The Crow: Stairway to Heaven was a 1998 Canadian television show that focused on the character Eric Draven. He was resurrected by a crow after T-Bird’s crew murdered his fiancée Shelly and himself. In the television show, Eric was looking for redemption rather than revenge, as depicted in The Crow comic book series.
The series was developed by Bryce Zabel for various worldwide channels. It starred Marc Gomes, Sabine Karsenti, Katie Stuart, with Mark Dacascos as Eric Draven.
Marc Akerstream, one of the stuntmen for the show, was tragically killed by flying debris from a special effects explosion that went wrong.
The Crow: Stairway to Heaven was cancelled after Universal Worldwide Television bought the show from PolyGram Television and decided not to continue the series despite its positive reviews.
“The Soul Can’t Rest”, episode 1×01
Written: by: Bryce Zabel
Directed by: Kari Skogland
Original Air Date: September 25, 1998
Guest Starring: John Pyper-Ferguson as Top Dollar
Eric and his fiancée Shelly are murdered by T-Bird’s crew on Halloween Eve. When a crow revives Eric a year later, he seeks for vengeance, only to figure out that it only complicates his mission of setting things right.
Side Notes: This was a great episode! The music had an ethereal tone that set a mysterious mood for every scene. I was impressed with Mark Dacascos’s choreography, because it gave his character a sense of fluidity and control of his environment.
“Souled Out”, episode 1×02
Written by: Bryce Zabel
Directed by: Kari Skogland
Original Date: October 2, 1998
Guest Starring: Julie Dreyfus, John Pyper-Ferguson, with Mark Rolston as Mace Reyes
One of Eric’s songs is a big hit on the radio! Eric’s source leads him to Mace Reyes, who claimed the right over his song. How did Mace acquire the rights to Eric’s music when Shelly was the only one to hear it?
Side Notes: “Souled Out” was a great episode! I loved the story, but I wished it was a major plot point for the series. The episode felt rushed and would be better suited as a longer story arc.
“Voices”, episode 1×03
Written by: John Turman
Directed by: Steven Stern
Original Date: October 23, 1998
Guest Starring: Gerard Plunkett, with Brendan Fletcher as Jesse Hickock
Eric and Sarah go to a carnival to see Jesse, who can communicate with the dead. It’s the only chance that Eric can talk to Shelly, but is Jesse the real deal?
Meanwhile, Detective Albrecht investigates the murder of an elderly woman that Jesse predicted during a show.
Side Notes: “Voices” left me wanting to know more about Eric’s story! The episode had a nice plot device for the rest of the season, so I’m intrigued about what will happen next. I couldn’t help but crack a smile at the Crow’s lines such as, “But if you can’t do what you’re told, then you just have to go into a time out.” His one-liners were very cheesy and made my day!
To be continued in The Crow: Stairway to Heaven Part 2!
Princess Powerful
princesspowerful@comicattack.net
The first thing that sold me on this was that Marc was cast to play Eric. He had the look and he’s an actual martial artist so I knew that would help sell the fight scenes and he’s a decent enough actor. The only thing that put me off a bit was that a lot fo the shows took place in the daytime giving the all around show a much different mood.
oops lol I meant “a lot OF the show”
Yea-I was all, “Wait, what’s that sun doing there?” XD
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Sounds like it was a decent show, but yeah, during the day though…what were they thinking?
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