Advance Preview: Charmed May Not Charm Everyone

Charmed is an updated reboot of the beloved 1998 show based on sisters, who just happen to be powerful witches, known as the “Charmed” ones. From the beginning of the pilot episode, fans of the original show will find the similarities between the two few and far between.

The pilot kicks off with the introduction of two of the leading ladies, Mel (Melonie Diaz) and her younger sister Maggie (Sarah Jeffery). They are struggling to move forward with their lives after the mysterious death of their mother. The sisters are introduced to the intelligent, Macy (Madeleine Mantock), who believes she is their long lost sister. As the episode progresses, the women quickly learn about their powers and set out to take down their first foe.

This first episode still follows the themes of the original series: female empowerment and the strong bonds of sisterhood. And there is some charm to the show. The sisters’ Whitelighter, played by Rupert Evans, brings much needed comedy to the episode while the chemistry between the three leads will be interesting to watch unfold in future episodes.

Fans of the original proceed with caution. This is not the original and doesn’t try to be, even with the Easter Eggs. The best advice is to go in with an open mind. For those who have never watched an episode of Charmed, give it a chance. You might just fall in love with it.

Grade: B-