A Discovery of Witches

Every second packed with intensity in this first episode - I'm flabbergasted! Ending of the episode left me yearning for more instantly! I haven't felt like this about a series since first time I watched True Blood (not that they compare in any way). Very catching! I certainly hope the rest of the series live up to this first episode!

I liked the beginning of Season one. The location and build up. I felt the darkness of Matthew Goodes character could have been explored and developed more.

Midway I felt like it veered off into smaltchzy "Hallmark " movie territory. The "witchey" house along halloween pumpkins. Lost the intrigue for me as the Vampire side of his nature became weaker.

Still on the fence if Season 2 is worth paying for to watch.

Overall had the potential to be great but missed the mark with some of the plot and character development.

...but I think the lead actress was terribly miscast. Teresa Palmer is lovely to look at and seems sweet and earnest in the role, but she doesn't have the gravitas to pull off a PhD-educated woman, let alone convey the complexity of a supernatural being who has been denying her powers. It is particularly evident in her scenes with Matthew Goode, who is excellent and seems puzzled as to how he got paired with such a youthful lightweight. The other actors are of varying capabilities, with the adults being clearly stronger.

The writing is bland, with little sparkle. I struggled to pay attention. I haven't read the books but got the impression that Diana and Matthew fall in love slowly; in the series it happens immediately with no lead time - it doesn't feel earned.

The good in the series? It is visually breathtaking, with pretty people and rich, elegant sets, and it takes advantage of the lovely European architecture of the various countries it visits. The music was beautiful, and matched both the storyline and the look and feel of the setting.

I wanted to like it - in the hands of the right writers and casting director, it could have been a powerful series. As it is, it seemed like a fantastic dessert that I couldn't wait to bite into, but turned out to be tasteless and dry.

Beautiful scenery, amazing shots, interesting characters and story. Can't wait to find out more.

EDIT on Season one finale -1 Point for poor special effects and some cheezy moments

After watching first episode, I thought myself if there is a real world of witchery, vampirism & demonic in 21st century, it should be something like A Discovery of Witches. So realistic, logical and believable.

This tv series which drags me into its story in first few minutes, with its great directing, acting, filmography and every other aspects has the potential to be the best new tv show after all.

Can't wait for next episodes.

EDIT on episode 4 It may feel slow for some people, but it's the style of this series by slowly getting under your skin and I guess the pace is getting faster and faster by each episode goes on. Anyhow, don't expect an action fantasy tv show. It's a drama approach to fantasy world. Still amazing and still 10 out 10 for me.

By the way, I don't think of anyone better as Teresa Palmer for rule of Diana Bishop. she is brilliant.