People don't seem to understand that the sitcom from
1996 isn't the original Sabrina. That came from the comic series. There was also a second comic series called the chilling adventures of Sabrina released in 2014 that was much more mature and darker than the original comic series, which is what this series is based off of. So there's obviously going to be some major differences. For one, it is not a comedy; therefore, it will not be light-hearted. This is an adaptation of the comic, not a remake of the sitcom. In the end, it really feels like people are just overly nostalgic for the sitcom and never truly gave this one a chance. Technically speaking, this is far more loyal to the source material than the sitcom ever was. It follows the comic series from 2014.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (TV Series)
Chapter One: October Country (2018)
User Reviews
Review this title11 Reviews
Chapter One
bobcobb30131 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I didn't really watch much of the comedy Sabrina the Teenage Witch, but this dark drama has me hooked after just one episode.
Kiernan Shipka really stands out in this role, but this comes off as a fresh take on witches. TV needed a show like this and so far so good.
The scene on the highway with the witch later consuming the teacher was the perfect "scary" moment the show needed.
Kiernan Shipka really stands out in this role, but this comes off as a fresh take on witches. TV needed a show like this and so far so good.
The scene on the highway with the witch later consuming the teacher was the perfect "scary" moment the show needed.
Well done
jmsf-0726128 October 2018
Well, the way they cross the photography, the actors and the plot is very good. The scenarios are marvelous and the music is outstanding. For me it was a very good start for a fresh and new series that can be very good.
What a beginning!
bettttycooper26 October 2018
Chilling opening episode.
Azanspy27 October 2018
Could Be Worse, Could Be Better...1st Episode Thoughts
grimjac1009 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Okay, for a first episode, it's not bad. A lot of groundwork to establish, so the characters aren't extremely deep...but it's the first episode, so how can they be?
The overall idea is fairly sound, if more than a little familiar: teenager questioning their place and identity and what the older generation thinks/believes/wants. So, the main character is a Satanic witch and she's questioning whether she wants to sell her soul in exchange for power like everyone in her family (at least on her father's side) has done. A little more extreme than a teen wondering if they want to go to college to study accounting or run off to the Australian Outback...
The acting is decent, though the blurry camera to foster spookiness isn't a favorite technique for me.
There are some red flags, though, which might get solved in future episodes or may be a series failing, though how well you stomach them is a subjective decision.
First, as other reviewers have noted, is the 'political' slant. However, this isn't a new thing; every series ever made has had 'political' messages and slants. The first episode hints that it may be a little too left to make me happy, especially as heavy-handed as it appears to want to be.
Now, don't get me wrong...most of what other reviewers call 'political' aren't what bother me. The anti-bullying thing is fine, and Sabrina's friends hitting all the minority checkmarks is okay, too. Diversity isn't a dirty word and a lot of kids today have a circle of friends that cross pretty much every dividing line...race, religion, sex...almost everything except politics. But that's fine; it's okay to hate someone with different political beliefs...or so we're told.
No, the problem I have is far more basic, and incredibly offensive...and racist, sexist, and almost every other -ist out there. Witches are *not* Satanists and the way they're portrayed in this show is horrific. Sure, sure, gotta be dark, blah blah blah...hey, how about we introduce a devout Muslim character that beats up gays and attacks women for not wearing traditional garb? We want to be dark and edgy and play to stereotypes, right?
On the coat-tails of the offensive Satanic premise, we have extreme stupidity or at the very least, willing ignorance except when the plot armor appears.
Sabrina can, obviously, perform magic even before her 'Dark Baptism', said rite supposedly necessary to get spiffy witchy gifts. And going to a normal high school, and presumably with access to the Internet and other information sources, Sabrina hasn't been exposed to the idea that Satan is a bad guy? She's not acting out, not Goth or emo or embracing her outcast status or any of a dozen other ideas that might reasonably lead her to question her upcoming life plan. Sure, it can be argued that Satan got a bad rap, he's not a bad guy...but the writers didn't go with that slant. Their Satan *is* a bad guy, no doubt in anyone's mind...but Sabrina is cool with it until it might inconvenience her budding love life.
So far...it could have been *so* much better. Sabrina could have been an actually rebellious teen, questioning her family's faith and beliefs, maybe troubled by realistic doubts. She could experience some introspection...hm, why is it okay to mess with my boyfriend's mind? Torture the principal? Is that better or worse than stupid teens bullying another student? Oh, wait, as a Satanic witch, anything *I* want to do is okay...
That may come in future episodes; obviously, the pilot has to introduce a lot of information and deep character development may happen as time goes on. This first episode was decent enough to get me to try at least a couple more.
The overall idea is fairly sound, if more than a little familiar: teenager questioning their place and identity and what the older generation thinks/believes/wants. So, the main character is a Satanic witch and she's questioning whether she wants to sell her soul in exchange for power like everyone in her family (at least on her father's side) has done. A little more extreme than a teen wondering if they want to go to college to study accounting or run off to the Australian Outback...
The acting is decent, though the blurry camera to foster spookiness isn't a favorite technique for me.
There are some red flags, though, which might get solved in future episodes or may be a series failing, though how well you stomach them is a subjective decision.
First, as other reviewers have noted, is the 'political' slant. However, this isn't a new thing; every series ever made has had 'political' messages and slants. The first episode hints that it may be a little too left to make me happy, especially as heavy-handed as it appears to want to be.
Now, don't get me wrong...most of what other reviewers call 'political' aren't what bother me. The anti-bullying thing is fine, and Sabrina's friends hitting all the minority checkmarks is okay, too. Diversity isn't a dirty word and a lot of kids today have a circle of friends that cross pretty much every dividing line...race, religion, sex...almost everything except politics. But that's fine; it's okay to hate someone with different political beliefs...or so we're told.
No, the problem I have is far more basic, and incredibly offensive...and racist, sexist, and almost every other -ist out there. Witches are *not* Satanists and the way they're portrayed in this show is horrific. Sure, sure, gotta be dark, blah blah blah...hey, how about we introduce a devout Muslim character that beats up gays and attacks women for not wearing traditional garb? We want to be dark and edgy and play to stereotypes, right?
On the coat-tails of the offensive Satanic premise, we have extreme stupidity or at the very least, willing ignorance except when the plot armor appears.
Sabrina can, obviously, perform magic even before her 'Dark Baptism', said rite supposedly necessary to get spiffy witchy gifts. And going to a normal high school, and presumably with access to the Internet and other information sources, Sabrina hasn't been exposed to the idea that Satan is a bad guy? She's not acting out, not Goth or emo or embracing her outcast status or any of a dozen other ideas that might reasonably lead her to question her upcoming life plan. Sure, it can be argued that Satan got a bad rap, he's not a bad guy...but the writers didn't go with that slant. Their Satan *is* a bad guy, no doubt in anyone's mind...but Sabrina is cool with it until it might inconvenience her budding love life.
So far...it could have been *so* much better. Sabrina could have been an actually rebellious teen, questioning her family's faith and beliefs, maybe troubled by realistic doubts. She could experience some introspection...hm, why is it okay to mess with my boyfriend's mind? Torture the principal? Is that better or worse than stupid teens bullying another student? Oh, wait, as a Satanic witch, anything *I* want to do is okay...
That may come in future episodes; obviously, the pilot has to introduce a lot of information and deep character development may happen as time goes on. This first episode was decent enough to get me to try at least a couple more.
Apple trees may not "bloosom" in October...
sunshineu26 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
But it IS a TV show about witches. So....I'm thinking there's room for artistic license. Because, sure, apple trees don't blossom in October but, usually people don't appear out of thin air, I don't think one can take on the appearance of another person by chanting over their dead body and I've never been able to control a monster on strings to have it chase someone through a hay bale maze.
TI guess I'm saying that this probably isn't the show for you if you're concerned about little things like apple trees blooming in October.
"Chapter one" is the best one
ulitochka-wowsokotik6 September 2020
"Chapter one" is a nice and cheerful start to this rethinking the story about Sabrina. Good camera work, nice color and light, there are also many creepy stuffs that make the gloomy atmosphere.
It's a pity that the series will last only a couple of episodes at this level ...
First Riverdale, now Greendale!
asb_deutsch11 November 2018
The direction of comic-books has been raised to a whole new level. Gone were those days where we had adaptions translated to comedy sit-coms. Little children may find it hard to digest but not me!
Colored actors is also a new change but I respect that since we are saw this in Spiderman: Homecoming and other movies.
Kiernan Shipka surprised me. She was looking sweet, saucy, sexy and seductive!. I also didn't expect a side view of Sabrina stepping out of a tub in this episode. Was the director trying to emulate Emilia Clark's bathtub scene in Game of Thrones? Not bad though - and last but not the least - I wish her all the best in the future....Happy birthday, KS!
Chapter One: October Country
nebohr1 February 2022
Sabrina S1 E1.
8-stars. All of our ratings start at 8-stars.
You just know it will be good when the local movie theatre is playing "Night of the Living Dead".
Yeah. Creedence Clearwater Revival. Cool.
It's like they say: "No good deed goes unpunished".
Aunt Hilda is a trip.
Note to Sabrina: there are some things you really shouldn't tell your 16 year old mortal boyfriend?
Donovan. Way cool.
It would seem that Sabrina and Salem are quite the indomitable pair.
Eww who eats raw, unwashed produce?
Care for some tea Dark Lord?
8-stars.
8-stars. All of our ratings start at 8-stars.
You just know it will be good when the local movie theatre is playing "Night of the Living Dead".
Yeah. Creedence Clearwater Revival. Cool.
It's like they say: "No good deed goes unpunished".
Aunt Hilda is a trip.
Note to Sabrina: there are some things you really shouldn't tell your 16 year old mortal boyfriend?
Donovan. Way cool.
It would seem that Sabrina and Salem are quite the indomitable pair.
Eww who eats raw, unwashed produce?
Care for some tea Dark Lord?
8-stars.
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