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bellaromanza
Reviews
Painkiller Jane (2007)
Good mindless entertainment.
I watched Painkiller Jane from the premiere onwards, but stopped watching once Psych came onto USA during the same time slot. Painkiller Jane isn't the best show by far, yet I would still call it one of my favorites on today. If you want sci-fi that doesn't make you think a lot yet still has reasonably interesting characters (Riley and Conner being two of my favorites on the show), then PKJ is for you. I'm glad Sci-Fi at least gave it a full season--it's a shame about the possible cancellation, because I think the cast could have grown into their roles and improvement dramatically with a second season.
Overall, I think the show is fine if you don't come into it with high expectations. Take it for what it is: an hour escape from reality. It's not meant to be Pulitzer Prize-winning material, but just a development of an old comic book idea. For all intents and purposes, PKJ provides a entertaining hour full of action.
The Dresden Files (2007)
Good show that would have improved if given a chance.
It baffles me that networks will spend all the money promoting and producing a new show, and then promptly cancel it after 12 episodes when most shows don't hit their stride until the second season. I look at all the shows I love -- Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed, Bones, NCIS, Farscape--and all significantly improved in character development and storyline for their second seasons. I've seen every episode of the Dresden Files, and I must say how deeply saddened I was and still am to hear of its cancellation. It simply wasn't given a proper chance.
That much said, Dresden Files provides an intriguing look into the world of a professional wizard living in today's world. Harry Dresden is as realistic as you and I, a fact that can be attributed mostly to actor Paul Blackthorne's portrayal. Blackthorne makes Harry feel as though he is our favorite, worn-just-right leather jacket, a little rough around the edges but overall still worth our love. His chemistry with Terrance Mann's Bob is excellent, always producing a laugh in just the right place. There are so many scenes having to do with Bob that I will always remember (particularly Bob crying over the sappy movie). While some of the actors might seem a bit clunky in their parts at first, they improve as the series progresses. It is a shame that fans of Butcher's novels weren't willing to accept the show for what it is: not a 100% accurate portrayal of the books, but a different world in itself. Even a message from Butcher himself claiming this didn't seem to help.
Oh Dresden Files, I mourn your demise.