Overview: Billed as U.K. TV's answer to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Charmed, the supernatural drama Hex plays more like a coming-of-age story dressed in Gothic trappings. Christina Cole stars as Cassie Hughes, a young girl enrolled at Medenham Hall, a private school that once housed a coven of witches. Cassie, who struggles to fit in with her elitist and over-sexed classmates, discovers that she's even less like them than she thought when she develops telekinetic powers.

DVD Verdict: "Hex" revolves around the story of a boarding school misfit named Cassie, played by Christina Cole. With mysterious family ties to the estate, Cassie begins to unearth the truth about who (or what) she is. On accident, she discovers that she has supernatural powers--she is, in fact, a witch. Coming to terms with her ancestry, dealing with present dangers, and trying to cope with her new powers--Cassie tries to balance it all with being a regular student who just wants to be accepted and loved. It doesn't help matters that she is inextricably linked with a fallen angel named Azazeal (who is both a threat and a possible romantic interest) and her best friend is a libidinous lesbian spirit named Thelma. It seems as if Cassie's fate has been preordained by powers outside of her control.

Those expecting a rollicking adventure might be disappointed by the methodical pacing (especially in the beginning). There is a surprising amount of time spent on character development--we stay with Cassie as she slowly starts to understand what is happening. Cole plays the role nicely, her transformation is all the more special because it is understated. Michael Fassbinder brings an ambiguous intensity to the part of Azazeal--it's hard to gage his true intent and that adds appreciated complexity. And Jemima Rooper, as Thelma, is fresh and funny. As the obvious comedic relief, she is refreshingly sardonic and almost predatory in her sexuality. But as nicely as these three embody their roles, there is a large supporting cast at the school that remain rather vaguely defined.

While "Hex" is definitely an enjoyable show, there always seems to be some element that keeps it from attaining greatness. I will say that Cassie's evolution and character growth is exceedingly well done--it's appropriately dark when necessary and has real emotional resonance. The show, however, has a complicated mythology that is never particularly well developed. I wanted to get caught up in this world and yet that happened only sporadically. "Hex" is at its best when dealing with the primary characters--and the three provide some riveting moments. At its worst, it is diverting enough--but school bullies and classroom hijinks don't compare to life and death. Recommended--but enter with an open mind, this is not action oriented like "Buffy." The show moves in that direction, though--but at first, it's about characters. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

The Making-of HEX,/I>
Deleted Scenes