Emerald City (2016–2017) User Reviews (99)

Definitely a re-telling!

[jrneptune · 8/10 · 7 January 2017]

Interesting start. Episode 4 was very good. Episode 5 blew my mind.

Some people hate having a story re-told but for me movies and shows are just a director's version of a story and well done re-telling can be interesting. The play Wicked is a perfect example.

Visually appealing, smart and sexy, special effects are much better than with previous shows such as Once Upon a Time. NBC apparently wants to give the other media formats that have been eating into their subscriber base a run for the money by creating original content that has not been seen before. NBC brought in director Tarsem Singh and this is his first television project but he comes well prepared with past experience in movies such as The Cell which he also did with Vincent D'Onofrio and other well received movies. Filmed in Spain, Hungary and Croatia.

Based more on the original Baum books than the first movie was which covered only the first book. So far it appears there is more of a focus on having human characters and it doesn't have the magical creatures that are part of Baum's books.

Some twists so far:

Baum's flying monkeys are drone automatons that resemble golden monkeys that spy on the denizens of Oz for the Wizard. Instead of the Munchkinville we have a Tribal Free Lands. The reason for the Yellow brick road is explained. Oz is not a hard to reach area as it was in the movie. Seems like many folks are concerned about Toto being portrayed by a German Shepard but give the dog a chance.

More importantly the story is told more in Baum's style so Dorothy is not the focus and others get to show their involvement in the story as well. It may well be not all about Dorothy this time around.

I do see some open questions especially the way they started the first few minutes of the show but I am guessing like with many movies today they will be going back to answer some of those questions later in the season.

Key players so far are the following:

Witch of the West (Ana Ularu)/ Witch of the East (Florence Kasumba)/ Glinda (Joely Richardson)/ Wizard of Oz (Vincent D'Onofrio)/ Dorothy (Adria Arjona)/ Lucas (Oliver Jackson-Cohen,The Strawman)/ Eamonn (Wizard Guard/The Lion?)/Jack (Gerran Howell) /Mombi (Witch, Fiona Shaw)/ Tip (Ozama?, Daughter of the King of Oz, Jordan Loughran)/ Karen (Dorothy's birth mother, Gina Bellman)/ Anna (Counselor, Isabel Lucas)/ Princess Langwidere, Lady Ev, Princess of Ev (Stefanie Martini)(brief flashes of her so far but appears in the fourth episode)

NBC offers more info from their site, Oz Reimagined: The Making of Emerald City, under Sneak Peeks from http://www.nbc.com/emerald-city

It was promising, but too much going on.

[AndromedaCeline · 6/10 · 6 July 2017]

I know I'm late to the Emerald City train. I saw the trailer sometime last year, was super excited, then forgot all about it until I re-newed my Hulu account and saw it on my feed. Anyway, overall I liked the show, however, I can see why they cancelled it.

First, the costumes are gooorgeous. I love Trisha Biggar's work in Star Wars I, II, & III, the costumes were about the best thing from those movies, and honestly they are here too. My favorite was the Witch of the East, her flowing red gown with her black feather collar and ruby hand clasps, stunning. Too bad she was so short lived, because it would have been nice to see more of her character.

Second, I love Adria Adjora as Dorothy. I thought she was gorgeous and it was great to see a Latina play that part. I also liked West's casting, don't remember the actresses name, but she was very good as well.

Third, I love the re-imagining of the original story. I love how it's updated for modern times, I love the science vs magic dispute (even though they didn't really flesh it out much), I like that ScareCrow/Lucas was in search of his memory (clever), Tin Man/ Jack was this Frankenstein half boy, half machine (ok, i can dig it), and Cowardly Lion/ was a disgraced, solider who cowardly murdered the royal family to save his own life (dope). There's a lot of great things about the story that I liked, but those are just a few.

Weak Points. Where the show took a turn for the worst was near the end. There was just a lot going on, a lot of loose ends to tie, and a lot were not able to tie together nicely. The "war" and "beast forever" climax it keep building up during the show was lackluster at best. A lot of the story was very convoluted and confusing to follow. There's the Wizard of Oz who is power hungry and ruthless and big on science, even though he never uses it; Glinda, who is cold-hearted stuck up bitch who was boring as hell to watch (Except her costumes); West, who interesting enough was the strongest character of the series, is a strung out nympho who is haunted by her past (one which never made sense to me); Tip, the boy who turns into a girl, who turns into a princess, who turns into a witch, only to turn back into a boy, then BACK into a princess again (not kidding); Jack, Tip's best friend who she kills and is turned into the Tin Man; Langwidere, selfish, princess who's really a robot (eye roll). And so on. There's a host of half ass characters and plots that don't really make sense, and never really go anywhere. Either they though the show was only going to be one season so they jammed as much in or they thought they would have more seasons to flesh these characters out, either way it's a mess. Near the end I no longer cared what happened to the characters, and that's when I knew why this was cancelled.

Overall, it was a decent attempt, but it sucks the story was so sloppy, because it had A LOT of potential.

Full Of Potential

[Harun_Karali · 7/10 · 6 January 2017]

The re-imaging of the tale of Wizard Of Oz is finally here and to my surprise it's a worthy adaptation. Although, there are some major changes, it feels like the writers have put a modern spin on a classic tale. As Dorothy is carried by a twister into an unknown land where she runs into a witch, which sets off a chain of events that will lead her to the wizard himself. Even If you are familiar with the books you will be met with surprises along the way. Unlike most adaptations, Emerald City forges it's own path as the writers takes a fresh approach to a classic tale. Emerald City isn't without it's flaws, for instance; it's characters development, or to rephrase, the lack of development puts a damper on the shows atmosphere. Perhaps in time it will gain the necessary traction it needs. The scarecrow is portrayed by Oliver Jackson-Cohen, who will play a major part in the story, which begs the question of whether he will live up to the epic story that comes with the territory. Perhaps the most questionable decision the story tellers made was making Toto a German Shepherd.

Emerald City is full of potential and has a lot to live up to, if they can polish the rough edges, I believe NBC might just make this show worth while.

WE NEED SEASON 2

[strongside1706 · 10/10 · 19 September 2018]

I don't understand how this wasn't more popular and why they would cancel it!? it's dark, exciting, the world building is great, acting is great, the cinematography is great.... it leaves off on a cliffhanger and a lot of loose ends which would be great if there was a season 2! but there isn't. and i can't find anything, show or book, that can satiate this itch i now have. we need season 2!

Slow start but this show has a great cast, story line and on screen chemistry

[mrdpeck · 3 February 2017]

I wasn't sure I'd like this show at first. It wasn't until close to the end of the first episode that I decided I needed to see more. Now I can't wait for each new episode! The cast is fantastic, the story line is mysterious and interesting. I think the sets and film locations are very well done. I'm curios to see what Glynda plans to do with the young witches and if the Wizard turns out to be Dorothy's father. Dorothy and Lucas have great chemistry too. Yes, it's completely different from the original story and movie. Toto is lovable but would also have no problem defending Dorothy if necessary. I think Emerald City has years worth of potential. So...WATCH THIS SHOW!

A Stylish Quest With Interesting Characters

[atlasmb · 7/10 · 23 January 2017]

Though it contains many references to "The Wizard of Oz" (1939), "Emerald City" has its own mythology. Dorothy Gale seeks to return home, but the lessons of this story are more complex and more far-flung than "There's no place like home".

On her way to the Emerald City, Dorothy traverses strange lands and encounters many with unknown intentions. Accompanied by Toto, her travel is filled with peril and she makes alliances with various characters, some of whom embrace their own parallel adventures.

Besides its striking visuals, "Emerald City" is strong on characterization. By episode four, there are many characters with interesting, deep personalities. Dorothy herself is played by Adria Arjona, combining beauty with an athletic presence. Among the best of the cast is Ana Ulara, the witch called West, who is mysterious and captivating. Oliver Jackson-Cohen portrays Lucas, the story's nod to the scarecrow and a potential love interest.

And what are the morals of this new story? You are not defined by your past. Everyone is on a journey to discover who they truly are. And probably many others, depending upon your vision of life and whatever helps you on your own quest homeward.

Prepare to get your heart ripped out!!

[chasityhubbardsassy · 10/10 · 11 August 2018]

The show was cancelled after the 1st season with no follow up ANYTHING. So after finishing this show and loving it, it'll be like getting your heart broke all over again

Too bad it's cancelled

[crystalline-46579 · 7/10 · 11 March 2019]

I can see some of the points made by other reviewers that didnt like it but they are taking them to the extreme. The show is not garbage. The set pieces and costumes are beautiful. The story line is not stupid or confusing if you know how to put 2 and 2 together without the writers spelling it all out for you. I had the opportunity to binge watch it without commercials but I can see for anyone who was watching as it aired each week would be less forgiving of faults. I really liked Dorothy and Lucas and their journey. Tip a.k.a. Ozma's story was interesting but I was less interested in the other storylines. That doesnt mean they were bad or without purpose, they just felt like an interruption of the story I actually cared about. The ending of the season had very little resolution, if any at all. There is a lot more story to tell that would undoubtedly be more exciting in season 2. Like the fight against this "beast forever" that we've been hearing about, who Dorothy inadvertently set free from a magical prison. Dorothy and Lucas finding their way back to eachother and finding out what exactly Dorothy is. Shes obviously not just an average human born in Oz and raised in Kansas. Sadly we'll never get that.

There are so many shows about cops and doctors and family drama, rehabbing houses ect and so few options with in the fantasy genre that it's a bit frustrating when a decent one comes around yet isnt allowed to tell it's full story.

A breath of Fresh Air

[turanic-23064 · 9/10 · 8 February 2017]

Why this show scores lower than 8 is a pure mystery to me, maybe because the show is more intelligent than an average fantasy show out there... I am a big fan of Game of Thrones and I can see there is a lot of inspiration in Emerald City that comes from Game of Thrones, the difference however is - no tits, violence and sex ... I think one of the reasons why I like the show is that it has a certain touch of realism politics and characters being somewhat messed up. Just look at them - everyone apart from Dorothy is obsessed with either power, revenge control or magic...

The Story 9/10

A cold war between 2 kingdoms and witches that are an opposite of each other

Characters 10/10

Love the wizard, the 2 sister witches are a contrast of chaos and order, Dorothy - a sweetie, Jack/ Tip/ Masked Princess are a blast!

Environment design 9/10

The sets, locations and computer Graphics are great!

Not bad

[ohlabtechguy · 6/10 · 10 January 2017]

I'm 56 and from Ohio. Normally, I don't enjoy most American TV. Prefer Downton Abby and Poldark type dramas. I prefer beautiful scenery, costumes, great acting, scripts....just a wonderful feast for the eyes and ears. This take off of the Wizard of Oz is a bit dark and dusty. Gone is the technicolor of the original. But the sets are imaginative and the script and acting are good. Plot lines are unpredictable, so you never know what's about to happen next. The main attraction seems to be the growing relationship between Dorothy and Lucas. I suppose it's a romance that's going to blossom....eventually. This isn't made for kids and it's not a musical....but I'm interested to see how creative the producers will be in future episodes. I see this has been cancelled after one season. It couldn't hold my interest. I stopped watching after a few episodes. The problem for me - it's too dark and dusty with little heart. The Hollywood movie had lots of heart and color and wonderful music. It was an uplifting fantasy. This was not.

Not for me ... w/ spoilers

[info-18832 · 3/10 · 14 January 2017]

I don't usually write reviews 'cause I usually think I'm not a good judge for everyone and you may agree in this case too. I don't know Game of Thrones and I don't know earlier adaptations of the Wizard of Oz story so I'm not relating this show to those. I really didn't know what to expect but my hopes were high.

I couldn't make it through episode one. The scenes (sets) are beautiful and captivating but I don't watch the show for that and don't care. The Dorothy character is interesting but I'm interested in the story telling... what are the writers presenting to me? Early in the show we find an elderly woman having risen from her bed being confronted by her caretaker and she is now struggling with the caretaker who has taken hold of her by the wrists. It is a physical confrontation as the woman pleads to use red fingernail polish. Why there is a physical confrontation over red fingernail polish - they never address (mystery). Why it escalated into a physical struggle or why the caretaker would not have already permitted the color red and instead allowed the situation to escalate to this unrealistic level is not explained at all and all seems seriously unrealistic and pointless. It looks like a child-writer's view of controlling the elderly in a slight state of dementia.

Dorothy comforts the woman but takes a bottle of prescription medication from her and hides it in her pocket. What the medication is and why Dorothy took it is never addressed (mystery). Why Dorothy needed to protect the old woman from the medication - or instead to deprive the woman of her needed prescription is never addressed (mystery). The whole scene seems pointless and unrealistic. It of course begs many other questions. Does Dorothy make a habit of stealing drugs from patients? Does Dorothy have a special need of some sort we don't know about? Was someone trying to harm the woman and Dorothy has foiled that plot? All curious and unexplained.

This trend continues as instance after instance with a lot of details all go unexplained. Later, the police have arrived at a crime scene. The many issues of the crime scene, how the police knew to come, what happened to the police officer, how or why things were what they were at the scene... and most importantly, why I should care about any of it - are all ignored.

Special effects are impressive, I guess, except I don't care about any of that when the visuals are merely some sort of technological presentation. Why are these various elements of the story being presented if they are irrelevant? Soon Dorothy is in a new land. There too, the effects and sets are impressive but the story itself makes little sense in terms of why people do what they do. Their goals, their intent, their mindset all seem to be unrelated to what they say, how they act, what they want, etc.

The story-telling is weak and uninteresting. The reason seems to be because there are too many convoluted details that do little to contribute to or support the foundation of the story. Dorothy is tortured over a simple misunderstanding while falling into that trap seems more a matter of bad writing than Dorothy being in any realistic danger inherent in the situation. That is, some common-sense things that she might have said to escape or extricate herself from the situation she simply doesn't say. Why? Because the writer had already planned for her capture. She was captured by the writer - not the bad guys. It's all just unrealistic.

There is little time spent developing the characterization. So, as Dorothy is tortured (for example), there's no reason to care. I mean, one can care in the abstract about the evil of young women being tortured, but there's no reason to care about this particular case or this particular person. We don't know her. We don't really know who she is or what she's about. Her angst or fear in the previously mentioned crime scene is another example. We don't know her or anything about it so my reaction is so what. Was I supposed to care about the police officer that disappears? Perhaps not but how is Dorothy any different?

Nothing seems relevant or worthy of our attention. Nothing seems important - unless everything is important and then of course we're back to the mystery of the red fingernail polish.

The unfolding avalanche of details without any means to distinguish relevance from pointless combined with the complete lack of character development and foundation combine to make the story much more trouble than it is worth. - I say skip it unless you're ready to focus just on scenery.

I gave it 3 stars due to the scenery, costumes and effects. Such things cannot combine to warrant anything more when the story-telling is so convoluted. /// Of course, all such questions may have been eventually answered with great clarity and import if I could have been more patient and lasted longer. Perhaps the fault is mine.

Loved Emerald City - i need Season 2!!!

[supremedragon · 10/10 · 21 February 2022]

Its not fair good series always get cancelled and brainless reality tv is still airing. My favorite show "Prodigal Son" and "Emerald City" dang it I want to see Lucas and Dorothy back. The show was creative and had a very exciting new reimagined view of a classic. It truly is annoying when networks don't give loyal viewers any closure despite the ranks.

A fairly good tv fantasy series

[sirlife-53804 · 7/10 · 11 February 2022]

I like well executed fantasy and this show offered me just that. No it's not a Game of thrones quality kind of series (im sure it doesn't even had half the budget ) but i must the creators some credits.

The casting was well done, the costumes too (emerald city soldiers hinting to Gaudi's art in Barcelona, just like most of the emerald cities decor and the mask of the princess/queen of Ev see looks stunning by the way) The story needs some time (i bet that most of the negative critics here just didn't watch 3 episodes, wich is their bad ) if given the chance this series really pays off to watch. People tend to forget that fantasy/horror/SFiction require an extreme amount of work compare to a simple crime series like CSi . I hope the make a second season and top the first. Don't get me wrong everything can be better and yes some things did disappointed me (no final battle with the beast forever etc) but bad reviews wont help that.

Wanted it to Be Great ... But

[factoidjunkie · 3/10 · 10 January 2017]

Loved the premise and mash-up of original OZ with steampunk/fantasy. Sets are terrific and ideas are ambitious. Dark, gritty, and inventive. But also flat dialogue, average acting, and a storyline that needs a huge re-write. D'Onofrio can be a compelling actor, but he's coasting in this role. The city seems to be the central theme, so I get that everything doesn't center on Dorothy. Unfortunately her only believable impulse is to help others. The rest of her character is limp.

After the two-hour debut, I imagined the acting wouldn't improve and the story line, regardless of invention, would not hang together. Too much else to watch that is better outta the gate.

I enjoyed this way more than I expected

[Kri3 · 10/10 · 3 August 2021]

The acting was spot on, the story was unique, and it felt like something new. It is disappointing that they never went with a second season but if you are into the fantasy genre this is a must watch.

Ambitious series that fails to deliver developing characters or relationship.

[LeonardoAmato · 6/10 · 7 January 2017]

Adria Arjona stars as Dorothy, here reimagined as a young Kansas nurse*, before that tornado transports her to Oz. And what an Oz it is – a violent land filled with different figures of power vying for even more power and control, from the witches (Florence Kasumba, Ana Ularu and Joely Richardson play East, West and South/Glinda, respectively) to the Wizard (Vincent D'Onofrio). Okay, the good first. Emerald City, NBC's new event series based on The Wizard of Oz (the movie and the original series of books), is beautiful. Just visually stunning. Director and executive producer Tarsem Singh (The Cell, The Fall, Immortals) does things with color and big sweeping landscapes that pop off the screen. It all looks fabulously expensive...."Emerald City" is a much better art exhibit than it is a television show. Because characters and actors playing them are giving bland performance as the viewer can't root for any of them.

Beautiful set design and full of surprises

[alottacarlotta · 10/10 · 7 January 2017]

Aside from the obvious elephant in the room when you first start watching the pilot - Dorothy is definitely older than 20- I liked the casting and really like the lead actress and believe she has depth and intelligence. If they had gone and castes a dumb but pretty face for the hot factor alone, leaving a forgettable lead character than I wouldn't have bothered watching past the 10 min marker. But I liked her and I liked the quick lead in and the whole setting really. The casting for everyone else and their chemistry is superb. The set design and costumes are special and worthy of recognition. You SHOULD feel like you're in a different world and you do. I'm also a mega fan of Vincent D and was not disappointed by his turn as a beloved but strange wizard with dark undertones hiding something (many things I'm sure),

Promising, but Requires Einstein Intelligence to Comprehend

[isluvorgatorman · 6/10 · 7 January 2017]

This is a mediocre story that certainly doesn't live up to the expectations the budget brings. Without spoiling anything, it starts off promising, setting up the characters before plunging them into conflict. The acting isn't number one, but it is overall convincing. The CGI is absolutely breathtaking. It looks...well, real. Hyper-realistic, in fact. Things go down hill, introducing so many plot lines, resulting in what the book "How not to Write a Novel" calls an "orgy." This is where there are so many plot lines introduced early on that it overwhelms the reader. I understand this when it happens by the start of season 3, but I'm on the first episode of season 1. Since shows generally get more complex as they go on, I can't imagine how I'll comprehend season 2 without going insane. In summary, this show definitely shows promise, but I would advise the writers to try to be-and I can't believe I'm saying this-less creative in the future.

Need season 2!!!!

[leslie-43262 · 10/10 · 26 August 2019]

It's been over a year since this story ended and I find I'm still thinking about it all the time! They need to make season two! Find a network that will pick it up please!!!!

Too bad it got cancelled

[diescobarmdq · 7/10 · 16 September 2020]

I was really enjoying it until the end. Too bad it got cancelled, there was a lot more story to be told

No one is likable at all

[draftdubya · 5/10 · 27 February 2017]

Dorthy should've just ran off with the dog to live alone. The kids in this are even shady. The love/hate crap gets old really quickly. You just want to wish you could go there and nuke both Kingdoms. The scenery was the only thing that shined in this show. NBC should give shows like this to sister stations SyFy's or USA's Expanse or Colony teams. BTW Tip NERVER looked like a boy no matter how hard you tried.

D'Onofrio's wizard is wizard

[prclark46 · 9/10 · 17 March 2019]

Only now catching up with Emerald City. I originally thought it would be a trite version of the original Wizard of Oz but was pleasantly surprised by a fresh and interesting fantasy. Vincent O'Onofrio's wizard steals every scene while the performances of the rest of cast makes this series a worthwhile investment. Puzzling why there was no sequel but in my opinion Emerald City as a story (or a long movie) comfortably stands alone.

wth

[Headturner11 · 7/10 · 4 January 2023]

This came out in 16-17?!? Idk if anyone elses streaming services are hiding things?!? I'll notice when I look at new releases it will show things the they never come up in the new stuff and this is on all my paid streaming services! I have 350 characters left so at least I've used half! I've always thought the idea of OZ as a good base for a good series. This was kind of how I imagined it but with a bigger budget and look ( think GOT). The main actress is awful as well as the Wizard! The two main characters they should have left money in the budget for decent actors. I love Joely Richardson! At 57 she blows most younger women out of the water with her alluring, intriguing sexiness. Oliver Jackson -Cohen is good as well but with a bigger budget and more imagination this could have been a 5-7 season show because who didn't grow up loving the wizard of oz?!? Have 1 episode left but it's a decent watch but I was sick of the 60 seconds f commercials every 5 minutes which is barely why I finish anything on Peacock and I pay extra for NO commercials!

Note to Hollywood- Not everything needs a Gritty Reboot!

[JoeB131 · 1/10 · 17 January 2017]

I'm telling you this as a friend, Hollywood, before one of you decides we need a "My Little Pony" gritty reboot. I think you've destroyed enough happy childhood memories with your gritty reboots.

So in this gritty reboot, Toto is a German Shepherd, the Scarecrow is a homicidal maniac who beats people to death, The Wicked Witch of the West is a drug addicted madam of a bordello, and the Wizard is a fat Vincent D'onofrio. Oh, yeah, and Dorothy is hot! And shows lots of cleavage. And packs a gun! (We haven't seen the Tin Man and Lion yet, but I'm sure they won't be pretty, either.)

You know, because we are all gritty and edgy and let's take a dump on the source material.

Seriously, who is the audience for this, exactly?

Here be lions.

[leon-11-983797 · 8/10 · 7 January 2017]

I loved the premiere of Emerald City. Fantastic in every sense of the word, since Tamren Singh created an amazing fantasy world filled with fascinating characters. While every scene, every setting and every inhabitant of Oz pays tribute to the wonderful imagination of L. Frank Baum, Singh has managed to stamp his own vision and his own interpretation on it and transformed it into something even more bewitching.

Dorothy is a strong, capable and modern woman, her dog, a German Shepherd, is a K-9, the Scarecrow is a man with no memory, a mysterious past and a sword issued to the Wizard's Guard, the flying monkeys are drones patrolling the world and looking for danger...

I loved the original Wizard of Oz and I understand why people don't want to like this remake. But this isn't a remake or a reboot. Instead, it is a reinterpretation and it is wonderful and magical and spellbinding. It has action and drama and colour and magic and touches of humour that are so deft that I find myself chuckling long after the joke is over.

Take Eamonn, the man I assume is playing the Tin Man. Stalked by one of his own troops intent on murdering him and returning to Oz to claim the glory, blaming his death on lions, the scene cuts away just as he is about to be stabbed in the back. Later, when we return, the camera shows him strolling casually back to camp.

Stumbling about in the dark two of the would-be murderer's accomplices find his body, hacked apart, and take it back to camp to dump it accusingly at the feet of Eamonn. Unconcerned, Eamonn takes a bite of an apple while looking at the body, then just says one word: "Lions."