I am – Hercules!!
A lot of critics are pointing out that "The Dresden Files" suffers from arriving subsequent to the Buffiverse. Like the title character in “Angel,” Harry Dresden is a haunted, superpowered private detective who takes on cases tied to the paranormal. It’d be nice to see more “Angel” in “Dresden,” and for that matter more “Rockford Files” and “Veronica Mars,” which - like "Angel" - are funnier private-investigator shows and feature a sharper emphasis on characterization. The most compelling thing about the TV Dresden may be his backstory. His father was a magician with no magical powers; Harry gets his abilities (which include levitation, voodoo, and defense against the dark arts) from his mother, who suffered a mysterious and untimely death. At some point Harry fell into the custody of her brother, a sinister sort who sought to exploit young Harry’s talents. Don’t be surprised if you get more caught up in the flashbacks than in the A-stories. The generally humdrum procedural tone of the series is especially surprising given that the enterprise is based on Jim Butcher’s hugely popular series of novels and overseen by Hans Beimler (“Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “The District”) and Robert Hewitt Wolfe (“Andromeda,” “The 4400”), who previously collaborated alongside “Galactica” showrunner Ronald D. Moore on “Deep Space Nine,” the best of the “Star Trek” series sequels. As played by handsome TV actor Paul Blackthorne (close your eyes and discover he shares the voice of “The O.C.’s” Peter Gallagher), Dresden is a stiff, heroic in deed but a bit boring to spend time with. His roommate, a worried old ghost played with ever-widened Tim Curry eyes by another veteran TV actor, Terrence Mann, adds negligible, if any, entertainment value. Those who catch the first two episodes should expect loads of conjuring but little true magic. But what matters Herc’s opinion? Entertainment Weekly gives it a “C” and says:

… I'd wanted the series, based on the Jim Butcher novels, to be the next Buffy. Or at least the next Charmed. Instead it's an uneven fantasy series that's not eerie enough to be a culty favorite (The X-Files) or goofy enough to be a guilty pleasure (Sabrina the Teenage Witch). …

USA Today gives it three stars (out of four) and says:

… All that's missing is the blond vampire-slaying girlfriend — well, that and that magical mix of first-rate wit, chills and drama that made the Buffy-universe the gold standard for such shows. … Like Harry, the show has yet to fully master its tricks. There are a few decent jolts, but nothing is truly frightening or even that threatening. And while the show can be amusing, it's never exactly side-splitting. A wonderful wizard? No. But a good one, and with no angels in sight, good may have to be good enough.

The New York Times says:

… in televised form, at least, it has the feeling of pizza with pineapple on it — which is to say, not actually for grown-ups. Wizardry, in the end, is best left in the hands of its most famous interpreter.

The Chicago Tribune says:

… There’s something generally appealing about “The Dresden Files” … but this new show probably will do best with a certain slice of the television audience, one that feasted on the likes of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel.” … Much of the show’s appeal stems from its lead actor, Paul Blackthorne, whose leading-man handsomeness is scuffed around the edges, giving Dresden the right mixture of sex appeal and private-eye weariness. The wizard’s also got a ghostly live-in pal named Bob (Terrence Mann), who can shimmer away - through solid walls - when visitors turn up; the dryly witty Bob may be my favorite character so far, and I hope we get more from him as the series progresses. …

The San Francisco Chronicle says:

… Having seen two episodes, "The Dresden Files" is currently mediocre, a series searching for the right tone, seemingly unsure of itself and all the while not quite selling itself to the non sci-fi crowd. … its struggles seem oddly self-inflicted. … The scripts are sometimes nuanced (a bit snarky, a bit creepy), but not unique. The acting is good, but not enough for viewers to be stunned and won over. And the premise seems familiar, if not warmed over. For mainstream appeal, there's something off about the series, something not immediately catchy. Perhaps Blackthorne, who tries mightily to carry this series, needs to be tougher or darker.

The Detroit Free Press gives it two stars (out of four) and says:

… based on the opening two episodes screened for review, "The Dresden Files" is cooler in concept than reality. As a crime procedural, the series is certainly a more accessible than the exceptionally tangled terrain of serialized "Battlestar." But even with Blackthorne's occasionally engaging portrayal of Harry Dresden, this whodunit lacks the wit and imagination that might transform it into something special. We get formula escapism and little more.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer says:

… a little bit "Angel," a little bit "The X-Files" and not enough of either. … There's impressive talent here, so let's hope this wizard can conjure some mojo fast. Otherwise, fans will stamp "The Dresden Files" too dreary to watch …

The Hollywood Reporter says:

… combines first-rate storytelling techniques with equally impressive special effects. The result: a series that is brooding, seductive and smart. … Blackthorne is in his element playing Dresden. His slick looks and slow-moving manner give him a sophistication that the character needs. … s beautiful to watch as it is intelligent and witty to hear. …

Variety says:

… diverting … Silly in places, series nevertheless fits nicely alongside other potions and tonics in the basic cabler's pantry. … a sort-of procedural, the kind of undemanding hocus-pocus that goes down easy…

9 p.m. Sunday. SciFi.

Fox/MGM season sets at $20 or less: $19.99 Arrested Development Season One $19.99 Arrested Development Season Two $19.99 Arrested Development Season Three $19.99 The Bob Newhart Show Season One $19.99 The Bob Newhart Show Season Four $19.99 Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Three $19.99 Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Four $19,99 Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Seven $19.99 Dark Angel Season One $19.99 Dark Angel Season Two $19.99 Dead Like Me Season Two $19.99 The Lone Gunmen Season One $19.99 The Magnificent Seven Season One $19.99 Malcolm in the Middle Season One $19.99 The Mary Tyler Moore Show Season One $19.99 M*A*S*H Season Two $19.99 M*A*S*H Season Ten $19.99 Millennium Season One $19.99 Over There Season One $19.99 Point Pleasant Season One $19.99 The Pretender Season Four $19.99 The Rat Patrol Season One $19.99 Reba Season Four $19.99 Remington Steele Season One $19.99 Remington Steele Seasons Four & Five $19.99 Roswell Season One $19.99 Roswell Season Two $19.99 Roswell Season Three $19.99 Tru Calling Season One $19.99 Tru Calling Season Two $19.99 The X-Files Season One $19.99 The X-Files Season Four $19.99 The Young Riders Season One

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