Summary
The MagiciansTV show is based on the book series by Lev Grossman, but the series has continuously pushed the boundaries of what the story and characters are capable of. Much of the series follows the exploits and adventures of the core group of characters at Brakebills University, a school for magic.As the seasons progressed,The Magiciansonly grew in audience and critical acclaimas it explored more elements of the series outside the central tenets of the show. Many characters who define the show, like Quentin and Eliot, kept viewers intrigued and entertained until the final season.
Airing from 2015 to 2020 on Syfy,The Magicianswent on for longer than the source material, but this allowed more room for the writers and showrunners to explore the complex character dynamics in the series.The Magiciansis one of thebest live-action dark fantasy TV shows, and because of this,it leans into its world-building and magic systems to anchor the fantastical aspects of the story.Without a strong sense of the rules of the world inThe Magicians, audiences wouldn’t be able to enjoy the character-driven moments of the series.
The Magicians' Highest-Rated Episode Proves The Characters Are The Show’s Biggest Success
The character dynamics are what audiences look forward to.
The Magicians' highest-rated episode is season 3, episode 5, “A Life in the Day,” which is less focused on the season-long arc and elevates its character dynamics over everything else. Throughout season 3, the characters are looking for a set of keys to complete their quest, andthe search for the third key sends Quentin and Eliot to Fillory.Alice, Kady, and Penny all have their own side adventures and changes during the episode, but they pale in comparison to the central plot of Quentin and Eliot’s trip to Fillory. However, it’s a Fillory of the past.
No moment is boring in “A Life in the Day” because seeing Quentin and Eliot develop as characters has always been the most interesting part of the series.
The Fillory that Quentin and Elliot travel back to has magic, but it can’t help them solve the puzzle, meaning they must take the longer and slower path.Decentering the use of magic, action, and excitement might have bogged down a lesser show,but this isn’t the case withThe Magicians. No moment is boring in “A Life in the Day” because seeing Quentin and Eliot develop as characters has always been the most interesting part of the series. It’s because of this episode thatThe Magiciansseason 3 is the bestof the series.
The Magicians TV Show Surpasses The Books When It Comes To 1 Key Character Dynamic
The Magicians TV show made some changes from the books and one particular relationship between two characters was all the better and richer for it.
The Magicians Season 3’s “A Life In The Day” Excels When It Comes To Relationships
It demonstrates a clear understanding of what the show does best and what the audience wants.
“A Life in the Day” is the highest-rated episode ofThe Magiciansfor many reasons. Most notable ishow beautifully the relationship between Eliot and Quentin develops over the episode.In a single episode, the viewer watches the characters who have hinted about their feelings for one another explore their relationship and build a life together. Though Quentin and Eliot are continuously trying to solve the puzzle to get the key, that takes a back seat in the episode’s story to the essential nature of their connection. It’s in a break from the real world that they fully explore themselves.
There are some of thedarkest moments inThe Magiciansin this episode, as Eliot passes away, leaving Quentin alone at the end of their long life. However, all is not lost, as the characters are sent back to their original ages and time. It’s incredible howThe Magiciansis able to communicate a nuanced and fully developed portrait of both characters in an entire lifetime. The episode speaks to the fact that the writers and showrunners are always keeping the character relationships in mindwhen developing the show.
The Magicians
Cast
The Magicians follows a group of young adults who enroll at Brakebills University, a secretive institution devoted to teaching magic. As they engage in an unconventional education in spellcasting, they realize that a childhood fantasy world is indeed real and presents a significant threat to humanity.
