Almost immediately after Comic-Con, word broke that Wanted director, Timur Bekmambetov IS developing an action based miniseries called “Warriors of OZ” based upon L. Frank Baum’s classic novel, The Wizard of OZ.
However, “Warriors of OZ” is no longer the strangest OZ story in development. According to Deadline, “Elementary” executive producers Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman are planning an OZ inspired medical drama called “Dorthy.” The project is said to take place in New York City, with characters and themes inspired by “The Wizard of OZ.”
We don’t often break into editorial voice during news items here at CraveOnline, but I can’t let this pass. This is by far, the stupidest idea I’ve ever heard for a TV series. There is a lot of untapped story potential in the OZ novels, and this is what they came up with?!
CBS is the number one broadcast network because it has an approach to dramas and comedies that hasn’t changed very much in the last twenty years. CBS’ programming slate is very “safe,” with a lot of conventional comedies, cop shows and reality series. And CBS does what it does, better than anyone else. CBS viewers know what to expect from the network. This is why genre shows like “Threshold” don’t tend to last long at CBS. They didn’t fit in with the network’s formula.
It seems that Beverly and Timberman believe that the only way that CBS’ audience can handle an OZ inspired television series is if it is dressed up as a medical drama. That’s not exactly a triumph of the imagination.
The sad part is that Beverly and Timberman could be right. If nothing else, CBS’ continued success proves that there is a large audience of viewers who like and enjoy their formula.
