) to get to the rest of the seasons too: phelous.com/category/obscurus-lupa/page/31/ It's well worth watching them all, Allison is really entertaining in these reviews.

[@Malthan]

Thanks!

[@TheOnyxPath]

I feel personally attacked by this relatable content

[@mystic5059]

Also it was on FOX so it never had a chance. U know what they did to Firefly right?!?!

[@cayreet5992]

One problem, if I remember it right, was that their main character's actor died in an accident.

[@WriterPlaysMTG]

Never forgive them

[@dazh686]

@@cayreet5992 That happened later. Fox was known back then for messing their own shows, as a new network, they were very reckless, still credit to them for taking risks in making new stories, a reason why KTE came to exist. After Fox cancelled KTE, ShowTime tried to pick up the show, a little time later, while those negotiations were happening, Mark Frankel died in that motorcycle accident.

[@LupineShadowOmega]

Maven your outfits just keep getting cooler looking. And amazing review as always. I'm also one of those people that thinks Kindred was before its time. Well, and not as high budget as it probably should have been. Vampire Game of Thrones, basically. Political intrigue with vampires just sounds amazing.

[@TheRezro]

It was, but also it wasn't too ached to be rediscovered.

[@LupineShadowOmega]

TheRezro, the Forever Knight comparison was rather fair I think. Both as it being a product of its time as well as a measuring stick of quality/lack there of. Giving it another try as an in depth character drama would be something I'd love to do though. Especially if they make the clans really distinct. I've had some really fun Vampire games, both in person and online and the great part is almost always the characters themselves. Character motivations, clan motivations, backstories/yours and your sire's, even cultural outlooks. That stuff can go to some really interesting places. With enough freedom and quality writing, it would be interesting to try.

[@d-man3589]

They should remake this for a Netflix series and fix all the changes. Horrifying Nosferatu biker gang Brujah animalistic Gangrel and my personal favorites disturbing Malkavians cryptic Tremere and the nightmarish Tzimisce. This should totally be a thing Lets bring back dignity to the Vampires once again!!!

[@sstrykert]

Net Flix, the outlet that brought us "Cuties". Yeah, hard pass

[@LnPPersonified]

I LARPed Vampire back in the 90s. It was a lot of fun. The problem, however, is that LARPing Vampire: The Masquerade means you have to play with the sort of people who play Vampire: The Masquerade. I had to quit to preserve my sanity.

[@ajvanbreen]

Pokerface Agreed. My experiences larping Masquerade were mostly good, but the scene seems to attract people who are just plain addicted to drama.

[@ajvanbreen]

Wam-mnebu it's playing an rpg like d&d or vampire the masquerade, but people are often in costume and there are elements of improv theatre added. The Masquerade larps I've played in have kind of felt like being in a soap opera with a higher body count.

[@stakeaphobicz498]

I run a multi national vampire LARP organization, and OMFG, I never been more turned off from the World of Darkness in my life since being their head coordinator. Vampire is a great game, but it attracts very narcissistic people who like to impose their problems and issues on everyone else out of game, effectively using community guidelines like our code of conduct and using it as a weapon. The game is played more OOC than IC. Not sure if it's due to the insanity of the far left mindset the game tends to attract or if mental illness is just this rampant these days

[@Khurzan72]

Truer words were never spoken

[@Katherine_The_Okay]

LARPed the Masquerade in the mid 90s at 13 years old. It was my last LARP until I was 30 lol...

[@cmjon6380]

Your enthusiasm is infectious. I've become a regular viewer and subscriber by the end of your review. Thank you for resparking my appreciation for this series.

[@vampman87]

I have a sneaking suspicion that Brian Thompson's performance in this show is what got him cast as Luke, one of the first genuinely strong vampires Buffy fought in the first season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

[@TSFboi]

11:52 Wanna point out to anyone confused about why there are only six on the top row, the seventh original clan was Gangrel, which is on the bottom row as an independent clan (which they now are).

[@midlifepublishing]

It didn’t get canceled because of low ratings, it got canceled because the actor who played Julian was in France and got decapitated in a motorcycle accident. It was easier to cancel than recast and move forward.

[@WynneL]

Yup. And to be fair, no one could have replaced him. He just WAS the character.

[@midlifepublishing]

@@WynneL Exactly! It's a rare thing, and I am so thankful for having been able to watch him when the show was on the air.

[@westsidesmitty1]

'' Until Fox went back to concentrating on the real life vampires''. EXCELLENT commentary!

[@mihofujiwara6237]

I think it had a lot to do with Mark Frankel dying in a motorcycle accident and them not wanting to attempt to recast the prince of the city.

[@GreatgoatonFire]

I'm sooooo psyched that you are covering this. Honestly I think that making a Prince the main character is a grave mistake. The Prince of a city makes for a great looming threat. Just imagine how ruthless, cunning and powerful someone has to be in order to become the feudal ruler of all the barely restrained monsters of a city. Sash would really make for a much better main character: Divided loyalties between family and clan. Super speed and strength are fairly simple to grasp unlike animal control /mind bending/blood magic. As a neonate the audience could learn about the Kindred world alongside her. Re Kindred/Human romance. My understanding is that Kindred are to "broken" to have romantic relations with each other thanks to the Beast and whatnot. A blood bond really dosen't count.

[@TenchiShinMei77]

In VTM usually the Kindred stop caring about their Mortal past and if I remember well, Sasha do the same, she doesn't care about Julian anymore, the Prince, a relative from some generations ago and she's just in the middle of the conflict between Gangrels and Brujah; she becomes loyal to her Clan, the Brujah, while she was conflicted with her relationship with Cash, which started when she was a Mortal. Apart from the drama and Spelling style, I think they just added that romance, because of the Humanity, in KTE, they dealt with that theme in the way Kindred had more passion and also value more the things humans could still enjoy and they have taken those for granted, but, they don't have any passion for them, love, freedom, loyalty, etc. I loved that along with many things on this series, which understood different themes on VTM that you're average VTM player won't. I like your idea about a Prince as an antagonist, though, it also could work as a social commentary on human politics, society and current topics nowadays.

[@thevoidcritter]

If this series was anything like how the game works, Julian wouldn't really last long as a prince because he'd totally get merced by the first vampire more ruthless than him who wants the position

[@LuLu-Sil]

The Malkalvian were my favourite because of their mental issues. Playing one was so thoughtfully and totally obsessive for me, she would slink about in the shadows searching for a drink but afraid of companionship, tormented by her own mind and how she sees the world. There were instances where her way of living that almost ousted her and almost had the Masquerade revealed. I miss the people I used to play with. 💋

[@CT_Phipps]

Another spectacular review as always, Elise. Unfortunately, your joke about "vampires as the rich people draining socity" annoyed me because that was the premise of my novel STRAIGHT OUTTA FANGTON. LOL. :) Oh and I adore the Red Riding Hood vampire ensemble for this video. Tres undead magnifique! As for Kindred the Embraced, I think it was torn between being too many things. It was the mob show, the vampire show, the roleplaying game, and more. I will say that Marcus Frankel really did an excellent job and if they'd stuck with him (and he hadn't tragically lost his life), he would have been a great lead vampire. I will say the one thing this game really differed from those who have been playing V:TM for 20+ years (God, I'm old...and nerdy) is the fact the perspective was from the older more powerful vampires. One element of V:TM in its "classic" form was the Gothic Punk element (i.e. cyberpunk but with vampires instead of cyborgs). If they were trying to do the game, Sasha or Cash would have been the protagonist while Julian would have been the villain. Oh well.

[@MavenoftheEventide]

I've got your novel, I will read it as soon as I have time! Vampires being metaphors for the rich/nobility preying on the lesser-privileged is a classic take. I was just making up stuff on the spot, but now that I'm actually thinking of these green vampires who can be killed by gold, it makes more sense if money is their enemy. And the IRONY is that the same societal economic structure that's making it impossible for millennials to buy homes is the true evil! Green is also the color of avocado toast, after all. #brilliant

[@CT_Phipps]

Eh, take your time, Maven. I could actually send you an audiobook code if you want since it just came out from Crossroad Press (they do Clive Barker and Brian Lumley's audiobooks for vampire reference): www.audible.com/pd/Sci-Fi-Fantasy/Straight-Outta-Fangton-Audiobook/B0753TWNBB As for a novel like that, you could do a delightful parody of the rich Fifty Shades of Grey vampires types like a certain group did Cthulhu and Twilight. :wink: :) In your universe, you could have the vampires all descend from the blood of Mammon or maybe silver from the already-done Judas as first vampire trope. *scribbles down notes* Haha

[@Undeadharpie]

I just added the audiobook to my wishlist! The premise is just right up my alley!

[@FearlessSon]

That does remind me of something that I liked about the World of Darkness, how it is in the vampire's best interest to keep inequality high. It provides them a wide variety of disenfranchised and ignored which gives them more flexibility to keep up The Masquerade, while concentrating power and wealth in a small number of hands allows the vampires to more easily pull those powerful puppets' strings from behind the scenes. It gave a terrifying personhood and intent to what are otherwise fundamentally impersonal and amoral forces, and made the players invested those same systems whether they approved or not. Lots of good roleplaying fodder right there.

[@CT_Phipps]

I hope you enjoy, Kelly! It's part of my own sorta-WOD as I'm also doing a shifter book series which will be coming out this September in I WAS A TEENAGE WEREDEER. :)

[@BubblegumSocialClub]

This is the game students at my university played!! And I think still play if my research is right. My dad is a professor, and growing up I'd often end up hanging out in his office while he finished up work some nights, and every once in a while on our way out we'd run into some students who dressed in all black and seemed a bit scary, but nice, and they would say hi and my dad would say hello back, they were very polite. And when I started going to college there me and my dad were remembering those times and he said all he knew where that they were a student group, and I remember figuring it was a club on campus. Thank you for this video! Brought back some fun memories

[@BugMed]

I absolutely love Forever Knight. I purchased the complete series on DVD and still enjoy it. It proves you can easily get passed the cheap effects if there are are quality characters, stories and acting. I am so glad it was given the chance to go to three seasons.

[@Dj.MODÆO]

I loved that show

[@Philbert-s2c]

"And where did you get that accent, Sesame Street? Von....too...tree...tree wictims. Muah buah ha ha ha ha."-Xander Harris BTVS 5.01 "Buffy vs, Dracula" Interestingly, two of the regulars on this series, BrianThompson and Jeff Kober had made a number of appearances on "Buffy" between seasons one and six.

[@JnEricsonx]

And Brian got fucked up both times.

[@XombieRawr]

"All my friends refuse to play with me" I weep with understanding as I fill out another werewolf sheet because EVERYONE wants to play Werewolf but NO ONE CARES ABOUT VAMPIRE

[@MikeAshkewe]

Vampire is ALL my friends wanted to play and I wanted to play Werewolf or Hunter. I feel your pain on this one. Garou forever

[@azmonbored3837]

I want to play werewolf the forsaken too!!! 😭😭😭

[@gaelicprincess77]

I like both but have to admit its more about who else I'll be playing alongside that determines which one I prefer at the time lol

[@zenithquasar9623]

I love how some of the actors in this cast appeared in Buffy and Angel episodes one way or another haha.

[@thedarkercarter]

Forever Knight :3

[@ItsTheFizz]

It's kind of funny that the most tangential television success World of Darkness had was with the vampire wrestler Gangrel on Monday Night RAW during the height of the Attitude Era...

[@LadyLunarSatine]

I remember doing a legit spit-take upon hearing that someone was wrestling under the name of Gangrel (this was during the character's reveal on RAW). Shame he was overshadowed by Christian and Edge.

[@grimsong2237]

Didn't he get fired for doing porn?

[@geekrob]

That's how I learned of White Wolf publishing in the first place

[@sstrykert]

​@@LadyLunarSatineovershadowed, nah. Just not Vince's cup of tea, er, chalice of blood?

[@bencebotye3904]

You guys made the Bruja suit wearing mobsters? Baby J, give me my leather jacket! We get the fuck out of here!

[@Suchega_Uber]

Holy shit. The dude at 17:21 played Shao Kahn in the second Mortal Kombat movie. Going to have to look him up and see what other of my interests he has been a part of.

[@HiFiJackGames]

WHERE ARE THE MALKAVIANS?? :D

[@dariusrobotson6872]

HiFi-Jack behind you ;)

[@kuririn1975]

They were slated to come in season 2 but you see what happened.

[@kuririn1975]

I also think the Tremere were to come in also

[@theslayah1146]

no longer here

[@LordDarque]

They were starting a retail venture call "Hot Topic" and were way to busy to come to Elysium.

[@jwdalton]

I ran Vampire 2nd ed for ten years. Started in high school. We were all jocks. My biggest memory of the game was the machine guns. So many machine guns. Only way to inflict enough aggrivated damage in one turn cycle to put a dirty sabbat into torpor. Also, guns made keeping the masquerade much easier. Good times.

[@lordskeletor481]

Honestly, if they wanted to exploit the main audience of shows like Buffy and Charmed they'd have the show centered on the Tremere and have it explore the clan's hierarchy and history of magic as well as delving into how the Tremere are viewed as outcast even within the vampire world. This is not just because I love the Tremere clan and want more content about them, definitely not.

[@rosebyanyname]

Kelly Rutherford? The lady lead of fellow Fox casualty “The Adventures of Brisco County Jr”? Wow…glad to see she found work after!

[@Yama_1291]

Great review! I got introduced to the white wolf license by the video games. Those are still great by the way. Especially the second one. Legend has it, every time someone mentions Vampire the Masquerade Bloodlines, someone else reinstalls it... consider yourself served :)

[@Khenfu_Cake]

Patric Flück Too late, I was already sold when the main theme from Bloodlines started playing around the 5:10 mark in the video:D

[@Linerunner99]

That's not tru........ erm damnit... ::reinstalls::

[@tateblue8222]

This is so weird... I spent all last night looking for videos about vampire the masquerade and today my favorite vampire makes one! Rad!

[@lokuzt]

It's the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon at work.

[@LadyLunarSatine]

I don't suppose you stumbled onto The Gentleman Gamer's "Gentleman's Guide to [CLAN NAME HERE]" series in that crawl? Great stuff.

[@Demolitiondude]

Lord Sathien he responded to my question about the black spiral dancers.

[@tateblue8222]

Lord Sathien I'll check it out thanks

[@TheRezro]

Shamefully this TV series barely qualify as such..

[@HolyWarriorFury]

"Yes, now there's a vampire type for everyone" @6:26 YOU SOUND JUST LIKE 90S SAILOR MOON ENGLISH DUB

[@CatHasOpinions734]

A Lindsey video, a Rantasmo video, AND an Elisa video all in the same day?! It's like a Chez Apocalypse Christmas!

[@johnpotts8308]

Wait - they only had 5 clans (OK), but chose to include the vampires whose primary characteristic is their hideousness (without making them hideous) but not the Clan whose Primary characteristic is madness (Malkavians), which can be portrayed on screen just by writing/acting? I understand not including the Tremere since portraying their characteristic of "Magic" requires more SFX (and so increases costs)... Eh, whatever, it's not like I've ever (or am ever likely to) watch this any time, even if I HAVE played Masquerade.

[@TenchiShinMei77]

The KTE creator and developer said with his own words that when he had read, what it only existed until that year, which was the 2nd Edition, that were a lot of content in the books, so, he needed to reduce those things in order to make the series accessible to the audience and although, there weren't Malkavians, one episode dealt with madness, an insane fledgeling turned into Caitiff and then becoming a serial killer and although, there wasn't Tremere, the Kindred had alchemist powers, they called Alchemy to those vampire powers which felt as Thaumaturgy. On 1 episode a female Assamite is hired by the Brujah. Since it was inspired by VTM, instead of being heavily based on VTM, I can understand what they did and it was good they tried to add other things from the lore here and there, even though, they were made different and by the way, they understood the Toreador very well on this series, not because, they're more connected to the Humanity, it means they're more good, it can be the opposite.

[@maevedoyle2634]

I always love your outfits!

[@toshomni9478]

Excellent review. I would love to see your review Forever Knight sometime as it might be my favorite vampire show ever.

[@er1chawk]

They should do a series with the first few seasons based around the video game, Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines. It should be based around the main character being the childe of the game. There's enough scenes for each of the first few seasons to be based in one of the locations (Santa Monica, Downtown L.A., Hollywood, Chinatown, etc.). Who cares if it follows the plot of the game. Game of Thrones did that till they ran out of Martin material, and it still entertained everyone. The scenes, characters, and plot arc of that game would be so cool to see done. And by basing it around the first-person perspective of the childe/fledgling, it would introduce the background of the setting to the audience gradually as that character experiences it. After they run the several seasons Ankaran Sarcophagus plot arc, there's plenty of other stuff in the World of Darkness setting to supply more material, including werewolves (garou), wraiths, mummies, fairies, even demons.

[@jaybone23]

Not a vampire guy, but I'm really enjoying these videos. And there's seemingly a near infinite amount of vampire things out there to review.

[@bfdidc6604]

I wrote for White Wolf in the 90s (more for Werewolf and Changeling), but I did have two Vampire books to my credit. When Kindred: The Embraced came out, there was a good deal of expectation and trepidation among creators and fans. Unfortunately, the show was a sterile, missed opportunity.

[@michaelstroup7361]

Criminally underrated show. Great review, though. You are gorgeous. Your face is so expressive, I love watching you talk. Your passion really comes through in your delivery as well. Sorry for creeping on you through a 3 year old video, but I only found this because there are almost no reviews for this series. I'll have to check out your other vids as well. Keep up the good work!

[@judyjackson9653]

I loved hearing the use of “If I Can’t Love her” when you covered Daedalus 👍🏼 You’re reviews are always very well thought out, down to the music. Brava!

[@katwernery6505]

I remember that show! Not ashamed to admit I loved it! Although, I was 14 in 1994 and didn’t have a lot of vampire choices

[@TheDoctor423]

Great video. I don't entirely agree that Kindred was in any way decent, but I can always appreciate someone trying to be fair. By the way, book suggestion... clan Tzimisce was at least partly based on the vampires from Brian Lumley's Necroscope novels.

[@yonkers_millyrock]

My personal favorite vampire is Kanaya Maryam from Homestuck: a tall, muscular, silver princess with jade blood, a chainsaw and the most awakening voice you've ever heard...

[@TulilaSalome]

Will there be a review of Forever Knight in the future? Oh say it is so! Oh do!

[@jameswest981]

I miss that show I thought it was amazing

[@dafalzonAUS]

If you can’t afford to shoot at night, maybe shooting Vampires is not the right show to be filming 😂

[@kingcrimson2643]

Interestingly enough, the actress for Sasha also appeared on Angel.

[@LucienneintheDreaming]

Also Charmed.

[@maugos]

Wow! I'm surprised how in depth you went with this. Very nice of you to describe how the game works.

[@Treeeboy]

I really appreciate just how many sound affects and how much music from the game is in this review :D

[@fuzzyizmit]

I LOVED this show so much... I even bought it on DVD when it finally came out. It is such a shame it got canceled.

[@redfeildre349]

Tremere Thaumaturgy is so potent that the clan managed to avoid this embarrassment.

[@Greycatuk]

Great review! Well done for making such a complex topic so accessible. And making me sad all over again that the potential of Kindred wasn't given time... x

[@darkservantofheaven]

Nice use of the Bloodlines ost and sound effects

[@metaldad1967]

I miss this show...I was so pissed when the Brouha clan turned the niece out of spite

[@JnEricsonx]

And then Daedalus offers his aid for a price, Julian says "Name it". And Daedelus just points at the Brujah: "Him."

[@metaldad1967]

@@JnEricsonx Such a BADASS moment when he did that, and the Noseferatu clan pounced!

[@JnEricsonx]

@@metaldad1967 Well, that was literally a case of Daedalus doing something for Julian in terms of him being his friend AND as he's the prince at the same time.

[@metaldad1967]

@@JnEricsonx "The Noseferatu Clan stands with its Prince" It sucks that the show ended in the cliffhanger of Toussant being kindred planted by Julian and Frank finding out they existed when he was given the shotgun with shells that could kill them. I really wanted to see where the story could go from there. Plus Frank's niece unwillingly being turned Brouha left unresolved.

[@sebastianrivera6976]

Im so happy you are talking about this! I LOVE VTM and now my favorite reviewer is talking about it!

[@rhaenyralikesyoutube6289]

"My vampires can't be killed by wooden stakes, but only gold or green ones!" 😂

[@RedQueenEffect]

Yaaas!! I was hoping you would do a Vampire Review of Kindred one day!

[@SirEriol]

My vampires... ...are not reclusive, but just shy. They are so shy that the idea of making friends actually excites them, so they go around casually (awkwardly) trying to bond with other people. Not necessarily vampires nor humans, just people. Their efforts are dampered by the fact that they need to suck blood, so, yeah... there's that. They also tend to have pets. So, they treat the conversion to vampirism as the ultimate sleepover. A sign of true friendship, akin to "if we both reach 300 and _still_ haven't married, let's just marry each other so we feel better about ourselves". So, when you join their nerdy vampire club, they give you a shirt that says "My friends turned me into the Undying and all I got was this stupid t-shirt", and, since they are so awkward talking to people, they give you a welcome gift of a VCR. Yes, a VCR, the ultimate form of home entertainment. But there are some vampires, the more outgoing ones, who disagree with such thing, calling the instution "outdated". They argue that, if they _really_ want to gather new members, they should totally gift SEGA Dreamcasts instead.

[@writerspen010]

lololollll you're so adorable; the Lilo & Stitch quote warmed my heart xDD this game sounds like so much fun!!

[@patrickmccurry1563]

I loved the game way back in first edition. Theme and milieu out the wazoo. But beware; the proofreading and editing was very sub par, and the game mechanics were messy. (When it mentions vampires spreading blood born illnesses, it lists sickle cell anemia in the examples. You know, the genetic disorder?)

[@tim7561]

writerspen010 50 bucks she showed her kid it as she worked on the script.

[@ReptilianTeaDrinker]

Bloodlines is the second vampire masquerade game. Redemption being the first. They are a bit glitchy and whatnot, but still pretty fun with decent storylines. Bloodlines is more modern.

[@Dorian.Graverobber]

I know the comment section should be talking about the video...but damn your fashion skills are amazing!! I always love seeing your outfits in these videos!

[@Isrjisoneavalable]

VtM was my first on going LARP (social/political parlour larp rather than sword swinging in the woods) and I think it would make a great tv series. Cure larper talking about their character; I was a Toreador would obsession was "beautiful tragedy". She hated that she could never feel true love and felt her sire tricked her threw clever wording and the blood bonded. She had a hundred year or so friendly rivalry with a Bruja poet -once challenging him to speak only in verse at an important court meeting- and they eventually became doomed and highly toxic lovers despite neither really being able to love. She felt his fall from virtue was her masterpiece, her most beautiful tragedy.

[@ajvanbreen]

Good times! :) My favorite character was probably a Brujah who had been a gay rights activist in life. He ended up becoming primogen and having the prince's childe assassinated. Though the Toreador stage magician who met his end while double-crossing the Sabbat was pretty fun too.

[@kuririn1975]

I loved LARP. We used to have a huge Conclave in Okinawa about 30-40 people. It was awesome. What was cool was some of the players actually owned clubs off base, or managed restaurants on base. If we felt froggy if we saw some one during a non play day we would both agree either it was a OOC or IC meeting. Man it was funny one teenager who played played a Malkavavin. He in character dominated a japanese school girl to wear a vest of C4. He offered the girl as tribute to feast upon by the prince. He left the room but another ghoul was spying through a window let him know when the Prince was feeding. He then blew the vest via remote. We all had to reroll characters. He single handedly killed 17 vampire characters. Others survived. Most were Gangrel that had high I mean like 4-5 Fortitude. Good times

[@saturn9611]

It's been a while since I played Bloodlines (my only experience with World of Darkness) but my magnum opus was a cleopatra Nosferatu who was a pretty journalist in life. She found out about the Masquerade and after a month of trying to get the scoop on vampire politics she was punished with her hideous bald-headed looks and sworn secrecy. Poor girl just couldn't keep her mouth shut lol

[@immortan-valkyrie90]

I can't wait for you to review the videogame version :3

[@InoMercy]

Linkara did a review of the game about a year or two ago. He doesn't go much into the vampire stuff (And mispronounces Brujah, the clan he chose to play) but it's pretty funny, and Maven even cameos in it.

[@immortan-valkyrie90]

InoMercy yes I remember lol I hope Maven gets to do her own review analysis.

[@arellajardin2323]

I would love to see her take on Bloodlines. Linkara mostly talked about plot and gameplay. I'd like to hear her discuss vampire society and the clans. Especially the Malkavian. :P

[@seb24789]

VersionS. Why does everyone forget about Redemtion? Its awesome!

[@arellajardin2323]

Not a lot of people played Redemption, and Bloodlines is just a way better game. There's a reason fans kept it alive for years with fan patches.

[@thomasmurray3920]

I LOVED Forever Knight. The conflict between Nick and LaCroix is excellent (and the foreshadowing late night radio talks), and Janette could bite me any time she wants. The flashbacks to their histories gives a depth to the characters not found in Kindred. SPOILER ALERT: My favorite episodes are the one with the author where everyone is engrossed in the vampire novel she has written most recently (Detective Schanke imagining himself as a vampire was revealing as well as humorous) and the author telling Knight that “You are my vampire” sets up the conflict in Nick’s mind. My other favorite is Human Factor from season three. Nick us presented with the dilemma of whether to “save” Janette by re-vampirizing her is heart wrenching, given their history. I am so envied her human husband’s life with her l, although things did not end well for anyone in this episode. The story of LaCroix’s daughter turning him in ancient times was also very good. The young actress playing his daughter was a good blend of innocence, sensuality, and hunger for power. Kindred could have been really good. I watch emu thing vampire related, and cone into this series without knowing if the game ahead of time. Our hostesses points were very well taken, even without her humorous presentation. I really wanted to see Kelly Rutherford’s character turned l, and was so disappointed when her memories were erased. The building tension of their relationship screamed for that ultimate kiss and sharing of blood, and the possible shock that she turned out very different than what we would expect once she became a vampire. Also, I have loved Brigid Branagh in everything I have ever seen her in. Although her role had much potential, her acting chops were limited by the lazy writing of the Romeo/Juliet themed story. Could have been much better.

[@MorganVsTheInternet]

Charmed was my childhood. That show was what introduced me to the fantasy genre as a kid living in a conservative country I could never read gothic or fantasy books but super edited tv shows where accessible.

[@Kay2be2mr]

I was a kid when this show was on the air. Had no idea it was based on a game and didn't really understand any of the clan stuff, I just thought the guy that played Julian was very attractive.

[@mrblue8439]

It was great seeing you again Maven of the Eventide :-)

[@OrbGoblin]

I remember watching this as a teen. I'd just gotten the World of Darkness books and I could not have been more pumped... or let down. This show was basically Melrose Place w/vampires.

[@robertgronewold3326]

This would be the prefect property to make into a show in current times. Just imagine having a Game of Thrones style show set in a modern vampiric underworld, where you have Machiavellian politics juxtaposed with smaller, more personal storylines. Also if it was on platform like Netflix, it could easily go into the bloodier, more monstrous aspects of Vampire and a little bit of sex and language.

[@joannesopinion7006]

Been following vampire reviews for a while now and I'm really impressed by your dedication, the effort you put into each video is clear to see. You raise interesting points and I find your unique brand of charisma highly entertaining (also I slightly irrelevant I absolutely adore your style, nailed it), it makes the videos stand out in a way which makes your video preferable to others of it's kind. Just want to let you know keep up the good work. Also wondering if you've heard of The Saga of Darren Shan, the movie made of it was terrible but the book series is an reasonably intriguing and good read if somewhat on the angst side towards the end. Certainly gives an interesting view on vampires and their society, the different strengths and weakness between full and half blood vampires and general comparison to their more crazed ruthless cousins the vampaneze. I don't know I found the fact their was a distinction interesting and it was one of my favorite reads during my teens so if you haven't read I would recommend the books to you.

[@LutherOMight]

The Legacy of Kain series !!!!... Its only a matter of time now.

[@LimSiege]

As much of a LoK fan I am, I think that series is VERY obtuse and difficult to get into with all the timey wimey bits. Though the dynamics on how the Vampires were cursed with immortality by the Hylden and their lament of their severance from the wheel of fate does make for interesting discussions.

[@LutherOMight]

Yes I agree the series as a whole is a lot to take in. I played the entire series from the first game to the last in like a week and much as it can get confusing it has an amazing story and I love it. Also I would love to hear Mavens thoughts on Raziels and Kains relationship.

[@peterlorincz6884]

11:55 The Gangrels aren't independent. According to lore they are officially Camarilla, they are part of the 7 Camarilla clans, but lately more and more Gangrel switch sides to Sabbat.

[@kieralavode57]

I never saw the series but Vampire: the Masquerade is such a nostalgia trip for me. Funnily enough, I just dug out my rulebooks for Requiem again last week, so the timing very much amuses me. Great review, too! Very much enjoyed this! ...Makes me want to get the old gang back together. ^^ Real shame about that series. The idea to make a V:tM series sounds great, it could've been so amazing.

[@mrfriendlyguy]

You need to review Forever Knight another 90s vampire show.

[@mattDettling]

I feel like if it had Vampire in the title it would have gotten its 9th episode ...

[@mangoandrice]

i always get So excited when i see your face in my subscription feed. yet another excellent video. now i have new shows/movies to watch THANK YOU

[@КатеринаКатерина-т9ц]

Finally! I have been waiting for this review for a long-long time! Even if I didn't enjoy the series as much as I adore the game and videogame ( actually I replay it every autumn), it is great to know your point of view.

[@quinnsinclair7028]

Was that Nosferstu vampire Kralic and Rack from Buffy?

[@JnEricsonx]

And Eddie got blown up by Buffy with a rocket launcher.

[@mariannebossu]

When will you tackle True Blood?

[@kyla3635]

i cant believe that I see someone actually is reviewing Kindred: The Embraced. I loved that show. I was 14 years old and i was so upset that Fox cancelled it after only 8 episodes. I hate that the lead actor died.

[@RoberttheFox0001]

I really loved that series-all 8 episodes...

[@bradwolf07]

I did not know about Vampire: The Masquerade until YEARS after I first saw this show. And I did not see this show until years after it came out. It ran as a marathon on the Sci-Fi channel (before it became Syfy); at least that is what I remember. So anyway, I saw this show and wondered "what the hell is going on here?" It had potential, but it did not embrace that potential. Great review. I learned more than I thought I would. Like the main actor's death. I had no idea. Tragic.

[@TheBisness]

This show was fantastic. At least the dvd gave it a semi-ending.

[@fitzsimmons6064]

A few things after watching this video: 1. I only know this series exist because of a fanfic crossover. 2. I find it kinda funny that for such a short series, this shw has at least 5 starring actors/actresses from Charmed. 3. Kinda wish they would try to redo this show or one like it nowadays. Might be interesting. 4. This feels like what Moonlight was trying to go for. 5. Now I want Maven to do a Moonlight episode.

[@mrclueuin]

Hey Maven, Thanks for the shout out to ' Forever Knight'! I'm a big fan of the show and I was beginning to think that I was the only one that knew about it! 👿

[@wildmarjoramdieselpunk6396]

It used to be shown on CBS after the news late at night.

[@nikoteardrop4904]

Performing necromancy to say that, when I saw Daedalus, I kept thinking, "Ok, now is he gonna drop Mask?" Nos are my babies (largely because Malks are such a bad joke and missed opportunity), and that lapdog is way too pretty.

[@JnEricsonx]

Still a cool character. Funny as hell to see the actor get killed on TWD by a human biting his throat out.

[@liabezdomny5136]

There was actually a reason why the Nosferatu in the show looked that normal: They kept their Beast in check. And if you are interested in seeing what an unchecked Nosi looks like: it is that bald lady with the contact lenses.

[@sweeney60]

Maven, would you be willing to do a followup episode to Pumpktoberfest? You never revealed what your favorite beer was and I've been dying to know which one/s were you're top.

[@davidwhitfield6025]

Dear Lady. Thank you. I was wondering when you would do this painful attempt to capture the best of role playing games (and a kick arse but equally frustrating video game). Spot on review. Sad but true. Too much to do with such a small budget. Agreed probably should not have focused on the Prince and the Primogen and have viewed the WoD from the eyes of the recently turned girl. Still it isn't horrible and frankly I think it was better than 1st season Charmed. However it left out the Tremere which I have never forgiven Spelling for. A female tremere might have added an extra dimension (although probably not given the evidence) to the limited presence of the fairer sex. I hope you one day do a review of Vampire the Masquerade in all its iterations. Its your show, you can do what you want. Well here I go installing Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines again. Thank Caine for Wespe and his never ending discoveries that just keep on making it fresh.

[@KS-xl2wl]

Such a shame. My high school boyfriend and I used to watch this when it came on. We used to play VtM with his sister, her bf at the time, and a group of mutual friends. This kind of brought the game into the real world for us. We were disappointed when it was cancelled. I have the Kindred the Embraced DVDs, 2 sets of them actually, and occasionally I have to watch it for old times sake. It was also kind of even more personal to us because his name was Mark and I am Stacy who are the main characters real name. Julian Luna/Mark Frankel and Lilly Langtree/Stacy Haiduk. It also introduced me to Brigid Walsh who played Sasha and I thought she was so beautiful. I still have a girl crush on her 25ish years later. In regards to Daedelus and his appearance. All I could ever surmise was he was using the Nosferatu clan ability, Obfuscate, in order to be more visually appealing to the audience and that's why the viewer never saw him as anything more than a bald dude with pointy ears and a veiny head.

[@JnEricsonx]

That and it probably cut down the makeup time. Also, if I remember right, I read that all of Daedelus's paintings were actually done by the actor.

[@spuriusbrocoli4701]

I have been waiting for this episode since the show was still on TGWTG. It did not disappoint. I love every frame of this. I love the structure and the arguments. I especially love the little sound effects from VTM: Bloodlines when you introduce the clans. I have been waiting for you to cover something WoD for literal years. Worth every dollar of patreon money.

[@MavenoftheEventide]

Thank you!! My show IS still on tgwtg, btw. Always has been! channelawesome.com/category/videos/producers/maven/

[@Friendly_T_Girl]

I really love this series :D Keep the great work up. May i ask. Is Vampire hunter D (the two movies) and Van Helsing on the to do list?

[@MavenoftheEventide]

I talked about Van Helsing a bit in my Monster Mash video, but I haven't yet come up with more to say about it for a video of its own. I watched both Vampire Hunter D movies a few years ago, but didn't have any great ideas at the time. I'm actually kind of hoping someone requests them through my patreon to give me the extra push to make something out of them.

[@andrewlyon4495]

How about Jojo?

[@GreatgoatonFire]

Maven would have to do a lot of carDio so her heart could handle all the fabulous beefcake JoJO has. =P

[@governor_explosion]

I think I remember her once saying she'd consider it if someone requested it on Patreon, but it'd probably take awhile to review, even if she streamlined it to only focus on the parts that really focus on the Pillar Men and DIO. Especially since DIO is in hiding for most of Stardust Crusaders, and we only really get to see his powers in action towards the end of that arc. In regards to Kindred and say, the Pathfinder or D&D comics and movies, I feel like some people who play the games would be picky or self-centered and ignore a licensed property based on a tabletop/video game they play because they're only interested in their own OC's, and the characters in the show don't resemble their own campaign as closely, but that's their loss.

[@FaeQueenCory]

+GreatgoatonFire Don't you mean..... CarsDIO? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )

[@josephyoung2593]

Suggestion for future videos: A series using the WoD clans as jumping-off points for discussions of vampire commonplaces. Use Ventrue to discuss evil aristocrats, Toreador to look at tortured romantics, Grangrel to discuss shape-changing/animalism, Giovanni to consider toxic families etc. Mine the lore for costume ideas (Nosferatu FTW). I for one would watch the living nightlights out of that. What do others think?

[@Rasclin]

To this day, I wish this had been animated somehow. It could have solved so many issues with casting/budget/etc...

[@anonymoose2386]

I loved when the Bloodlines soundtrack started up in the background!