September 25, 1998

Sabrina, The Teenage Witch

Marilyn Moss
The Hollywood Reporter

(ABC) 9 tonight

The title of the very clever "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch's" third- season opener is, appropriately, "It's a Mad Mad Season Opener." The story is a little frenzied, but "Sabrina's" spirit still runs in the direction of high entertainment.

Sabrina's quandary in this episode is two-fold: Which boyfriend should she choose, and what will she have to endure during the celebration of her coming-of-age as a full-fledged witch?

Of course, the two sides of Sabrina's chaos meet up with each other and work themselves out. In the interim, director Linda Day takes Holly Hester's manic, teeny bop-driven script and gives it flair and sophistication.

Melissa Joan Hart is ever-charming and can take any corn and make scones of it. Her supporting cast, which includes Caroline Rhea as Hilda, Beth Broderick as Zelda and Martin Mull as Mr. Kraft, gives more than convincing support in this always-zany show.

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