For over the past twelve years fans of the Italian animated series “Winx Club.” have gone on magical adventure after magical adventure. From seeing Bloom first transform into a fairy and discover the secrets of her past to watching the famed six fairies bring the magic back to Earth and jumping into a world of legends and diving into the Infinite Ocean.
We have seen a lot from the Winx during the course of the current seven seasons and three films. And with a live-action film somewhere in the stages of production, there is more coming our way.
If you recall my article from last month about Rainbow’s newest series. I mentioned that the upcoming “Winx Club” spin-off was coming to Netflix in November.
After much anticipation and even some delays, the newest tale “World of Winx” is now up for streaming.
In the new series, the Winx girls are back in Gardenia. With a mission to protect talented people from the talent thief. To help their efforts they act as talent scouts for the popular reality series ‘WOW’. As they travel the globe looking for undiscovered talent. They must maintain their cover of normal Earth girls. And find out who is responsible for all the kidnappings. Along the way helping others make their dreams become reality.
Like always spoiler warning below for the first half of “World of Winx”. But all of the content for the series up until this point.
Here we go.
Despite only clocking in at thirteen episodes. The new series accomplished a lot and covers a lot of ground.
After spending months trying to locate the talent thief. And trying to locate several missing persons. The Winx continue their efforts- including taking part of a reality show. As the scouts for the popular series, the girls must seek out new talent- as drones follow and capture their every movement.
Because of the cameras, and desire to appear as ordinary girls. They Winx are not allowing themselves to use their powers. Instead relying on technology and physical combat.
During the start of their search for talent for the second season of WOW. The girls come across a singer- Annabelle. All goes well until after her performance. Where she finds herself kidnapped and Winx unable to stop it. As well as grow more determined to stop any future kidnappings.
As the Winx try and locate Annabelle, and continue their quest, they develop a new power. Dreamix- as named by Stella- leads them to the endangered talent. Despite a few close calls the girls are able to prevent another kidnapping in New York City.
But their luck shifts in Paris- though they are able to find two gifted girls, one by the name of Sophie is kidnapped. And to make matters harder, Bloom finds herself fired from the show.
Now with the group divided, the five Winx (Stella, Musa, Tecna, Flora and Aisha) continue to travel the globe. With the addition of Lorelei, Bloom’s replacement and Stella’s double. Trying to find the next possible targets.
Bloom, now no longer part of the talent hunt. Finds herself seeking out clues about Annabelle’s abduction. Leading to her being watched by two officers assigned to the case. Thank to both Roxy, and the mysterious Jim. Bloom is able to find the connection with a mysterious watch and the way to the world of dreams.
There was not that much known about the series before it arrived on Netflix. And after having several delays, things did not seem that optimistic.
Add in the progression of the series as of late, well, honestly not looking forward to this. As a long-time fan that had been part of the fandom for years. Even I must attest that the past three seasons have been shells of their former glory.
Bad writing, too much filler. Overused plot devices that did not for the overall narrative. Melodramatic romance and horrid characterization are only a few reasons for this.
It goes without saying that my expectations walking into this was basically non-existent.
So it was all that much stranger when I realized just how good “World of Winx” actually is.
For a while now I had come to terms with the fact that the series will never be anything like I remember the first four seasons being. Strong story arc, interesting new characters that stand out well and work for the story. And above all else, the Winx being the girls that they each are.
“World of Winx” brings the passion and magic that the first four seasons back to light. Every moment counts, the story is a good one that is tightly woven together. The humour and heart shines. The girls are using their magic wisely and creatively.
But above all the six Winx fairies are back to their old selves. Bloom is capable on her own and was drawing- when was the last time we seen that? Flora was shy. Aisha was kick-butt and to the point.
It was great.
And above all this is really what Winx needed.
Because this is the Winx so many of us know and love. Welcome back, Winx Club.
Join the conversation: What do you think of “World of Winx”?
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