Charmed - Season 1 Episode 1 – Something Wicca This Way Comes
Good: Generally I am not a fan of pilot episodes. In the first episode, shows are often struggling to find their stride. However, Something Wicca This Way Comes is very strong for a pilot episode, and engaged me enough on first watch to continue viewing future episodes. The episode introduces viewers to Prue, Piper and Phoebe Halliwell, three sisters who discover that they are actually a powerful trio of witches known as the Charmed Ones. The episode has a good deal of exhibition both about the sisters themselves as well as the magical foundation that their charmed story will be based in. One thing that makes the exhibition of the magical aspects interesting is the fact that we as viewers are learning it right along with the sisters. It is smartly written and presented in a way that does not talk down to the audience, but allows them to be a part of the discovery process.
As much as the episode focuses on magic, there is an equal, if not greater focus on the dynamic between the three of them as sisters. The roles of the sisters appear to be well cast, and right away there is a real and natural relationship dynamic set up between the three of them. Prue is the take-charge, eldest sibling, and a curator of antique artifacts. Piper is the middle child who struggles to keep the peace between her sisters. She is also a talented chef. Last but not least is Phoebe, the free spirited youngest sibling. She has just returned from New York and is not on the best of terms with eldest sister, Prue. It is clear that there is a backstory to be explored surrounding the girls’ relationship to Roger, who we learn was Prue’s boss and former fiancé. The girls’ roles within the sisterhood also reflect their willingness to accept their new magical calling. Prue is most resistant, while Phoebe, the free spirit, is almost excited by the prospect of becoming witches and what that might entail. Piper, while skeptical, is more accepting of the charmed destiny than Prue.
Aside from the sisters and their discovery of their magical destiny, there are also two other important characters introduced. Inspector Andy Trudeau and his partner Darryl Morris. They are also brought into the magical spectrum through their investigation into the deaths of local women, all of whom are witches. Andy is presented as a past and potentially future love interest for Prue. The chemistry between the two of them is believable, and by the end of the episode you want to see more of their relationship.
Bad: There’s really not anything particularly bad about this episode that I noticed, especially given the fact that it is a pilot. The only complaint I had upon rewatch was the fact that during the scene where Prue and Andy meet at the hospital, Andy never shows any reaction to Prue’s asking for Phoebe Halliwell, despite the fact that he obviously should recognize the name and he is definitely close enough to hear her ask. It isn’t until Prue acknowledges him that he suddenly realizes who is standing next to him, despite the fact that he’s supposedly been keeping tabs on her. Perhaps you could make the argument that he’s trying to play it cool, or wasn’t paying attention, but it’s a bit of a stretch.
Overall, this episode is entertaining, interesting, and a good introduction to the series. Both the magical aspects and the character relationships are well presented and easy to get invested in.
Best Quote: “The girl has no vision, no sense of the future.” – Prue to Piper about Phoebe (purely because of the irony of that statement)
Best Comedic Moment: I have to go with Prue and Phoebe at the pharmacy. Although I did appreciate the humor in the fact that Phoebe had to use a birthday candle when they did the warlock spell due to the fact that there weren’t enough regular candles. It was a well-placed joke that did not take away from the scene.
Classic Sibling Moment: Again, Prue and Phoebe at the pharmacy. Only a sibling can push buttons like that, particularly a younger sibling (this coming from someone who happens to be the oldest child).
Good: Generally I am not a fan of pilot episodes. In the first episode, shows are often struggling to find their stride. However, Something Wicca This Way Comes is very strong for a pilot episode, and engaged me enough on first watch to continue viewing future episodes. The episode introduces viewers to Prue, Piper and Phoebe Halliwell, three sisters who discover that they are actually a powerful trio of witches known as the Charmed Ones. The episode has a good deal of exhibition both about the sisters themselves as well as the magical foundation that their charmed story will be based in. One thing that makes the exhibition of the magical aspects interesting is the fact that we as viewers are learning it right along with the sisters. It is smartly written and presented in a way that does not talk down to the audience, but allows them to be a part of the discovery process.
As much as the episode focuses on magic, there is an equal, if not greater focus on the dynamic between the three of them as sisters. The roles of the sisters appear to be well cast, and right away there is a real and natural relationship dynamic set up between the three of them. Prue is the take-charge, eldest sibling, and a curator of antique artifacts. Piper is the middle child who struggles to keep the peace between her sisters. She is also a talented chef. Last but not least is Phoebe, the free spirited youngest sibling. She has just returned from New York and is not on the best of terms with eldest sister, Prue. It is clear that there is a backstory to be explored surrounding the girls’ relationship to Roger, who we learn was Prue’s boss and former fiancé. The girls’ roles within the sisterhood also reflect their willingness to accept their new magical calling. Prue is most resistant, while Phoebe, the free spirit, is almost excited by the prospect of becoming witches and what that might entail. Piper, while skeptical, is more accepting of the charmed destiny than Prue.
Aside from the sisters and their discovery of their magical destiny, there are also two other important characters introduced. Inspector Andy Trudeau and his partner Darryl Morris. They are also brought into the magical spectrum through their investigation into the deaths of local women, all of whom are witches. Andy is presented as a past and potentially future love interest for Prue. The chemistry between the two of them is believable, and by the end of the episode you want to see more of their relationship.
Bad: There’s really not anything particularly bad about this episode that I noticed, especially given the fact that it is a pilot. The only complaint I had upon rewatch was the fact that during the scene where Prue and Andy meet at the hospital, Andy never shows any reaction to Prue’s asking for Phoebe Halliwell, despite the fact that he obviously should recognize the name and he is definitely close enough to hear her ask. It isn’t until Prue acknowledges him that he suddenly realizes who is standing next to him, despite the fact that he’s supposedly been keeping tabs on her. Perhaps you could make the argument that he’s trying to play it cool, or wasn’t paying attention, but it’s a bit of a stretch.
Overall, this episode is entertaining, interesting, and a good introduction to the series. Both the magical aspects and the character relationships are well presented and easy to get invested in.
Best Quote: “The girl has no vision, no sense of the future.” – Prue to Piper about Phoebe (purely because of the irony of that statement)
Best Comedic Moment: I have to go with Prue and Phoebe at the pharmacy. Although I did appreciate the humor in the fact that Phoebe had to use a birthday candle when they did the warlock spell due to the fact that there weren’t enough regular candles. It was a well-placed joke that did not take away from the scene.
Classic Sibling Moment: Again, Prue and Phoebe at the pharmacy. Only a sibling can push buttons like that, particularly a younger sibling (this coming from someone who happens to be the oldest child).