Charmed – S1E9 – The Witch Is Back
This is another episode that was better on rewatch than I thought it was going to be. I really enjoyed it. It is a fairly stand alone episode, mostly providing historical background and telling us more about Melinda Warren, who was the start of the Halliwell magic line. There wasn’t any particular part of the episode that stood out, as it really was just good throughout.
I found the story with her and Matthew to be quite interesting. Again with this story I’m noticing the strong feminist tones that have been present in several of the preceding episodes. Melinda makes a point to list various Halliwell traits, all of which are those of strong females. They are also easily able to outsmart the man with the “one track mind,” and in Melinda’s case, it is for the second time. Their strength is not simply a physical manifestation coming from their powers. They also are strong in will and personality, and they have the intelligence to back it up. It was really fascinating to be able to learn more about the sisters’ magical heritage, as all we have really heard is what they learned from reading the book of shadows.
However, Melinda’s return and subsequent explanation of why she chose not to use her powers to escape being burned to death brings up mother issues for Phoebe. She inquires as to why Warren witches lose their mothers so early in life. Phoebe has little to no recollection of her mother, unlike her sisters who were old enough at the time of her death to have collected some memories of her. You can’t help but feel for Phoebe, and it’s pretty clear upon her statement to Melinda that the issue is a wound that will never quite heal.
On to a happier note though, let’s discuss Piper and Leo. Now that Phoebe’s true intentions have come out, she is putting all of her energy into helping Piper get Leo. Phoebe and Piper are complete opposites when it comes to pursuing men. What is weird is that Piper already knows Leo is interested based on what she learned from the truth spell, so why is she so terrified of asking him out? Is she really expecting a different reaction? The sisterly antagonizing between Piper and Phoebe provided some rather comedic moments, but also led to Piper finally asking Leo out on a real date.
In other news, Andy was annoying in this episode. Is he really so immature that he is going to use his authority as a cop to get back at Prue because he is mad at her for not sharing her personal issues with him? He essentially spends the entire episode stalking her. Fortunately, Phoebe and Morris don’t have a problem putting him in his place. Morris also proves why I actually really love his character, despite his small role. Whereas Andy seems to work off of emotions, Morris tends to be a tad more level headed, looking for logic and reason. Good guy Morris.
Rex and Hannah are becoming more of a threat to the sisters. They are now fairly explicit about their true intentions, which basically involve getting the sisters’ powers. We don’t yet know what for, but we can assume nothing good will come of it. I did find Hannah’s little crush on Matthew to be amusing, especially when she is helping him get dressed. This, again, provided some comedy without taking away from the dramatic nature of their evil doings.
Overall, I actually really enjoyed this episode. It was better than I remember it being, so that was a plus. Melinda and Matthew’s story was engaging, and we are learning more and more about the sisters and how they came to be the Charmed Ones, which is great. This show does well with shaping its characters and the world they live in, and this is a fine example of that. Plus, it looks like Piper and Leo are finally off to an official start as a couple, which will be fun to watch. Alright. Next episode!
Best Sibling Moment:
-Phoebe giving Piper a hard time when she is helping Leo in the kitchen
-The sisters talking about the blood oath they made during a summer at the lake. Poor Piper.
Best Moment:
-All of the bits with the sisters and Melinda
-Hannah and Matthew trying on clothes
Best Quote(s):
Phoebe (to Piper about Leo): Stop hinting around and ask him out already. Give him some of your crab.
Phoebe: It shouldn’t hurt. Much. (Cuts her finger) I lied! I lied!
Melinda: What sheep has wool so soft?
Phoebe: A synthetic one.
Prue: We always knew our powers would grow.
Phoebe: Yes, but somehow I thought I was gonna get to fly.
This is another episode that was better on rewatch than I thought it was going to be. I really enjoyed it. It is a fairly stand alone episode, mostly providing historical background and telling us more about Melinda Warren, who was the start of the Halliwell magic line. There wasn’t any particular part of the episode that stood out, as it really was just good throughout.
I found the story with her and Matthew to be quite interesting. Again with this story I’m noticing the strong feminist tones that have been present in several of the preceding episodes. Melinda makes a point to list various Halliwell traits, all of which are those of strong females. They are also easily able to outsmart the man with the “one track mind,” and in Melinda’s case, it is for the second time. Their strength is not simply a physical manifestation coming from their powers. They also are strong in will and personality, and they have the intelligence to back it up. It was really fascinating to be able to learn more about the sisters’ magical heritage, as all we have really heard is what they learned from reading the book of shadows.
However, Melinda’s return and subsequent explanation of why she chose not to use her powers to escape being burned to death brings up mother issues for Phoebe. She inquires as to why Warren witches lose their mothers so early in life. Phoebe has little to no recollection of her mother, unlike her sisters who were old enough at the time of her death to have collected some memories of her. You can’t help but feel for Phoebe, and it’s pretty clear upon her statement to Melinda that the issue is a wound that will never quite heal.
On to a happier note though, let’s discuss Piper and Leo. Now that Phoebe’s true intentions have come out, she is putting all of her energy into helping Piper get Leo. Phoebe and Piper are complete opposites when it comes to pursuing men. What is weird is that Piper already knows Leo is interested based on what she learned from the truth spell, so why is she so terrified of asking him out? Is she really expecting a different reaction? The sisterly antagonizing between Piper and Phoebe provided some rather comedic moments, but also led to Piper finally asking Leo out on a real date.
In other news, Andy was annoying in this episode. Is he really so immature that he is going to use his authority as a cop to get back at Prue because he is mad at her for not sharing her personal issues with him? He essentially spends the entire episode stalking her. Fortunately, Phoebe and Morris don’t have a problem putting him in his place. Morris also proves why I actually really love his character, despite his small role. Whereas Andy seems to work off of emotions, Morris tends to be a tad more level headed, looking for logic and reason. Good guy Morris.
Rex and Hannah are becoming more of a threat to the sisters. They are now fairly explicit about their true intentions, which basically involve getting the sisters’ powers. We don’t yet know what for, but we can assume nothing good will come of it. I did find Hannah’s little crush on Matthew to be amusing, especially when she is helping him get dressed. This, again, provided some comedy without taking away from the dramatic nature of their evil doings.
Overall, I actually really enjoyed this episode. It was better than I remember it being, so that was a plus. Melinda and Matthew’s story was engaging, and we are learning more and more about the sisters and how they came to be the Charmed Ones, which is great. This show does well with shaping its characters and the world they live in, and this is a fine example of that. Plus, it looks like Piper and Leo are finally off to an official start as a couple, which will be fun to watch. Alright. Next episode!
Best Sibling Moment:
-Phoebe giving Piper a hard time when she is helping Leo in the kitchen
-The sisters talking about the blood oath they made during a summer at the lake. Poor Piper.
Best Moment:
-All of the bits with the sisters and Melinda
-Hannah and Matthew trying on clothes
Best Quote(s):
Phoebe (to Piper about Leo): Stop hinting around and ask him out already. Give him some of your crab.
Phoebe: It shouldn’t hurt. Much. (Cuts her finger) I lied! I lied!
Melinda: What sheep has wool so soft?
Phoebe: A synthetic one.
Prue: We always knew our powers would grow.
Phoebe: Yes, but somehow I thought I was gonna get to fly.