Happy full moon! This month we’re discussing Netflix’s new show, the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. There will be spoilers!
Content warning: brief mentions of Larry Nassar and Brett Kavanaugh, racial slurs, lynching, homophobia, transphobia.
https://witchesinbritches.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/06-episode-six_-chilling-adventures-of-sabrina.m4a
Our theme song is “Moon and Spruce” by Sarah Littledrum.
Here’s a listening guide for the episode. (For a description of our segments, go here.)
Introduction (0:00 – 3:11)
“Treguna, Mekoides, Trecorum, Satis, Dee!” (3:17 – 32:06)
The show’s depiction of witchcraft as an inversion of evangelical ChristianityWiccaAppropriation and misapplication of various religious and pagan symbolsSabrina’s visionsExorcism scene (power drawn from the women in Sabrina’s family tree)The Nutcracker/ “girl goes fantasy world” conversation started on Jeannette Ng’s Twitter
“Bald Heads and Queer Noses” (32:13 – 46:27)
Witch bodies vs. human bodiesWitches’ lack of respect for others’ bodily autonomySabrina’s erasing Harvey’s memories (with a kiss!), cursing Mr. Hawthorne, attempting resurrectionWitches’ treatment of familiarsDemonic possession and a man-eating LilithPortrayal of Sabrina’s body in the comicsShe-Ra is a recent example (on Netflix, too!) of a female character being reclaimed by women: An All-Female Writing Team Gives ‘She-Ra’ a Modern Makeover for a New Netflix Reboot
“Are You a Good Witch or a Bad Witch?” (46:36 – 1:13:15)
Susie = a non-binary character (played by Lachlan Watson, a non-binary actor)!The show’s ambiguous, 60s-esque setting + its flat depiction of high schoolIs Sabrina a good witch or a bad witch?Prudence and the show’s difficulty navigating raceWhite women = complicit in white supremacyCousin Ambrose and Sabrina’s auntsThe Chilling Adventures of Sabrina‘s Non-Binary Character Deserves Better
Star Tati Gabrielle Talks Giving Depth to Prudence
In Defense of Prudence Night
Why Can’t Black Witches Get Some Respect in Popular Culture?
Cousin Ambrose is the Most Compelling Part of Sabrina
Final Spells (1:13:19 – 1:26:25)
The nature of spells (Latin vs. vernacular, words vs. intention)The comics’ influence on popular ideas about witchesJenny’s lunar ritual: Gemini Sage MoonTarot-Inspired Character Palettes