Valentine

Valentine is a distinctive television series that aired on The CW network between 2008 and 2009. With a sprinkling of fantasy and a spectrum of comedic and dramatic elements, the show offers a captivating and heart-tugging narrative about an otherworldly family administering the nitty-gritty of love.

The show stars Jaime Murray, Kristoffer Polaha, Christine Lakin, and Autumn Reeser, among others, and is set in a contemporary world where Greek mythology is interwoven in a novel way. Deeply rooted in the mythos, the show centers around the Valentine family, who turn out to be gods from Greek mythology and are tasked with uniting soulmates.

Jaime Murray, known for her roles in Dexter and Spartacus, stars as the enchanting and passionate Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love who goes by Grace Valentine in the human world. Grace is the matriarch of the Valentine family and, with her innate understanding of love and passion, guides the family in their mission of maintaining the love equilibrium in the world.

Kristoffer Polaha, recognized for roles in Life Unexpected and Ringer, brilliantly plays the role of Danny Valentine, the human identity of the Greek god Eros, the god of love. His character is a charming ladies' man who uses both his uncanny ability to incite desire and his magical bow and arrow to match couples.

Grace and Danny are aided by Phoebe Valentine, portrayed by the commendable Christine Lakin. Phoebe, initially a nymph in mythology, is the Goddess of the Oracle at Delphi in the series. In this role, she operates as the family's personal seer, using her powers to help them locate potential soulmates.

Autumn Reeser, from The O.C. and Entourage, plays a mortal known as Kate Providence. Kate is an exceptional character who, despite being human, falls into the family's divinely chartered mission, adding an exciting twist to the narrative.

Robert Baker and Patrick Fabian, also a part of the main ensemble, play gods in human disguise, with Fabian acting as the hilariously inefficient messenger god Hermes. Greg Ellis is seen in a recurring role as Ari, a part of the Valentine family who controversially sides with the humans.

A unique aspect of the series is the standard set by the Valentines that each episode has a 'love mission,' in which they must pair couples who are perfect for each other. Concurrently, they also grapple with their own complicated relationships and conundrums. The dynamics between godly entities and mortals, and their interaction with modern society while keeping their true identities concealed, add another level of captivating complexity to the show.

The undercurrent of Greek mythology gives the series a backdrop that is rich, engaging, and timeless. The show gives new life to these ancient gods and goddesses and reinvents them for a contemporary audience. As modern ambassadors of love, the Valentines each have their idiosyncrasies and complex personalities that bring human substance to their divine personas, an element that is intriguing to viewers.

Despite its impactful narrative, Valentine was short-lived on The CW network running for a single season before it was discontinued. However, it generated a dedicated fanbase and maintained a solid reputation among lovers of fantasy and romantic series. The show's endearing character development, remarkable performances, and distinctive mix of romance and Greek mythology continue to enamor audiences even after its conclusion.

In a nutshell, Valentine is a light-hearted yet profound exploration of love's trials and triumphs through the ages and offers a charming fusion of the fantastical and the mundane. Through its modern-day take on immortal Greek gods and their timely intervention in mortal love affairs, it provides a fresh perspective on love's unpredictable nature and the divine interventions that sometimes steer its course. The series is well-worth a watch for those who appreciate an unconventional blend of romance, mythology, drama, and comedy.