There’s something that has always bothered me about Harry Potter‘s Wizarding world, but the TV show could clear things up by including a story the movies cut. As with any fictional universe, various inconsistencies have been identified within the Harry Potter series over the years. These are generally minor, and pointing them out is typically more about having a fun discussion than dishing out legitimate criticism. I love Harry Potter‘s Wizarding world, problems and all, but since HBO is getting their hands in there, they might as well address some of the magical elephants in the room.
HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter remake will be a TV show, meaning there will be hours upon hours more to the series than Warner Bros’ original movies. This is exciting since it means some of our favorite moments from the books can finally be brought to the screen. The Harry Potter movies did what they could, but the TV show will really be equipped to dive in deeper. While I would prefer the new Harry Potter not make significant changes, some key book scenes could be adjusted to help audiences better understand certain aspects of the Wizarding world. A prime example of this is the books’ St. Mungo’s story.
The Harry Potter Remake Should Include The Movies’ Cut St. Mungo’s Story
This Story Had Value To The World Of Harry Potter
The Harry Potter movies mentioned St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, but the place itself was never featured. This wasn’t the case in the books, where Harry took a trip to St. Mungos in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix after Nagini attacked Arthur Weasley. This entire chapter raised the curtain on an aspect of the Wizarding world we had never seen before. Harry learned that Magical doctors are simply referred to as Healers, and the various wards and floors that Harry noticed revealed different types of Wizarding ailments and how they are approached.
The chapter about St. Mungos in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix came with some character exploration as well. Harry, Ron, and Ginny accidentally ended up in a long-term ward, where they were reunited with none other than Gilderoy Lockhart, who was just as taken with himself as ever (though he hardly knew his own name). We also met Neville Longbottom’s parents, Frank and Alice, who became permanent residents at St. Mungos after being tortured to insanity by Bellatrix Lestrange. HBO’s Harry Potter remake must include all of this, but it can also take the St. Mungo’s story a bit further.
HBO’s TV Show Can Finally Address My Biggest Issue With Wizarding World Medicine
Please Explain Why Wizarding Medicine Is Weirdly Limited
Something that has always stood out to me in Harry Potter is the inconsistency of Wizarding world medicine. In this magical world, typical Muggle injuries and ailments can be handled by simple magic. Cuts, bruises, and broken bones are no big deal. St. Mungos doesn’t have a cancer ward, so even this can be treated easily in the magical world. The biggest problems are curse injuries or accidental spell damage. Harry Potter acknowledges that these will result in a longer or even permanent stay at St. Mungos. But what about vision care, for goodness’ sake?
It would only take a moment for a witch or wizard to explain (perhaps comically) why witches and wizards are stuck with glasses.
Magic can do just about anything, but it seemingly can’t treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Several witches and wizards—Harry included—wear glasses in Harry Potter, and this is quite strange when considering the Wizarding world’s medical system. It’s baffling that vision care is beyond the scope of magical healing. Moreover, where do witches and wizards even go to get their glasses? If HBO’s Harry Potter remake includes the St. Mungo’s story, it could quickly answer these questions. It would only take a moment for a witch or wizard to explain (perhaps comically) why witches and wizards are stuck with glasses.
The Wizarding World’s Medical System Isn’t The Only One That Needs More Depth
Several Subtle Aspects Of The Magical World Could Use More Detail
Really, we all know that Wizarding vision care is a small thing. It doesn’t impact the overall story. However, HBO can achieve something rather special by addressing it in the upcoming TV show. First, the Harry Potter show would acknowledge long-time discussions, criticisms, and inside jokes that exist within the fandom. It would almost be like breaking the fourth wall, all he while adding some moderate support to Harry Potter‘s continuity. There are dozens of other aspects of the Wizarding world that could be similarly addressed. After all, we’ve been picking apart this fictional world for decades.
HBO’s Harry Potter remake is expected to premiere in 2027.
The economic system in Harry Potter is also something that could be brought up and adjusted to make a bit more sense. It’s always been strange that families like the Weasleys are poor, when expenses should be quite low with the existence of magic (Mrs. Weasley can duplicate any food she ever makes). The legal system is another confusing factor, since nearly all criminals end up in Azkaban regardless of the severity of their crimes. With so much extra time in the Harry Potter series, these and more can be addressed. In some cases, it would simply make us laugh. In others, we could finally get some concrete answers.
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
