I'm a relatively recent fan of Butcher's novels, not even having read the entire Dresden Files series yet. But it's pretty evident that the producers of the series had some hangups about the Dresden character. I can handle the Hockey-stick-as-staff and drumstick-as-blasting-stick issues, and even the major character changes, including Bob now being the ghost of a departed wizard. But it's clear that the producers want Dresden to be more of an observer than an an active wizard. I guess thaumaturgy and offensive/defensive magic make them nervous. In the novels, Dresden would frequently summon fire or wind to assist him in dealing with both human and supernatural opponents. In the series, Dresden relies upon wit and perception, hardly every dong anything that's even remotely supernatural. (OK, OK...he got himself out of jail in the last episode and placed a simulacrum in his place. But he ended up there in the first place because he didn't resort to any of the means he normally would employ.) All in all, a bit of a disappointment. Harry, after all, is primarily a wizard and should be expected to act like one. Instead, he acts more like a psychic.
