Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Dracula: Final episode of BBC adaptation torn apart over ‘dreadful’ conclusion

‘I have seen rapid declines in TV shows over seasons before – never have I seen it over three episodes’

Jacob Stolworthy
Saturday 04 January 2020 04:49 EST
Comments
Dracula: New BBC series trailer released

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The final episode of Dracula has been torn apart by viewers who feel that the second episode’s twist ruined the show’s conclusion.

Claes Bang played the evil vampire at the heart of Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss’ adaptation, which scored rave reviews following its premiere on New Year’s Day (1 January).

Just three days later, though, and the show fell out of favour with those who had been praising it – mainly due to the twist that brought the character face-to-face with Van Helsing’s descendant in the 21st Century.

After watching two episodes that were set in the same time period as Bram Stoker’s novel, viewers felt the modern day re-imagining failed to hit the mark.

Twitter was awash with messages criticising Sherlock creators Moffat and Gatiss’ decision.

“I have seen rapid declines in TV shows over seasons before. Never have I seen it over three episodes,” one Twitter user wrote, with critic Helen O’Hara calling the conclusion “deeply silly.”

“We’ll always have episode one,” another quipped, referencing the acclaimed premiere, while others branded the episode ”horses*** and so boring” as well as “dreadful”.

Find a collection of responses below.

Dracula also starred Dolly Wells, Morfydd Clark and Lydia West.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in