JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Constantine Season 1 Episode 1 "Non Est Asylum"

About the Show

Based on the wildly popular comic book series Hellblazer from DC Comics, seasoned demon hunter and master of the occult John Constantine (Matt Ryan, "Criminal Minds") is armed with a ferocious knowledge of the dark arts and a wickedly naughty wit. He fights the good fight - or at least he did. With his soul already damned to hell, he's decided to abandon his campaign against evil until a series of events thrusts him back into the fray, and he'll do whatever it takes to protect the innocent. With the balance of good and evil on the line‎, Constantine will use his skills to travel the country, find the supernatural terrors that threaten our world and send them back where they belong. After that, who knows... maybe there's hope for him and his soul after all.

The cast also includes Harold Perrineau ("Lost") as Manny and Charles Halford ("True Detective") as Chas.

Writer Daniel Cerone ("The Mentalist," "Dexter") serves as executive producer with David S. Goyer ("Man of Steel," "The Dark Knight Rises"). "Constantine" is produced from Bonanza Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. The show is based upon characters published by DC Entertainment.

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Every since news that the DC's comic book series Hellblazer was going to get a television series, I was all too excited! And now... the pilot episode has premiered! Thank goodness for DVRs...I definitely didn't want to miss the premiere of this show that follows the life and occult activities of John Constantine as he seems to always finds himself battling with demons and other sorts. So, Friday night, on October 24, 2014, this exciting new TV adaptation of a comic book series premiered! Let's see if it lives up to all the hype and excitement.

Read the recap for Season 1 Episode 1 "Non Est Asylum"!

Photo Gallery of "Non Est Asylum"

*My Thoughts*

Well, let's see, first off, this TV adaptation is no way like the movie which I already had my mind set to NOT compare. However, there is a lot to take in in this pilot episode that sets audiences up in what to expect in this show. In this pilot episode, John Constantine (Matt Ryan) battles a demon to protect his friend's daughter. John seems to think he get escape it all at the asylum. Boy...was he wrong! Whether he likes it or not, John is back in the battle. From his first encounter with a demonic entity, and throughout the episode, you get that scare element that will make you "jump out of your seat." All the demon encounters gave that scary movie feel that I really liked.

As John sets out to protect Liv (Lucy Griffiths), his friend's daughter that he promised to protect, Liv is introduced to a mysterious world that only she can see. Well, there's a lot to take in...even I had to pay real close attention...haha! It's fascinating and scary at the same time. Angels and demons battling it out, and John in the middle of it all. I would be as overwhelmed as Liv was if I had to learn about the supernatural/paranormal like that...a demonic entity threatening to kill me...uh, yah! Moreover, it was pretty exciting as Liv was learning and uneasily accepting what was happening to her. By the end of the episode, Liv has survived and overcame a demonic ordeal that would make any sane person run. And...that she did. All the while, all the events that came to pass played heavily on John's conscience. A battle of wills....if you will. And that's how it plays out....that's what it all comes down to.

I loved the cast, Matt Ryan played the troubled John well, especially with the dry humor and wit...including his struggles with his inner demons. Lucy Griffiths was wonderfully naive as Liv, who just found out that her life isn't as normal and average as she thought. However brief, Liv was a likable character...sad to see that character leave. But, I thought it was interesting to see Chas (Charles Halford) die, then he's not dead...very curious. Not only that, Harold Perrineau as an angel...Manny!?! So yeah, there's a lot of mysteries behind these characters, not just with the demonic/angel activity; the characters alone have their own secrets...I am so curious to find out. And...who is Ritchie Simpson (Jeremie Davies)!!??!! Apparently, there is history between John and Ritchie. I am definitely intrigued! As one character leaves, another is introduced by the end of the episode...Zed Martin (Angélica Celaya). What's Zed's connection to the supernatural...what's her gift??? Hmmm...

Filled with mystery and suspense, Constantine is somewhat a dark and gritty supernatural drama that has its own touch of dry humor to keep it light. Like I said above, there is a lot to take in in this pilot episode...enough to keep me interested and curious. There's a lot of mystery and secrets to keep you guessing and wanting to find out more. I really enjoyed it, and I am definitely looking forward to watching more of John Constantine's supernatural "adventures" between demons, spirits, and angels...as well as his inner demons. Yeah, John just can't let it go or walk away. This TV adaptation of the Hellblazer comic book series has got me intrigued and excited. 

Until the next episode...get a preview of Episode 2 "The Darkness Beneath" - Meet Zed Martin

Watch Constantine on Fridays at 10/9c on NBC!