This started as a novel of the same name, then became an excellent Swedish film before the American version Let Me In. Now Showtime has released this series with several changes. It’s set in modern day New York, the primary cast members are Hispanic or Black and there are several new subplots that clutter things up. Demian Bichir plays the beleaguered father of a 12-year-old who’s been turned into a vampire. He struggles to keep her supplied with blood, while trying to maintain some normalcy in their lives. There is the troubled next door boy to be befriended, but there’s a whole new story about another family searching for cure and even a 3^rd story about evil drug dealers. Ultimately, when the narrative sticks to the basic premise, it’s interesting, but the side stories water down the effect and there’s virtually no tension. Overall, there are some successful elements, but the ultimate outcome is uneven and lacking punch. It must be said that the chimpanzees look incredibly fake, but on the positive, look for Richmond native Duke Lafoon to be devoured at the finale of ep 2 (and listen to my podcast with Duke). Review based on 6 of 10 episodes. (2 / 5)

Showtime link