"The Good Witch" Showing on the Hallmark Channel

For 2 weeks, I have been anticipating the premiere of this very interesting and telling made-for-TV movie. I was very happy to see Catherine Bell, formerly of JAG fame, and Chris Potter, formerly of Wild Card fame, starring in this very interesting movie.

The plot centers around a widower, Chief Jake Russell, and a new arrival in town, Cassandra Nightingale. Also involved in the story are Jake's two children, Laurie and Brandon, the Mayor's wife, Mrs. Tinsdale, and an interesting variety of others.

Much of the story also seems to center around a house called "Gray House", which has a rather legendary pull for the townspeople, as well as tourists. Rumors abound that the house is haunted by the "Gray Lady". Shiver! When the Mayor's wife, Mrs. Tinsdale, demands that Chief Russell investigate claims that someone is lurking in the "Gray House", they find it to be inhabited by none other than Cassandra Nightingale.

Cassandra has a definite air of mystery surrounding her reasons for being in town. However, she has a genuine ability to help people. Unfortunately for her, the manner in which she helps, turns out to be outside of the normally acceptable practices for this small town. You see, Cassie is rumored to be...a WITCH! Oh no! And unfortunately, as many people know, if you are different, you will be ostracized for it.

Simply, Cassie helps several townspeople through her store "Bell, Book & Candle". She starts off by helping Laurie, Jake's daughter, deal with her bad dreams. She gives Laurie a Native American Dream Catcher. Cassie explains that the purpose of the Dream Catcher is to take the bad dreams away. So, she tells her to NOT dream of little fluffy bunnies. Of course, she is using reverse psychology here, but Laurie doesn't know that. And miraculously, Laurie's nightmares are gone. Of course, she did dream of bunnies, but that's alright.

Then of course, there's the aphrodisiac that she provides to one of the Committee Members. Who subsequently can't rave enough about it. It also turns out that, before the end of the movie, said member and her husband are now PREGNANT, after trying for years with no success. Yeah for Cassie!

And let's not forget the Amethyst crystal she provides to Brandon, Jake's son. She provides this to him, after he asks her to help him turn a bully into a frog! And of course, Cassie, being very perceptive, gives him a strong set of instructions in order for her to help him. It turns out that the bully, Kyle, is a victim of abuse himself and was in need of assistance. With her behind the scenes help, and Brandon's intervention thru his father, the boy is removed from the abusive home and sent to live with his Grandmother. Now, I ask you, what's wrong with that? Nothing.

Let's not forget,too, that the movie also brilliantly showcases how prejudice can lead to irrational and stupid behavior. Because of Mrs. Tinsdale's refusal to accept someone for who they are, and not what "religion" they may practice, she leads off a boycott/petition to have Cassie's shop closed down. She has everyone believing that Cassie practices the "Dark Arts" through her store. Before all is said and done, her poor judgment inspires her two sons to deliberately vandalize Cassie's store. At this point, once the boys are caught, though, the Mayor actually steps in and tells her that enough is enough. Well done, I say! The boys are made to clean up the damage they caused and surprisingly, many other people that Cassie helped, also pitch in.

The happy ending happens though, when Cassie agrees to stay and we see the budding romance between her and Jake. The kids adore her, and the town is starting to respect her, despite her being a little different. We also find out that she is the last descendant of the of the "Gray Lady", and therefore, has every right to be there.

Altogether, the movie was well done and nice to watch. It easily showcased how intolerance and ignorance could lead people down the wrong path. But, with the proper inspiration, this can be overcome.

Having been ostracized myself for my religious beliefs, I can understand how Cassie felt. It was heartwarming to see what a little tolerance can do.

Now if the world could develop some tolerance of its' own, we'd all be able to live our lives with love and happiness, not hate.

Just something to think about.