Charmed- Season 1

After having now seen just about a whole season of 'The Witches of 90210', AKA 'Charmed', on the WB network, I will still make the point that this is not a show about Witches, at least not in the Wiccan/Pagan/Earth Magic spiritual way that we in the Craft community know and love. This is a show about three sisters who magically become super heroes and help the innocent of both the natural and supernatural varieties. Keeping all this in mind, as well as the fact that it really is just a TV show (starring Shannon Doherty of all people), I don't need to criticize it's almost complete lack of authenticity or accuracy regarding true Witchcraft. I will say that, although 'Charmed' is pretty bad when it comes to portraying Witchcraft in general, it does portray the three 'Witches' as the good guys (Finally!) and seems to go out of it's way to show that Witchcraft is a good thing, not evil or demonic in any way. The program even shows that the 'Witches' cannot use their powers for personal gain, only to help others or each other, as the situation warrants. It is true, there is some frivolous energy thrown around, especially by Doherty's character, who seems only to manifest her gift when she's angry, but overall the portrayal is a positive, if not an accurate one. Actually, the biggest complaint I personally had against the show was a line from the third episode, where it was declared that "The Craft is a chick thing.", but that was actually remedied later in the season when the had Witches portrayed as men also. As a male Witch, I was actualll pleased to see it,  but I also don't take the show too seriously, either, and that's the key for any Witches/Wiccans watching this show- It's only TV! 

The writing has actually gotten better, and some of the shows were actually very enjoyable to watch from an entertainment standpoint.  Still, If you would like to see a show about Witches and Witchcraft, I would recommend A&E's 'In Search of History' segment on the subject, but if you want a somewhat interesting show with a lot of scary shapeshifters, Chinese ghost legends, and cool special effects, 'Charmed' might be for you- just don't expect to learn anything about true Witchcraft, and try not to take it too seriously. After all, it WAS created by Aaron 'The Love Boat' Spelling.

Blessed Be!

Chad A.