The Enchanting Transformation of The Wizard of Oz in this Overlooked Steampunk Miniseries
Tin Man: A mesmerizing and twisted adaptation of The Wizard Of Oz, this forgotten miniseries takes you on a dark journey that will leave you spellbound Stream it now on Peacock!
Article Key Points
Tin Man is a refreshing and underrated mini-series that puts a grown-up twist on the classic story of The Wizard of Oz.
The show seamlessly blends sci-fi, fantasy, and steampunk to offer a fresh and unexpected twist on the well-known story. Despite facing some criticism and having a lengthy series, Tin Man garnered rave reviews from viewers and critics alike, attracting a large audience and even securing a Primetime Emmy award.
The Wizard Of Oz continues to captivate audiences despite its age, as seen in the 2007 mini-series Tin Man. This clever adaptation revitalizes the familiar story, adding a mature touch and an innovative genre shift. Consequently, Tin Man emerges as a hidden gem from the 2000s, often overlooked but cherished by those who discover it.
Led by the talented Zooey Deschanel and supported by a cast of underappreciated actors, Tin Man offers a delightful blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and steampunk. This unique twist on a classic tale is sure to captivate viewers. With only three episodes, there's no reason not to give Tin Man a chance.
What Is Tin Man About?
Tin Man | |
|---|---|
Director | Nick Willing |
Writers | Jill E. Blotevogel, Steven Long Mitchell, Craig W. Van Sickle |
Cast | Zooey Deschanel, Alan Cumming, Neal McDonough, Raoul Trujillo, Kathleen Robertson, Richard Dreyfuss |
Episodes | 3 |
Total Runtime | 270 minutes |
Release Date | December 2 – December 4, 2007 |
DG is a young waitress from Kansas who starts experiencing mysterious visions. These visions suddenly turn into a horrifying nightmare when malevolent forces from the land of O.Z. are dispatched to eliminate her. However, DG manages to escape to that very land through a turbulent storm. Following the narrative of The Wizard of Oz, this miniseries introduces DG as a replacement for Dorothy, and she soon encounters a diverse group of characters who become her allies on this extraordinary journey. Glitch, Wyatt Cain, and Raw take on the roles of the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, respectively.
In the land of O.Z., Azkadellia, a brutal and powerful woman, ruthlessly rules over the land. She goes to extreme lengths, such as removing the brains of her enemies and subjugating problem groups. DG, searching for answers, discovers that her visions were actually messages from her true mother, revealing that her life in Kansas was a lie. The plot thickens when DG and Azkadellia are revealed to be sisters, but Azkadellia had killed DG when they were young. DG is later revived and informed about the secret of the Emerald of the Eclipse, which Azkadellia is after.
DG and Raw are captured by Azkadellia's forces, leaving Cain shot and left for dead. With assistance from Glitch, Cain's ally, DG manages to escape Azkadellia's interrogation. However, a shapeshifter named Tutor, who helped DG, appears to have ulterior motives as he reveals DG's group's location to Azkadellia. As the group travels to the southern region of O.Z., each member undergoes individual growth. DG revisits her magic abilities, recovers more of her memories, and eventually discovers that her sister Azkadellia is possessed by a witch. Later on, the group discovers Tutor's betrayal and he ends up captured, seemingly at the mercy of Azkadellia once and for all.
How Was Tin Man Received?
Tin Man, regardless of whether it piqued your interest or not, received an overwhelmingly positive response from both audiences and critics. Each of the three episodes garnered millions of viewers, maintaining a consistent viewership of no less than four million and peaking at a little over six million. The premiere of the mini-series, which captivated over six million viewers, became the most-watched series on the Sci Fi Channel network. Moreover, Tin Man stood out as one of the highest-rated and most acclaimed series of 2007, providing a much-needed breath of fresh air.
The series received multiple award nominations across various categories and even secured a Primetime Emmy award for its exceptional makeup work. It is evident that a great deal of effort and admiration for the original film, The Wizard of Oz, was poured into Tin Man. This is particularly evident when considering an interview with creators Steven Long Mitchell and Craig Van Sickle on sliceofscifi.com.
Our main objective was always to pay tribute to the original story and movie, which hold such significance in our lives, as well as in the lives of our parents and children. With utmost respect, we ventured into this territory, aiming to refresh it for a more contemporary audience.
It is worth mentioning that not everyone embraced the series, as a darker interpretation of a beloved tale is bound to elicit skepticism from some individuals. Several critics struggled to connect with the somber atmosphere depicted in Tin Man, a version of The Wizard Of Oz, and felt that the series was overly lengthy, spanning over four hours in total. However, these opinions ultimately highlight the subjective nature of the medium, as many people thoroughly enjoy the series for similar reasons.
How Does Tin Man End?
Heading into the final moments of the series, Azkadellia explains her evil plan for the Emerald of the Eclipse. Essentially, she intends to manipulate the two suns of the O.Z. in such a way that they are concealed behind the moon during an eclipse, resulting in the entire land being engulfed in perpetual darkness. DG, as the series progresses, gains insights into Azkadellia's backstory. She discovers that the enigmatic figure known as the Gray Gale, frequently mentioned throughout the series, is actually her great-grandmother, the original Dorothy who first ventured into the land of Oz. Following a magical twist of events, DG finds herself in possession of the potent emerald, only to be ambushed by Azkadellia, who leaves her for dead. However, utilizing her reawakened magical abilities, DG regains her strength and reunites with her companions in order to confront her sister.
Tin Man is available to stream on Peacock
Arriving at Azkadellia's fortress in perfect timing as she initiates her grand scheme, DG approaches her sister confidently and they tightly grasp hands, causing the witch's control over Azkadellia to weaken. Simultaneously, the remaining group members handle the Sun Seeder, the device responsible for executing the entire plan, successfully reversing its effects. With the defeat of the wicked witch, the crisis is averted and Azkadellia is restored to her true self. Finally, the two sisters can reunite as a family, and the land is once again bathed in luminous light.
Editor's P/S
Tin Man is a captivating and imaginative retelling of the classic story, The Wizard of Oz. It takes viewers on a thrilling journey through a steampunk-inspired land filled with magic, danger, and wonder. The series does an excellent job of blending the familiar elements of the original story with new and exciting ideas, creating a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
One of the things that sets Tin Man apart from other adaptations of The Wizard of Oz is its dark and twisted tone. The show is not afraid to explore the darker aspects of the story, such as the Scarecrow's fear of being brainless or the Tin Man's longing for a heart. This darker tone gives the show a real sense of suspense and danger, making it all the more engaging to watch.
The cast of Tin Man is another strong point. Zooey Deschanel is perfectly cast as DG, bringing her signature charm and quirkiness to the role. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Alan Cumming, Neal McDonough, and Richard Dreyfuss all giving standout performances.
