We’ve thought about covering each individual part or… season… of the series, but Netflix’s decision to split the show had us a little confused as to when the stories had traditional breaks to discuss for a Critique. That being said, we watched the whole series and have put together a full Critique as it was the best way to address the series. Some Spoilers are within, so tread lightly!
Like normal, this critique will be based on three categories: Story, Acting, and Overall. So let’s begin.
STORY: 8/10
When they cast Kiernan Shipka as Sabrina, they didn’t know that she was allergic to cats. So if you are wondering why Salem is not as prominent as he should be that should answer the question. That being said, _ is a great cast for the main character besides that one flaw. Her bubbly attitude works well for the representation of a positive and powerful girl in over her head with demonic bloodlines and agendas flying all around her.
Miranda Otto as Zelda and Lucy Davis as Hilda are amazing castings. Their abusive, and sometimes amazingly secretively loving, relationship was perfectly performed by Miranda Otto’s straight-laced stern representation of Zelda butts perfectly against Lucy Davis’s carefree and loving presentation as the airy and friendly Hilda.
The villains of Lucifer, Lilith, Blackwood, and Ambrose are amazing, and perfect for supporting and bridging the worlds of magic into Sabrina’s human life. Again, I just miss the snark and fun of Salem that is lost in the more serious series.
ACTING: 7/10
They did a good job showcasing the content available in the darker tales of Sabrina. The show was engaging, and the storylines were fun. They didn’t hit every storyline from the comics, but they actually hit a lot of them, and most in unique and fun ways that didn’t take away from the interesting tales.
I’m sure by now you’ve already heard how the series ends, but in case you haven’t SPOILER I have to be honest, I really did not like the stories ending. The idea of glamorizing the death of the character wouldn’t have been the worst thing, although cringy. However, having Nick commit suicide, in the end, to be with Sabrina was a poor choice. It’s a frustrating message to teach young adults and teens. No love is worth committing suicide over, and frankly, if that sounds like a good idea, please seek help from professionals. You can do so Here or by calling 800-273-8255.
The whole relationship between Sabrina and Nick was very problematic. I understand that not everyone’s sexual lifestyle and relationships are plain or monogamous, but the way the character handled their relationship and constantly pushed Sabrina sexually slightly outside of her safe zone was frustrating. Then how he handled their break-up and his subsequent acting out was very destructive and frankly, there shouldn’t have been a road back to Sabrina.
Actually the more I think about the series, almost all of the relationships within the series is problematic. Sabrina and Harvey, Zelda and Blackwood, Lilith and Lucifer, Harvey and Roz, they were all problematic. The only healthy relationships seemed to be Hilda and Cerberus.
I don’t want to confuse you, I really liked this series, but there are so many issues with the character’s relationships, and how the show seems to just accept the negative actions from their friends and families is a bad lesson to be glossing over for young adults.
OVERALL: 7/10
All said and done, if you are looking for a dark but engaging series, then this is a good fit for you, but if you are impressionable, or on the edge with thoughts of suicide, this series might be a good idea to swing clear of. Additionally, and clearly, if you are overly religious then the storyline and topics are going to feel very blasphemous.
People with dark senses of humor and pagan knowledge will also appreciate that they put a lot of work into the series to make it as inclusive as they did. I will warn that some of the topics come off feeling like a translation via google translate, sometimes missing major points of pagan stories, or taking to many liberties with the topics, but it’s more inclusive of that lore and religion than you’ll normally get in a major series.
Conner’s Final Thought(s):
Caroline Rhea and Beth Broderick returning to the series for a tongue and cheek episode of a Lovecraftian alternative hellscape universe was very fun. If you were a fan of the original series, this little bit does a lot to make me laugh. I was a little frustrated to see that they didn’t get the original voice of Salem. Very sad.
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