I am a Buffy fan, so news of a British series that was similar without treading the same ground certainly piqued my interest. And, *initially*, this series certainly did deliver the goods, with Christina Cole presenting viewers with a serious, compelling portrayal of the series' main character, Cassie, who happened to be strikingly attractive (similar to Sarah Michelle Gellar's presentation of Buffy's titular character). Supporting characters were also done well, always in an orbit around Christina's luminous star, with Jemima Rooper being the stand-out supporting star (again similar to Buffy's Alyson Hannigan, who could lighten any scene or present emotional counterpoints in ways that complemented the main thrust of the show).
The chief problem for viewers such as myself was Christina Cole's departure from the series, essentially like the ripping of the main mast out of a ship: the show lost its momentum, and the original plot lines were left unexplored (Cassie's destiny, what mistakes her ancestor(s) might have made with Azazeal, Azazeal's true mission, and more). Retooling of the series followed Cole's decision to leave, with a new main character (Laura Pyper's Ella) that would be used to guide future plot lines.
Fans of the second season are quick to defend the remaining actors and actresses work, and deservedly so, but in my opinion, the retooling suffered from a couple issues. Ella was essentially a very competent witch, who excelled at her mission of demon-slaying: far too derivative of Buffy. Worse yet, this also removed the novelty of the series for me, because truly, the series seemed to be breaking ground with a non-comedic portrayal of a "good witch" at the beginning of her journey. I think the best solution would have been to start an entirely new series. The producers probably were hoping to keep the original Hex audience, but I think that plan backfired.
Regardless, I will look back on the initial episodes of the series with pleasure, and dream of what could have been.
The chief problem for viewers such as myself was Christina Cole's departure from the series, essentially like the ripping of the main mast out of a ship: the show lost its momentum, and the original plot lines were left unexplored (Cassie's destiny, what mistakes her ancestor(s) might have made with Azazeal, Azazeal's true mission, and more). Retooling of the series followed Cole's decision to leave, with a new main character (Laura Pyper's Ella) that would be used to guide future plot lines.
Fans of the second season are quick to defend the remaining actors and actresses work, and deservedly so, but in my opinion, the retooling suffered from a couple issues. Ella was essentially a very competent witch, who excelled at her mission of demon-slaying: far too derivative of Buffy. Worse yet, this also removed the novelty of the series for me, because truly, the series seemed to be breaking ground with a non-comedic portrayal of a "good witch" at the beginning of her journey. I think the best solution would have been to start an entirely new series. The producers probably were hoping to keep the original Hex audience, but I think that plan backfired.
Regardless, I will look back on the initial episodes of the series with pleasure, and dream of what could have been.