Man, I've been getting a fair number of hits for any mention of this excellent show. The SciFi Channel's page for the show has a lot of features, quizzes, interviews with Paul Blackthorne, who plays wizard Harry Dresden.
There are four video Q&A's – I'm about to sit here and watch them all – but the main thing that strikes the viewer is Blackthorne's cultured British accent. Also, thus far he is reading "forum" questions on a silver laptop in the SciFi offices in New York, but NEVER TOUCHES the KEYBOARD.
Knowing his character's electromagnetic quirks when it comes to technology (in short, he keeps shorting stuff out and uses old rotary dial phones and drives a very basic old Jeep), it's funny to watch Blackthorne sit at the table and earnestly respond to questions on screen, but keep his hands resolutely off the keyboard. It's like he's a little bit afraid to touch it, kind of like when Harry is around the computers in Murphy's office. It's kind of charming.
Oh, wait – he finally touched the keyboard in the second or third clip. My bad.
It's very odd also to hear Terence Mann, who plays "Bob," speak in an ordinary North American accent and not in Bob's round, juicy tones. He's quite funny and un-Boblike while kidding around with the rest of the cast.
The clips are intercut with bits and pieces from the series that serve as amusing commentary on Blackthorne's answers to fan questions – the tone is light and amusing and someone worked pretty hard to put it all together so that it worked.
So: no news on SciFi.com about a second season yet, Dresden fans. I think that all the extra post-season promotion that the SciFi channel has been doing bodes well for it's chances – they wouldn't do that if they have no intention of having it back.
One can but hope.
As one close to Paul and although difficult, have managed to stand back and watch the series on Sky and not see Paul but see Harry Dresden and an excellent series; I agree the series should be back if there is any justice…………………..
Dave: hoping. I may try using an ordinary modern-day object as a magic wand, such as a wooden hairpin or a chopstick or spoon, wave it around, and see what happens. Can’t hurt
Captain Russell: Thank you for the intriguing comment. It is a good show, well produced, well acted, well edited. Thus it’s a rarity in the genre, which is why it seems to have acquired a fanbase interested in seeing it renewed (see http://www.scifi.com for pointers).
I emailed the Chicago Tribune’s TV critic, Mo Ryan. She and I have corresponded before about various favorite shows, so I felt comfortable in dropping her a line. Her response:
I don’t know about her “iffy outings” aside, but I think its chances are fairly good if the SciFi channel keeps the promotions going.