Reviews
“Quite intriguing and bizarre ... like something you’d see on a late night public access show or in a forgotten corner of an old Adult Swim timeslot. Each episode consists of a snippet of a tv show broadcast that gets interrupted to air a slow old Dark Shadows-like Victorian horror serial (which, more often than not consists of two characters having a strange and/or funny conversation fit for a 3 panel comic strip). The humor is quick, evoking a mix of Space Ghost Coast to Coast, Monty Python, Arrested Development, and Firesign Theater. I highly recommend checking this out if you get a chance. (I particularly like the use of sound effects).”
From dabodab...
In an unexpected yet delightful twist of nostalgia and absurdity, Jonathan Caws-Elwitt has introduced us to “Grave Mood Rings,” a web series crafted alongside Craig Conley and Michael Warwick (of Captive Audience and Mystery Arts fame). This series is a carriage ride of humor that blends vampire lore with the most iconic clichés of the 1970s.
For a bit of personal context—as someone who was once nicknamed Barnabas Collins by schoolmates due to my hair—this show resonates on a unique level. Watching “Grave Mood Rings” feels like revisiting a beloved, albeit twisted, chapter of television history.
Each “emptive” episode runs just a few minutes but is packed with layered seventies tropes presented through gauze-lensed scenes. You can viscount on each episode to deliver absurd twists and puns forced through plastic teeth. The Viscount playing an invisible organ and singing with said teeth quickly became my favorite recurring element. His character embodies the blend of humor and homage that makes this series so engaging.
The artist or label describes the show as a mix of vampire humor and 1970s elements such as pet rocks, lava lamps, disco music, bell-bottom pants, mirror balls, and mood rings. (And that’s just the credits preface). “Grave Mood Rings” cleverly parodies slow-moving Gothic soap operas like “Dark Shadows” and the Canadian series “Strange Paradise.” This creative concoction culminates in a series that is both a satire and a love letter to the past.
The setting—a castle—hosts a colorful array of characters, including:
- A Groovy Doctor: A phlebotomist who adds a tongue-in-cheek nod to the show’s vampiric theme.
- A Jolly Housekeeper: Complete with her own laugh track, she brings a meta-comedic touch reminiscent of classic sitcoms.
- A Werewolf Vicar: Infusing the Gothic atmosphere with humorous howls.
- An Arch-Nemesis Riddler: Donning a Sphinx mask, he adds an aura of mystery and mischief.
Corny wordplay, bizarre sing-alongs, and even haunted doughnuts punctuate the proceedings. The humor is in line with sketch comedy classics like MadTV, Kids in the Hall, and SCTV, making “Grave Mood Rings” a refreshing addition to the genre.
Jonathan’s invitation to explore the series led me to the Grave Mood Rings playlist on YouTube. It’s a surreal journey into a world where vampires groove with werewolves and laugh-tracked housekeepers. It’s an experience replete with humor, nostalgia, and a touch of the absurd. Whether you have a penchant for Gothic soap operas or a soft spot for 1970s kitsch, this series offers a uniquely entertaining escape.
So, if you’re intrigued by the idea of witnessing a Viscount sing through plastic teeth or simply crave a good laugh, “Grave Mood Rings” is well worth your time. Dive into this wonderfully off-the-wall sendup and prepare for a nostalgic, yet refreshingly original ride.