The Dresden Files (2007–2008) User Reviews

Great TV show+Loads of potential+Cancelled=Typical

[CuriosityKilledShawn · 8/10 · 7 October 2007]

There was so much about The Dresden Files that appealed to me. I like noir-ish detective stuff and fantasy fiction. This show crossed them both perfectly and offered an interesting new story with every episode. So what do the execs at the Sci-Fi Channel do? They cancel it. And it's not because the rating were low either. It was because they were not reaching the correct demographic. What IS the correct demographic exactly?

The show revolves around a wizard named Harry...Dresden; a Chicago-based Private Eye. He helps out the police with their bizarre, head-scratching cases without ever revealing his powers. Armed with a hockey stick sceptre and a drumstick wand, his methods occasionally rouse The High Council, the magical governors who are always weary of Harry since he used Black Magic to kill his uncle.

It can be accused to ripping-off anything from CSI, Buffy, Charmed or even Law & Order, but I think that The Dresden Files stood well on its own two feet. The cold, wintry (often Xmasy) feel to the show and the naturalised look sits well with the supernatural element and there is a dynamic range of characters. Though my favorite has to be Bob (Hrothbert of Bainbridge), the ghost of a gentlemanly wizard cursed to live the rest of eternity inside his own skull when he's not helping Harry with his latest case. He's played by Terrance Mann, who you may remember as Johnny Steele, singing 'Power of the Night' in the original Critters movie.

I am sad that The Dresden Files never made it past a single series. But I will surely be checking out the books that they are based on in the future.

Great viewing

[ZinQ · 9/10 · 16 July 2018]

Should NEVER have been cancelled. I loved every minute.

Quite good

[s-63051 · 8/10 · 6 June 2020]

I have been reading the Dresden files by jim butcher and I am up to no 8. I enjoyed reading them so much when I saw the tv series on prime I thought I would give it a go. The only problem with reading the books first you get things in your mind about different characters and what they look like. I didn't like Murphy as I didn't imagine her like that and some other things were a bit different to the books. I did like bob. But I will say I did enjoy it and so did my husband

LOVED this show

[renee48843 · 10/10 · 12 May 2012]

I just discovered this show on Netflix and am amazed that something so brilliant, engaging and well-written was canceled after only one season.

The characters are well-developed, the cast is believable and the storyline is engaging.

Compared to the reality drivel that has taken over television and cable this was like reading Shakespeare - engaging for those that like to have their brain cells teased a little bit instead of being "dumbed-down" by over-dressed idiots that can't act and think that behaving like a sociopathic idiot is entertainment.

I think commercial interests (e.g. paying sponsors), were put off by the fact that the good guy practices magic and wiccan symbols were displayed in a positive light (e.g. used to suppress evil energies) vs. traditional religious symbols. For the record my religious affiliation is Christian and I am not offended.

The "powers that be" made a mistake, I would pay for a second season!

Why, oh, why was this canceled?!?

[Godfather-114 · 10/10 · 1 July 2008]

Television must have it out for me. Every few months or so a new show comes on the air. I watch the first episode then i'm hooked! But the networks get together after about 12 or 13 episodes (sometimes not even that long.)and say ' ya know what? This show tries really hard, has a fun and interesting plot, and its small fan base is growing steadily. Lets cancel it and act like its all their fault.' I mean what the @#$%*!!! The Dresden Files, Journeyman, (the still unsure future of) 'Eureka'. A few others are(Heres a blast from the past for ya.) Star trek, The Twilight Zone- both of which went on to become cultural revolutions that would shape t.v. for years to come but were canceled after 3 and 5 seasons, respectively. Oh, and here's the killer for me 'FIREFLY'!!! I loved this show, and so did many others. I think its time to show those studios whose boss!!! Whose with me!?! Bring back The Dresden Files! its better than most of the @#$% they have on there now! Your friend and hero, Godfather-114

A highly watchable program killed before its time

[starcat-3 · 10/10 · 22 September 2007]

It makes you wonder if sci-fi know what they are doing, this show was cancelled way too soon. Interesting plots and a VERY watchable lead what more do you want? Apart from the pleasure of knowing that such a good show is coming back next year. 12 episodes for a first season is not an automatic death sentence - remember Buffy? It seams to be a trend with sci-fi, if a program shows too much intelligence they cut it and replace it with something cheap and cheerful (everybody remember when they swapped American Gothic with Sliders)!!! It seams that taste is an acquired taste after all I wonder if the bosses at sci-fi are able too learn it??

Harry Potter in his older years?!?!

[DJFrodo · 10/10 · 11 April 2010]

Stumbled across this recently on Netflix's "watch instantly" section. Have to say, got me hooked.

Imagine Harry Potter has gotten older. He's updated his wand with a drum stick, and instead of a staff.....he's got a hockey stick. Now he's a P.I./wizard for hire & helping the police with "unique" cases.

Not as much magic as I wanted and some effects are a bit cheesy, but the character development is great. Got to the end of the season 1 and wanted more, only to find out there was only one season. Booo! Right when the show started getting REALLY good....gone. Oh well.

If you enjoy magic, Harry Potter & CSI type stuff....check this out. Just don't get into any black magic afterward!

Great potential ruined by producers?

[innocuous · 6/10 · 12 February 2007]

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.

Loved this when it aired and am loving it again

[ronfischer · 10/10 · 17 May 2020]

This was a great show when it aired the first time but it was cut short for no apparent reason. Now that Arrow is ending I hope Netflix or prime restarts this show with the same people would be great.

If you agree this show should be continued sound off!

Canadian supernatural show

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 20 November 2021]

Harry Dresden (Paul Blackthorne) is a wizard in Chicago. He's a supernatural detective who sometimes works with police Lt. Connie Murphy (Valerie Cruz) on some of her weirder cases. He's assisted by his late uncle Bob (Terrence Mann) who is a ghost. There is the High Council which works to keep magic from the public eye.

This is a Toronto-for-Chicago Canadian show. I like the world construction but I don't like Murphy not noticing all the magic. It makes her look dumb. Nevertheless, I like the actress. She's great and Blackthorne is great. Bob does need someone comedic to play him. I like the general structure of the big three. Back to the world construction, it's a little random to be dropped into this world without fully explained. The show needs to lay out his powers and the general premise of magic sooner. It also needs a Big Bad to drive the show for the first season. This feels like a 2/3 of a great show. It just needs to fill out the rest but it gets canceled before it had a chance.

Well worth the watch

[Scottsmn · 9/10 · 27 January 2008]

Contrary to some of the negative criticism I have read about this show, I actually really enjoyed it. It had good plots, with good acting. I would put it in the same category as Stargate Atlantis. It has some action, some humor, a hint at romance but nothing concrete, and some good science fiction. The Sci-Fi channel has done it again! I went out and bought season one to catch the episodes I missed at the beginning of the season. This show is well worth the time to watch. And worth the money to buy if you are like me and missed some of the first episodes. I just hope that it continues in to another season and doesn't get canceled like Firefly.

Its greatest flaw is that it's not the books.

[kaneknight · 7/10 · 26 April 2008]

Jim Butcher's series of novels entitled "The Dresden Files" is clever, fast-paced, intense, and imaginative. Harry Dresden is a professional Wizard--The only one in the Chicago phone book--Who narrates his adventures in the form of detective novels. Dresden himself is a Private Investigator who consults for the Chicago Police Department, who consults on their stranger cases.

And that is just about where the similarities between the book series and the TV show end.

The TV series features a Wizard named Harry Dresden, who is more of a Private Eye with a magic hockey stick. He still works with CPD's Karren Murphy, lives with a ghost named Bob, and Morgan, Warden for the White Council is still breathing down Dresden's neck. All these characters are changed, often down to their basic characters.

And if you can get past all that, this series is still pretty great.

Jim Butcher wrote amazing novels, and this series will never stack up to it, but it's a fun series which is written intelligently and contains a portion of the charm of the series.

"The Dresden Files" takes place in a sort of "World of Darkness" Style Chicago--Everything is similar to the world we know, but not quite. There are Vampires and Werewolves and ghosts and Dragons lurking outside our perception. Dresden is sort of an intermediary between the mundane and the Supernatural. He's not particularly adept with magic (This element of the Dresden Files may simply have been changed for budget reasons), but he's more knowledgeable than the average Joe.

Dresden's clients range from the clueless to those who are, themselves, Supernatural. More often than not, he finds himself in the thick of things the hard way. Bob, arguably his closest friend, a is ghost who lives in a skull, and is a constant source of information. Murphy relies on him to solve the unexplainable, but firmly refuses to believe Dresden when he talks about magic. Morgan is a Warden, similar to the police, and serves as a sometime ally, sometime thorn in the side.

Dresden relies on some tools of his trade fairly often, namely his hockey stick Which replaces the "Wizard's Staff") and his shield bracelet, but primarily, he relies on his wits to get him through. Dresden comes off as incredibly limited compared to both his enemies and his allies.

While the show has some good visuals and nice action, the best element of the show is the interaction between the characters. Harry is a sort of tarnished White Knight, a do-gooder who is frowned upon for his actions and decisions. Morgan is the straight-and-narrow type who plays off Dresden well, as does Bob, whose morals are often questionable at best. Lecherous, snide, and often "cranky," Bob cares for Harry, and looks out for his best interests more often than not. In fact, Bob may well be the most compelling of the supporting cast; though he's morally ambiguous at points, he takes actions that it's likely he wouldn't consider, were Dresden not in the equation.

All in all, the biggest flaw of the series is simply that it's not the book series. It's a solid TV show which still shows depth and character.

The Dresden that really wasn't

[a-g-2 · 5/10 · 24 January 2007]

First and foremost, yes, I'm very much a fan of the books, so this led me to a bit of concern when I heard it was being made into a TV series. Not that there isn't an absolute wealth of information crammed into Jim Butcher's amazing novels with which could make several glorious movies or TV shows, but all too often (as is the case with this series I'm afraid) the series is developed by business people... not fans of the material. The result is a less than half-hearted attempt at realizing Butcher's amazing series.

Now trust me, I was not gunning for this series to fail.. quite to the contrary I wanted to see it succeed in hopes that it might inspire others to check out JB's novels.

Harry Dresden is the kind of character you'd buy a beer for in a bar. He's just an interesting cat with a great sense of humor and sarcastic edge that would keep fascinating conversation going well until last call. The Dresden of the TV series you'd pass by and not even give a second thought to. He's as flat as the script paper he's created on.

You see far more development of the character as a kid than you ever did as an adult. And it's not the actor's fault (even though I do think Nathan Fillion of "Firefly" would've been a better fit for those who are familiar with the Harry from the books), but Paul Blackthorne is doing what he can with what he has. The written script however is where I find fault for not dipping into Butcher's bag of tricks enough to bring the wonderful universe of The Dresden Files to life.

What they got right: Bob. That's about it. The way they changed Bob for the series makes sense AND it works. Both in the way he's written and performed. And is it me, or did anyone else who read the books also imagine Bob with a British accent? It kind of surprised me to see that's how they created it in the show, so I guess I'm not the only one.

I do hold out hope that they will find a way to turn things around.. but I'm not left with an awful lot of confidence. The preview of episode two looks pretty lame.. "Murphy gets possessed".. eh.

The first episode should've been an absolute grand slam home run. It wasn't even a double.

I was disappointed and I'll give it one or two more shots.. but beyond that, I'll just be waiting for April when the next novel of the Harry Dresden series comes out.

Oh by the way, when I first had read comments the producer of the TV series had made about things they were changing for the TV show, I posted a note on Jim Butcher's website and just aired a few of my concerns. I actually did receive a response on the site from Jim Butcher and he was most unhappy with what I had to say. I thought this was a shame because I did and do want to see the show be a success.. but for now I'll bide my time and hope I won't be left with the empty fulfillment of an "I told you so."

*** Update *** Having now watched up through week 5 I can tell you I think they have improved. I'm surprised they still haven't gone as far into the depth of the books as they can. I don't know if that's cause they're saving story arcs for another season or they just don't want to spend the time on them yet.. but they could do more with this and I hope they do.

Paul Blackthorne has grown on me as Dresden.. with the first episode I felt he was OK but with the show's progression I think I like how Blackthorne is presenting Dresden. It's not exactly like the books, but not too distant either.

I still wouldn't say the show is great and to be honest I'm not even sure I'd be watching right now if it weren't called Dresden Files. But for now they have my attention.

if you like this show, the Dresden files its not to late, we can bring it back people

[metspride · 10/10 · 17 March 2008]

the Dresden files was one of the best new shows to hit the airwaves in a while a one of the best things that sci fi ever had, its not to late people, if we all work together we can get this show back on the air, keep hope alive we can do it, if they can do it with jerhico we can do it with the Dresden files, no more ice spiders! more Dresden files sci fi!

Bonnie Hammer, President NBC Universal/Sci-Fi Channel 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112

Dave Howe, Executive VP/GM NBC Universal/SCI FI Channel 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York NY, 10112

Erik Storey, SVP Original Programming NBC Universal/Sci Fi Channel 100 Universal City Plaza Bld. 1400, 14th Floor Universal City, CA 91608

Tony Optican, SVP Original Programming NBC Universal/Sci Fi Channel 100 Universal City Plaza Bld. 1400, 14th Floor Universal City, CA 91608

Chris Sanagustin, VP Programming Development NBC Universal/Sci Fi Channel 100 Universal City Plaza Bld. 1400, 14th Floor Universal City, CA 91608

Letters to be posted on-line: [e-mail] SciFi Weekly: [e-mail]

Feedback: [e-mail] Programming: [e-mail]

the following are contact numbers for sci fi big wigs they are owed by NBC/ universal the final say has not been made people we can do this

1 212 664 4444 NBC universal main number

1212 664 4121 Carrie gaffney production manager for sci fi!

1 818 777 6944 Erik storey

1 818 777 4629 Dave Howe

1 212 -664 4139 Sci-Fi programming main number

1 -212 - 664 -4453 Sci-Fi fan line

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/new-home-4-Dresden/sign.html#se

Why do ALL good things HAVE to come to an early end?

[hairsoswank · 10/10 · 21 March 2017]

LOVED this show. Watched it twice. I discovered it on Netflix. Like many other shows I enjoyed, it ended in an untimely fashion. ex: The Finder, Kyle XY, Roswell, The Witches of Eastend, Frequency, to name a few. Very disappointing. Who gets to vote on which shows get cancelled and which ones do not? And where do I sign up?

The Dresden Files tv show

[EvanCunW8t · 8/10 · 7 September 2020]

Gotta say this show ought to have appeared on terrestrial television and, in its way, just as enjoyable as the likes of charmed and supernatural. Paul Blackthorne better known more recently for his role in Arrow plays his leading role well and as the episodes progressed, IMO I felt the characters became more entertaining. I haven't read the book(s)? having just been informed by a fellow contributor who recently reviewed the show, that they read them prior to watching the tv show so I can't say whether they are anything like the written format and though somewhat ignorant to that fact, I have found the show to be most enjoyable to watch. I agree with other reviewers comments that this is a show that would be great to see return to the screen with the original actors in play.

Don't judge a book by its cover...WAIT >_<

[5qu411-130nh4r7 · 8/10 · 26 January 2007]

Here's the deal: As you probably know, by now, "The Dresden Files" series is based on the Jim Butcher book series. More accurately, the characters are, where as the series exists within its own continuity. So, though Harry might be the same smart-ass as he is in the books, he's not necessarily going through the exact same stuff, or doing it all exactly the same way. There's other cosmetic differences, but over all, the purpose of the series isn't to serialize the books, but rather to tell stories involving characters from "The Dresden Files" in somewhat different story line.

This being said, the first episode was aired. That's it. Judging an entire series on the series premiere is a bit ridiculous. Here's something else: "Birds of a Feather" wasn't even originally the first episode. "Storm Front" was. They changed it because they thought this would work better, and until we know what direction they are taking it in for sure, I'm not sure it's fair for anyone to judge the whole series. The Sci-Fi channel did it for a reason, and given that they have seen more than we have, and their record for excellent TV, maybe we should just put our faith in them for now, and give them the benefit that they know more than we do about it? There are some gripes, like the deus-ex machina they had, and the fact that Harry...well, he didn't really use a heck of a lot of magic. It did, however, make clear certain things: Harry has trouble with women, gave us a basic character (smartass, but wanting to help those who cannot protect themselves,) and Murphy was shown as the strong cop.

But about that Doom Box thingy; from what I understand from the podcast over on jim-butcher.com, they had more backstory on it which got cut out... so it's kind of forgivable.

My (slightly-but-not-very-much-so-educated) guess is that they want to establish something before blowing us away with Storm Front, which should be a pretty big episode.

So guys, please don't just ignore this series. Watch it. At least give it a chance till "Storm Front" (the first book in the series and, I think, the sixth episode.) As for the title, Christian Mcgrath's illustrations are simply awesome, and the ones before that were pretty cool too. As it so happens "The Dresden Files" are a nice slice of occult-ish-mystery-noir-ish pie, so you should eat those up as well, the next time you visit your friendly neighborhood bookstore.

Nothing like the books - so sad

[r-porter · 6/10 · 26 January 2007]

This is actually a pretty good TV show - or has the potential to be such. I am seriously disappointed at how different the show is compared to the books. The wards on Harry's door - they weren't just magical in the show - there was a physical ward which was torn down. I won't tell you how Bob is manifested if you are a reader of the book but haven't seen the show - you wouldn't watch it if I did. It's not bad, it's just not right! The fellow playing Harry is much more likable than Harry in the book. In that I mean he isn't nearly such a speak now, regret it later kind of guy. I cannot imagine why the series is on if it is going to be this distant from the book. Harry's home - not in a basement. Murph - not petite and girl next door looking, Bob (I'm not going there), Harry - not jaded enough. . . . and so on.

Wish they would continue!

[paul-3991 · 9/10 · 12 March 2013]

I never read the books (I am a video/movie type) however my wife did & loved them. She has filled me in as much as possible & thru this I began to enjoy the stories! While she wasn't thrilled with the show at first, I got her to accept that the show was the show, not the books, & for her to enjoy it for what it was instead of comparing the two. Since then we have watched the entire season/series, and we BOTH want more! While not as terrific as the books perhaps, but then so can be said of Harry Potter! (Anyone who has read those knows what I mean, and it was the same situation there for my wife & I as it was for Dresden Files! She read & I listened!) In fact Harry Potter was worse, as without my wife's help, the movies were actually hard to follow! With Dresden it wasn't even that bad at all! So if someone from some studio somewhere ever reads this, think about taking the risk to try this again! Let Harry grow his hair a bit perhaps , but that was the only real complaint everyone we know had! After watching the 1st season, we are left wanting more! And not some other Dresden "look-alike" story. Jim Butcher is the man for this! Let him do what he does best!

And others we know agree!

nice fantasy detective show

[chrichtonsworld · 7/10 · 17 March 2007]

Most reviewers compare the novels to the show! Very understandable but ultimately a waste of time! I already have given up on the ability of producers to successfully adapt novels and comic books! Sometimes I am just satisfied if they manage to capture the essence of a novel or comic! It is better to see an adaptation as an alternative universe of the original story! That way the viewing experience will be more enjoyable! So not having read the books I can give a more objective view on the dresden files! And i think it is an entertaining show that is getting better each episode! Paul Blackthorne does a good job in the acting department! He is very charming and convincing! His sidekick Bob is a nice addition! Even if Bob is a ghost it is obvious that Harry and Bob are friends and that is nice to see! I have read on wikipedia that Harry Dresden is a very powerful wizard! In this show that isn't very clear because he doesn't use strong magic that often! After having seen 7 episodes this is explained due to the fact that Harry Dresden is reluctant to use dark magic because it is addictive and destructive! It seems to me that in future episodes they will let him use more and stronger magic in order to show a more darker side of Harry Dresden! At least that would make more sense and would be interesting! You can always hope! For now I enjoy this show as it is! Overall this is a nice take take on detective mystery shows!

A good show gone

[maxwellrichard · 9/10 · 21 August 2022]

I really liked this show. The actor that plays Harry really did a good job and the show had a lot of good elements. Bob was a great addition and Murphy. The whole thing worked and they just killed it!

Great Potential in the Dresden Files (Minimal Spoilers)

[MisterGlass · 21 April 2007]

I hope to see this series renewed for a second season.

The world of Harry Dresden is a rich, imaginative universe, full of gray tones that deserve to be explored further. The characters and creatures are fascinating, the scenarios well written, and the visuals impressive.

Most appealing of all is the acting, particularly that of Blackthorne and Mann as Harry and Bob. They play off each other with perfect timing, whether for comedy, action, or intense drama. It's a brilliant pairing of actors with characters.

As with all first seasons, there was imperfection. Moments that lacked clarity, characters that lacked dimension. But as the Dresden Files progressed through its brief 12 episode run, the improvement was staggering. Actors grew into their roles, dialogue sharpened, and editing improved.

This is a good show. It could become even greater. It's worth saving.

An Entertaining Show

[WintersHeart · 7/10 · 18 February 2007]

This show is catching a lot of flak from fans of the book for not staying true to every line in the source material. Their quick to point out the flaws but what they fail to see is the important story aspects the kept intact for the show. Such as the characters and the over all storyline. The Dresden Files is a good adaptation from the books. Harry is the same ol' reluctant curmudgeonly anti-hero thats in the book. Bob is still a relentless perv. Murphy is still the hard nosed detective. There is some good unspoken sexual tension between Harry and Murphy I might add. The stories are cool and the magic is unique and doesn't follow the Hollywood cliché's. In addition; Harry's nonchalant take on life and death situations aggravated further by his smart mouth is always entertaining. The best thing about the Dresden Files is that it seems like the story lines are different enough from the books that if you see an episode based on a book you haven't read yet its not going to spoil the story.

WOW! Surprisingly unimpressive!

[myrothe · 2/10 · 30 January 2007]

-Contains minor spoilers_ Well I was mildly excited about this show. I have read part of the first book, and thought this would probably make an excellent, or at least entertaining show.

However I was frankly fairly bored through the whole first episode. I mean first off I heard that there was supposed to be a bit of humor injected, but unless you mean the tire lock I really didn't see it. Secondly I certainly hope every single episode isn't peppered by flashbacks of Harry as a kid. Very boring. I also thought the acting/writing was a bit sub par. I mean ...SPOILER... Why did no one even seem remotely upset about finding a skinned woman? Everyone was just kind of like "Meh...oh well, call harry".

Third, and the biggest offender to me was the special effects, or lack thereof. I mean this is a show about a WIZARD for hire. So don't you think he should at some point USE magic? I mean I was looking foreword to seeing SOMETHING. When the skinwalker walks in for instance what happens? Nothing. Cut to commercial, next scene hes strung up and being beaten. Wow, way to fight her Harry. And what about the Skinwalker? Anyone wanting to see what the horrible creature beneath the skin looks like? Nope don't get to, she just looks like a lady. Way to save on that budget...scarrrrry.

And the Raven-men? Looked EXTREMELY low budget. Hmmm, lets have em wear black, have badly done white face paint, and make their voices sound like you used the ten dollar "Darth Vader voice changer".

We don't even get to see Harry make the "doom box", he just mentions it, then has it in his hand the next scene.

Overall I thought the first episode was very weak. It reminded me of a very low budget episode of charmed. I will watch a few more but at this point my hopes are LOW.

-UPDATE-

Saw episode two, it was horrible as well :(

Highly recommend a watch!

[pcurrey69 · 10/10 · 20 October 2019]

This was unfortunately canceled in one season, but I remember it when it was on, and just found, and started watching it again, on Amazon Prime (think it's though IMBD, too!) and still love this show. The guy that plays the main character is perfect for the role (if it was remade, I could not see anyone else playing the main). His ghostly help is a serious laugh, if you can understand that. People featured in it will make you say to yourself, "Hey! That's 'so-n-so' from this and that show!" My GF had never seen it and loves it as well (and is now wanting me to get books of it.. grrrrrrr)