Dresden Files Review

[shadowravyn]

So, I know I promised this to you about a month ago, but I'm pretty sure I also promised a review of my first Lunacon, back in '03. So be glad you're getting this now.

In shogunhb's post he sayd the third episode of the series "wasn't as bad as the first 2. Not all that bad at all." You'll notice, he also didn't say that it was good

Comments

[shadowravyn]

First, I would like to point out Dexter, from Showtime, was considered a very faithful retelling of the novel by fans of both the show and the book, though (of course) some adaptations were made, the characterizations stayed true to the book itself. I admit that I have not read the book, so can't speak to the veracity, just pointing out that's what 'is said.' But Showtime managed tO stay true to the novel by breaking the book down into episodes, so the show flowed well. No, compressing each novel into a one-hour time slot wouldn't work (it would probably set me off on another tangent) but there are definite ways to break down each of the novels so they form story archs across the season. Hell, interspersing 'random' episodes (like the first and second) into the arcs would still be fine--there'd be a narrative flow that would appease the fans, while enough 'monster-of-the-day' to make sure there were enough episodes to round out the season.

And yes, Harry may be getting sooooooper powerful in the books, but he's also going up against some heavy hitters. Why ignore the Nevernever, when it makes a great foe for him to battle with? And through the entire first book, he had the Doom of Damocles hanging over his head--it gives him a canon reason to avoid flashy uses of magic. There are many ways to keep faithful with the book and still fall under the constraints of a television show.

And, no offense meant to your friend, but why make a TV show out of a series you love if it meant changing the series out of recognition? It has Harry Dresden window dressing, but very little else. It makes a semi-decent supernatural detective show, but they could have accomplished that very easily without using Butcher's work.

And yes, we're only three episodes in. They may amaze me next Sunday with the Summer Court, an incursion of Red Court vamps, and a Bob that spends less than half an episode moping. Hell, I hope they do.

But you'll understand if I don't hold my breath for it.

[kradical]

Actually, there's a lot more stuff from the books coming. As soon as next week we'll be seeing Morgan and the politics of the High/White Council, and according to the series bible, other elements of the books' universe will be showing up, we just haven't seen them in the three that have aired.

Sci-Fi's airing them completely out of order for reasons passing understanding (though a secondhand source that may or may not be reliable says it's due to issues regarding post-production, which is why we're getting low-FX episodes early).

[kradical]

Oh, and FWIW, they could've gone the Dexter route -- which is also what they're doing with GRRM's Thrones on HBO -- and just done Storm Front as one season, but that would make for a denser show with a smaller audience, which Showtime and HBO can get away with because they don't care about ratings. Sci-Fi, however, needs eyeballs on the TVs, so they're going to go for a more episodic approach.

[shadowravyn]

I would guess, however, that the majority of their audience are people who are fans of the books. And this first offering is enough to get several fans I know to stop watching. Heck, the only reason I saw this last one was because Shaughn was watching it while I played FF12 (the TV's are side by side.)

But regardless of my issues with the lack of book plot, my main frustration with the series is the way the characterization is just way off. I picked on Bob, because he's such a blatant example, but Harry and Murph are pretty deep in left field, too (though, to be fair, part of it is that we're missing the voice over-which I think would improve the show a lot. Just having a bit at the beginning of the episodes isn't enough to really convey what's going on).

[kradical]

I would guess, however, that the majority of their audience are people who are fans of the books.

Then you would guess very very very very very very wrong. If it was just fans of the books watching the show, the show would tank horribly, and Sci-Fi would've already cancelled it due to record-breaking lows in ratings.

Millions of people watch the show. Thousands of people read the books. The show has to appeal to an audience way bigger than that of the source material in order to be even a moderate success.

And "me and my friends don't like it" is no kind of indicator of success, FWIW. In fact, Dresden is getting the same numbers as Battlestar Galactica, which is Sci-Fi's darling. It's doing fine.

[shadowravyn]

But me and my friends don't like it! And I am the final yardstick of what is good and what is not!

Okay, seriously, I bow to your numbers. ~_^ Truth be told, I am glad the show's doing well. But only because I'm hoping it encourages people to go out and read the books. And see how much better they are. Then read other books.

But the characterizations are still wrong. That was my first argument, my main argument, and the one I'm sticking with. That's what sets my teeth on edge in every episode, and will continue to do so until they get it right.

And I still don't understand the allure of taking a series that you love and changing into something with very little in common with the source material. I will hold to that belief until I see these other episodes that shows a much higher regard for the books. And better characterization.

Here's to hoping the better episodes come soon. Those millions of non-book fans are watching a magical detective show. They're not watching the Dresden Files.