Wow, this show is really something. (Non-specific spoilers ahead). It's like a mixed bag of every magic book and show you have ever read/watched, and it has a little something from everything. The pop-culture references, as well as references to key source material like Harry Potter are very refreshing, and The Magicians finds a way to not take itself too seriously, which somehow makes it even more enjoyable. Potential viewers be warned, this show is not afraid to "go there" - there is some pretty explicit material and scenes, including strong cursing, drinking semen from a jar, and a violent rape scene. I watched the show on Netflix, and while there was a mention of RAINN at the end of the episode, I do feel like there should have been a trigger warning at the beginning. This show also deals with some pretty big issues, such as the aforementioned rape, PTSD, feminism, and abortion, and it handles these issues very well, in my opinion.
That being said - The Magicians really finds itself in season 2: all the characters and the worlds have been thoroughly established, and so the writing really seems to work. It feels like the first season was almost "experimental" in a way, with the characters learning and growing along with the writers, culminating in a very exciting, well-written second season that was much, much better than the first. Awkward sex scenes and a sporadic sprinkling of curse words gradually turns into a raunchy, "no-holds barred" environment that really suits the show. I grew to like every single character, even the minor ones, and the CGI really holds up well. Congrats, SYFY, you have 2 great shows airing, and I may have to officially change my low opinion of a network that has for years produced really terrible television. Perhaps this is truly a new era of Science Fiction TV, and as a huge fan of Scifi, it is an era I will welcome with open arms.
That being said - The Magicians really finds itself in season 2: all the characters and the worlds have been thoroughly established, and so the writing really seems to work. It feels like the first season was almost "experimental" in a way, with the characters learning and growing along with the writers, culminating in a very exciting, well-written second season that was much, much better than the first. Awkward sex scenes and a sporadic sprinkling of curse words gradually turns into a raunchy, "no-holds barred" environment that really suits the show. I grew to like every single character, even the minor ones, and the CGI really holds up well. Congrats, SYFY, you have 2 great shows airing, and I may have to officially change my low opinion of a network that has for years produced really terrible television. Perhaps this is truly a new era of Science Fiction TV, and as a huge fan of Scifi, it is an era I will welcome with open arms.