Just like many other collegiettes, I was dying to see the reboot of the series Charmed, which ran from 1998-2006. I’ve rewatched Charmed over a hundred times (especially since it was added to Netflix) so my expectations were set very high for this show. And CW was my best friend last night allowing me to stream the pilot, commercials included of course.
First, I must say that when the episode ended, I was left feeling very hyped. The reboot did have some small details that were concerning for a Charmed fan, but more rights than wrongs from my perspective.
In an attempt to relate to a younger generation, the new cast, and specifically the charmed ones, are younger, which might affect the storyline’s central themes. Originally, the show intertwined the everyday demon with more realistic problems and themes such as the sisters’ love lives, marriages, and motherhood. Even though crazy love lives still seem to be on the table, the others might be somewhat delayed (or nonexistent) in this new plot. Yet, this also seems to be due to the fact that the show is trying to be more current this time around.
The original series (with all the love that I hold for it) always felt outdated, even during the time it was airing. Back then, it centered more in themes that they deemed womanly and stayed away from hot and controversial topics by portraying San Francisco as almost completely white and straight. In this reboot, off the bat we see more diversity. This was to be expected since the new show was advertised as fierce, funny, & feminist. But seeing it in action I have to say it mostly worked. In just one episode it was crystal clear that we would be constantly presented with topics such as power dynamics, gender roles, consent, sexual harassment, and social justice, making the reboot feel grounded in present day socio-political climate (Trump joke included). And I do have to point out that I’m extremely happy to see diversity in the cast, now featuring latinas and women of color taking leading roles in the series. Side Note – I’m LOVING Macy’s (Madeleine Mantock) curly hair! Also, the show is bringing the LGTBQ community front and center with sister Mel (Melonie Diaz)!
In a more technical note the new special effects, which were expected for a 2018 series, are truly spectacular. I just hope that they are not overdone in the future, which is a true concern for supernatural themed series. This reboot felt, in many ways, as if the original had been upped and improved,starting with the new special effects but also with the increased feeling of urgency on the show’s plot by referencing the apocalypse as central storyline for this season in the first episode.
But to be honest, what’s wrong with that new whitelighter? Beginning with the fact that he doesn’t orb and then the grim air that surrounds him… Not to mention we mustn’t trust him (suspicion triggered!). Sure the British accent was a welcome change, but he surely makes the reboot feel sort of not Charmed-like. Whitelighters were a huge part of the original series, especially because Wyatt was one of the protagonist’s love interest. But, even if he wasn’t, there were certain codes of ethic they seemed to follow including the secrecy, whereas our new whitelighter friend decided prudent and subtle to tie the girls to chairs in the attic and spill the juice about witchcraft…
Other small changes are in the girl’s powers. Though they start off pretty similar, Maggie, who we could call the new Phoebe, now reads minds instead of having premonitions. This isn’t completely separated from our original charmed sister since it is still similar to Phoebe’s later developed empathy gift. I assume that they chose to start her off with this power partially because of some alignment with the new plot. But, maybe it was because what could be funnier than hearing the thoughts of frat sisters? Humor is very present in this reboot but, thankfully, not overdone.
This pilot truly showed that this new show stands on its own having a more contemporary and forward-thinking storyline. I’m a little worried for the chemistry between the protagonists, which seemed a little lacking from my point of view. Let’s not forget that sisterhood still is the backbone of this series. But, this was a similar problem the original show faced when they introduced Paige to the cast, and maybe it’s just my fangirl acting up to the new faces. Nevertheless, my final verdict is that I see a lot of promise to this show. It does have a more Supergirl or Jane the Virgin vibe, but I believe this will give Charmed one more layer of complexity that will surely heighten the shows’ appeal.