‘GOOD WITCH’ PILOT: SEASON ONE (2015)

---

Since this character was first introduced some eight years ago (cannot believe it’s been this long), I’ve been a fan of this darling series. Up until now it’s been a world that’s only unfolded in 2-hour films. 2015 had different plans. Tonight, we finally get to see the premiere of Good Witch – as a TV series! Something that is sure to delight both old and new fans of the series. good witch pilot

Good Witch Pilot: Season One (2015) Hallmark TV Review

Starting over is never easy. But that’s just what Cassie Nightingale (Catherine Bell) needs to do. Part of that involves moving back to Grey House and along with her stepchildren’s grandfather, George (Peter MacNeill) re-opening her bed and breakfast. With the help of Middleton’s small-town comforts and aid of her good friend Ryan (Anthony Lemke), Cassie has all the support she needs to make this work. Then her grown stepchildren have predicaments of their own. Brandon (Dan Jeannotte) has decided his dream isn’t to manage bands. This causes trouble in his marriage and leads him back to Middleton. Then there is Lori (Hannah Edicott-Douglas).

She’s living what she thinks is her dream, but writer’s block causes limits her ability to write real journalism. All of this is compounded by the fact that the siblings are returning home for a ceremony honoring their dad, Jake: a respected member of Middleton society who was killed in his duties as chief of police.

Cassie not only has to work her magic to help her extended family, she also has to guide her 15-year-old daughter, Grace (Bailee Madison). Grace too is missing her dad and with the changes going on in her siblings lives, she’s not without her own; one of which is her “gift” of feeling things before they happen. When a new doctor Sam Radford (James Denton) and his teenage son move next door to Grey House, both Cassie and Grace find themselves helping the newest residents of Middleton.  

TV SHOW REVIEW | ‘Private Eyes,’ Season One Review: A Fun Time

‘GOOD WITCH’ PILOT: SEASON ONE (2015) #hallmarkarchives Share on X

Those of us who have been with this titular character from the beginning might have legitimate disappointments with the storyline. The missing character of Jake leaves a hole since he’s an important part of the movie series; and a character we watch fall in love with Cassie and eventually love what they build together. That being said, the actor wasn’t able to commit to another TV series and rather than re-cast, they kill him off. Because of this, I’d say if you haven’t seen the films, let this pilot be your introduction to Cassie Nightingale. It’s going to be more rewarding to start from here and spare yourself the adorableness.  There is also one casting change (not that I mind) though most everyone else is back in their original roles.  

TV SHOW REVIEW | ‘Chesapeake Shores,’ Season Four is the Big Year to Celebrate!

Aside from the great cast and cute plots, what I like (up until now) is that it steers clear of any magical omissions. It’s left it up to us to decide whether there is really magic in Cassie. Sure, there’s brief magical hints that she might be a witch, but the show never establishes that she is either. Instead it’s all about her helping someone to find their own courage to defeat a problem which can have a magic all its own. With the show, we actually do have “magic” given Grace’s special gift, though the pilot never stretches the possibilities.  

When it comes right down to it, complications and (minor) complaints aside, I loved this pilot. It was fulfilling to the characters and series. Beautiful (as always) with the sets and minor trinkets and poignant with its sense of right and wrong, and the importance it places on family. It casts a spell you won’t mind falling under.