‘A Discovery of Witches’ Recap: ‘Episode 1’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

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​I have to admit, that at times I can be a bit of a snob when it comes to horror and the monsters that populate this rich genre. Because I tend to gravitate toward monsters that teach us something about mankind, and I’ve come to find that creatures such as witches or vampires, simply don’t offer much outside of generic scares or longing looks as they make their case to overpower one’s mind, respectively. But I am trying hard to shake the stereotypes of these two monsters that are currently swimming about in my mind. For I do realize, that there have to be good stories that involve witches or vampires that can enthrall as much as the living dead.
 
Enter, A Discovery of Witches. For this series, which premiered on AMC/BBC America last night, features some serious potential for a quality story since it plunges us into a unique modern world, one filled to the brim with bloodsuckers and magic makers and well, I figured why not give this one a shot? The worst that could happen is that I find myself bored and disinterested in this series to the point where I don’t bother with it going forward, but with those two networks attached to the project, I expected this series to be of pretty sound quality and as it turns out, ‘Episode 1’, of this brand new series, did not disappoint in the slightest.
 
Because this is a show that brings plenty of intriguing concepts to the table. Like having witches and vampires living amongst us in relative peace and quiet, wherein they go about their day and work and pay bills adhere to their passions like the rest of us and well, this outright works through and through. It grounds the series and gives the characters depth and by taking care of something this important straight out of the gate, the series can focus on its storyline and that’s really where this particular series shines. For there is quite the plot brewing here and it all revolves around our lead character, Diana Bishop.
 
For Diana is a witch who refuses to use or embrace her power and her lineage. Instead, she is more focused on quietly helping the world understand Alchemy and how it has woven itself into the fabric of mankind’s world. But while she searches for more information for the paper that will hopefully put her on easy street at the ever prestigious Oxford University, she stumbles upon an ancient book of great power, one that sends shockwaves through the magic community, putting all eyes upon Diana, to the point where even the vampire world is stepping forth to try and help protect her from the dangers that are to follow from her inadvertent discovery and really, that’s where this series premiere leaves us, on the precipice of a fascinating adventure.
 
If anything, I have to admit that I was truly impressed with this series premiere. Because there is so much to learn about this world and its characters, and since this tale gave me just enough to work with plot wise, I am definitely curious to know more about this universe, and why the vampires can no longer create more of their own kind, or why every witch on the planet is seemingly cozying up to Diana or terrified to hear her name and that’s really all that you can ask for when it comes to a brand new series, to captivate our imagination. And when one combines those plot elements, alongside some wonderful performances, well, you’re in for an outright treat and I’m one-hundred percent ready for more when it comes to this series, because I am dying to know how this grand and eerie mystery is going to unfold. Until next time.  

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