REVIEW: Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Part 2 Lacks the Spark of Part 1, But is Still a Fun Ride
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina returns with Part 2 of its first season tomorrow, April 5. Kiernan Shipka, as everyone’s favorite teenage witch Sabrina, is back with a bite! Part 2 picks up after Sabrina’s dark baptism and Sabrina now has a new attitude regarding her witch education and her mortal friends. Instead of returning to Greendale High to be with Harvey, Roz and Susie, Sabrina is enrolled full time at the Academy to continue to enhance her magical education and increase her powers. At first, it seems the dark baptism has truly changed Sabrina, but as the season progresses it becomes clear she’s still the same altruistic, kind Sabrina, she just has begun to lean in to her dark edges.
This season is darker than the first few episodes released last year. CAOS is still an enjoyable show, but the darkness can be a little much at times. It’s understood this iteration of the Sabrina world is supposed to be chilling, yet there are times when the gore is over the top. Love triangles between Harvey (Ross Lynch), Nicholas (Gavin Leatherwood), and Sabrina, as well as Sabrina, Harvey, and Roz (Jaz Sinclair) also focus heavily in Part 2. While the romance is a softer alternative to the intense darkness, the Dark Lord’s obsession with Sabrina is instead relegated to the back. Sabrina learning more about her powers, why she is so important in the magical world, and her growth as a witch are touched on but not enough. Hopefully future episodes will dive deeper into that facet of her life.
There are several shining lights in the new season, notably Chance Perdomo’s Ambrose, Sabrina’s warlock cousin. Pedromo continues to be one of the best parts of the show. Miranda Otto’s Aunt Zelda will grow on viewers, as well. She was one of my least favorite characters last season and now she is one of my favorites. Her arc as a teacher at the Academy is a great addition to the series. Lucy Davis’ Aunt Hilda continues to delight. Some of the best scenes are Sabrina learning from and working with her magical family.
The new season is a good build on to the Sabrina universe, but lacks some of the fun that was in Part 1. The storylines aren’t as captivating nor as rewarding. However, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina remains a great show to binge-watch for the weekend. Fingers crossed future seasons find the right balance between light and dark that Part 2 missed.
Grade: B