The Charmed Rewatch: Evaluating the Original Series vs. the 2018 Reboot
Charmed has been a cult classic since its initial run, capturing the hearts of countless fans. Now, the show has made a comeback with a 2018 reboot. But is this new series the successor to the beloved original? In this article, we will evaluate both versions to determine which one holds the lead in terms of plot, character development, and overall enjoyment.
Comparing the Two Charmed Series
It's still too early to make a factual comparison between the original Charmed series and the 2018 reboot. The original aired for 8 seasons, accumulating a huge fanbase and establishing itself as a classic. The reboot, on the other hand, is not even a season in yet and has faced some rough beginnings. Without a factual comparison, my opinion is based on personal viewing experience.
Since the reboot began, I have been watching it from the start to give it a fair chance, given my love for the Charmed content. However, I must admit, it has not yet matched the charm and depth of the original series. The pace at which the new series has introduced elements and altered the original storyline feels overwhelming and disjointed.
Challenges in the 2018 Reboot
The reboot takes on a lot of responsibility too quickly. Within a few episodes, they significantly altered the history of Mel’s relationship, which was meant to be an emotional subplot but was rushed through. This was complicated by the fact that her girlfriend did not know about this alteration, which was supposed to keep her safe but lacked emotional impact due to the lack of character development time. The introduction of eventual Apocalyptic events is another challenge, as the series still allows for the option of accepting their powers/destiny. If they chose not to, presumably another group of sisters would have taken over, but we have yet to see this.
The reboot also struggles with character bonding and individual power development. The Charmed magic history and family background are not given due attention, and viewers are left without many episodes that focus on these crucial aspects of the show.
Unresolved Plot Points
Another issue with the reboot is the inconsistent and sometimes senseless plot elements. For example, mind-reading Elders being witches seems to serve no apparent purpose, which can be jarring for fans of the original. Additionally, some plot pieces that are introduced never get explained, such as why their mother didn’t find a different necromancer or why they didn’t find out about necromancers in their research. This added confusion can detract from viewer experience.
Conclusion
While the 2018 reboot has potential, it currently falls short of the original series in terms of pacing, character development, and story coherence. However, with a full season under its belt, there is still time for the reboot to improve and win over die-hard fans. For now, the original Charmed still holds the lead, but the reboot is not entirely a wash. Its ability to become a beloved classic remains to be seen.