Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Army of witches fight for USA in sometimes violent show.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Motherland: Fort Salem
What's the Story?
MOTHERLAND: FORT SALEM is a supernatural series that features a group of young recruits in an army of witches. Over three hundred years ago, witch Sarah Alder (Lyne Renee) signed the Salem Accord with the leaders of what became the United States government, ending the persecution of witches and allowing them to fight for their country. Now the rebellious Raelle Collar (Taylor Hickson), the enthusiastic Tally Craven (Jessica Sutton), and Abigail Bellweather (Ashley Nicole Williams), who comes from a long line of military witches, have been drafted by the Witch's Army as new recruits, and are training in combat magic under the watchful eye of now-General Alder and Drill Sergeant Anacostia Quartermaine (Demetria McKinney). But the threat posed by "The Spree," an ancient evil force that uses contemporary terrorist tactics, is growing, and the trio may be deployed sooner than they think.
Is It Any Good?
This dark series creates an alternative universe in which a powerful matriarchy is fighting at the front lines to defend the United States. It features lots of predictable drama, ranging from personality clashes to strong sexual tensions between characters. The attempt to rewrite American history from the witch's point of view isn't very nuanced, either. But the lack of a male voice throughout the show is unique, and the mystic training and combat style of the witch military force is what makes it fun. If you like this sort of entertainment, Motherland: Fort Salem is worth tuning into.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about witches. How does Motherland: Fort Salem portray their culture within this alternative universe? What are some of the show's attempts to break common stereotypes about what it means to be a witch? Does it challenge stereotypes about women?
What makes a series feminist? Is it because it has an all-female cast? Because it features strong women? Should this show be classified as a feminist series? Why?
The show deals with suicide. Talk about what to do and who to call if you or someone you know is suicidal.
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 18, 2020
- Cast : Taylor Hickson , Jessica Sutton , Ashley Nicole Williams
- Network : Freeform
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : February 7, 2022
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