Evolution of Vampires on TV
The concept of the vampire has captivated human imagination since ancient times. Our natural aversion to corpses and the fear of being preyed upon have combined to create a classic monster that continues to evolve. In recent decades, vampires have undergone significant transformations, resulting in a diverse range of vampire characters on television.
Here are the top five TV vampires at the moment, in no particular order:
Count Von Count: The Educational Vampire
Count Von Count deserves a mention for his role in teaching children basic mathematics for over four decades. Interestingly, his interest in counting has roots in vampire folklore. European peasants are said to have placed seeds, millet, and sand on the gravesites of suspected vampires to distract them. Similarly, Chinese folklore features vampire-like beings that can be distracted by rice.
Marceline the Vampire Queen: A Complex Character
Marceline the Vampire Queen is a prominent character on Adventure Time, having befriended the main character due to their shared love of authenticity. Born as the half-human, half-demon daughter of the ruler of the Nightosphere, Marceline earned her title by defeating the Vampire King when he threatened her people. With her complex relationships and unique traits, such as her heirloom battleaxe turned electric bass, Marceline is a captivating character.
Benny Lafitte: The Heroic Vampire
From Supernatural, Benny Lafitte demonstrates how modern vampires can be heroes as well as villains. Benny turned on his creator when he fell in love, leading to his death and condemnation to Purgatory. He later helped Dean Winchester escape from Purgatory in exchange for being restored to life, becoming an ally of the Winchester brothers for a time. Although Benny has since sacrificed himself for Sam Winchester and Bobby Singer, his return remains a possibility in the Supernatural universe.
Proinsias Cassidy: The Weak Man Turned Vampire
Proinsias Cassidy is not inherently evil, but his weakness often leads to the downfall of those around him. In Preacher, viewers witness his transformation into a more complex character, providing a treat for fans of the comic book series.
The Master: The Traditional Villainous Vampire
Sometimes, it’s refreshing to see a vampire in a more traditional villainous role, and the Master from The Strain is a prime example. An ancient monster, the Master has unleashed a plague of vampires upon the world, creating a story that draws inspiration from both zombie and vampire narratives. The Master’s character is both familiar and unfamiliar, adding to the appeal of the TV show.
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