Magnus, I completely feel it was an 'homage', and written, directed, etc for Dark Shadows fans.
We (the old timers) know where, for a couple of different reasons, 'they' had to make short-cuts.
But, I enjoy it; there are one or two partial scenes that I don't particularly care for, but, it's still nice to watch.
And, boy howdy, look at how many of the cast is CURRENTLY and, IINM, GAINFULLY employed now. (Good for them!!)
I like the way Johnny Depp will do any piece he wants to, but, doing it well, not just for a paycheck.
My kids went on Mother's Day with me & saw it. At the time, they didn't like it. But, I own 3 copies of it plus it's frequently on ABC Family. They do 'like' it now. They don't know what's 'wrong' (as in the aforementioned short-cuts for timings sake).
It was on Tues? night, and I was thinking if any studio/producer is thinking about another TV series remake, it should NOT be named DS, but, perhaps CE (this is the new 'A.D.', it stands for Common Era); but, the CE could stand for Collins Enterprises, or maybe, "There's One in Every Family".
It would be lovely if the remaining originals could on rare occassions pop in.
I don't know though; for 15 straight years, there have been multiple 'science fantasy, horror, mystery', etc. Buffy, Angel, Charmed, Bitten, True Blood, etc, etc, E T C.
Patti