Saw The Flash? Loved it? So did I.
But that's not the only DC property that warrants adulation right now. Constantine follows David Nutter's lead from The CW11 to drift into smart-pilot territory. It really packs a lot of drama and theatrics from Justice League: Dark while sticking to the pertinent elements that made the Vertigo title HellBlazer resonate deeply. The pilot brings forth this grit in typical David Goyer fashion but packs enough teasers and lore to satisfy the biggest fanboys.
I won't spoil to much of the plot but inititally, it's loyal to old stories yet has enough room to grow and breathe in its subversion. It's condensed niftily and fits television perfectly. In tow, it packs a distillled yet broody, dark atmosphere which Matt Ryan as the titular character thrives on. It's enigmatic and filled with the tension, suspense and mystery we crave. Lucy Griffiths and Harold Perrineau also add even more substance, and flair to boot, in a manner that's thoroughly engaging and extracts the charismatic sequences from the movie.
How far this goes will be interesting to see. Given the no-smoking sanction and the fact that this should have been thrown to a SHO or HBO miniseries, there's a lot to compromise but Marshall, marshals it well, reminiscent of Alan Taylor's
Game of Thrones. The cast is solid and nods to, let's use Dr. Fate, as an example, also allows snippets of space for crossovers or cameos but hey, it's NBC so don't be too hopeful. Some of the dialogue needs polishing and some characters lose momentum at times, but Ryan has an assiduous presence and allure that fits the bill perfectly, and that alone, complementing attractive CGI bits, will reel you in.