The Dresden Files: Second City (series finale)

As a series finale to The Dresden Files, Second City seems initially an odd choice and it's only when you see the final scene between Murphy and Harry that you can nod sagely and say: "Ahhhh, I see what they're doing."

The episode has a distinctly darker style than previous episodes (more akin to modern cop shows), and some clever camera work and subtle effects, but the writing still seems inconsistent in parts. While reference is made (again) to Murphy's memory loss and nightmares after being 'possessed' in The Boone Identity, everyone seems to have forgotten the hullabaloo over the death of Harry's uncle that was the key mystery in What About Bob?

There's also some criminally bad policing by Chicago PD when reviewing the security tape of a murder scene (a deserted Chicago street) that takes Murphy to point out the man walking across the picture holding a branding iron (the murder weapon).

If the new style is a sign of things to come, let's hope the series does get renewed because it certainly worked here. Yes, the plot was wrapped up quickly (because of the time constraint of single episodic storytelling), but we were introduced to several interesting supporting characters (such as Murphy's boss and her pig-headed dad), who would make solid recurring characters - as well as the sleazy journalist who crosses Harry's path.

Second City is also very reminiscent of the early episodes of the series, so can only really muster a B+ Grade (which is pretty much the average for the entire 12-episode run), as I was hoping for something more for an end of series show. Ultimately it was rather downbeat.

The series has potential, but if it is to return to our screens it really needs to up its general writing calibre, strive for consistency and continuity, and maybe experiment more with its format (two-part stories, arcs etc) in ways that might allow for more character development. And the fans of the books (both viewers and on staff) have to accept that it is a separate entity from Jim Butcher's books and allow it to develop in its own direction.

Meanwhile, hardcore Dresden Files' fans are campaigning for a second series (as no announcements have yet been made); today issuing the following press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact: Bonnie Johnston Email: bonnielala@gmail.com

Fans Rally to Support The Dresden Files
Campaign launched for renewal of SciFi Channel's original series

(May 1, 2007) – Since the first season of SciFi Channel’s original television series The Dresden Files ended its run in mid-April, an avid fan base has been actively campaigning for a second season of the show through online petitions, discussions in various online forums, and letters and postcards to SciFi Channel executives.

The Dresden Files, starring Paul Blackthorne as Chicago private investigator and wizard Harry Dresden, is based on the popular books by author Jim Butcher and features fast-paced, unique stories that blend the best of traditional detective work with the supernatural… as well as just enough humor and wit to make things more
interesting.

The show, which also stars Broadway veteran Terrence Mann as Harry’s ethereal assistant Bob and Valerie Cruz as Chicago police detective Lt. Connie Murphy, has won numerous fans due to its clever mixture of drama, comedy and edge-of-your seat suspense.

The Save Harry Dresden website contains contact information for SciFi Channel executives, as well as letter-writing tips to help fans get their letters started. For those who want to do more, the site also offers contact information for the show’s producers and advertisers; a link to dresdenfiles.org's online petition; and downloadable flyers that can be printed and posted in bookstores
and other places where Dresden Fans are likely to gather.

Overseas fans who want to participate in the campaign, but aren’t sure that their letters will reach the SciFi channel in time, may submit their pleas for renewal to the
website: all overseas letters are being printed out and forwarded to the appropriate SciFi executives and to the show’s producers. In the first 14 days of the campaign, letters have poured in from around the world -- Portugal, the Netherlands, Argentina, Taiwan, Australia, Norway, New Zealand, Japan, Brazil, Canada, and the United Kingdom - proving that Harry Dresden’s fan base isn’t limited to the United States.

Enthusiastic reviews of the show posted in the website’s guestbook by visitors are also being sent along to the powers that be. What are fans saying about the show?

"…the series has a perfect blend of mystery, fantasy, comedy, and a touch of romance." - Carlos Jackson

"Every episode is better than the previous one." - Angel Arthur

"I adore the series...it's as witty and entertaining to watch as the books are to read." - Kiya Wolfe

SciFi Channel’s own site dedicated to the program includes a very active discussion forum, which currently boasts more than 20,000 individual messages on over 600 topics.

While the first run of The Dresden Files may be over, fans can go to iTunes and download the entire season as another way to show their support for the show.