Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: First Impressions [roundtable]

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina arrived on Netflix just in time for Halloween. Based on the DC Comic of the same name, we’re introduced to Sabrina as she prepares for her dark baptism, but she has doubts about the path laid before her. Roz, Melissa, and I have some thoughts about the first few episodes.

Initial impressions?

Roz: I think it’s a new twist on one of my favorite shows, while being its own thing. There are few similarities between the 90s sitcom and this Netflix show and that’s good. Sabrina can be taken as a funny witch story (in the same way that I Dream of Jeannie was funny) or it can be this creepy dark version with less light and something ominous just behind our view. There’s a Sabrina vs the World feel in the first three episodes that makes me smile because she’s capable of getting what she wants (though she can’t do it alone) and she’s going to rely on those whom she trusts because of all that she knows.

Melissa: This version of the story had a lot more horror than I expected. A lot. As in, I haven’t made it all the way through season 1 yet and I’m not sure if/when I will. I do like how the show is styled so you’re not quite sure when it’s happening (even though the titles say “this year”), Kiernan Shipka is fantastic as Sabrina, and I am 100 percent on board with the “feminist rage” undercurrent.

Cara: I recently read the comic, so I had a sense of what I was in for when I started. That said, I thought that perhaps they would have tamed down the story a little for TV, but it doesn’t look like that’s the case. So far, I’m a fan, even with the darkness. I agree with Roz’s that it’s Sabrina against the world , and I think that has a lot to do with her being a young woman in a world that keeps telling her what and who she has to be. Sabrina seems to take everything in stride, and I love her confidence. I’m  excited to see how she finds her way to who she wants to be.

How do you like this newest incarnation of Sabrina?

Roz: I like Kiernan Shipka, though I know not everyone does. She’s a bit detached from everything in this show, in a way that works for me, as it’s one clue that Sabrina is in worlds that she’s not solid in – both the human world and the witch world.  She also stands out in all her shots (one by being one of the only blondes) but again she’s an outsider and I like that reminder again and again. The witches, warlocks and demons out for her soul makes for different stories than the 90s show – in the best way possible.

Melissa: I’m on record as being impressed with Kiernan’s portrayal of Sabrina. She’s just the right mix of teenager and paranormal. Experiencing the two worlds through her eyes is grounding, especially since she is consistently angered by the inequality and abuse of power she sees in both.

Cara: Kiernan Shipka is impressive as Sabrina, and I like the way she manages to portray a balance of both youth and worldly knowledge. I think she’s a perfect choice and doing a great job with the character.

Who are your favorite characters?

Roz: I want to know more about Roz, Susie, and Harvey and how they became Sabrina’s friends because there’s so much there for them that I want other answers. Roz and Susie are great and a good look at how positive and supportive female friends can be in this day and age (and the Weird Sisters are their antitheses for the Coven).

Melissa: Sabrina, of course. Salem is also the best magical cat I’ve ever seen on screen.

Cara: I love Ambrose in the comics, and now in the show. He’s just so casually wicked. I’m also a little in love with the aunts. Hilda is as adorable and Zelda is terrible.

How do you feel about the potential conflict for Sabrina’s soul with the Dark Lord?

Roz: It’s interesting that there’s so much at stake from the pilot, without giving any clues as to why. It’s a way in which some flashbacks would be great – let me see Zelda and Edward and Hilda and Diana – so we know exactly why it’s so critical for Sabrina to pick a side and stick with it.

Melissa: Talk about high stakes! Also, Nick Scratch is literally the Devil, right? As in, Satan in cute teenage boy form here to battle for Sabrina’s soul?

Cara: The conflict for Sabrina’s gets everyone around her involved in the fight, but it will be interesting to see how Sabrina manages to keep her freedom and stay in the middle.

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is available to stream now on Netflix.