source: The Good Witch's Family

Cassie's long-lost cousin shows up, and it soon becomes apparent that she's a malicious sociopath. But, when Cassie corrects a long-held misconception, Abigail's character does a complete 180 on the spot. I know that Cassie is a very forgiving person, but the rest of her family had no problem welcoming Abigail back, despite everything she'd done? Also, why would Cassie run for more mayor, when she's already got a store and is hoping to have a baby? The fifth movie just reinforces that she's bitten off more than she can chew.

This wasn't the best of the "Good Witch" films. Although a lot of characters went missing, the magic and beauty of Grey House was missing. Where was Isis the cat? Where was grandpa? What happened to the magic shop? The kids have grown but there were tense moments and awkward things that wasn't flowing with the story. The secret cousin appeared on the doorstep, with her chaotic magic and voodoo dolls. She was hellebent on ruining Cassie's life by breaking up relationships. After she left damage, she stole Cassie's wooden box and left. This film was too cold and bitter because it lacked the same ingredients and sweetness of the prior films. It focused too heavily on a political subject, while things got out of hand when Jake is sacked from his job and that was harsh. The final news of Cassie being pregnant only means how much she'll be taking on so much work.

In the fourth instalment of The Good Witch series Cassie's not so nice long-lost cousin comes to visit. Her character adds some new spark to a cast that seems to currently be going through an awkward phase. Their character development in this movie just wasn't working for me unfortunately. And even the storyline was a bit non-existent. This movie doesn't feel as charming as the others and is somewhat transitional in the storyline. It's just nowhere near as exciting. Although it wasn't the greatest, I am still looking forward to watching the rest of the series. Hopefully they can recreate the charm of the original movies because it really is a lovely movie series.

Change is in the air in Middleton. Cassie's running for mayor as her long-lost cousin Abigail shows up. Abigail is very similar to Cassie, at least in terms of her manner and mysteriousness. The scenes of the two of them subtly sparring are very well done. While Cassie's preoccupied with her campaign, Abigail creates problems among Cassie's family and friends. Meanwhile a proposed annexation of the town has Cassie and Jake on opposite sides, at least until Jake looks into the matter further. This is the first movie in the series where Catherine Bell's attempts at improving perfection result in noticeable differences to her appearance. Cheek injections and an upper lip that barely moves are the two most distracting changes. Performance-wise, she's fine in this although the supporting cast and the guest-star steal her spotlight most of the time. Grandpa George is curiously missing from this one. It's a really good entry in the series, possibly the best of all the sequels.

I've seen every single Good Witch movie and they make the plot lines make since,because they all pick up from each other.If that person would have seen them from the beginning like I have maybe she would have a different opinion. As far as what that person had to say about the incense part, I think that's bull!!!!! I loved every one of the movies and I can't wait for another one to come out,and with the same people.I couldn't see anybody else playing their parts.I have seen all of them at least 4x's and the last one 2x's.I just think this person has bad taste in movies. I don't watch to many dramas, i usually watch horror,action and adventure.These movies however and the Love Come Softly series I watch over and over and those are about all,and that saying a lot. Carolyn

I have thoroughly enjoyed the first three GW movies --- cast great, stories fun, atmosphere appropriately spooky, plenty of little twists and turns. I was so looking forward to this one .... unfortunately, I was disappointed after the long wait. Always ready to see the first three again, I will find something else to do if this one comes back on the TV. The plot worked well: a long-lost cousin makes her appearance and things get, well, quirky and unpredictable. In spite of all this, Cassandra remains calm and "in the know," for the most part. There were several things that annoyed us as the story went on: -REALLY disappointed to find out that the wonderful flirting and attraction between Betty and Derek was tossed off: "My ex-girlfriend used to own a bakery but she moved away." THAT's IT??? What? Wonderful Grandpa who was so close to his kids is gone. And the sweet romance between George and Gwen evaporated into thin air. Another what? Hey, we need good senior-type characters getting a new life... We loved Grey House and all the delicious gardens in the first three movies. THe way the garden images were intertwined with the plot lines was a terrific metaphor. The only mention of Grey House in this new movie is the portrait on the wall of the new house..... did Cassie dump her heritage? The new house is too too pristine and clean. Where are the cobwebs, huh? We have questions: Did Brandon finish his song for college? How will Cassie deal with her pregnancy as new mayor? How will the marriage work with Jake as Chief reporting to his WIFE? What happens to Tom and wife? Surprised that your magical formula didn't work this time. Catherine Bell is quite talented. I'd be willing to see the fifth installment but was it really "three time's the charm"? Hope not.

While I loved the previous 3 installments of this series, I must say, I was bored with The Good Witch's Family. It seems as though the production team chose to cut corners....where were the scenes from The Gray Lady's house (the one that George was taking over)...he wasn't even in this movie or his new girlfriend, how disappointing. The Bell, Book and Candle shop to me...seemed to lose it's charm (too much clutter in the shop)...the movie overall...lost it's charm and warm cozy feeling....in my opinion. I do agree with the first reviewer, some of the cast has definitely gained weight....such is life. Hopefully, if there's a fifth installment, they will recapture the spark that drew me to begin watching! Even though I wasn't thrilled with The Good Witch's Family, I will continue to watch the new movies as they come out.

Every Good Witch movie introduces a new stranger in town to stir things up. In this case, it's Cassie's heretofore unknown cousin, Abigail. Cassie and Jake are now married, and Cassie is stepmother to Jake's two teenagers. The town is divided over a proposed bridge, which the men (particularly Mayor Tinsdale) favor, expecting it to bring prosperity, and the women (led by Martha Tinsdale) oppose, fearing it will bring destruction (of the town's old-style charm). As the mayor's term in office is expiring, the women prevail upon Cassie to run for mayor, and with Martha's support, to lead the opposition to the bridge. Cousin Abigail's particular witchy talent is in the casting of spells. Deserted by her father when she was just 13, she seems determined to hex the Russell household by whatever means possible, for reasons known but to her, including charming Deputy Derek Sanders to run for mayor against Cassie. (Derek's baker girlfriend from the previous movie has mysteriously moved out of town, leaving him susceptible to Abigail's bewitching influence.) Of the four movies in the series to date, this is the edgiest and most threatening in terms of conflict, and viewers' displeasure is reflected (as of this writing) in a marginally lower average rating than all previous installments. So, who will win the mayoral race? And will the bridge be built, or not? What is Abigail's motive? And after all this turmoil, will Middleton ever be peaceful again? But more importantly, will there be another Good Witch movie? If so, what will be in store for "The Good Witch's Family"? Have we seen the last of the Tinsdales? And what new stranger will bring trouble to the town?

"The Good Witch's Family" is the best one since the original. It was good to see Cassie actually fail at a few things, thanks to her nemesis cousin Abigail. Everything works out in the end, of course, but not until even Cassie has an awakening that she's neglecting her family. And it was also good to see Officer Derek given an expanded presence -- I always felt he added a lot. Jake's "goodbye" to Derek was especially touching (I won't spoil what that's about.) A lot of subplots, as usual, and they all amazingly tie together. Even Martha has turned into a bit of a sweetheart. I don't know why they didn't say where Grandpa was, but maybe he'll be back. All and all, a very fun movie for the whole family. Keep them coming!