As you may have heard, I’m really getting intrigued with NBC’s hit drama Emerald City, the Friday night retelling of The Wizard of Oz that borrows from nearly every part of L. Frank Baum’s legendary stories. And last night’s episode, “Everybody Lies,” was as good as the series has been so far.
Especially at the end, where the show pitched out one of the most recent facets of Oz.
You know … the one with Roger Waters in it.
Huh?
One of the earliest Internet memes was the discovery that Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon could be enjoyed as the soundtrack to the 1939 musical The Wizard of Oz. Simply start your Pink Floyd record after the MGM Lion roars for the third time, and the songs will synchronize with the movie action. It was called “Dark Side of the Rainbow” for those who were able to make it work.
Just for the heck of it, a fan did just that on YouTube, so you can see what I’m talking about.
I mean, yeah, some of the songs match up really well with the action on the movie screen, but I suppose you could do the same thing with Toto’s IV album matched up with Pink Floyd’s The Wall movie… well, maybe not.
At the end of last night’s episode, however, Dorothy enters the Wizard’s castle, and as she does, we actually hear – as atmospheric music – Pink Floyd’s song “Breathe.” And lo and behold, the Wizard is actually listening to the song – on an old Walkman cassette player!
Talk about a nice tie-in with this show!!
I’m still completely hooked on the evolution of the Oz characters, including what we know as the Scarecrow (Lucas / Roan, a soldier who had his brain wiped), the Tin Man (Jack, who lost half of his body to steampunk robotics and is now the consort of the Princess of Ev), and Princess Ozma (still being called “Tip” in this series, and is working under the tutelage of West – the Wicked Witch of the West, mind you). The show’s style and artistry – as created by producer Tarsem Singh – is much better than I could have imagined.
And if they’re going to throw this kind of an Easter Egg into the series…
I want a Season 2. And a Season 3. And more.
What say you?
Chuck The Writer 
I completely agree, this show is crazy good!
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I’m really liking this show. I about fell out of my chair when the Floyd started.
The mix of magic and Steampunk is awesome.
I hope this series survives.
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What a wonderful treat to have Pink Floyd playing on that last episode. This put a big smile on my face! I was a total believer of Dark Side of the Rainbow and trying to explain it to people now was difficult. Kudos to Emerald City for doing this!!!!!
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A nice touch. Very well done!
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I say YES !! The close of “Everybody Lies” set the hook on me ! Can’t wait to see more tonight !!!
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