The long-awaited second season of A Discovery of Witches has finally arrived, and it was well worth the wait!
It’s been two years since the season one finale left fantasy romance fans craving more. Thankfully, season two is here, and it delivers exceptional results. With stunning costumes, exquisite set designs, intriguing new characters, and an engaging romance, this costume drama and fantasy romance series is a must-watch. Bad Wolf, the production company, has once again proven their skill in book-to-screen adaptations.
The Story: A Discovery of Witches Season 2
The season picks up right where the first season ended – with Matthew (Matthew Goode) and Diana (Teresa Palmer) time-walking to Elizabethan London. Their adventure focuses on finding the alchemical Book of Life (Ashmole 782) and getting Diana a witch tutor to develop her unique powers.
In 16th century London, Diana discovers more about Matthew’s past, which strengthens their bond. They meet new characters, including Christopher “Kit” Marlowe (played by Victoria’s Tom Hughes), who is in love with Matthew and quickly dislikes Diana, Gallowglass (Steven Cree), Matthew’s vampire nephew and friend, Queen Elizabeth (Barbara Marten), Louisa (Elaine Cassidy), Matthew’s relentless vampire sister, Philippe de Clermont (James Purefoy), Matthew’s father, and Goody Alsop (Sheila Hancock), Diana’s witch mentor. They also “adopt” a young boy named Jack.
Back in the present day, danger looms for Matthew and Diana’s family and friends as the Congregation members issue threats, and a mysterious serial killer with blood rage is on the prowl.
With so much information and many plot twists, it’s advisable to review season one and pay close attention to the new season. The TV show adaptation moves quickly through plot developments and character arcs.
Changes from Book to Screen
Season two adapts the second book in the All Souls Trilogy, Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness, staying true to the source material. Although some characters are downsized or omitted, the most notable change is the additional focus on present-day events, even introducing elements from the third book early on.
This approach keeps the modern characters at the forefront, showing viewers what Matthew and Diana are unaware of. The narrative frequently shifts between past and present to give all major characters screen time.
One new character, Phoebe Taylor, an art historian at Sotheby’s, becomes a love interest for Marcus. Adelle Leonce excels in this role, and the expansion of Marcus and Phoebe’s love story will captivate paranormal romance fans.
Deborah Harkness’s expertise in Elizabethan history lends authenticity to the series, making the historical details significant.
One minor complaint is that some scenes and characters feel underdeveloped. A few extra episodes (increasing from 10 to 13) could have made the season perfect. Still, this is a small issue driven by the desire for more screen time in this enchanting world.
The Romance
The love story between Diana and Matthew continues to evolve, with the chemistry between the actors growing stronger. Matthew Goode delivers a remarkable performance as a Byronic vampire, exuding intensity and animalistic rage.
The mature relationship between Diana and Matthew is a highlight. The love scenes are tasteful and evoke emotion rather than being explicit.
Diana’s growth as a witch and her equality in her relationship with Matthew, even in a different time, adds depth to the story. They balance each other well, investing time and effort into their challenging relationship.
Overall Thoughts
Overall, season two of A Discovery of Witches is captivating, romantic, and addictive, appealing to a broad audience through excellent world-building, a stellar cast, beautiful cinematography, an epic musical score, striking costumes, and well-crafted scripts.
The series showcases a mature and authentic relationship between Matthew and Diana, avoiding overly sweet romantic clichés. Young Jack, played by newcomer Joshua Blue Pickering, is a delightful addition to the cast.
The good news is that season three is already in production, so the wait between seasons will be much shorter this time.
Content Note: The episodes vary between TV-14 and TV-MA ratings, featuring some love scenes, fantasy violence, and occasional strong language.
Where to Watch: Sundance Now, Shudder. New episodes premiere every Saturday.
Are you watching season two of A Discovery of Witches? Have you read the books? Share your thoughts on the new season in the comments.
