The difference between a new concept and a re-make of a pre-existing work is like the difference between a new born baby and Frankenstein's Monster. Especially when the baby was is particularly beautiful and delightful.

DS is a victim of its own success. If the original show had been a short-lived, barely acknowledged series with few fans, it would actually be easier to create a new version with new people and new ideas. But it's been kept alive for 40 years and the first fans are still devoted to the original the way it was. How does a new creative team get around that? How do they choose between what was, and what could be?

Why would anyone try it at all?

Well put, Rainey! Although I never watched DS when it originally aired, I prefer it over any newer versions, and that particular set of actors who played and defined how we view their characters, is something that can be captured only once, IMHO.

That's not to say a new DS wouldn't be successful, but it still wouldn't have that charm and ambiance of the original.

As for me, I don't want the characters to be reinvented. I like them the way they are.  

It's got to be Mr. Frid, hands down. Without Jonathan Frid, the show would have gone to the dogs. Mr. Frid was and still is a great theatrical speaker. I think we should get on our hands and knees and hail Jonathan Frid.

My sentiments exactly!

Without Jonathan Frid's wonderful and excellent portrayal of Barnabas, the show would have been canceled, and would have been known as just another soap with a few gothic undertones.

Just my opinion though.

have a great birthday, ben!

  May you have a wonderful birthday, Deron! 

I cannot watch one single second of Amanda Harris

I'm definitely with you on this one, Sheenasma!

Midnite, thank you so much for the continuing update on the fest. You do an excellent job with the descriptions! 

Teresa:

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your friend. My sincerest prayers will continue to be with you, and all those who knew your friend.

I agree, no one can replace Jonathan as Barnabas!!! Jerry Lacey is a good actor, but he has too distinguished a voice as Trask to do Barnabas.

My thoughts exactly! Every time I hear Jerry Lacey, I automatically think of Trask. The same could be said for any other DS actor who tried to portray a different character on the show.