Witches have a strange relationship with a multitude of mediums. The all ages crowd is home to cult classics like Hocus Pocus and Halloweentown. Strange to note that we already have a trilogy for the latter but not even a sequel for the former. If you grew up in the 90s, chances are you probably watched Melissa Joan Hart as Sabrina in Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Heck, you might have even watched her animated series of the same name. Though it didn’t retain all the heart of its live action counterpart, it’s not without its charm. The animation was very lively to say the least.
If you had an older sibling during that era, there’s a good chance they watched the classic, The Craft, which has also gained a cult following and a less than stellar sequel entitled The Craft: Legacy. If you’ve seen that, I’m sorry you wasted your time. The 90s also gave birth to classics like The Witches and Practical Magic. Then there was a tonal shift that happened with the new millennium. Witches began to grow darker. In recent memory, we’ve experienced a resurgence in said darkness. The aforementioned Sabrina got a satanic Netflix make over in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Even the indie film circuit has been turning out films including The Reckoning, The Case of Aubrey Earnshaw and The Lords of Salem.
These films prove to us that witches are no longer about the trials and stakes but that they can come in all shapes, sizes, and mediums. Look no further than the Sundance Now/Shudder original series A Discovery of Witches. The series brings witches, vampires, and demons into newer realms that we are only seeing in recent memory. It’s no longer about long noses and broom stereotypes. They walk among us and truth be told this is even more terrifying. Witches has just wrapped its second season and it has come home to DVD and Blu-Ray. It tells the story of Matthew Clairmont (Matthew Goode) and Diana Bishop (Teresa Palmer) as they travel back in time for two purposes. The first to find Diana a teacher to hone her craft, and the second to find the long mythed book of life.
Though the latter storyline was attached in the first season, it is definitely expanded here. The first season most certainly had fantastical elements in its delivery. Here, within the second season, however, it appears to be doubled down. Witches have a heavier presence, as do vampires - which is one of my biggest problems with this season. Goode’s character is supposedly a vampire, among other characters, but we never actually get to see enough of that explored. They tease the idea that he is one, and a brutal one at that. It’s never explored within these ten episodes. It feels like a handicap for Goode’s performance. He is nothing more than an immortal man who has made tremendous character development over his lifetime. That’s not to say that Goode’s performance is terrible - in no means am I saying that. He’s just not given enough to do to truly make an impact.
Make no doubt about it, this series belongs to Palmer. Palmer has a quality about her that is both charming and terrifying in the same breath. Her character development throughout this season is the top reason I was glued to the screen the entire time. She is truly commanding with every word she utters. Nothing short of brilliant. Her chemistry with Goode is among the better parts of the show as well. Both have phenomenal chemistry. They are among the strongest performances and subjects of the show.
This season takes place within two different time periods. The first being the continued modern day setting from the first season, while the majority of the season takes place in 1590s London. This is where some of the season begins to present its issues. The modern day scenery mostly exists in prologues. However it does have two episodes on its own in the fourth and eighth episodes. The present day storylines feel like an afterthought. The majority of the series is fleshing out its historical lore, which is awesome because it gives the series a foundation to stand upon. However the present day arcs present competing narratives that can be problematic sometimes. Arrow would be a terrific example on how to present two different time periods while also progressing ahead with both at the same time. Witches doesn’t do that and it feels like a terribly missed opportunity.
Overall, A Discovery of Witches: Season Two has strong characters, performances, and a truly amazing visual aesthetic. Its core couple in Matthew Goode and Teresa Palmer have dynamic chemistry. The two are incredible anchors for the show. Make no mistake though, this is Palmer’s series through and through. Palmer illuminates every fiber of the screen every single time she is on camera. Her development alone is worthy of your time for this series. The series does present some problems with its two competing time periods, resulting in an aggravating ten episode season that could have been so much more.
Rorschach Rating:
Mental Health Moment:
“You are not defined by the worst things you’ve done”
As the series progresses, it’s interesting to note how the series handles its core couple. They are made extremely realistically. Goode’s character is a vampire haunted by a violent past, whereas Palmer seems to be the redemption and love he’s been seeking so earnestly for. There comes a point where his past is too much to him. It actually begins to take a toll on his marriage. Palmer looks at him and says the words featured above.
I think there are a good lot of us that are haunted by mistakes we’ve made in our past. We allow such things to eat us alive and this can result in broken relationships and a fractured view of our own self worth. Among other things, the latter can also yield depression, suicidal desires, addiction, self-harm, and alcoholism. In the words of Palmer you aren’t those things. You can’t let it define who you are. We grow and we mature and we learn. Mistakes and regrets are part of growing up. Please don’t get caught up in what you’ve done but take identity in what you can grow to be.
If you or someone you know is reading this right now and struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message, or tweet at us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!
Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. A Discovery of Witches is property of RLJE Films. We do not own nor claim any rights.
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