Half Bad

This was so good. Netflix doesn't like spending money on promo for projects they don't think will do well, so I didn't know this show existed until it came up in my recommended randomly. Don't write it off by first appearance. Keep in mind that most of Netflix's best shows and movies are the ones that Netflix don't care about to begin with. Y'all, it's reallyyyy good. Like, it actually blew my expectations out of the freaking water. Best thing about the show? The complex characters, of course. The found family aspect was so heartwarming as well. The story is interesting and nuanced. I don't remember the last time Netflix did something that impressed me quite like this did. Don't let it get cancelled without giving it a chance.

This show is very gripping, a fun combination of many things we love but I don't blame it.

We encounter a world divided between witches and non-witches like in Harry Potter but the racism allegory is actually inside the witches world itself divided in two as well. The main characters are teens because who cares what adults witches are doing these days? Certainly not saving the world. They possess X-men mutants-like powers and use them most of the time but they also have guns to make it easier. They also use a lot of smoke for budgetary reason I fear. But the show includes some decent cgi and good special effects when needed.

What really surprised me is that this is based on a book. But I would say "inspired" as it took me a couple of episodes to realize I had actually read the book a few years back but didn't recognized the story at all. They changed the plot so much it makes senses they even changed the title.

This comes with some issues: a lot of plot holes, an obsession with changing locations for the sake of it, spells rules invented when needed and a big gap between characters abilities. It's silly how Jessica doesn't use her key power more often for example.

Also some elements are very rushed. The school part that I found very compelling could have been more developed, so are the villain motivations or just why the leaders of the Fairborne exist within the real world. Also the Blood witches are not that well defined. Basically a lot is not explained as we move to new countries and places constantly.

But thankfully the main trio is very likable and entertaining, the love elements are subtle and the fantasy part exciting so I'll forgive the few weaknesses and hope we get a bigger budget in season 2.

What a gem!!! I have no clue why there isn't more noise about it. Binged it in a weekend and will be recommending it to everyone! The acting is superb, the premise immediately engaging and the characters interesting. It also did what Amazon's big budget fantasy shows failed to do: entertain!!!

I'd recommend it to people looking for a fantasy adventure. It's nothing high brow, but let's be honest - that's exactly what you need on a late Saturday evening!!

There is some gore so it's definitely not for the squeemish but it's not at HBO levels.

Netflix please please please give us more of this!

Honestly, it was one of the best English language shown I have seen in recent years that come out of netflix. This and Lockwood & co. Were creative, innovative, very well made and well acted and eventually CANCELED because netflix honestly do not have any idea what their audiences want! This show had an uniquie premise, dark & gritty atmosphere matching the somber themes, with beautiful music, and well paced plot development. Except for one scene in the last episode the whole thing was water tight so it completely evades me on what could be a plausible reason to cancel the show since there is a lot of potential for a season 2. As usual netflix raising prices but giving us nothing.

There's not a lot I can add to the other positive reviews in regards to this exceptional series, just to reiterate how frustrating and annoying it would be for Netflix to cancel the show. This wonderful adaptation has taken considerable thought, skilfully combining the very well written and developed characterisation along with the actors performances mixes up a magical formula viewers will just love. Also, the plot arcs have real ' legs', in that I can't see peoples attention spans drifting nor the quality petering out any time soon. Take the above elements, add a huge pinch of triple-A special effects and the magicians (including the incredible Andy Serkis) at The Imaginarium (production company) have conjured up something truly special.