Emerald City (2017)

In the kingdom of Oz, a young woman named Dorothy Gale is living in Kansas with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. One day, a tornado strikes, and Dorothy is swept away in her house, which lands in the magical land of Oz. Upon her arrival, she meets a talking dog named Toto and a group of Munchkins who celebrate her arrival, believing she has killed the Wicked Witch of the East by landing on her. The Good Witch of the North, Glinda, gives Dorothy the Witch's silver shoes and tells her that to return home, she must follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City and seek the help of the Wizard of Oz.

As Dorothy begins her journey, she encounters a Scarecrow who longs for a brain. He joins her on her quest, hoping the Wizard can grant him intelligence. They continue down the yellow brick road and soon meet a Tin Man who desires a heart. He, too, joins their group. The trio faces various challenges, including a confrontation with the Wicked Witch of the West, who is furious about the death of her sister and wants to retrieve the silver shoes.

The group finally reaches the Emerald City, where they are initially denied entry. However, they manage to gain an audience with the Wizard, who appears as a giant floating head. He agrees to help them but demands that they bring him the Wicked Witch of the West's broomstick as proof of their bravery. The group sets out to confront the Witch, who has been watching them closely.

In a tense encounter, they infiltrate the Witch's castle. The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Dorothy work together to distract the Witch while they search for the broomstick. The Witch captures them, but Dorothy manages to throw water on her, causing her to melt. They retrieve the broomstick and return to the Wizard, who is revealed to be a fraud--a mere man using illusions to maintain his power.

Feeling betrayed, Dorothy and her friends confront the Wizard. He admits he cannot grant their wishes as they had hoped. However, he helps them realize that they already possess the qualities they sought: the Scarecrow is clever, the Tin Man is compassionate, and Dorothy has the power to return home all along. He gives her advice on how to use the silver shoes to return to Kansas.

As Dorothy prepares to leave, she says goodbye to her friends, who are heartbroken but understand her need to return home. She clicks her heels together three times and repeats, "There's no place like home." In a flash, she finds herself back in Kansas, surrounded by her family. She realizes that her journey in Oz has changed her, but her heart remains with her loved ones. The story concludes with Dorothy embracing her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, grateful to be home.

In the ending of "Emerald City," Dorothy confronts the Wizard, who reveals his true nature and intentions. The conflict culminates in a battle against the forces of the Wicked Witch of the West. Dorothy ultimately makes a choice that leads to significant sacrifices, resulting in the defeat of the Witch and a new understanding of power and responsibility. The story concludes with Dorothy finding her way back home, but not without profound changes in her character and the world around her.

As the final episodes unfold, the tension escalates in the land of Oz. The scene opens with Dorothy Gale, now fully aware of her role in the conflict, standing before the imposing figure of the Wizard. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation and fear, as the Wizard, played by Vincent D'Onofrio, reveals his true self--not the benevolent figure everyone believed him to be, but a manipulative and power-hungry individual who has been using the chaos in Oz to maintain control.

Dorothy, portrayed by Adria Arjona, feels a mix of anger and betrayal. She had come to Oz seeking answers and a way home, but now she realizes that the Wizard's reign has caused suffering across the land. As she confronts him, the tension in the room is palpable; the Wizard attempts to persuade her to join him, promising power and control, but Dorothy stands firm in her convictions. Her internal struggle is evident as she grapples with the allure of power versus her desire to do what is right.

The scene shifts to the battlefield, where the forces of the Wicked Witch of the West, played by Rebecca Ferguson, are gathering. The Witch, fueled by her desire for revenge against Dorothy, prepares to unleash her fury. The stakes are high, and the emotional weight of the impending conflict hangs heavily in the air. Dorothy rallies her allies, including the Scarecrow, the Lion, and the Tin Man, each of whom has undergone significant growth throughout their journey. They are no longer just companions; they are a united front against tyranny.

As the battle commences, the visuals are striking--flashes of magic, the clash of steel, and the cries of the combatants fill the screen. Dorothy fights valiantly, her determination shining through as she faces the Witch. The emotional turmoil of the characters is laid bare; the Scarecrow fights for his newfound courage, the Lion for his heart, and the Tin Man for his love. Each character's motivation is deeply tied to their personal growth, and their struggles are reflected in the chaos of the battle.

In a climactic moment, Dorothy confronts the Wicked Witch directly. The Witch, in a fit of rage, attempts to destroy Dorothy, but in a moment of clarity, Dorothy realizes that the true power lies not in destruction but in understanding and compassion. She makes a pivotal choice to confront the Witch with empathy rather than aggression, which ultimately leads to the Witch's downfall. The visual effects are stunning as the Witch is defeated, her power dissipating into the air, leaving behind a transformed landscape.

With the Witch vanquished, the Wizard's hold over Oz begins to crumble. Dorothy, now a symbol of hope and resilience, is faced with the choice of returning home or staying in Oz to help rebuild. The emotional weight of this decision is heavy; she has grown attached to her friends and the land itself. However, she understands that her journey has always been about finding her place in the world, and she chooses to return home, believing that her experiences in Oz will shape her future.

The final scenes depict Dorothy's return to Kansas, where she is greeted by her familiar surroundings. Yet, she is not the same girl who left; she carries the wisdom and strength gained from her adventures. The camera lingers on her face, capturing a mix of nostalgia and newfound purpose. The story closes with a sense of hope, as Dorothy looks toward the horizon, ready to embrace whatever comes next.

In summary, the fates of the main characters are intertwined with the themes of power, responsibility, and personal growth. Dorothy returns home, transformed by her experiences. The Scarecrow, Lion, and Tin Man find their own paths, empowered by their journeys. The Wizard's reign ends, and the Wicked Witch is defeated, leaving Oz in a state of renewal and possibility. The narrative concludes with a poignant reminder of the strength found in unity and the importance of making choices that reflect one's true self.

Emerald City, the 2017 television series, does not feature a post-credit scene. The show concludes its narrative without any additional scenes after the credits roll. The final episode wraps up the main story arcs, focusing on the fates of key characters like Dorothy Gale, Lucas, and the Wizard, providing a sense of closure to the journey through the Land of Oz. The absence of a post-credit scene means that viewers are left to reflect on the events and character developments that have unfolded throughout the series without any further revelations or cliffhangers.

Dorothy's journey in Emerald City is pivotal as it represents her quest for identity and belonging. Initially, she is a lost and confused young woman, thrust into a fantastical world after a tornado transports her from Kansas. Throughout her journey, she encounters various characters, such as the Scarecrow, who seeks a brain, the Tin Man, who desires a heart, and the Cowardly Lion, who longs for courage. Each character reflects aspects of her own struggles and desires, and as she helps them, she also discovers her own strength and purpose.

In Emerald City, the Wizard is portrayed as a more complex and morally ambiguous character compared to traditional portrayals. He is not just a benevolent figure but a manipulative ruler who uses fear and power to maintain control over the Emerald City. His backstory reveals a man who has been shaped by his own traumas and ambitions, making him a more relatable yet flawed character. This complexity adds depth to the narrative, as Dorothy must confront the reality of who the Wizard truly is, rather than the myth she initially believed.

Glinda, the Good Witch, plays a crucial role in guiding Dorothy throughout her journey. Initially, she appears as a benevolent figure, offering assistance and wisdom. However, as the story unfolds, Glinda's character reveals layers of ambition and a willingness to manipulate events to achieve her goals. Her evolution from a seemingly kind mentor to a more self-serving character adds tension to the narrative, as Dorothy must navigate the complexities of trust and power in her quest.

The relationship between Dorothy and the Scarecrow is central to the emotional core of Emerald City. Initially, the Scarecrow is portrayed as a naive and confused character, yearning for intelligence. As Dorothy helps him on his journey, their bond deepens, and he becomes a source of support and companionship for her. Their interactions are filled with moments of vulnerability and humor, showcasing their growing friendship. The Scarecrow's desire for a brain symbolizes Dorothy's own search for understanding and clarity in her chaotic new world.

West, the Wicked Witch of the West, embodies the theme of power in Emerald City through her ruthless ambition and desire for control. Unlike traditional depictions of witches, West is portrayed as a complex antagonist who believes her actions are justified in the pursuit of a greater good. Her interactions with other characters reveal her manipulative nature and the lengths she will go to achieve her goals. This exploration of power dynamics adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative, as characters must navigate their own moral compasses in the face of West's formidable presence.

"Emerald City," produced in 2017, is a darker reimagining of the classic "Wizard of Oz" story and contains several elements that may not be suitable for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects:

1. Violence: The series includes scenes of combat, battles, and physical confrontations that can be intense and graphic. Characters are shown in perilous situations, and there are moments of bloodshed.

2. Death and Loss: Themes of mortality are prevalent, with characters facing death, loss, and the emotional aftermath of these events. This can be distressing for younger viewers.

3. Dark Themes: The show explores complex themes such as power, betrayal, and the struggle for control, which may be difficult for children to fully understand or process.

4. Mature Language: There are instances of strong language that may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

5. Psychological Tension: The series contains moments of psychological distress, including manipulation and fear, which can create a tense atmosphere.

6. Supernatural Elements: The presence of witches, magic, and other supernatural occurrences may be frightening for some children.

Overall, while "Emerald City" offers a visually stunning and narratively rich experience, its darker themes and mature content make it less suitable for a family-friendly viewing environment.