‘Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale’ Recap – ‘Episodes 1 & 2’

1/5/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Still from Episode 101 of ‘Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale’ Courtesy of AMC Networks.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale’.

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.

Still from Episode 102 of ‘Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale’ Courtesy of AMC Networks.

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.

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).

Watch ‘Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale’

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