This week:
Today, I'm going to talk about a prop that is likely to be seen in every episode (and I hope that is a big number).
John Constantine's Lighter
So, as a heavy smoker, the guy needs a damn lighter. And as a "Master of the Dark Arts," it wouldn't help for it to have a little extra oomph. So John, in the TV series, carries around a lighter that is etched with sigils, incantations, and warding symbols. While these have not yet played a role in the show, one could easily imagine that a Molotov cocktail lit with such a lighter could produce a holy flame that may do some harm to a denizen of Hell. Or it could light up a Silk Cut. Y'know, whatever. In truth, I doubt the show will ever make anything of the lighter. But it's nice that the thought was put into having something that adds a little to the character and perhaps implies a history to which we are not privy. That adds a richness and depth to the show that really helps to ground it, which can be needed when an Angel shows up and stops time.
Well, it had a lighter. And, honestly, there are a lot of shared design elements. It is quite likely that the lighter in the movie was an inspiration for the one in the show. But the one in the show has a sense of realism to it. The one in the movie, on the other hand... well, see for yourself:
I have more of the Top Props from Constantine coming in the following days. In the mean-time, please Tweet to NBC your support for the show with the hashtag #SaveConstantine and try signing this petition. NBC needs to see the audience engaged if they're going to give us more of it and its wonderful props.