Blood Ties

Blood Ties is an intriguing television series that premiered on Lifetime Network from March until November 2007. Located in Toronto, Canada, the series deftly combines elements of crime, horror, and fantasy to create a riveting viewing experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with its unpredictability and thrilling twists.

The series stars Christina Cox as the heroine, Vicki Nelson, a former cop turned private investigator following a diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa that threatens her eyesight. Her police training, sharp instincts, and stubborn tenacity serve her well in her new role, allowing her to unravel complex crimes that baffle the authorities.

Kyle Schmid portrays the alluring and fascinating character, Henry Fitzroy, a graphic novelist with a confidential truth: he is a 450-year-old vampire, and not just any vampire, he happens to be the illegitimate son of King Henry VIII. Unexpectedly, Vicki and Henry cross paths during an investigation, leading to an indescribable bond. Henry's supernatural abilities often prove useful in solving cases, infusing the narrative with surprising turns that compel viewers to follow the story, episode after episode.

Dylan Neal portrays Mike Celluci, a by-the-book homicide detective and Vicki's former police partner. Mike doesn't entirely understand or trust Vicki's new ally, Henry, which creates a captivating tension throughout the series. His feelings for Vicki are still strong, and the romantic rivalry between him and Henry provides an interesting subplot to the central crime-solving storyline.

Gina Holden plays Coreen Fennel, who hires Vicki to investigate the murder of her boyfriend, bringing Vicki and Henry together. Coreen later becomes Vicki's assistant and an integral part of her investigative team. Fran is Mike's reliable and ever-efficient secretary, who often adds brief yet needed comedic moments to break the overarching gloom.

Blood Ties dives deep into the supernatural and the undead, often involving crimes related to otherworldly entities such as ghosts, demons, werewolves, zombies, witches, and of course, other vampires. These supernatural plots interweave flawlessly with the personal lives of the characters, making the series a unique blend of police procedural, personal drama, and horror fiction.

The series is based on the "Blood Books" by Tanya Huff, another factor that sets the show apart from many other crime dramas. The choice of Toronto as the primary setting offers an urban landscape that adds to the series' mysterious and often sinister atmosphere.

What truly binds the series together is its characters. There's Vicki Nelson, feisty, stubborn, and doesn't easily back down from a fight, her visual impairment only spurring her to prove herself. Then there's Henry Fitzroy, whose supernatural abilities and mysterious past draw viewers in. His undeniable charisma makes it easy to see why Vicki would be drawn into his world. Mike Celluci serves as the voice of reason and logic in the series, reminding viewers of the harsh realities they face. Coreen Fennel adds another layer to the team as she brings her intuitive capabilities to the table, and Fran provides away-from-the-front-line assistance which is often crucial in solving the cases.

In essence, Blood Ties is a delight for fans of crime dramas, supernatural thrillers, and character-driven narratives. Each episode provides a thrilling case, often interwoven with longstanding folklore, myths, and legends in fresh, compelling ways. Vicki, Henry, Mike, and Coreen work through these cases, all while navigating their complex personal relationships.

While the initial pull of Blood Ties may be its distinct mix of detective work and supernatural elements, what keeps fans captivated is its exploration of human relationships in the face of uncanny circumstances. It's about loyalty, perceived betrayal, romantic entanglement, and personal sacrifice, all set in a world where anything is possible. These combine to create a suspenseful, original, and engaging series that you'll find both fascinating and captivating.