Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here. This article contains discussions regarding sexual assault, which may be triggering to some individuals.
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When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating AMC+/Sundance Now series, Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale, we talked at length about how the series offered up a world unlike anything else we’ve ever seen in the witch subgenre of horror. Because this was a world that was mostly identical to our own, the only difference was that magic was real and witches practiced it regularly in a town known as Sanctuary. And because magic was mostly accepted and part of the world, it was no longer anything special. It was just another skill set that a certain set of individuals harbored. One that only became important to some when it could create a benefit of sorts, and one of course, despised by those who didn’t understand it in the slightest.

Which left all of us wondering, what other unique conflicts and troubles Sarah and her family would face in a world where witchcraft was coveted for selfish needs and looked down upon by those of ignorance, and well, the next episode informed us quickly that great what lie ahead, was great conflict. Simply because Abigail was now hellbent on having magic save the now defunct life of her son, and to get what she wanted from her friend, she put forth a full court press. One where she went to the press and began to leak the story and that created a firestorm in town. One that put Harper in hiding basically and of course, pushed Sarah to find resolution and sadly… that pressure brought about more unfortunate truths.

Because the police were poking about further, the press wanted Harper to talk and were making it hard for her to hide, and she wanted to hide, because there was a dark truth about Daniel that she just wanted to forget. In that, he crossed a lot of lines, and outright assaulted her at one point. And that was why she was so rightfully furious with him and also why she wanted his memory to remain far away. So, she could move on and heal and find new direction in life. Which prompted Sarah to try and make immediate peace with Abigail so that peace could exist, and those wishes could be brought forth. But alas, the truth about Daniel came out and the fury already present in Abigail only grew. For she thought this was an attempt to sully Dan’s name and prevent her wishes from coming true by painting her son the villain, leading to more chaos. 

Which really did explore the kinds of unique problems a witch might encounter, and what Sarah now has on her hands is complex and irritating and difficult to navigate, especially when one considers the fact… that this nonsense is overshadowing a greater threat. After all, Maggie brought in the magic investigator and well, what they found was scary. In that, Sarah wasn’t the only witch in Sanctuary, there was in fact… another. A dark one that wasn’t named Harper Fenn. Because the MI was able to establish that Harper’s hand movements were mere frustration and not some elaborate spell that surprised everyone. But it did mean, a nefarious witch was committed to murder in this town and the horrible drama now brewing between families, will delay the hunt for the evil witch from being the priority. 

A reality that in many ways, reflects our modern world. For all too often we worry about stupid stuff and lose sight of what matters most and/or how to handle growing problems. Giving depth to the fascinating drama on display here and well, in the end, all of this brought about an incredible story. For now, we truly are embroiled in a mystical murder mystery, one that produced more questions than answers here and gave us an equally as fascinating examination of how the power of magic would be abused and well… all this does is compel us to continue the journey. So, we can garner the truth and see if by chance… the people in this town can turn the corner or fall to pieces, as humans are sometimes wont to do when their pain and fury grabs hold. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 509 of ‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There was a time, where competition themed television shows, rarely featured any kind of continuity outside of the finale. For the idea was that, variety was in fact, the spice of life for shows in this vein, and mixing it up constantly would keep audiences interested and coming back because they would never know what to expect. But as time rolled on, it became clear that audiences were in fact, invested in moments that felt consistent, especially the kind that showcased the talents of the competitors and helped the viewer to get to know them, and that changed how these shows were structured. For they quickly offered that and retained viewers and well, this change has only become better with time.

For there are shows out there now, that lean heavily into such moments and make proper use of them so the audience can indeed be fully engaged in the competition and one show that has perfected this, is The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula on Shudder. For every single year, fans know that the competitors will be put to the test during the Monsters of Rock battle royale, and we will indeed get an idea of who is a standout and a potential lock for the Top Three at the end of the season, and we also are treated year in and year out, to ‘The Last Supper’. A moment where the competition goes the wayside so we can hear about what the contestants learned and where they can vent sour air out into the void. 

Which brings about some epic moments and some hot tea if the season is spicy enough and well, it just so happens that this week’s episode of the show, served as the time once again to enjoy The Last Supper and well, this year’s airing of truth was quite incredible to say the least. Obviously, there was everything we do enjoy about this event. Because we reflected upon some amazing looks and yes, there was some tea to be spilt. Because while this has been far less dramatic group than it has in year’s past, there were some spicy moments to revisit, and some questions that needed answering. Which brought about some trademark tension and some brow sweating from those that had to answer for their actions.

But what made this year’s Last Supper of note, in the opinion of this reporter, was the sheer fact… that it took quite the turn. In that, there was some fascinating honesty present in this particular Last Supper. The kind where the contestants were actually quite vulnerable now and again, and really spoke to their fears, their struggles and even who they are as a person and how they fight to cope with the parts themselves they don’t like, and in some cases, cannot control without a little assistance. All of which brought about a supremely engaging Last Supper. One that did the impossible. In that, it took a moment in a series, where its hosts humanize the contestants to begin with, and humanized them further. Because this really was an episode in the raw, and it was powerful to say the least. 

In fact, this could have gone on for two hours and we all would have watched every second and been glued to our screens. Because it was that intimate and that raw and that unlike any other Last Supper the show has put on display. But that is what makes this series so special, it finds new ways to make even its staples as powerful as possible, and well… this really was quite the amazing hour of television. One that of course, had plenty to celebrate, since the Final Four were indeed named at last and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this beloved staple of the show, we can bask in the wonder of its honesty and its moving humanity, before we return to the core of the show and the big moment when Dragula is crowned at last. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say, that there is an incredible buzz surrounding one particular upcoming entry in The Walking Dead Universe. For fans of this franchise are eagerly awaiting the return of Rick Grimes and Michonne in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, and they’re equally as eager to learn more truths about the mysterious Civil Republic Military and its enigmatic leader, Major General Beale, and see the return of Jadis as well. But what’s really created the buzz in question… is the sheer secrecy surrounding this series. For AMC has only released but a handful of images and visual teasers.
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But that all changed today. For earlier, AMC Networks opted to finally give the fans their first solid look at this series, and a genuine taste of what Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira will bring to their iconic roles in this latest chapter in their lives, and well… it turns out this trailer was worth the wait. For it is epic, incredible, and only builds upon the buzz surrounding this series and well, you don’t have to take our word for it. For here is that trailer, alongside some updated details on the series for you to enjoy, courtesy of AMC Networks, so we can all properly begin to count down to the incredible return of two highly beloved TWD characters.

‘AMC Networks debuted the first trailer for The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, premiering Sunday, February 25 on AMC and AMC+. Stars Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira return as the beloved TWD characters “Rick Grimes” and “Michonne” in the highly anticipated next series in the Walking Dead Universe. 
 
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live presents an epic love story of two characters changed by a changed world. Kept apart by distance. By an unstoppable power. By the ghosts of who they were. Rick and Michonne are thrown into another world, built on a war against the dead... And ultimately, a war against the living. Can they find each other and who they were in a place and situation unlike any they've ever known before? Are they enemies? Lovers? Victims? Victors? Without each other, are they even alive -- or will they find that they, too, are the Walking Dead?
 
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is executive produced by Showrunner Scott M. Gimple, Lincoln, Gurira, Denise Huth and Brian Bockrath.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale’.
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At several points in our lives, we will ponder upon something quite outlandish. In that, we find ourselves wishing that we could harbor special powers, to cope with the pains that life sometimes sends our way. For instance, traffic and rush hour sometimes leave us wishing deeply, for the ability to fly. Because that would indeed solve so many problems and truth be told, we tend to ponder often upon what it might be like… to have magic in our lives. Because that would also solve a great deal of problems and a great deal of frustrations in our day to day. After all, a good magic spell might quell having to deal with people that we simply don’t want to deal with or help a sour boss finally see the light regarding how to make work fun and worthwhile.

But of course… those are indeed fleeting thoughts, and they truly are designed to just give our mind a break to process the pains of everyday life, and there is definitely nothing wrong with escape. But for some folks, their minds cannot help but continue to wonder… what the world would be like if by chance we were able to indulge in the wonder of magic. Simply because… if it really does make life seem so easy in our minds, would it not create a better world in general? Which is why… stories are so important, since they can help us to properly examine our wildest dreams and it just so happens that a brand-new series on AMC+ and Sundance Now is eager to answer that question and examine a world where magic has become the norm and that makes Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale, quite the fascinating watch.

Simply because the series premiere of the show informs us… that life with magic, might in part… be simpler than we give it credit, and the first two episodes of the show put that simplicity on display by plunging us into the town of Sanctuary. A city that has deep ties to the powers of magic, and well… in this place witches are real, and witches thrive. For they weren’t brought to horrible persecution as they were in our timeline, and they were able to grow their powers and create traditions and since this is the place where witches live, magic is just an everyday thing and that’s really where the story goes to some fascinating places. Because just like that… we ware plunged into a world where magic is nothing, but an everyday occurrence and witches go about their day to practice it without giving it a second thought.

But that of course… doesn’t answer whether or not life would be better with magic in the air, and well… after introducing us to that world, does the story take the time to answer that question, and well… it informs us… that no… the world would not change for the better because magic is now present in the world. Simply because… the human element is still in play. And well, while we can adapt and can change, that which we do not understand always generates fear and concern in our hearts and well… that washes over Sanctuary when something unfortunate happens in this town. For one fine night, a young man dies under mysterious circumstances, the kind that might involve magic, and while this world might accept magic as real, it still features laws and rules and those have been broken here.
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Which brings about deep concerns about whether or not magic has been used for evil and that is where that fear from humanity comes into play. For that generates distrust between everyday folks and the witches that practice their power in Sanctuary and well… just like that, we are plunged into a fascinating murder mystery and an equally as fascinating story. One that not only offers up a unique world we’ve never really seen in the realm of television before but sets the stage for a powerful journey revolving around the human condition. One that will be rife with commentary on how there are no easy fixes to our problems and our experiences, but that real work and real healing must happen for us to find the peace we crave and that spells or hope for them will never quite offer that. 

Something the story will explore via the power of grief and trauma and through some real-world parallels regarding that aforementioned fear, and of course… that mystery is of note as well. Since there are no easy clues to follow here and there are real concerns that Harper Finn, daughter of the town’s most powerful witch, Sarah, may have powers she doesn’t understand and well… all of these elements draw us in and compel us to continue the journey. To see exactly who it was that committed this heinous crime, but more importantly… to be treated to some fine lessons about who we are, and who we could be, and how we could create real magic and real miracles in the world, if we took the time to heal and come together and well, it will be simply incredible to learn those lessons and learn the truth about this crime as season one of this unique and refreshing series continues along. Until next time.

To hear more about what deeper messages the cast hopes you take away from this series, check out our preview article regarding the show, which features such commentary from cast members: Amy De Bhrún (Abigail Whithall), Stephanie Levi-John (DCI Maggie Knight), and Hazel Doupe (Harper Fenn).

For the most part, stories about witches and their incredible understanding of magic, follow some pretty standard formulas. Some of these stories for instance, are always set in Colonial America. Where witches were hunted and feared and the journey, we go on in that tale is either designed to remind us of the horror’s ignorance can inspire or they outright explore mystical concepts or darker ones. Or… the witch story in question features a modern twist, where they exist, and all is well, and magic is widely accepted by the masses. With some minor dissenting voices of course, which are quelled through heroic magical acts. Which are stories that work because they tend to satisfy our imagination and stick with what we know about the witch, but let’s be honest… those particular formulas and tropes… simply don’t do the witch justice. 
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Because they so rarely explore the potential power of magic and the burden that could create for a witch in any particular era, since they would see and experience things that no one else does. Not to mention, modern stories about witches don’t touch upon the fact that it doesn’t matter what era of our history a story operates within, we fear that which is different, and that would bring about great trouble for the witch, and that too… is a missed storytelling opportunity. But thankfully, there are creatives working to rectify that, since we’ve seen in more recent years stories that offer more than the norm, and AMC Networks continues to lead the charge in such matters. After all, the Sundance Now adaptation of A Discovery of Witches broke ground in its presentation of modern witches living amongst us and battling ancient prejudices. Not to mention, AMC’s adaptation of Mayfair Witches showcases real struggles for women with a magical twist, and well… AMC Networks isn’t done working to give the witch its due.

For this Thursday will see the debut of another fascinating witch series entitled, Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale. A series that is set in modern times in the town of Sanctuary. Where witches live in a community all their own and well… live their lives… in the most normal manner possible. Where their kids go to school like anyone else and where witches have created their own economic structure where they go to work and contribute like anyone else, and of course, they practice magic, and they also deal with very real-world problems. All of which brings about one fascinating and unique series. One based off of the novel from V.V. James and harbors the depth and care that AMC Networks is known for. Because this is that rare witch story that truly brings them into the modern world and forces them to handle matters other than persecution and stereotypes. They must balance magic and the human experience and that brings about… some incredible episodes.

The kind that we won’t be breaking down just yet, because to spoil anything from this series would be a crime against storytelling. Because this one really does break new ground in what the characters face off against, and it asks some hard questions about the wonder of magic and what place it would have in 2024, in a world where our beliefs in anything intangible are all but non-existent. Not to mention, it features some incredible depth and some amazing messages and commentary within the framework of its well-written and well thought out episodes. In fact, to really hammer home how much meaning one can find in this story, this reporter, recently had the opportunity to speak with several members of the cast to discuss what they hope audiences will take away from this story, and here is what Amy De Bhrún (Abigail Whithall), Stephanie Levi-John (DCI Maggie Knight), and Hazel Doupe (Harper Fenn) had to say about the incredible depth present in this series, and what they hope you take away from it.

Stephanie Levi-John: I would like to think that people would take away the fact that even though you know, there's witchcraft and witches in the story, that it doesn't actually differ too much from what's going on in real life. So, I'm hoping that it'll kind of hold a mirror up to what's happening in society and stuff like that right now and has been going on. But just told through a different lens. And I just really hope that people just enjoy it so much that they just want to watch every single episode. And in fact, continue to watch it just to allow us to take them on the journey.

Hazel Doupe: Yeah, same here. That's exactly what I had for it as well. It is sort of a fantastical story told through, like the lens of a bit more of a reality, and a gritty sort of means. And it would be really nice if the takeaway was sort of that you have your own sort of thoughts, and the way you act on them matters.

Amy De Bhrún: Yeah, I agree with all of that. The human experience, and that we're all essentially, everyone has their struggle and their pain, and what pain and grief and love can do when you know, when people turn against each other, and we're seeing a lot of that kind of, I guess, in the world at the moment. So, I would kind of love that too, that people kind of see it's a reflection really of what's going on at the moment, in the world. And if we could just… as hard as it can be sometimes… to try and just see the humanity and each other. How much better a world we could make, really.

So, as you can see, this really is a different kind of witch story, a truly revolutionary one in nature. Thanks to its refreshing setting, dynamic writing and wondrous characters and amazing depth, and the best news of all… is that you don’t have to wait all that much longer to travel to experience all that this story has to offer. For Thursday, January 4, 2024, will see two episodes of the show debut on Sundance Now and AMC+, with subsequent episodes to follow on Thursdays, and we here at Nerds That Geek cannot wait for you to experience this magnificent series. One that changes the game for the witch subgenre of horror storytelling and will hopefully serve as a blueprint for future stories about this ancient and beloved icon. So that the witch will not only enjoy a revolution on the silver and small screen but enjoy the long overdue respect that witch stories outright deserve.