I am a huge fan of this episode. I remember when watching the show for the first time, this was the episode that hooked me. The previous three were good, but they did not make me crave the next episode, so I was watching episodes one at a time. After this episode, however, the binge watching began.
The moral of the episode, birthdays are important. Mark celebrates his last birthday as Piper and Phoebe plan a birthday party for Prue. Probably the most comedic parts of this episode come from the fact that Phoebe decides to get a job so she can buy Prue a real present. Phoebe certainly knows how to work with the skills she has, as she figures out that a local hotel is looking for a psychic. If any of the sisters are going to use their gifts to gain employment, Phoebe’s power of premonition is probably the most practical. Her gift, while obviously considered fake by many, is actually something that would be believable enough to be considered “normal,” if that makes any sense. Basically, I’m saying it is possible to get a job as a psychic in the real world, regardless of whether you can actually see the future or not. Has anyone else noticed that whenever there is an innocent that only requires one sister to save them, Phoebe is the one who does the saving? The bits with her and Mr. Corey, and also the added humor of Mrs. Corey as the weight watchers lady, added some good comedic moments to the episode. Surprisingly, Prue does not object to Phoebe’s new job, despite the fact that it involves use of their powers. I was actually just as surprised as Phoebe that Prue did not give yet another lecture on the dangers of using their powers. This brings up another point, which is the fact that we finally get an episode where Phoebe and Prue are not fighting. Actually, most of the moments between them are quite sweet and sisterly. They are able to guide each other through their respective problems, and actually do some bonding. Peace in the Halliwell household at last?
Piper and Mark were such a sweet couple. It’s too bad that Mark had to die, as I feel like he would have made a great potential love interest for Piper’s character. Granted, if he hadn’t died, then there wouldn’t really be an episode, and the two of them likely would never have met. He’s the best ghost that never got a second episode. Anyway, Mark’s story marks the first time that the sisters end up fighting a completely non-magical bad guy, in Wong, and also their first witness of a human death. Evil does not always come in demonic form.
Speaking of couples, Andy and Prue are kind of annoyingly “hot then cold then hot then cold.” They just need to pick one. Yeah, yeah, there are gray areas in every relationship, but the fact that you never know episode to episode where they stand is frustrating. It does not help when Piper and Phoebe confuse the situation further by trying to make sure that Prue is home for her surprise party. I don’t even know what to say about Andy and Prue anymore. They are all over the place. I think that’s why it was refreshing to have the Piper and Mark story, because, while doomed from the start, their feelings were laid out plain and clear.
Overall, I love this episode. It does not take itself too seriously, it has a sweet story, and it explores the idea that not all bad guys need to possess powers to be evil. I credit this episode with hooking me into the series, and I think it is a well-deserved credit. While definitely more of an episodic story, it was well written, and the story allowed for engagement and an emotional connection. I’m ready for episode 5. Who’s with me?
Best Moment:
-Piper and Mark talk about cooking, and he gives her his family recipes
Best Sibling Moment:
-Phoebe and Prue’s conversation in the kitchen and later in the bedroom
-The sisters comfort Piper at the funeral
Best Quote(s):
Piper: Are you out of your mind, again?
Phoebe: No, I’m the amazing Phoebe.
Phoebe: We’re the Charmed ones, Prue, not the doomed ones.
Andy: I was nowhere near the neighborhood, thought I’d stop by.