This is a great episode of Charmed. We get more Halliwell history, an introduction to Grams, and a fun demon story. This is one of my season one favorite episodes, and it definitely lives up to that upon rewatch.
So, we really can’t talk about the demon story without discussing the new history points discussed in this episode. Essentially, Prue’s dinner guest is an architecture professor who provides them with the knowledge that their house lies on a spiritual nexus, thereby making it a battle ground for good and evil. This might help to explain why they encounter so many demons when the rest of the world does not know they exist. Granted, up until a few months ago, the sisters didn’t know they existed either, but still. Also, in terms of the house’s history, Phoebe is the only sister to have been born in the house. This, in effect, makes her more connected to the house, and thus subject to the Woogy’s possession.
The Woogy is pretty much the center of the episode. It also happens to be Phoebe’s childhood monster come to life. This led to some comedic teasing from Prue and Piper which actually gives us some insight into the sisters’ childhood. Phoebe’s possession by the Woogy brings up two interesting concepts, one of which becomes a recurring idea throughout the series’ run. That concept is, is a person inherently good, or inherently evil, and are they easily drawn to one side or another? I personally do not think there really is a right answer to these questions. In regards to this episode in particular, Phoebe is able to overcome evil, suggesting that she is inherently good, though she is not entirely convinced. We will see more of this discussion played out, both with Phoebe and with other characters on the show. The other concept is one which was actually brought up back in the Wendigo. That is the idea that, until someone turned into a demon or monster actually kills someone, they are still savable. Like Piper in the Wendigo, Phoebe still exhibits witch powers while possessed by the Woogy. While I really enjoy the Woogy story, I still believe that it does not make sense that Grams never wrote the vanquishing spell in the Book of Shadows. Yes, it leads to the super sweet sibling moment where they let Phoebe be the first to add a spell, but it is a spell that should have been in there already.
On an almost side note, Prue’s job security is on the line again, as her dinner does not go well. Between the Woogy and the earthquake, Piper cannot seem to cook anything because the kitchen keeps attacking her. While you have to feel a little bit sorry for Piper, these moments provided most of the episodes comedy. It was comedy which was much needed, as the Woogy story got rather dark. It also allowed for the introduction of Josh, Piper’s new love interest.
Overall, there is a lot to like about this episode. The history, the introduction of the idea that people can choose between good and evil, and the way that everything in the episode is so well woven together make it really fun and entertaining to watch.
Best Moment:
Phoebe vanquishes the Woogy. She overcomes evil.
Best Sibling Moment:
Prue and Piper let Phoebe be the first one to add a spell to the Book of Shadows.
Best Quote(s):
Phoebe: Earthquakes give me the jeebies.
Prue: Would that be the Phoebe Jeebies?
Piper: You're the only Halliwell that actually likes earthquakes.
Prue: I don't like them, but I don't go running through the house naked screaming "Run for your life!" either.
Phoebe: Okay. That is such an exaggeration. I was wearing slippers.
Piper: How do we remember the words? I never even believed in the Woogyman.
Prue: No, but Phoebe did. She knows the story by heart.
Piper: Something tells me she's not in the mood to share.