The Bonds of Friendship. Review: Dracula – “The Devil’s Waltz”

Season 1, Episode 5

Air Date: Friday, November 29, 2013, 10/9c on NBC.

Rating: ★★★★★

“You are a man of secrets, Mr. Grayson.” — Renfield

Secrets aren’t the only things Grayson/Dracula (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is hiding. “The Devil’s Waltz” is, in a word, spectacular. Along with the mystery surrounding Renfield’s (Nonso Anozie) disappearance, there is drama, torture, and revelations of the most arresting kind. Fair warning, if you are at all squeamish, suck it up because you don’t want to miss one minute of this week’s Dracula.

The Bonds of Friendship

We get a glimpse into the origins of Grayson and Renfield’s friendship

If you’ve wondered how Grayson and Renfield first became acquainted, “The Devil’s Waltz” delves into their past a little, including how they met. I’ve always been intrigued by the fierce loyalty Renfield bestows upon Grayson, and realize Grayson feels the same sense of dedication to his trusted right-hand man. Meyers’ portrayal of a man on a mission is commanding. I love how the show portrays this unique friendship, which seems a bit out of place in the current era in which the show is set. The depth of their bond is confirmed when Grayson takes his vengeance on Renfield’s captors. Anozie is absolutely brilliant. His hysterical laughter when recognizing his rescuer made me smile and call out in triumph. The madam torturer and her band of wicked men will get their comeuppance.

Davenport becomes a bit flustered when Lady Jayne mentions Renfield’s kidnapping.

Neve McIntosh gives a chilling performance as the torturer, Janina Kleiberson. The way Janina wields her instruments of pain made me shudder in fear, and I felt such pity for Renfield. I cringed when her henchmen rub salt in his wounds. I was riveted to my screen watching her toying with Renfield’s senses, so to speak. Of course, we know Janina was hired by Lord Davenport (Robert Bathurst) against the wishes of The Order, but it seems Davenport wants to exact punishment – an eye for an eye, and all that.

“Who does Alexander Grayson love?” This question is repeated by Janina throughout the course of Renfield’s captivity. Davenport means to hurt the person Grayson loves but, by all appearances, it seems his fellow Order member Lady Jayne Wetherby (Victoria Smurfit) currently holds Grayson’s affections. That, however, will soon change when Mina (Jessica De Gouw) and Harker’s (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) engagement party begins.

Let There Be Sunlight

Grayson soothes his creation before she is subjected to Van Helsing's serum.

Grayson soothes the female vampire before she is subjected to Van Helsing’s serum.

Grayson hasn’t been deterred from wanting to walk in the sun. He urgently presses Van Helsing (Thomas Kretschmann) to perfect the serum, and we can wonder no more about who will be theunfortunate guinea pig. I completely understand Grayson’s desire to walk in daylight. He needs to be seen as normal and his constant avoidance of stepping out during the daytime will become more noticeable very soon. I also think he wants to appear like any other man to the fair Mina. While there is some hope for the serum, its effects are short lived, and the despair Meyer conveys makes me empathize with Grayson.

The First Dance

Admittedly, I’m on the fence about Harker and his character’s direction, thus making me feel a little torn about his upcoming nuptials with Mina. Yes, I want Mina to be with Grayson… out of pure selfishness. I am smitten with Grayson and want him to have what he so desires. The chemistry between Mina and Grayson is palpable. I’m not entirely sure her dream of Grayson sulking in a dark corner of her bedroom is a dream, though. He is very…stealthy. And that kiss…I would love to have a dream kiss like that. I digress. In gratitude for Grayson hosting the lavish engagement party, decorated and overseen by the lovesick Lucy Westenra (Katie McGrath), Harker offers “the first dance” to Grayson as thanks.

Grayson and Mina cannot hide their mutual attraction. This dance reveals more than just gratitude.

Amid the gasps, when Grayson and Mina begin to dance, it’s a casual formality, but once the music deepens, they lock eyes, their hands take more languid places on each other’s bodies, and with the (sensual) way Grayson and Mina dance, the crowd sees something blossom right before their eyes. I could have sworn Harker’s eyes were going to pop out, as well as Lucy’s. As an aside, Lucy needs to be mindful of her longing looks at her dear friend Mina; there are ever watchful roving eyes ready to pounce on the tiniest bit of scandal. The energy between Grayson and Mina is only possible by the two actors playing them. Their connection is so real, you can feel it coming through the screen. My eyes watched every twirl and hand movement, and I was mesmerized.

Overall

“The Devil’s Waltz” doesn’t disappoint and holds you captive the entire hour. The acting is superlative, and the cinematography, the costumes, and the set designs are so well done and meticulous in their detail; it felt like I was watching a movie. I’m curious to see how Lady Jayne approaches Grayson after this intense dance and, of course, whether she will broach the subject of Lucy’s obvious affections for Mina. And I didn’t miss the fact that Browning (Ben Miles) alluded to Lady Jayne that Grayson might be a vampire. I’ve wondered why she hasn’t realized he doesn’t have a heartbeat. I also wonder if Grayson’s skin is cold to the touch. Apparently, it doesn’t matter when you are in the throes of passion.

Tune in to Dracula, Fridays at 10/9c on NBC.

For more on the show, go to http://www.nbc.com/dracula/.

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Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.