There have been a lot of “new” shows this season that have built upon a pre-existing context. We have seen revisions of multiple superhero shows, new takes on classic movies and shows like Lethal Weapon, Frequency and MacGyver. Is Hollywood simply out of ideas? Or is it seeking to take these classics and remake them for the next generation because their characters are just so universally timeless?
The Wizard of Oz is one of these classics. It has been redone in movie form several times since the original film debuted, and of course has been redone in musical form as well. However, this is the first time that they have attempted to make a television series. Emerald City is definitely different than any Oz or Dorothy characters that we have ever seen before.
This season has seen a new world of Oz created, relationships between characters that we never envisioned. The show has focused on the witches and their power and the magic that makes Oz what it is, along side the science that the Wizard has brought. We have been introduced to new characters that never existed before. There has been a menacing darkness to several of these characters–not just the witches–that seems to permeate the entire show. Secrets upon secrets yet to be revealed. Political alliances and matters of the heart that somehow weave all of the different threads of the story together, yet we don’t know how.
And of course there is “the beast forever” that is constantly alluded to, and yet no one seems to know who or what it is, or more importantly what it wants besides carnage and destruction.
In the season finale Dorothy finally chooses to help the wizard in the hopes that he may take her home. She doesn’t like him or agree with him, but she thinks if she can go home, then she can take him with her and stop anymore wars in Oz between magic and science.
Several important realizations happen in the finale. Dorothy realizes what a despicable coward the wizard is, and that she may have chosen the wrong side but that she needs to get home. She learns that the woman she thought was her mother is not her mother at all and that her real mom is still in Oz. Her real mom actually shoots the wizard. It is her real mom that sends her home and tells her that it is to protect her, while she must stay in Oz to keep Dorothy safe. She learns of Lucas’/Rowan’s true feelings and must choose between him and herself. And all of the characters learn that while they have been fighting amongst themselves, the real threat has grown ever stronger, and now they are all in mortal peril.
In the final moments, Dorothy is once again home, but her mind goes back to Oz and all of the questions left unanswered. As she heads out to the fields to think she suddenly sees Rowan and thinks it must be a mirage. But he is real. He tells her that her mother sent him to retrieve her. Oz needs her help. The Beast Forever has returned and only Dorothy can defeat it.
No idea if the show will be picked up for another season or what direction they will take now. Obviously Dorothy will go back to Oz, but how and to what end? Who is Dorothy really and why is she so important?
I did enjoy the show mainly because it was so different, and it had some great acting. But I don’t think it will be mainstream or risqué enough to do well long term. It has intense emotion and sexuality but it isn’t blatant, which seems to be more what the public prefers. I guess we will have to wait and see!!
