Set during the Salem witch trials of the 17th century, this WGN-aired series serves up a supernatural fantasy built around real-life figures, but it's not to be confused with authentic history. Salem is here re-imagined as a town filled with witches who are beholden to the devil, with notorious minister Cotton Mather (Seth Gabel)—in part responsible for the actual trials and executions—presented as a tormented and compromised hero trying to save the community from their diabolical plans. Janet Montgomery stars as Mary Sibley, taking on the role of coven leader, and Shane West is Capt. John Alden—Mary's former lover—who joins with Mather to fight the influence of black magic. The show does address issues of religious hypocrisy and the powerlessness of women in society (which makes witchcraft an appealing way to redress the imbalance), and Mary is posited as both villain and victim, but mostly Salem opts for devilish conspiracy and dark melodrama in period costumes. Compiling all 20 episodes from the 2014 debut run, this entry from the manufactured-on-demand 20th Century Fox Cinema Archive series is a strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)
Salem: The Complete First Season
Fox, 3 discs, 624 min., not rated, DVD: $29.95 March 9, 2015
Salem: The Complete First Season
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