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"...Maybe one time he was a good person, and you'll sort of see glimpses of that, you know, with my former hairstyle, and my really nice suit in New York in this week's episode, Dohring revealed.

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With his commanding presence and enigmatic appeal, it's not unusual for Josef to have a romantic storyline.

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Written by Trevor Munson and Ron Koslow
Directed by John T. Kretchmer

Since the beginning of the series, one of the best characters has been Josef: the apparent poster boy for vampire high rollers, celebrating the thirst for blood even as Mick yearns for humanity. Mick and Josef have been the perfect pair, reminding each other of the virtues of each others position.

That dynamic is just one highlight of this episode. With Josefs existence in the balance, his weaknesses emerge. Josef acts as if he cannot be touched, but his own impulses and desires betray him. Relatively safe in the confines of Micks apartment, Josef exposes himself to danger time and again. Its quite the contrast to his usual behavior, dedicated to the protection of the vampires and their interests.

Mick tries to infuse some degree of common sense into Josef, who often appears befuddled at the thought that his seeming perfect life has come crashing down around him. Of course, it doesnt work, because Mick struggles to understand Josefs psychology. Approaching Josef as he would a human was completely ineffective. Its quite possible that Micks inner rejection of his vampirism made an appeal on that level difficult or impossible.

The contrast between Mick and Josef soon gives way to an indirect commentary on Micks relationship with Beth. Josef had good enough reason to advise against it in the past; now his reasons possess a more complete context. Sarahs fate is the perfect example of a cautionary tale. Beth may have no intention of asking Mick to turn her, but she still has the Black Crystal, and shes been tempted. How long would it take before she wore down Micks resistance?

Coralines return is complication enough. Mick is torn between his past and the hope for restored humanity and his devotion to Beth and her welfare. Coralines cure would appear to solve the problem, but Mick would be forced to choose. But since the cure appears to be anything but a solution to Micks condition, it still comes down to negotiating the gap.

Sarahs coma is an unexpected turn of events, and a nice touch to the standard vampire myth. Its one thing if Mick could choose Beth and turn her with full confidence in the result. But now its clear that the turning doesnt always work. More to the point, no reason is given, and it appears that Josef and Mick had no idea why the turning might have gone wrong. That realization certainly gave Beth something to consider, as the end of the episode indicates. (Certainly Josh wasnt the real reason for her reluctance.)

The sleeping beauty motif focused on Sarah, but it was applicable to Coraline as well. Her subplot has no direct connection to Josefs ordeal, serving the needs of the overall plot arc instead. In Micks absence, Coralines true nature appears to be revealed. The cure seems more an illusion than truth, masking the vampirism with a veneer of humanity. The question is whether or not Coraline was aware of that fact. Its just one more mystery that continues to drive this series to more unexpected success.

Writing: 2/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 2/4

Final Rating: 8/10

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