The Magicians - 2016

I have recently discovered a new fantasy series entitled “The Magicians”... Oh lord I’m already addicted to it!  I enjoyed watching it since I can see in The Magicians a form of evolution of the Harry Potter universe. I was frightened by the “He-who-must-not-be-named”, today I'm fixed by a new evil that has no name. Here there is the plot :

This new series invites us to follow the path of Quentin Coldwater, who’s enrolled at the Brakebills College for Magical Pedagogy, a New York University specialised in magic, to be trained as a magician. He discovers that the magical world of his favorite childhood books is real and is also a danger to humanity. Meanwhile, Julia, his childhood friend, didn’t pass the entry test to be able to study in this magical university. Therefore, she will find another way to learn magic...

Let’s talk about the first episode of The Magicians, entitled "Unauthorized Magic". Throughout this episode, the parallel between Quentin and Julia occurs. While the first discovered a framed academic environment, Julia discovered the use of magic by other means which seems more dangerous.

Spoiler:

Roll on the second episode entitled "The source of Magic !

I'll try it.

So I tried the first episode last night. I can see why you like it but I think it's aimed at a young adult audience which the group fit into nicely but, although young in mind, I just miss. It was also typically American - which can be good but the English stereotype at the beginning grated on me. I think the good v bad thing could work well though. It's sort of X-Men meets Harry Potter.

I'll probably try out another recommendation and follow this through your commentary.

Like the first episode, I was seduced by the writing, picture quality and acting in this episode. It might be because I enjoy fantasy series and I’m a young adult that I like the story  .  At the beginning of this second episode, we can discover Quentin sat down, totally shocked, while magical investigators are there to understand what happened. By a set of flashback, we understand how we got there!

Spoiler:

The whole plot will allow us to find out how the monster came in the classroom. Quentin appears like the most plausible culprit.

The rest of the episode focuses therefore on the investigation, but also on the rivalry between Penny and Quentin.

Spoiler:

I like to see that this series offers us a hero far from the stereotypes of the ideal kind. Moreover, we also see in "The Source of Magic" that the Quentin’s book might not be so unreal as it seems.

Spoiler:

The episode does not forget Julia whose plot is perhaps more interesting.
The young witch continues his quest in the underground magic and Pete will make her live a particularly thrilling test by enclosing her in a cold room where she must leave before dying of cold.

Spoiler:

Can’t wait to watch the next episode !

If you watched it, let me know what you thought about it !

What a coincidence, I have just discovered this series and to look at the first episode !!!

I was happy to see a series in the universe of the magic existed !! But, after to see the first episde my opinion was mitigated. I found the beginning a pale copy of the " World of Narnia " not you?

About Quentin, I find the actor too much old physically for be a student of 17 years old. But I grew attached to him.
I found the 1st very rich episode, I did not have time to be bored !
However I am afraid that goes too fast and not to have time to savor the universe.
As you say, I also liked the black side of the series, I was afraid by what you told!!

Spoiler:

I heard this series is inspired by a trilogy of the same name " The Magacians " by Lev Grossman.
I think read them when I would have time!

Great Yva ! Haha, personnaly I don't think the beginning is a copy of the "World of Narnia", well... Quentin went to the magic school by walking through a forest but the story is different.
You're right when you say Quentin looks older than 17 (Jason Ralph, the actor, is 30   ), however, to my mind, his has nice acting abilities.
Oh yes, I should read those books ! It could be good !
Tell me if you watched the 2nd episode !

I see all the episode in the first season thanks Maxime to open this topic !!

I think the same as you yva when you say it's like "the world of narnia". It's exactly the same transition between this 2 world. And if you remember well, in the first episode, i think at the begin, we can see a girl cross a clock (like in Narnia).

I agree too with the comparison between X-Men and Harry Potter but without magic wand. Maybe the author wanted to mix Narnia, X-men and Harry Potter?

I hope you will like other episodes like i did

The 4th episode is just incredible ! (I've only wacth until the 5th for now)