Premise: “A Discovery of Witches” is a fantasy drama series based on the “All Souls” trilogy by Deborah Harkness. The story revolves around Diana Bishop (Teresa Palmer), a historian and reluctant witch who discovers a mysterious manuscript in Oxford’s Bodleian Library. This discovery plunges her into the heart of a dangerous mystery and an underworld filled with vampires, witches, and daemons. As she unravels the manuscript’s secrets, she is drawn to Matthew Clairmont (Matthew Goode), a charismatic but secretive vampire. Their unlikely alliance disrupts the fragile peace between the supernatural species.
Main Characters:
- Diana Bishop (Teresa Palmer) – A scholar specializing in alchemical history, Diana is a powerful witch who has denied her magical heritage.
- Matthew Clairmont (Matthew Goode) – A geneticist and ancient vampire, Matthew is intrigued by Diana and the manuscript she discovers.
- Ysabeau de Clermont (Lindsay Duncan) – Matthew’s vampire mother, who harbors deep distrust for witches but grows fond of Diana.
Themes: The series delves into themes of forbidden love, power dynamics, and the significance of heritage and identity. It questions societal norms and prejudices, especially regarding relationships and alliances that defy conventions. The delicate balance between different supernatural factions mirrors real-world racial and cultural tensions, emphasizing the dangers of intolerance and ignorance.
Critical Rating: 4/5 – Critics have lauded “A Discovery of Witches” for its intricate storytelling, strong character development, and the undeniable chemistry between the leads. However, some feel that the series sometimes leans too heavily into genre clichés.
TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-14 due to its supernatural themes, romantic sequences, and instances of violence.
Broadcast Information: The series originally aired on Sky One in the UK starting from 2018.
Recommendations:
Related posts:
Powered by YARPP.