Reflections on the New Charmed: Comparing Remake to the Original
Reflections on the New Charmed: Comparing Remake to the Original
As a fan of the original Charmed series, I’ve been curious about the new version. However, after racing through several fan forums and watching a few promotional ads, I find myself with a mixed opinion. While the remake is an improvement in some aspects, it still falls short compared to the original. In this article, we’ll delve into the details and discuss the pros and cons of both series.
Comparison of the Original and Remake
Quality of Acting and Production
The original Charmed series, despite its popularity, suffered from mediocre acting and an overly kooky, Friends-like approach. The characters’ exaggerated reactions and the “woo hoo woo hoo” exclamations stood out as artificial, making it difficult to immerse one’s self into the storyline. However, the new remake addresses some of these issues with better special effects and more natural and appealing actors. While these improvements are appreciated, they do not transform what remains a middling show.
Creative Foresight and Idea Repetition
The key factor that weighs heavily against the new Charmed series is the lack of creative depth. Both series run out of ideas too quickly, leading to repetitive storylines and plot points. This issue is exacerbated by the fact that the new series struggles to differentiate itself from the original, leaving viewers feeling disappointed.
Supernatural TV Series Market
It’s worth mentioning that the original Charmed helped pave the way for the era of supernatural TV series. While there are certainly superior options available today, the original Charmed played a pivotal role in establishing this genre. However, for the average viewer looking for solid quality and fresh content, there are far more superior options out there right now.
Tying the Series Together
The new Charmed attempts to tie the two series together in an unofficial way, particularly in one season finale with the appearance of the spirit of the previous Charmed ones. While this is a commendable effort, it doesn’t bridge the gap sufficiently to justify the remake.
Personal Preferences and Viewing Experience
Other fans, like myself, typically don’t like re-envisioned content. The remake’s portrayal of the three sisters fighting among themselves instead of working together to protect their charges is a significant drawback. This dynamic not only hampers the storytelling but also detracts from the overall viewing experience.
Original vs. Remake: A Clear Divide
While both series have their individual strengths, it’s clear to see that the original Charmed holds up much better in almost every aspect. I personally couldn’t even make it through the first episode of the new series, finding it far less engaging and enjoyable than the original. The inconsistent law enforcement presence in the original, along with its mantra of having years of files on the Halliwells, was grating and unnecessary. It took the introduction of the Yes-More-Annoying-Than-Billie Inspector Sheridan to make it slightly more bearable, but ultimately, law enforcement became a significant annoyance in the original series.
Conclusion
While the new Charmed series shows some promise with its improved special effects and acting, it ultimately falls short of the original in most aspects. For fans and those new to the genre, the original Charmed remains the superior choice. It helped launch a new era of supernatural TV series and still stands the test of time. If you’re a fan of the genre, consider sticking with the original for now.