Tell-Tale TV Series Premiere Panels: The Magicians

Syfy’s latest drama, The Magicians, takes us into the world of magic both dark and light. Brakebills is an exclusive school for magic, but for those who don’t get in, there are other places to learn and use magic. While Quentin navigates this new world, he learns that there’s a real threat to him and to Brakebills.

Our panelists are:

• Jessica Kreamer, contributing writer for Tell-Tale TV
• Caralynn Lippo, contributing writer for Tell-Tale TV
• Allison Nichols, contributing writer for Tell-Tale TV

Give it to me straight, did you like the premiere?

Jessica: I enjoyed it. I haven’t watched Syfy since they cancelled Sanctuary and was apprehensive about giving another show a try. It felt like a more mature Harry Potter combined with an acid trip. It’s definitely a story I’ve seen before but the characters and setting make up for those faults.  I will definitely be turning in for the third episode.

Caralynn: I really loved it. I was interested in a majority of the characters, and I think they did a nice job of mixing world(s)-building and character development. It was impressive that they managed to build the world of Brakebills, this version of New York, and even Fillory. A+!

Allison: I loved it. The world was created nicely, and I love the diversity of characters. We managed to get a good sense of everyone in this premiere. There are so many little mysteries going on, and I’m excited to figure them all out.

What’s the show’s biggest problem?

Jessica: I may be in the minority here, but I really did not like Jules. She was so condescending toward Quentin and his obsession with Fillory and Further. She reacted horribly when she was rejected from the school and I just didn’t feel sorry that she couldn’t go there.I know that dark magic has to be part of the show I’m just not enjoying that she could be so easily swayed into their group. The CGI could also use some improvement but it’s so much better than some of the other Syfy shows of the past.

Caralynn: Some of the characters feel a little bit one dimensional. Margo, particularly. I’m also not crazy about Alice so far. She’s very bland. There are just a lot of characters that were introduced in the span of two hours. Perhaps too many, hence some of them feeling underdeveloped.

Allison: I’m with Jessica. I didn’t care for Jules all that much. I felt like she needed to tone it down. I don’t feel sorry for her at all, and while i’m enjoying the dark magic, I wish we could do this without her. I want to know more about her life pre-Brakebills rejection because then maybe I could understand why she reacted the way she did to her rejection – maybe.

Who or what do you want to see more of?

Jessica: I in love with Eliot and hope we get more of his turn of the century playboy. I would also love to see his family background! Plus bby Eliot eating his feeling and secretly learning to control his magic would be adorable.

Caralynn: I actually really like Jules’ dark magic storyline. I want to see more of that, actually. I think I’m in the minority here of viewers who really enjoyed Jules, haha.

Allison: I want to spend more time in class! I want to know more of what Brakebills teaches everyone. I mean is it like Hogwarts with potions, charms, and divination? I’m curious about how Brakebills operates and what student life is like there.

Favorite quote/moment from the premiere?

Jessica:  Eliot: Magic doesn’t come from talent, it comes from pain.

Caralynn: The introduction of the moth-covered beast was FANTASTIC and so creepy. The way he moved and performed spells with his hand gestures was such an incredible visual and so deeply unnerving. Nightmares for days.

Allison: I really enjoyed all the Fillory moments, and the idea that this book and the world it details could be real. We’ve all wanted to believe that books we’ve read and those words were real. How many people didn’t dream about getting their Hogwarts letter? It’s fun to see Quentin realize and come to terms that Fillory might be real.

What did you think of the premiere of The Magicians? Are you hooked? Share your thoughts in a comment below.

The Magicians airs Mondays 9/8c on Syfy.