It's the late 19th century, and the mysterious Dracula has arrived in London, posing as an American entrepreneur who wants to bring modern science to Victorian society. He's especially interested in the new technology of electricity, which promises to brighten the night - useful for someone who avoids the sun. But he has another reason for his travels: he hopes to take revenge on those who cursed him with immortality centuries earlier. Everything seems to be going according to plan... until he becomes infatuated with a woman who appears to be a reincarnation of his dead wife.
In a realm where literature meets adventure, *The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne* emerges as a hidden gem that deserves your attention. This Canadian television series, which aired from June to December 2000, takes you on an exhilarating journey through the imagination of one of history's most celebrated authors. Imagine if the iconic tales penned by Jules Verne—like *Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas* and *Around the World in Eighty Days*—were not just fiction but reflections of his real-life escapades. Set against the backdrop of late 19th-century Europe, this show delivers an enticing mix of action, science fiction, and fantasy that will ignite your sense of wonder.
At its heart lies a young Jules Verne (portrayed by Chris Demetral), who grapples with his ambition to become a renowned writer while simultaneously attracting the interest of sinister forces known as the League of Darkness. Led by Count Gregory—a centuries-old steampunk cybernetic villain—this menacing organization aims to exploit Jules' visionary ideas for their own technological domination. The stakes are high as he teams up with British spy Rebecca Fogg (Francesca Hunt) and her cousin Phileas Fogg (Michael Praed), who is wrestling with his past as a secret agent after familial tragedy strikes. Together with Passepartout (Michel Courtemanche), Phileas' loyal man-servant with exceptional tinkering skills, they navigate fantastical threats ranging from vampires in rocket packs to time travel devices.
In its inaugural season comprising 22 episodes, each installment presents unique challenges that echo themes familiar to fans of classic literature. The show artfully combines historical elements and advanced technology through stunning special effects—the first television series filmed entirely in high-definition video—which immerses viewers in a visually captivating experience unlike any other at its time. While critics had mixed reactions regarding character development and directing choices, many praised its imaginative storytelling peppered with dark humor reminiscent of Victorian-era narratives.