MOONLIGHT: "SLEEPING BEAUTY"

Moonlight: “Sleeping Beauty”

Title: Sleeping Beauty

Episode: 1.10 

Original Air Dare: 12/14/2007

Writers: Trevor Munson & Ron Koslow

Director: John T. Kretchmer

Starring: Alex O’Loughlin, Sophia Myles, Shannyn Sossamon, Jason Dohring

Guest star: Jordan Belfi (Josh Lindsey), Tami Roman (Maureen), Nick E Tarabay (Ralf Martan), Ian Abercrombie (Richard Whitley), Alice Greczyn (Sam), Paul Rae (Tom), Kavita Patil (Doctor Duffy), Al Galvez (Dan)

Plot Summary: Mick has a lot on his mind after Beth’s staking of the hospitalized Coraline when he learns Josef’s office has been torched. Now he must deal with his best friend’s apparent death and finding Josef’s killer. Mick and Tom, Josef’s head of security, launch an investigation into the attack. This leads Mick and Beth to New York City and a surprising discovery about Josef’s past.

Review: “Hope, Lies and Sacrifice” could well be the subtitle of “Sleeping Beauty”, episode 1.10 of Moonlight. We had Mick embracing hope, Josef telling lies and three women choosing to make tough decisions about what they were willing to sacrifice to be in love with a vampire. Interestingly enough, two of the women — both from eras long ago — chose to jump into the flames for their vampire lovers, while one — Beth Turner — jumps into a cab to catch a flight (modern women can be so frustratingly practical).

But before I dive into all of that, let’s recap the procedural plotline of “Sleeping Beauty”. In this episode, Mick sets out to find the person trying to kill his best friend, Josef. At first, Mick does not question the why of the assassin’s motives. It’s a given Josef has enemies, and Josef reacts to this kind of attack from the eye-for-an-eye book of payback. But after finding out Josef’s not dead, Mick follows him to New York City in hopes of preventing Josef from doing something stupid. Mick and Beth (who comes along to “stop Mick from doing something stupid”) meet a 93 year-old man who has a lot of hate in his heart and revenge on his mind. Turns out Josef’s alias Charles killed (or as it turns out tried to turn) Whitley’s daughter in 1955.

This episode was enjoyable, yeah, and fast-paced, and almost breathless in its scene progression. We also had passionate performances from the main cast, and some of the seasons best choreographed fight scenes.

But Mick’s emotional journey was the star of the episode. From controlled anger, to uncontrolled grief to rage and finally elation, he covered the emotional gambit, including a scene where his grief was so raw it was tough to watch (more on that scene later).

Then there was Josef. He’s not big on telling Mick the truth. Watch carefully, if you’re into re-watching episodes, but Josef is showing himself to be somewhat of a master manipulator of the truth (could it be his hedge fund trader skills coming into play?). Not only did he mislead Mick about the human/vampire relationship deal, but when quizzed about Richard Whitley (Sarah’s dad) he flat out lied until he was forced to do otherwise.

I found Jason Dohring’s performance delectable in this episode. Some may say that Josef

behaves immaturely at times considering his age — being a 400 year-old vampire. But Josef was turned in his early twenties. And as we learned in “Arrested Development” (episode 1.05), vampires can be saddled with aspects of the personalities they had at the time they were turned. I believe we see that in Josef. He screams spoiled aristocrat from the 16th century, while Mick, for example, is a GI. He fought in World War II, most likely enlisted at age 20, and survived the Battle of the Bulge. Mick’s a warrior. Josef is a negotiator.

Other liars in the episode included Security Chief Tom, who paid for his deceit with a bullet in the head (we presume as much from the bloody computer monitor).

How much to sacrifice is the choice for the women in “Sleeping Beauty”. Clearly, Coraline will sacrifice whatever it takes to get Mick. It’s just that her tactics are a bit warped. Still, to me Coraline is a tragic figure. She loves Mick absolutely. She’s done bad things, yes, but her goal is clear.  “Mick” - That was her last word as her human life slipped away (which is what I believe we saw in that last scene, Coraline’s human death).

Josef’s Sarah sacrificed her family, and her human life for him. That’s a lot of love to end up in a coma.

However, both of these women were from another era. Could that contribute to their idea of love? Could be.

Because our Beth, Loyal Viewers, got in a cab.

I thought Beth’s dialog in “Sleeping Beauty” was inconsistent in some spots. I think the writers are working at nailing down her motivations, but she has a lot going on (Josh, Mick, Josh, Mick, vampires exist, Mick, Josh). But her actions were right on in that last scene in my humble opinion. She’s struggling with the idea of falling in love with a man that’s not a man (vampire, remember) and having loved or still in love with another man, a good man she’s left at home. Josh is the sensible option. And as mad as it made me, she had only one choice. Get in the cab.

Odds and Ends

·         Josef’s office—one of the most beautiful sets on the show—trashed—blown to bits! Where will Josef live now?

·         Mick is Josef’s muscle. But at least, Mick dictates housekeepingJ).

·         What’s Mick going to do with the vial of blood he extracted from Coraline? (I know, the cure.)

·         Male vampires come to Josef for advice about dating human women — check out dialog during poker game.

·         Beautiful aerial shots of LA and some nice lighting effects throughout episode.

·         Excellent scene for Josh elicited much empathy for his character.

·         Josef Konstantin becomes Josef Konstan! What’s up?

·         Bourne Identity-esque fight scenes rocked!

Best Lines:

“Trust me on this one fellas, you get mixed up with mortal girls and it never ends well.” Josef

“You can always turn them not mortal.” Vampire poker player

“It’s too much commitment.” Josef

~

“He’s a vampire.” Richard Whitley

“That’s not funny old man.” Ralf Martan

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“Tracking says women 18 to 34 find you a little harsh.” Beth’s boss Maureen.

~

Things to Remember:

Every scene between Josef and Mick was intense and layered. That friendship is complicated just like every relationship on this show. Nothing is just on the surface on Moonlight.

Alex took a risk and went for sobbing instead of moist eyes in the hallway scene, and it was tough to watch. Why? It was so raw and personal. Male actors — especially sexy leads — usually avoid big time sobbing. But Alex didn’t and I salute his choice.

Mick and Hopefulness:

The last scene in “Sleeping Beauty” between Mick and Beth was a thrill ride of emotions—going in opposite directions. Beth was filled with doubt about Sarah’s sacrifice and perhaps some empathy for Coraline’s plight (maybe a reach, but…). While Mick, for the first time in the show’s 10 episodes, revealed to Beth some of the man he’d been before he’d met Coraline, before he was turned. As Mick said, “Josef Konstan in love? I guess that proves anything can happen.” And that translated into even Mick St. John can be happy.

One thing about watching Moonlight 1.10, we learned that this show doesn’t believe in making it easy on any of its characters — and that’s one of the things I enjoy about it.

Until next time.

Yours in Vampire solidarity,

Denny S. Bryce/denny_dc

Comments

[denny]

Hi,

Just wanted to let readers know, I got confused about Josef's last name (you know it changed:)...it used to be Josef Konstantin and then became Josef Kostan, which I translated into Konstan:)...sorry.