Always a Witch Throughout history, witches have captivated the imagination and intrigue of people around the world. With their mystical abilities and connection to the supernatural, these enchantresses have found their place in countless tales, legends, and folklore. From the evil witches of fairy tales to the powerful sorceresses of fantasy novels, the concept of a witch has become deeply ingrained in human culture. The image of a witch has evolved over time, influenced by various factors such as religion, literature, and popular culture. In ancient times, witches were often perceived as individuals with the ability to communicate with the spiritual realm and harness its power for both good and evil intentions. They were thought to possess unique knowledge of herbs, potions, and spells, which could be used to heal or harm others.
The multiple plot points of season two may make it messier than the first season, but it also provides the opportunity for some true highlights — such as when Carmen travels back in time and directs her enslaved friends to San Basilio de Palenque, a real-life Colombian village founded by African runaways who escaped their white captors. It is known as the first “free town” in the Americas.
If that weren t enough, Carmen contends with a curse that inverts her powers and a secretive classmate, Amanda Laura Archbold , who circulates a petition to forbid the practice of magic on campus. As Refinery29 s Ariana Romero explained in a breakdown of the Always a Witch slavery controversy, there were other ways of depicting Carmen and Cristobal s relationship without resorting to these racist tropes.
They were thought to possess unique knowledge of herbs, potions, and spells, which could be used to heal or harm others. As Christianity spread throughout Europe, the perception of witches underwent a significant transformation. In the Middle Ages, the Church began to associate witches exclusively with evil and demonic forces.
‘Always a Witch’ can’t shake the weight of the problematic love story at its core
At first glance, Always a Witch (originally called Siempre Bruja ) looked like a worthy addition to the growing (and more inclusive) canon of fictional witches , one that is still largely white . It’s vibrant, dark without taking on the “gritty” or “realistic” color palette that other genres embody—to the benefit of its gorgeous showcase of Cartagena, Colombia—and it features an eclectic cast of characters, including a powerful Afro-Latinx witch front-and-center. But the central romance at the heart of this largely predictable supernatural teen drama (and all of the baggage it brings with it) casts a dark cloud over the series from the start.
Always a Witch (Siempre Bruja)RELEASE DATE: 2/1/2019
CREATOR: Ana María Parra
STREAMING: Netflix
A 17th-century witch who’s about to be burned at the stake travels to the 21st century, where she discovers that culture shock is the least of her problems.
Set in both 17th-century and present-day Cartagena, Always a Witch quickly introduces us to Carmen Eguiluz, a witch and slave from 1646. Accused of witchcraft in a time when the Inquisition flourished in colonial Colombia, Carmen is set to burn at the stake. Before the Inquisition fully carries out her execution, Carmen travels to 2019 after making a deal with imprisoned wizard Aldemar. She cannot use magic in the future, as it would alert Lucien (a powerful wizard who’s said to turn witches who won’t follow him into ash) of her presence.
But from Always a Witch ’s first episode, its entire premise starts to unravel. (If you want to remain completely unspoiled, turn away now.)
Because, as we quickly learn, the deal that Carmen makes with Aldemar is that if she can free him, he’ll prevent the death of Cristobal, the man she loves. He’s also a member of the family that owns her.
The fact that Cristobal is Carmen’s motivation to travel to the future isn’t a surprise; he’s featured in the trailers. But the trailer—which initially excited viewers by promising a new spin on TV witchcraft—did hide the true nature of the couple’s relationship. When people found out, after Always a Witch debuted on Netflix last week, they were pissed .
Always a Witch never questions the fact that Carmen and Cristobal love each other, but it largely tells us instead of showing us. What we see is a young white man showing a smidgen of kindness to a Black woman who’s up for auction, which somehow builds the foundation of a relationship sold to viewers as a 17th-century approximation of equal footing. A relationship between a master and a slave will always include an unhealthy power dynamic, no matter how much you try to write otherwise. It’s the kind of relationship that media and history have romanticized and fetishized for centuries; according to the AV Club’s Kayla Sutton , many of these botched depictions, written to be aspirational or romantic, come off as completely tone-deaf, often as a result of being written by white Latinx creators.
Over several flashbacks scattered throughout the season, the show attempts to take the “forbidden romance” route via stolen moments and secret meetings in Cristobal’s family’s home and around Cartagena. As she navigates the 21st century, Carmen is motivated to return to her time—and to Cristobal—even though doing so would mean returning to her life as a slave. Although Carmen eventually finds a way to challenge 17th-century Colombia’s patriarchal and racist society, the moment is too little, too late to redeem the racist tropes introduced in the very first episode. Even in the best light, the execution is clunky and cringeworthy.
As Refinery29’s Ariana Romero explained in a breakdown of the Always a Witch slavery controversy, there were other ways of depicting Carmen and Cristobal’s relationship without resorting to these racist tropes. They still would’ve had similar results: They’re discovered and condemned by a racist society because of their interracial relationship; Carmen is accused of witchcraft; Cristobal gets shot trying to defend Carmen; Carmen is convicted and sentenced to burn at the stake.
Once Carmen arrives in 2019, Always a Witch doesn’t fare much better. In a classic fish-out-of-water story, Carmen faces massive culture shock after discovering modern technology like smartphones, fashion, and a society where women are not only allowed to get an education but also attend university. (Not to mention the lack of slavery, which gets covered less than other areas; or the fact that she takes up her old room in her house, which has been turned into a hostel.) When her contact from the future mysteriously disappears, Carmen is on her own.
As Carmen tries to find the woman who will help send her back to her own time, she befriends a group of students who are largely kept in the dark about her origins, as well as the scene-stealing Jhony Ki, the grandson of the woman who owns her former masters’ home. Carmen also becomes closer to a substitute professor named Esteban, which not only sets up a central love triangle but another unhealthy power dynamic that bothers absolutely none of the characters. While some of the show’s brighter moments come from this team working together, its takes on modern issues like revenge porn, catfishing, and online dating feel clumsy and regressive.
Then again, many of the show’s moments fall flat. You can spot one of the season’s biggest twists from a mile away. At times, it’s hard to keep track of which characters can use magic or who’s bewitched. A side plot involving a detective trying to solve Carmen’s sudden appearance and her potential link to a serial killer bookends the season but is barely visited.
Always a Witch has several pieces that could’ve worked with proper execution, and the makings of a story that could’ve hooked viewers. Instead, clunky storytelling and problematic tropes will likely lead viewers to mourn what could have been.
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Share this article *First Published: Feb 7, 2019, 2:35 pm CSTMichelle Jaworski
Follow -->Michelle Jaworski is a staff writer and TV/film critic at the Daily Dot. She covers entertainment, geek culture, and pop culture and has covered everything from the Sundance Film Festival, NYFF, and Tribeca to New York Comic Con and Con of Thrones. She is based in Brooklyn.
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“Siempre Bruja” gives a nod to Paula Eguiluz’s life and to other Africans persecuted during the Cartagena witch trials, but viewers outside Colombia — and especially those in the United States, where events like the Salem witch trials are typically framed as white Puritan phenomena (Tituba’s predicament notwithstanding) — aren’t likely to know about the black victims of the witch trials that took place in the Americas during the same era.
This led to the notorious witch trials and mass executions during the witch-hunting craze that gripped Europe from the 15th to the 18th centuries. Countless innocent men and women were accused of practicing witchcraft and were subjected to horrific tortures and executions. In more recent times, the stereotypical image of a witch has been largely shaped by works of fiction and popular culture. From Shakespeare's iconic character of the three witches in Macbeth to the green-skinned witch in The Wizard of Oz, these portrayals have contributed to the notion of witches as mischievous, wicked, or even comical figures. However, contemporary literature and media have also presented witches in a more positive light, highlighting their courage, wisdom, and fierce independence. Despite the diverse representations and interpretations of witches, one common thread remains: the idea that a witch possesses supernatural powers beyond the understanding of ordinary humans. Whether these powers are used for good or evil, witches command a certain fascination and magnetism that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. In conclusion, the concept of a witch has been a constant presence in human culture throughout history. From ancient times to present-day, witches have held a unique place in our collective imagination. Whether feared, revered, or celebrated, witches continue to ignite our curiosity and inspire stories that explore the boundaries between the natural and the supernatural..
Reviews for "The Moon and Witchcraft: Harnessing Lunar Energy in Spellwork"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Always a Witch". The story lacked depth and the characters felt stereotypical and underdeveloped. It seemed like the author was trying to check off all the boxes for what makes a good witch-themed book, but it fell flat. The plot also felt rushed, with significant events happening without much explanation or build-up. Overall, I didn't feel invested in the story or the characters, and it left me wanting more.
2. Mark - 3/5 - While I didn't hate "Always a Witch", I found it to be just an average read. The concept of a witch attending a regular high school had potential, but the execution was lacking. The writing style was simplistic and the dialogue felt forced at times. Additionally, the romantic subplot felt forced and predictable. I think the book could have benefited from more originality and stronger character development.
3. Emily - 2/5 - "Always a Witch" was a major letdown for me. The protagonist was incredibly unlikable and made irrational decisions throughout the book. The plot felt disjointed and choppy, and I often found myself confused about what was happening. The world-building also lacked depth, leaving me with more questions than answers. Overall, I felt disconnected from the story and could not connect with any of the characters.
4. Michael - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Always a Witch" but unfortunately found it to be a disappointment. The pacing was off, with certain parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked growth. The writing style was also lackluster, with minimal descriptions and dialogue that didn't feel authentic. The book had potential, but it ultimately fell short for me.
5. Jessica - 3/5 - "Always a Witch" was an okay read, but it didn't leave a lasting impression on me. The story had potential, but it lacked originality and felt predictable. The protagonist's journey felt contrived and lacked emotional depth. While there were some interesting moments, the overall execution was lacking, leaving me wanting more from the book. I would recommend it if you're looking for a light, easy read, but don't expect anything groundbreaking.