Magic School. Introduced during the height of the Harry Potter phenomenon, it served as the new backdrop for the sisters’ magic research and as a safe haven for a very close to popping Piper. There’s a dozen or so of the show’s pre-established magical rules that are being blasted to pieces, and that’s just the idea of this place existing, let alone all the weirdo principles it spouts out over the next two years.
There’s a nice illusion of what Charmed’s magical world is like that forms in a viewer’s mind during season 1. By season 3 that unexplored and scattered world is given new order and meaning. Since this new demonic society matrix came when the show was in its prime, and well capable of solidly explaining such a story device, it’s easily over looked. Magic School comes when the show is at one of its weakest points. And since the writing team had clearly lost the plot at this point, you can guess how messy this introduction was.
This episode isn’t entirely awful. There’re some interesting moments like Phoebe’s strange vision quest. Though it served as yet another reminder for Phoebe to get herself knocked-up, it also finally brought Chris’s true identity to light. Considering how important this development is to the series, it’s a relief that such an obvious revelation arrived in a subtle and great way. No big build up, no big let-down; just a straight-up unmasking.
The Headless Horseman story falls apart almost from the get-go. As an elder, Gideon’s safety should never have been an issue. A knife to the throat would have done nothing to him. We’re subjected to a pretty sub-par conclusion of an out-of-his-depth teen, desperate for attention. Like we didn’t see that coming. Frankly, the whole episode seemed like an excuse to hide Holly’s rapidly inflating belly (no offence, hun), and it was a lame one at that.
Elsewhere, Paige is annoying as ever, between her whining about Richard, and her sad attempts to control a group of magical brats. You’re a Charmed One, Paige. I think you have a leg up; show some initiative, God. Piper is somewhat relatable here. Every mom worries about their children fitting in, and finding where they belong, so it’s nice to see that she not only worries about his safety against demonic attacks, but his social skills too.
There was a decent idea in here somewhere, but the episode falls apart and fails to come together in a cohesive way. It’s a bit of a mess really.
4/10
Good review to a not so good episode.
ReplyDeleteIt always bothered me how specifically in the later seasons the writers would borrow ideas from other stories/mythologies & not change the idea drastically enough to justify bringing in these ideas. Magic school, the magical creatures, the sword & the stone episode are all good examples of this. Worst of all ideas like this were at the forefront while characters they actually came up with like Chris for this season were put on hold & developed poorly.
I'm a little sad your Charmed reviews don't come in twos anymore & don't come as frequent cause I'm excited to see the season 7 & 8 reviews
Thanks for reading =)
ReplyDeleteyeah, time has gotten the better of me, so I've been a bit lax with these reviews. I should have this season done soon, though!
And agreed about them developing more important stories poorly in favor of weaker, once-off ones. They had some decent ideas, but the execution was just so naff.
Agreed with everything you wrote. I also loved how you expressed the differences between introducing new mythological elements in season three or whatever, and introducing them so late in the game here. It just tosses a whole bunch of internal consistency away, particularly because Leo is so fully aware of Magic School in this episode. It's like: "Why weren't you telling me all this last year when I got pregnant, dude?"
ReplyDeleteRidiculously weak.
Also just wanted to add that I feel you with the Ugly Betty dropping (for now, anyway). Sometimes you start writing about a show and then quickly realize what a huge job it is and how other stuff takes total precedence. It's a writer's curse! Heh.
Yeah, actually that's something I never thought of. If Magic School was there, why didn't Piper head there to stay safe last season? Ugh.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for that! I sort of committed to it without realizing the full extent of the work it would require, especially on top of everything else I'm doing. I have it all watched and reviewed, but I always edit and change stuff around before I post, so there's still a huge amount of work it it. Roswell will be joining it soon, but just because I might not have the time to watch it. I've only completed the first season so far.
I'm actually planning on only having one retro-show going at one time this year, just because my postgrad (grad school to you guys) will take so much of my time, and I'd like to give my on-air stuff most attention.