According to the latest Butcher Block podcast, The Dresden Files is getting higher ratings in the US than Battlestar Galactica!
Does this mean the geek community's love affair with epic sci-fi (e.g. Galactica and Lost, which continues to take a critical battering despite being - in my humble opinion - a work of genius)? Is it a signpost for a more widespread return to episodic shows that mimic their '70s forebears and don't require patience and constant vigilance on behalf of the viewing audience, awaiting the big reveals and clues to overarching mysteries?
Nevertheless, tonight's episode of The Dresden Files was another doozie. Walls was the story of a gang of students using an evil magical artifact to pull off sensational robberies, with Harry being drawn in after the girlfriend of one is killed outside his office in what appears to be a hit'n'run.
Touching on the side effects of Harry's powers again, and of magic in general, the main "in universe" thrust of this tale is to highlight the dangerous consequences of using black magic, prompting a show-stealing, understated performance from Conrad Coates as Morgan, the High Council Warden, and the appearance of a gruesome waxy monster. Terrance Mann also delivers on the Bob front, as always, meaning that even though this might not be quite as strong as the last couple of episodes, the powerful performances bring it so close as to still merit an A- Grade!
Walls also drops another hint about Harry's shady past as well as further insight into Bob's character, which goes a long way to creating the worldbuilding illusion that this just of the tip of the Dresdenverse iceberg.
Good writing is what will ultimately make or break this show and its recent track record suggests that - as long as they continue with this calibre of material - the show could have a long and healthy life. Battlestar Galactica has just been renewed for a fourth season, so, with bigger viewing figures (if not the critical acclaim), I would guess that the short term future, at least, is secure for The Dresden Files.
Does this mean the geek community's love affair with epic sci-fi (e.g. Galactica and Lost, which continues to take a critical battering despite being - in my humble opinion - a work of genius)? Is it a signpost for a more widespread return to episodic shows that mimic their '70s forebears and don't require patience and constant vigilance on behalf of the viewing audience, awaiting the big reveals and clues to overarching mysteries?
Nevertheless, tonight's episode of The Dresden Files was another doozie. Walls was the story of a gang of students using an evil magical artifact to pull off sensational robberies, with Harry being drawn in after the girlfriend of one is killed outside his office in what appears to be a hit'n'run.
Touching on the side effects of Harry's powers again, and of magic in general, the main "in universe" thrust of this tale is to highlight the dangerous consequences of using black magic, prompting a show-stealing, understated performance from Conrad Coates as Morgan, the High Council Warden, and the appearance of a gruesome waxy monster. Terrance Mann also delivers on the Bob front, as always, meaning that even though this might not be quite as strong as the last couple of episodes, the powerful performances bring it so close as to still merit an A- Grade!
Walls also drops another hint about Harry's shady past as well as further insight into Bob's character, which goes a long way to creating the worldbuilding illusion that this just of the tip of the Dresdenverse iceberg.
Good writing is what will ultimately make or break this show and its recent track record suggests that - as long as they continue with this calibre of material - the show could have a long and healthy life. Battlestar Galactica has just been renewed for a fourth season, so, with bigger viewing figures (if not the critical acclaim), I would guess that the short term future, at least, is secure for The Dresden Files.
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