If you like Harry Dresden on TV, you’ll like the books more
When I saw that the Space Channel here in Canada would be carrying the new Dresden Files show I was exciting. I’ve read most, if not all–I don’t know if there are new ones out since I last looked–of the Dresden Files mysteries by Jim Butcher. In the books, Harry is a guy geeks can relate to. He has trouble with women, he tends to carry around a lot of strange stuff, and well things tend to explode around him. And come on dude, his blasting rod can pack a mean whallop!
So far I haven’t been too thrilled with the shows. The TV Harry is just not my vision of the book Harry. He should be taller, lankier, geekier, oh and his leather coat is too short. Okay not to mention in the book, Harry doesn’t carry a freakin’ hockey stick and he drives an old VW Beetle not a Land Cruiser. Nit picking, I know, but that is part of being a fan isn’t it. Knowing the details that bring a story to life?
So while you’re waiting for the next epsiode, wander down to the library and check out one of the books. You won’t be disappointed.
Rich Atkinson said,
Wrote on February 23, 2007 @ 8:12 pm
While I generally agree with your “…you’ll like the books more” thesis (after all, are the books ALWAYS better??), I can’t agree with the idea that the show MUST follow the details of the books. Butcher has a few hundred pages per book in which to give you the details of Harry’s world; a one-hour show has to encapsulate. Does it really matter that’s he driving the wrong kind of car? (By the way, while he may not carry “…a freakin’ hockey stick” in the books, have you forgotten his staff and blasting rod?) Some of the differences I actually enjoy. The Bob of the books is a disembodied spirit in a skull, for the most part. Not only would that be tough to pull off in a visual medium, but I actually like having Bob as a person who sometimes gets banished to his skull/home.
In my opinion, the jury is still out on the TV show. I hope that it’s given enough time to work out a direction, because it’s clearly still a work-in-progress. On the plus side, it’s still way better than most of the crap the major networks foist on an unsuspecting public!
Tris Hussey said,
Wrote on February 24, 2007 @ 6:24 pm
Thanks for the comment Rich. I haven’t forgotten the staff and blasting rod. I wish he did carry those around like in the book! I’m also waiting for him to go into the Wizard bar and see technology explode around him (just for kicks and giggles).
I do like Bob. Though he could be a tad more lacivious, you know taking over the bodies of co-eds and stuff.
Yeah, the show needs some time and patience until it hits its stride. Since it’s on specialty channels, I think it has a chance.