Featured TV on DVD Review: Sabrina the Teenage Witch: Season Six

March 25, 2010

Sabrina the Teenage Witch: Season Six: Buy from Amazon

Sabrina the Teenage Witch stars Melissa Joan Hart as the titular Sabrina, who is still a witch but no longer a teenager (they were not allowed to change the name of the show, due to the licensing agreement that was signed when they first adapted the comic book). At this point in the show, Sabrina is in her second year of college, she's living on campus, and she's even looking to start her career in journalism. All this while balancing family and her magic.

The show tended to have a lot of changes each season. The transition from season five to season six might be the least disruptive (only the transition from season two to season three is even close). That said, there are plenty of major arcs throughout the season. Early in the season, Josh returns from Prague, but he's offered job there and Sabrina is afraid they will be separated again. Fortunately, he decides to take a local job (and George Wendt becomes his boss). Harvey returns, and he's dating Morgan. There's some question as to his feelings toward Sabrina, and Sabrina's feelings towards him. Hilda gets into a bunch of relationships, one of which leads to the major finale.

Before the end of the season, Sabrina gets the gang stuck in an Other Realm murder mystery train for Halloween. She uses her magic to help Harvey win at hockey, to help Morgan not be so selfish, to dig up dirt on a politician, to travel to the past so mend a broken heart, etc. She gets a job at a newspaper, she becomes addicted to spending time on cloud ten, she gets stuck in an arranged marriage, and she accidentally turns her mom into a ball of wax. Overall, it's a solid season. That's a partial compliment. There are not many episodes that can be seen as classics, but there are none that really miss either. Most of the major changes worked out. Having Harvey back (albeit in a less central role) was good, as his character knew Sabrina was a witch, which added to the story's potential. Also, it was fun to see George Wendt on TV again. Fortunately, the season goes out on a high note, as was the case with most of its seasons. Sabrina has to make a great personal sacrifice to save Hilda, and apparently cutting back on the term, "Woo hoo" isn't enough. (Also, Harvey and Salem teaming up to cheat at poker is a fun B-story.) It ends with a pretty good cliffhanger (although, if I remember the opening of Season Seven, the resolution is not very satisfying).

As is the usual for this show, there's plenty of stunt casting, starting right from the season premiere, which has Sabrina and Miles making a student film about vampires and cheerleaders. When their original leading man doesn't work out, they cast a new man (played by Sisqo) but Sabrina thinks he might be a real vampire. A lot of stunt casting occurs in this season with Adrienne Barbeau, Usher, Andy Roddick, and Chyna stopping by, usually with little effect on the story. On the other hand, Emily Hart returns as Amanda for her yearly guest spot. Sadly, she's mostly B-story. But at least she's part of the story, unlike a lot of the other guest stars. Barbara Eden also has a couple guest shots as the disapproving Aunt Irma. Her episodes are among the best the season has to offer.

Sadly, there are no extras on the three-disc set, nor are there subtitles. There are play-all buttons and proper chapter placements.

The Verdict

By the time Sabrina the Teenage Witch had made it to Season Six, the show had slipped a bit from its peak. I would say seasons two and three were the best, while seasons one and four were also quite strong. That said, this season is no weaker than season five and if you bought that season, there's no reason to not buy this one as well.


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