Once Upon a Time in Wonderland

Once Upon a Time in Wonderland is a television series that aired on ABC from 2013 to 2014. It is a riveting spin-off of the original series 'Once Upon a Time' but focuses on Lewis Carroll's fantastical world – Wonderland. The series integrates classic characters from literature into a modern world setting, with captivating storytelling that combines love, mystery, adventure, and self-discovery.

Sophie Lowe stars as the heroine and chief protagonist, Alice, a young woman with a vivid imagination that hampers her daily life, causing others to question her mental health. Alice's vivid illusions, or so they thought, include a talking White Rabbit (voiced by John Lithgow) and an enigmatic genie named Cyrus (Peter Gadiot). Alice’s adventure into Wonderland begins after being institutionalized due to her 'imaginary' tales of a magical land. She escapes with the help of the Knave of Hearts (Michael Socha) and the White Rabbit to prove her sanity by recovering her lost love, Cyrus.

Emma Rigby portrays the Red Queen, an iconic character from the original Alice in Wonderland, with the perfect blend of malevolence and charm. Opposing her stands the villainous Jafar (Naveen Andrews), a power-hungry sorcerer with hidden motives that guide the series plot. Whoopi Goldberg also lends her voice to the show as Mrs. Rabbit, capturing the spirit of the original character while adding her unique flair. Other notable characters include The Caterpillar (voiced by rocker Iggy Pop), The Cheshire Cat (voiced by Keith David), and the sorceress Maleficent (Kristin Bauer van Straten).

The series also included iconic characters from the original 'Once Upon a Time' like Barbara Hershey's Cora/Queen of Hearts. Numerous characters from other fairy tales such as Sarah-Jane Redmond's Blind Witch, and Jessy Schram's Cinderella also make appearances, building a broad, interconnected universe that is often whimsical, charming, and, at times, frighteningly dark.

Once Upon a Time in Wonderland presents a unique view of Alice and Wonderland, focusing on her struggles and adventures while laying out an enchanting love story with Cyrus. The show intricately weaves the modern-day real-world and a fantasy realm, drawing viewers into a multi-dimensional universe that keeps them guessing and engrossed with every twist presented. Each episode unravels new secrets, unfolds unexpected turns, and accentuates the enduring power of love, determination, and hope against all odds.

The series amalgamates elements from classic literature with today's sensibilities and aesthetics, which resonate with both young and mature viewers. The characters in this series, whether heroes or villains, elicit a range of emotional responses from viewers, sparking conversations about morality, identity, and the realities of life, albeit placed within a fantastical narrative.

The visual effects and set design of 'Once Upon a Time in Wonderland' deserve worthy mention for their immersive quality. It allowed viewers to embark on an intriguing journey alongside Alice, filled with breathtaking landscapes, magical creatures, and extraordinary situations that seamed every bit as mystifying as Carroll's original masterpiece. Meanwhile, the costumes and props stay faithful to the antique setting of the fairy tale, yet they're innovatively tweaked to fit into the current era.

The main cast's performance, combined with the dynamic writing, makes the story's progression interesting and alluring. From Sophie Lowe's definitive portrayal of Alice to Naveen Andrews embodying the devious Jafar, each actor delivers captivating performances that are engaging, multilayered, and nuanced.

In essence, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland invited viewers to follow Alice on a transformative journey of love, magic, and self-discovery. Its unique narrative framework, which juxtaposes Alice's real-world struggles with her fantastical adventures in Wonderland, appealed to viewers' sense of wonder and enthralled them with a compelling blend of tension, mystery, and romance.