The Magicians

As you can tell from the shows that I’ve reviewed so far, I’m a big fan of sci-fi and fantasy series. Shows like Doctor Who will keep me entertained for hours, especially when I hit hyperfocus mode.

The Magicians follows this trend, adding a more magical show to my list. This series is so amazing for so many reasons. It’s quirky, with an amazing plot with even better characters. It gives your head a spin, though, that’s for sure.

I found this show on Netflix, I believe it had come up in my “recommended shows” list. I started watching it, and immediately was entranced. The first episode gave me a “getting into Hogwarts” vibe, and I think that’s what hooked me. But what’s truly amazing is that it was nothing like I expected. Each episode takes the viewers on a different adventure, but each season is artistically crafted to be both excellent and horrible plot-wise.

What do I mean by this? How can a show have a plot that is both excellent and horrible? Well, I don’t mean the writing. The writing is absolutely brilliant, with plot holes fixed up and no question about the legitimacy of anything. However, the show takes you on a roller coaster with each individual character. As with any show, that roller coaster ride ends for some. I know, I know, spoilers. But I won’t tell you who it is. You’ll have to take that journey for yourself.

The Characters

One of the best concepts of the show is that everyone is the main character in their own story. Instead of having one main character, or even a few, The Magicians finds a way to make each and every character as important as the next. Someone who you’d maybe classify as a background character might turn out to be the crucial part to the entire series.

The other brilliant aspect of the show is that the characters are incredibly diverse. Race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation are all explored and well written into the show. They delve into socioeconomic class, too. It’s really an interesting bunch of characters, with a variety of personalities to relate to.

The Show as a Whole

With stunning characters, plot, and even music, The Magicians is a must-watch. I’ve already watched it twice now, and it is well worth the time.

I went to one of my favorite review sites to get other opinions on the show. According to IMDb, most viewers gave the series 8-10 stars (out of ten). Some of my favorite comments were ones complaining that the show had been canceled. I think I complained just as much when I first finished it, too.

Another one of my favorite comments was a lengthy one that can be summed up by its title:

“You’ve grown up with Harry Potter, now that you’re an adult watch The Magicians”.

Full agree. The genre itself has been done before, but not in the magnificent way that The Magicians pulls it off. It finds a way to pull you in with each and every episode- even the ones that made me question if I was sober. (Just kidding, Mom!)

Other reviewers criticized the fact that the show is nothing like the trilogy by Lev Grossman, but I feel as though film adaptations will never quite measure up. From a majority of those who had read the books, they said that the episodes were indeed better.

To wrap up the whole show in a nutshell, I’ll pull a quote from user janrosseau from IMDb.

“It is actually an adult show… trying to bring to you a story of a group of misfits that happen to all have magical powers.”

–janrosseau