Ep 1. A Budding Romance

Cassie Nightingale, the charming and wise enchantress who runs a magical shop in Middleton, returns for season 3 of Good Witch with a fresh new episode titled A Budding Romance. In this episode, Cassie is as perky and quirky as ever, but this time around the focus is on her daughter, Grace.

Grace, who is now in high school, is eager to explore new experiences and take on new challenges. She has her eye on a schoolmate, Sam Radford, and is thrilled to discover that he is a budding photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty in the world around him. Grace is a gifted artist in her own right, and the two teenagers quickly bond over their shared love of art, nature, and adventure.

Meanwhile, Cassie has her hands full with her own romantic interests. Sam's father and Cassie's suave neighbor, Dr. Sam Radford, is still nursing a crush on Cassie, but he's not the only one vying for her attention. Cassie's ex-husband, Jake Russell, has returned to town, and as usual, he's causing a stir. Jake is a charming rogue who can't resist flirting with every woman he meets, and Cassie is no exception. Not one to shy away from a challenge, Cassie finds herself captivated by Jake's charm, but also wary of his intentions.

As Cassie juggles her own romantic entanglements and her daughter's burgeoning romance with Sam, she finds herself facing a new challenge in her job as a town leader. The mayor of Middleton, Tom Tinsdale, is dealing with a crisis of faith in the town's future. He's convinced that the town needs a bold new development plan to attract more visitors, but Cassie has her doubts. She's concerned that Tom's plans might change the town's character and harm its natural beauty. With her keen intuition and wisdom, Cassie sets out to find a way to help Tom see the beauty of Middleton's past and present, and to help him embrace a vision for the future that honors the town's unique charm and character.

A Budding Romance is a charming and delightful episode that showcases the strengths of Good Witch as a show. Its heart is in its characters and its central themes of community, family, and magic. In this episode, we see Cassie and her family at their best, as they navigate the challenges of new love, past relationships, and the future of their beloved town. The writing is smart and humorous, and the acting is top-notch, with Catherine Bell as Cassie and James Denton as Dr. Radford particularly shining. Fans of the show will appreciate the opportunity to spend more time in this magical world, and newcomers will be drawn in by its warm and inviting charm.

Overall, A Budding Romance is a strong start to season 3 of Good Witch. It sets the table for new adventures and new challenges, while also delivering on the show's key strengths. Whether you're a fan of romance, magic, or quirky small towns, this episode has something to offer.