While it finally gives us some long awaited back story on Leo’s life before becoming a white lighter, ‘Saving Private Leo’ is a little bit of a downer in an otherwise brilliant batch of episodes. The overall arc was able to progress remarkably well though.
Synopsis: Ghost of Leo’s ex comrades during WW2 return to seek revenge for him leaving them to die before he became a whitelighter.
There are a number of issues with this episode, but first I think the good parts should be highlighted.
Brian Krause never really gets to show off his talents too much. He’s basically a walking Book of Shadows at this point, only featuring to give us the low-down on each week’s demonic plot. Here he’s finally the attention that he has been missing, and Krause blows it out of the park, acting wise.
The ghost story is still some bit fun, especially with their attempt to kill Piper. It was a nice switch up of the usual demonic fight that featured every week, and a nice call back to Prue’s vanquish back in ‘The Power of Two’.
As cheesy as it was, I really liked the ending. Piper felt like the perfect supportive wife, and made the moment one of my favourite ones of them as a couple. Leo was never made such a huge part of an episode like this since ‘Love Hurts’ so I’m glad he got some attention.
Unfortunately, a lot of the story behind this one is a little off. Firstly, the ghosts’ desire for revenge is a little weak. How any normal human could blame him for their death is beyond me. Their actions are very strange given the lack of evidence to back up their claims of Leo’s mistake. Leo himself should not have broken himself up as much as he did, especially when he should know that anyone who would kill an innocent woman like they did is seriously evil.
Another problem this episode has is its very random placing in the season. Thankfully, it didn’t affect the main ongoing arc that has been going on for the past few episodes. Cole and Phoebe’s story moves on well, with our first sister leaving the manor since Piper’s attempt back in ‘Pre-Witched’, and the introduction of Cole’s very annoying assistant.
One small thing that annoyed me too that I have to point out was all of Leo's memorabilia placed around the manor. Where did it all come from? And if Leo's past was s painful, why would he allow it to be put on full display where he can look at it everyday?
Despite is downfalls the episode holds up well enough and is still quite an entertaining hour of Charmed. If it weren't for the major inconsistencies, and placing it would easily have been a much stronger hour.
7/10
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