Witches! A Primer
Evaluation and Summary
What Went Wrong's 'Witches! A Primer' is a 49-minute survey of witches across folklore, literature, and entertainment, hosted by Chris and Lizzie. The episode traces the evolution of witch depictions from Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' through classic film ('The Wizard of Oz'), contemporary media ('Weapons'), and into modern franchises like 'Practical Magic' and its upcoming sequel. The framing suggests a chronological or thematic journey examining how witches have been portrayed and reimagined across different eras and mediums. The show notes promise both historical context (folklore and literature) and entertainment analysis, positioning this as an accessible primer rather than deep scholarship. The episode appears designed to capitalize on 'spooky season' timing while exploring how witch archetypes have shifted from supernatural threats in classical drama to more complex or sympathetic characters in contemporary storytelling. The mention of 'Practical Magic' and its sequel suggests the hosts engage with recent franchise developments, potentially offering some forward-looking analysis about where witch narratives are headed. However, the show notes provide minimal detail about specific arguments, guest expertise, or particular insights the hosts develop—it reads more as a content outline than a substantive preview.
Verdict: A competent pop-culture survey that delivers on its primer promise but lacks evidence of critical depth, insider knowledge, or distinctive insight to elevate it beyond pleasant background listening.
TV & Film rubric
-
Critical insight 2/5 25%
Show notes suggest topic coverage but no evidence of analytical depth, sharp criticism, or interpretive arguments beyond listing examples.
-
Behind-the-scenes knowledge n/a
No information about guests, interviews, or insider access; cannot assess whether hosts bring craft or industry knowledge.
-
Entertainment 3/5 19%
Spooky-season framing and pop-culture focus ('Wizard of Oz' to 'Practical Magic') suggest accessible, engaging content, but no evidence of humor or distinctive personality in notes.
-
Substance 2/5 19%
Appears to be a broad survey touching multiple works without indication of depth; 'primer' positioning suggests introductory rather than information-dense treatment.
-
Delivers on its title 4/5 19%
Title promises a witch primer and the notes confirm coverage of folklore, literature, and entertainment across multiple eras, though 'What Went Wrong' framing is unexplained.
-
Value for time 3/5 19%
49 minutes for a broad survey is reasonable length, but without detail on pacing or structure, cannot confirm whether it's tight or padded.
Worth it if you want a casual, accessible overview of witch tropes in entertainment timed for Halloween season, but not if you're seeking rigorous analysis or surprising cultural criticism.
Based on the episode description. AI-generated; it can be wrong.
Show notes
More from WHAT WENT WRONG
This is a rebroadcast episode of 'What Went Wrong' featuring James McAvoy discussing his directorial debut, 'California Schemin'.' The film tells the true story of two young Scottish rappers who reinvent themselves as Americans to escape ridicule and find success in the music industry. McAvoy joins hosts Chris and…
Worth it if you're interested in James McAvoy's directorial approach, the film 'California Schemin',' or want insider perspective on first-time directing from an established actor.
In this episode of 'What Went Wrong,' hosts Chris and Lizzie examine James Wan and Leigh Whannell's 2004 horror breakthrough 'Saw,' exploring how a low-budget indie project became an unexpected franchise juggernaut. The episode frames the film's creation as a case study in creative compromise and unintended success.…
Worth it if you're interested in how creative constraints and commercial success intersect, enjoy casual film discussion, or want to understand the origins of the 'Saw' franchise beyond the films themselves.
This episode of 'What Went Wrong' examines the life and death of Hollywood actress Lana Turner, focusing on her relationship with mobster Johnny Stompanato and the homicide that resulted from it. Host Lizzie is joined by guests Desi and Rachel from the podcast 'Hollywood Crime Scene' to explore Turner's rise from…
Worth it if you're interested in Old Hollywood scandals, true crime stories, or the darker side of celebrity culture in the mid-20th century.
In this episode of 'What Went Wrong,' hosts Chris and Lizzie examine Brian De Palma's 1976 adaptation of Stephen King's 'Carrie,' marking the film's 50th anniversary. The episode explores the production history and challenges behind bringing King's debut novel to the screen. Key topics include why the novel initially…
Worth it if you're interested in classic horror filmmaking, Stephen King adaptations, or Brian De Palma's directorial approach rather than thematic film analysis.
In this episode of "What Went Wrong," hosts Chris and Lizzie examine Paul W.S. Anderson's 2002 Resident Evil film, exploring how a movie widely regarded as flawed became a commercial success that revitalized Anderson's career, strengthened his relationship with Milla Jovovich (whom he later married), and boosted…
Worth it if you're interested in film adaptation failures, video game movies, or the personal drama behind Hollywood productions.
What Went Wrong examines the 1998 film 'Practical Magic,' which arrived with an impressive cast (Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman) but flopped at the box office and with critics—a particularly painful outcome for director Griffin Dunne, who invested personal demons into the project. Hosts Chris and Lizzie investigate the…
Worth it if you're a 'Practical Magic' fan, interested in how films find second lives, or enjoy detailed production stories and Hollywood anecdotes.