"The Dresden Files" (2007) TV series

User Rating:

7.9/10   

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

21 January 2007 (USA)

Genre:

Fantasy | Action | Crime | Drama | Mystery

Tagline:

If you need help, call the cops. If you need a miracle, call Harry Dresden.

Plot:

A Chicago-based wizard works as a private investigator.

Plot Keywords:

Wizard | Private Investigator | Tough Cop | Ghost | Stage Magician

Awards:

1 win & 2 nominations

Cast

Paul Blackthorne	...	Harry Dresden (13 episodes, 2007-2008)
Valerie Cruz	...	Lt. Connie Murphy (13 episodes, 2007-2008)
Terrence Mann	...	Bob / ... (13 episodes, 2007-2008)
Raoul Bhaneja	...	Detective Sid Kirmani / ... (11 episodes, 2007-2008)
Conrad Coates	...	Morgan (7 episodes, 2007-2008)

Also Known As:

"A dresden-akták" (Hungary) [hu]
"Akta Dresdena" (Poland) [pl]
"Dosarele lui Dresden" (Romania) [ro]
"Dresden Files" (Greece) [el]
"Dresden" (Czech Republic) [cs]
"Dresdeni toimikud" (Estonia) [et]

Runtime:

USA:60 min (including commercials)

Country:

USA | Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Singapore:NC-16 | Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company:

Dresden Files Productions

Trivia:

The episodes were aired out of their original filmed order, and the two-hour pilot was never aired in its entirety during the shows run. An edited version of the pilot, titled "Storm Front," aired in the middle of the first season.

Quotes:

Bob: Life is pain. So's dinner. You've burnt your garlic bread.

Movie Connections:

Featured in The Eye (2008)

Great potential ruined by producers?

I'm a relatively recent fan of Butcher's novels, not even having read the entire Dresden Files series yet. But it's pretty evident that the producers of the series had some hangups about the Dresden character. I can handle the Hockey-stick-as-staff and drumstick-as-blasting-stick issues, and even the major character changes, including Bob now being the ghost of a departed wizard. But it's clear that the producers want Dresden to be more of an observer than an an active wizard. I guess thaumaturgy and offensive/defensive magic make them nervous. In the novels, Dresden would frequently summon fire or wind to assist him in dealing with both human and supernatural opponents. In the series, Dresden relies upon wit and perception, hardly every dong anything that's even remotely supernatural. (OK, OK...he got himself out of jail in the last episode and placed a simulacrum in his place. But he ended up there in the first place because he didn't resort to any of the means he normally would employ.) All in all, a bit of a disappointment. Harry, after all, is primarily a wizard and should be expected to act like one. Instead, he acts more like a psychic.