Well, this is an odd play for the Trade Federation NBC.  All season long we've been following the new series on NBC's development slate, including those like 'Hannibal' which won't debut until mid-season, but now it seems a rather high-profile 'Dracula' adaptation with Jonathan Rhys Meyers in the iconic role has sprung up out of nowhere.  So what story will NBC's 'Dracula' tell, and how big is the episode order?

Deadline is reporting that NBC has decided to move forward with 'Dracula,' giving a 10-episode order to the adapted vampire thriller with former 'The Tudors' star Jonathan Rhys Meyers in the legendary role.  The project, created by Tony Krantz, Colin Callender and writer Cole Haddon was originally bought by NBC in January with a “script-to-series” commitment, where it bypasses the pilot stage if the network likes the script.

Set in the 1890s and has been described a cross between 'Dangerous Liaisons' and 'The Tudors,' 'Dracula' finds the titular character arriving in London under the guise of an American entrepreneur claiming that he wants to bring modern science to Victorian society.  Instead, he seeks revenge on the people who destroyed his life centuries earlier, while falling in love with a woman who appears to be the reincarnation of his dead wife.

“It is a timeless tale with relevant, surprising twists and turns with the exquisite Jonathan Rhys Meyers in the marquee role,” Universal TV executive vice president Bela Bajaria said.  'Dracula' marks the third 10-episode straight-to-series NBC has given of late, including 'Hannibal' and 'Crossbones.'

What say you?  Do you think Jonathan Rhys Meyers can make 'Dracula' work on the small screen, or does the idea simply suck?  Tell us your reaction to this new series in the comments below!

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