Charity should get the sword. It would be too cool to have her more involved. And I would love to see the Carpenters kick ass together. Next to her Susan Rodriguez would be great. I think Susan was a good character. Murphy doesn't do a lot for me. Its like she feels that having the police do everything is proper, and it doesn't matter if it is logical or not, she wants to be proper. I just can't see the lady cop that guards our local SA at night fighting off a Denarian. Cops just aren't that tough. Not even SWAT. They are effective when they have the enemy outnumbered and outmaneuvered, which they can usually manage to do thanks to their radios and ability to call in backup. But they can't do an even fight like a mercenary. Its too much of a stretch even in a book.

Murphy is Ok I guess. But in the last book she made me want to puke. I skipped most conversations with her in them. She must have repeated the people-of-Chicago-oath-thing at least five times. each time it meant that she could do whatever she wanted and if anyone said no she would tell on them to her buddies the cops. How does she figure that being a cop means she should have jurisdiction over any private meetings that involves the welfare of the city? I had no idea that no one was allowed to do anything without the cops knowing about it. What happened to that one piece of paper with all those amendments and stuff? Isn't it supposed to be bad to have a police state? What a snotty brat. She is always snarky and bad tempered and about the most negative, ungrateful little creature imaginable. Does she even like anyone? She doesn't even seem happy with Kinkaid very often. No wonder men leave her. Harry is a masochist. And he likes to be controlled by a woman. He really should date her. It makes sense. Kinkaid is a bit too alpha for Karrin. I don't care if she gets the sword, but if they don't tone down her arrogance a bit, she will ruin the books. The last book will likely not sell as well as the rest, in large part because of her. I can see the die hard fans like her cos she has been there from the start, but I know a lot of people complain about her, and you need the fans who are not just going to buy the book to find out what happens next.

Murphy getting the sword:

Not only do I expect it to happen, I would be incredibly disappointed if it didn't. Diane's post back in Sept sums it all up, exept for #6. Remember that not all Knights are Christian. One, in fact, is an Atheist. So Murphy's "purity" has no bearing. All that matters is her heart, and her actions (especially when paired up with Kincaid, ie not wanting to work with him because he only did it for the money) show that she has the right heart to be a Knight. Murphy's being setup for it. I think there's no question about it.

I also think it's Murph. Murphy's come a long way from the first book in terms of her beliefs, seen a lot, and she's gotten a lot stronger along the way, kinda like a young Arthur. Michael alluded to the last wizard who got a sword for safekeeping, the original Merlin. I think Harry was meant to keep for someone he's close to, but isn't ready, even if he doesn't know who it is. When it's time for her to have it, the sword would be close by, but since Harry doesn't know who it's for, he can't give it to her prematurely.

I'm truly hoping Murphy gets the sword. In my in-depth, multitudinous readings of the Dresden Files, I think Jim's been hinting at it for awhile:
1) Murphy has a katana hanging over her fireplace - it was mentioned in, I think, Grave Peril.
2) Harry saw her with his Third Eye as an avenging crusader with a sword (also in Grave Peril).
3) Murphy's short and the katana is the ideal size for her to wield.
4) She's lately been having a crisis of faith, as discussed in Blood Rites (?). Her ideals in law, truth and justice have left a hole in her. I think she won't be ready to receive the sword until that's healed.
5) Michael feels like his time is coming to an end (NOOOOOO!), leaving the American territory open for a female knight
6) Why NOT a female knight? Joan of Arc, anybody? Although it might require that Murphy be virginal, or since it's too late for Murphy, chaste/pure. Sucks and blows, but in a male-dominated Christian belief system, she might be forced to have an extra rule to follow, extra burden to bear. Which I can't see Murphy too happy about, i.e. juicy romantic/lustful drama whenever Harry's around!!!
7) Last, but certainly not least, who wants to see a knock-down-drag-out-kickass woman vs. badass bitch sword battle between Knight Murphy and Lasciel the Fallen Angel over Harry's soul? Raise your hands if you do! (Jim, is that your hand I see out there waving so enthusiastically? I hope so!)

Murphy will get the sword and she will probably get the Michael's territory. Remeber how Michael was telling Harry about having a feeling that his days as a knight were numbered? Also Murph was just demoted so she'll have more time to spend chasing down super-natural evil with Harry.

Jim, Stop reading these comments and get to work on the next Dresden book!

ok first off even if murphy gets the sword she is not going to be packing it around where ever she goes. Heck Michael doesnt do it now. Second Harry will know who the sword goes to when he meets the person. So we can safely assume that no one Harry knows or has interacted with since recieveing the sword will get it. Harry might use it from time to time becuase he is the custoden of the sword. Harry was able to wield Michaels sword if you remember but he just screwed up becuase he used it wrong.

Ok watching the previews on scifi.com I dont know what to make. I just hope they have harry puking at a crime sceen or doing some monologe because they can kill this show by making him a bad ass. He is not! Harry has lots of power but no finase as he puts it so much in each book. Murphy is a burnette so people get over that I know in the book she is a blond. I think you have to give some leeway because you can not have everything perfect I just hope that they get very very close and not screw up with bob being a skull and harry just getting barely getting by, by the skin of his duster.

Thank you for listening to me rant

No Murphy shouldn't get the sword cause she's Murphy she's supposed to kick ass and shoot things, and just be a bad ass. The only people that should get the sword, is basically an unknown that actually knows how to use a katana, hell maybe even Dresdens brother or Dresden himself cause he needs more power, he has the fallen chit in his head but it would be amusing to see him use a sword lol, and for gods sake ppl don't butcher the damn tv series and ruin the actual book series for me that would really suck

how bout that warden, the one that oversaw security at micheals daughter's hearing, you know, that helped him at the end of dead beat?he seemed like the right material for a knight.Or Marcone, i mean he may be a sinner, but so was the russian knight, he used to be a denarius. kincaid cant get it, he is some sort of demon. It could be a character we havnt seen yet.

About Murph getting the sword...

I think she'd be perfect for it. Shiro's sword wasn't huge. Shiro is described by Jim as a small man and as an Iaijutsu practicioner i can attest to the fact that many smallish women are fearsome with a katana. Her character is also dead on for a potential wielder of one of the Three. She's fearless, compassionate, and loyal. Plus she's hot.

I think Harry should takeup the sword (when it lets him). In Proven Guilty, he implied that there was a bad storm brewing with players that had not yet revealed themselves. He will need the sword. If not Harry, give it to Murphy or Michael's daughter (that Harry is training).

I agree with Michael. I fear the series will not be of the quality it deserves. Too many good books have been butchered (no pun intended) when taken to the screen.

I can't wait to see the Dresden series. But, I must have missed something. What's this about Bob not being a Skull???? Please, someone tell me whats going on there.

And about Murphy getting the sword, I'm all for it. I mean if the sword was supossed to go to someone in Japan why would Harry be responsible for finding them? Plus, her soul looks the part right.

hmmmm murphy with the sword......i really can't picture it, although it would b awesome. but to me, with murph being kinda shortish, i cant imagine her weilding a sword. well, maybe i can, but not like a super large one like Shiro's. Also, i think i agree with the person who said it has to do with geography. i think it makes sense about Susan, but at the same time, with her being part vampire and everything, that kinda messes it up. i dunno. Thomas would be pretty cool i thought, but again with the undead and the geography. or maybe after harry has shown like his faith and how much he helps people, he'll b destined to get it. im just throwing out suggestions here, but i think they are viable.

susan can't have the sword either, she's partly undead. In BLOOD RITES she got a small zap when harry tried to hand it to her. I'm with the Jessi would love to see Murph get the sword. Though it would be quite a twist if Bill or Kincaid ended up with it.

I dont think Murphy will get the sword. Has to do with geographics. Michael has America, Shiro had Japan, and Sanya has Russia. If someone should get the sword I would believe it should be Susan in South America

It would be freaking AMAZING if Murphy was given Shiro's sword! I absolutely loved Proven Guilty, can't wait until Cursor's Fury comes out, and 'til the next Dresden Files book. The TV series, provided Scifi produces another great series spun off a book series (Stargate Sg-1 is better than the books, but Scifi could never top Jim Butcher), between books so I don't go on total Butcher withdrawal. : - )

This could be a mixed blessing. I am as happy as anyone that this is going to be a series, and I am a huge fan (I hope Murphy is given Shiro's sword!). However, I have seen too many good books be turned into crappy movies to be completely happy about this. Let us just hope that the people at sci-fi know what they are doing...

This could be a mixed blessing. I am as happy as anyone that this is going to be a series, and I am a huge fan (I hope Murphy is given Shiro's sword!). However, I have seen too many good books be turned into crappy movies to be completely happy about this. Let us just hope that the people at sci-fi know what they are doing...

Can't wait until your brilliant series gets out in August. Don't know exactly when, but waiting with bated breath anyways. Just read Proven Guilty and Academ's Fury... Loved it! Don't ever stop... Please... *Puppy-dog eyes* See Ya!

You have no idea how excited I am to find out about the TV series, your books are absolutely AMAZING! I really like how they blend the two genres that i love! I cannot wait until the series, and good luck in everything you do!

When are they planning to start filming for the series and where?

Jim nice work good to hear about the tv series, how long to next book and plz get Harry together with Murphy.

Wow! I finished his sixth book, Blood Rites last year and just found out about Dead Beat so I'm on to read that one. Gah I love Butcher's works and I can't wait to see how this TV series turns out!

Paul is the perfect for Harry. Nice to see him playing a good guy for a change - from his greatest fan.....................

Yknow I always pictured Bruce cambell as Harry when reading the books. & wtf Bobs not a skull????

And, without checking the site, I was sooo hoping James Marsters could've played Harry. Oh well. I'll watch it anyway. But I'll cry if James doesn't read Summer Knight. *drools over the sound of his voice*

While reading Mr. Butcher's books I always thought that the Dresden files would make a great movie (or tv series as it seems).

I mean for God sakes, Harry Dresden has to be the most kick a## wizard ever concieved!!

I can't wait for the show to hit the air!

They better keep the Name Harry, it has important meaning. Sheesh.
My buddy looks exactly like Harry is described. He has a girlfriend that looks like Murphy. A beetle. A skull. And a dog named Dog. he has a leather duster and hat. walks with a cane or staff, and funniest is he has a messed up left hand. oh and wears a pentacle. We think butcher has hidden cameras here. I am so not exagerating. I will take pictures and send them in to mr. Butcher.

Joe

You all should head over to the Jim-Butcher.Com web forums, where one of the series writer has answered these questions, and more.

And actually more to the point, Where will continuity pick up?

If they do episodes that are new content, where will continuity start? Will it start ultra modern, i.e. after the events of proven guilty? Or will it pick up right after Storm front, in which case Susan will still be around and normal, and Micheal won't have been introduced. And Murphy will be in her 'Dresden is untrustworthy' phase.

So, the pilot, from what I read on the IMDB, is going to be a fairly direct port of Storm Front, as a 2 hour movie.

The question is will the episodes be new material or will they use the books to run extended story arcs. I.E. It would seem perfectly resonable to me to do most of the books over the span for 4-6 episodes. But will SciFi be willing to take a chance and run something where there isn't closure at the end of an episode? Or will the episodes be new material, with the possibility of doing movies of the other books as specials later on...

I'm confused- is the series going to be based on the books, or is it going to be orginal material *not* written by Butcher? If it's completely orginal material, i wonder if it will be.. worthwhile.

I'm confused- is the series going to be based on the books, or is it going to be orginal material *not* written by Butcher? If it's completely orginal material, i wonder if it will be.. worthwhile.

Just finished Proven Guilty. AWESOME!!! When will the next one in the seris come out? Anytime soon!!!

This is going to be awesome as hell, you here me? AWESOME AS HELL!!! The only thing that sucks, though, is that I don't have cable. But I'm going to make sure one of my relatives with that stuff tapes it for me, otherwise I'm going to so sad I think I"ll throw a tantrum or something.
God I hope they get Dresden right, but even if they don't I'll still watch.

January???? They said it would be out in Summer 2006. I just finished Proven Guilty. God, I'll be in total withdrawl by January. James Marsters HAS to do Summer Knight audio. It's the only thing that will get me through.

I was personally hoping for feature length movies but a series is great too. Hopefully it turns out well, and not something like that X-Men series they tried doing.... guess we'll have to wait and see.

I entertain hope that the TV show could become something great, but Butcher's amazing writing style could be difficult for them to reproduce with the same flair. Still, if they copy it well enough it will become one of the most loved series ever....especially by us fans!

Two words...

Wooo Hooo!

I can't wait to see Harry on screen.... BUT I just hope that whoever does the screen writing doesn't mess it up and go HOLLYWOOD on the script..lets hope they STICK WITH THE BOOK after all that's why we LOVE THEM!!!!

(crossing fingers...lol)

Holy Shit Crackers! Don't get me wrong I love that I will see more of Harry on Sci-Fi but I've already burned a hole in Proven Guilty from reading it so many times...AND DON'T GO THERE...YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW HOW MANY TIMES I'VE GONE THROUGH THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES. The pilot was one more thing to look forward to this summer.

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! It looks like the series is really going to take off and fly! *doing happy dance*

But JANUARY?!?! Aaaaughhh!!!!! On the positive side, if we're lucky Dresden will be put on in one of the Stargates' time slots during their hiatus periods so that we can also pull in some Gate fans. Now that would work!!!!! :-D And of course Jim's book sales will skyrocket once the series hits the airwaves. COOL BEANS!

OOOOOHHHMMMYYYF#cking God

Hell Yea, Can't wait

Great to hear that its coming to TV !

I await with baited breath for the opener.

Must...contain...joy....

Oh, forget it!

YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY!!! SO HAPPY! SO EXCITED! SO CAN'T BE EXPECTED TO WAIT TILL JANUARY!!!!!

(seriously, what gives? I thought it was coming out in the summer?)

SWEET

I did a market test preview of this show in Vegas, and it was great! The show wasn't finished yet (it funny to watch the a sci-fi show without the special effects and watching the actors act or react to "nothing"), but the story was interesting and the show was vreally entertaining. And "BOB" was the BEST part, VERY funny! Good luck, I know I'll be watching!

This is soooo great, I will definitely set my DVR as soon as possible!

Yes what great news, we have been waiting so long to hear. When Paul rang on Tuesday and told us I stood on my patio and screamed (for joy).

We hope you all enjoy him as Harry, he will, as always do a great job!

This is fantastic news! I can't wait to see it. Whoohoo!

WOW!! I better contain my excitement or I might blow this computer up :o)

I echo the extreme joy and also hope that Space picks up the series for the Canadian audience.

Good news :) Congrats Jim :)
You have to bring it to UK TV now as well.

OMG!!!!!!!!!
I can't wait for January! The books are amazing. I hope the series is up to par.

Dresden? on TV?!?!

Hope my flat-screen doesn't explode!

I can't wait to see it!

I'll be telling the CFNC.

They'll tell their Servitor Spirits.

Someone'll buy some beer.

FUN FOR ALL!

Jim, Really enjoy your books. Gives me a great, and much needed downtime. Please, please, please never give up on the writing, no matter how much they want you for tv.

That being said....Congratulations on the series! I will tell all my friends and do my best to get the ratings numbers up so we can see more of Harry and friends/fiends on Sci-Fi!

Reading the press release on SciFi, I notice that they list Paul Blackthorne as playing the part of HARRY Dresden. Did they decide to change his name back?

WOOHOO!!! I can't wait to see this. I'll tell everyone I know! Starting.....NOW... Congratulations!!! This is so exciting!

YES! I can not wait to see the series in action. This is fabulous!

Great, they have it on the 2007 schedule but what is this about "Eric Dresden"


Can't they have more than one Wizard named Harry ?

I can't wait for the show...I just hope it actually airs here in canada. All I can find is that its on the american Sci-fi network which obviously I don't have. -lol- So if I'm lucky it'll either air on Space or hell even Our Local tv channel...Here's hoping!
-Jamie

I was looking forward to seeing the show in July...but if they moved it to January I can wait. Especially if it has been confirmed they will be doing more episodes.

That's excellent news!

January? Well, I guess that gives them time to air a few dozen more really bad monster-of-the-week-filmed-in-canada-or-czechoslovakia movies beforehand, lol

**Happy Dance, Happy Dance**
I bow to the greatness that is Mr. Butcher. And to the geniuses at SciFi for making the world a better place. Okay, so I'm just really, really happy.

Congratulations, you must be so very proud.

CONGRATS JIM!! Hopefully this will direct more people to your amazingly written novels! I CAN'T WAIT!!

Congratulations on the series pickup! I've posted the info over on the Paul Blackthorne fansite.

It's a great day to wake up to the news that you have a paycheck and contributions to both your retirement and medical accounts.

Oh yeah. And a move to Toronto. Just in time to escape LA's smog season.

But January for airing the pilot?! Hells bells!

As I don't yet have a computer, a very nice Dresden fan may need to assist me in the photo department to benefit the fansite. Please?

LOL! This is GREAT NEWS!

When I saw the announcement, I jumped out of my chair at work and almost fell over! Everyone near my cubicle looked at me asking if I was ok and I told them "Yes! Dresden is coming!" Since I have infected, almost the whole office (still have about 1/4 left) with what I call "Dresden mania". They all laughed, smiled, cheered and/or asked "when? soon?".. Personally, I can't wait.. its not soon enough.. but good things are worth the wait.

Hey, anyone who goes to scfi.com to check out the article, be sure to send them an email supporting their decision to air the tv show. We all know Nielsen's probably isn't accurate, but they can count the emails! (feedback@scifi.com) J'

yes...definetly looks great....keep up the good work Mr. Butcher

What do you mean I have to wait to Jan? I WANT MY DRESDEN TV NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously, can not wait and just jumping with joy over this annoucement. Already been burning up my cell minutes calling all my friends that also read Dresden about this news.

I have been bouncing with insane joy since I got an e-mail about this. :D We have Dresden TV! Life is now, therefore, awesomely good.