There are two kinds of people in this world. There are those who can suspend their disbelief and accept whole heartedly magical supernatural wonders sometimes found on television; and there are those people who roll their eyes when even a stunt looks too difficult and mutter, "yeah, like that would really happen." The folks who fall into the latter category are likely not fans of "Once Upon a Time." This show not only contains magic but has its entire premise built on a spell. It allows viewers who have the inclination to suspend reality and delve into its story the chance to escape into a wonderful world for an hour on Sunday evenings.
Fans of "Once Upon a Time" quite likely also include "Grimm" in their weekly television schedule. Though "Grimm" has more of a who done it/"Law & Order" kind of slant, it too brings to life creatures and characters from another realm. But before this season, before "Once Upon a Time," and "Grimm," other shows set the precedent with television shows that stretched real world boundaries. Here are a few of the most memorable:
Bewitched. Who can forget the lovely housewife Samantha (played by the late Elizabeth Montgomery), known as just Sam to her bumbling advertising executive husband Darren? Samantha was not of this world, but a witch who could conjure up all sorts of unusual happenings with just a twitch of the tip of her nose. Oh the situations that arose when she tried to use her powers for good. Sam was forever, "only trying to help."
Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Based on the Archie comic book series of the same name, this sitcom featured the young Melissa Joan Hart as Sabrina. Sabrina lived with her two aunts, Hilda and Zelda, and dealt with the many stresses facing all teenagers, but as a witch. The show was possibly best remembered for the talking cat, Salem, who lived with Sabrina and her aunts and was always quick to offer advice to Sabrina.
Joan of Arcadia. Though also told from the perspective of a teenage girl, Joan (played by Amber Tamblyn), this show was unique in that rather than dealing with the supernatural, Joan had run-ins with God. God came to Joan in the form of different people each week and gave her a task to complete. They often seemed ordinary, if not somewhat annoying to Joan, but at the end of the hour the significance was always brought to light.
Ghost Whisperer. Jennifer Love Hewitt starred as Melissa Gordon who had the unusual ability to see and communicate with ghosts. Because she was their one link to the living world, troubled ghosts were able to find solace with Melinda's assistance as she explored into their troubled deaths. Melinda helped them communicate with loved ones left behind and eventually cross over into the light. But it was not always happy trails as there were evil forces at work on the Ghost Whisperer, as well.
