Charmed – S1E8 – The Truth Is Out There…and It Hurts
I have noticed from looking at various reviews and fan comments that this episode seems to be a particular season 1 favorite, and I can understand why. This episode is filled with some great moments and relationship developments. The demon story is also very relevant and allows for the exploration of new supernatural themes the show has not yet explored. Plus, they finally put Phoebe’s character development back on track after brushing it to the side for Aviva last episode. Can you tell I’m still bitter about that?
So, Prue finally gets an answer to the question that has been plaguing her all season. I have to say, I’m a little bit disappointed in Andy. I honestly thought he would be more open to the idea given the fact that he has come to accept the possibility of the supernatural at his crime scenes. You can’t help but feel bad for Prue, who has basically just had her worst fear confirmed. Her witchcraft was, in large part, what kept Prue from fully investing in her and Andy’s relationship to begin with, and now it has proven to be their downfall. I can see this experience impacting any future relationships Prue may have, romantic or otherwise. If she was not already reluctant to fully share this world with the people in her life (besides her sisters of course), she certainly will have reason to be now.
One sister’s love life has taken a turn for the worse, however, another’s seems to be thriving. Piper and Leo share their first kiss. I liked the way that they handled the sibling war going on between Piper and Phoebe over Leo. They address it in a way that allows you to appreciate that it has been continuing off screen between episodes, therefore making it seem like a real continuing thing. However, they don’t drag out the war to the point of its becoming annoying. They cleverly use the truth spell story to end the war early in the game and with a finality that clearly lets the viewer know that Leo is Piper’s love interest, and no one else’s. Speaking of Piper, she finally takes another step in the confidence department by telling off Martin at the end. The truth spell, while offering Prue the answer she needed, also allowed for some of the more comedic moments of the episode. I particularly enjoyed Phoebe using the effects to interrogate Andy about the murder case.
The demon in this episode offered up the idea that time travel is possible within the supernatural world of this show. The story was pretty much equivalent to the Terminator story, which is an interesting choice. Terminator has less to do with magic, and more to do with technological advances, but I think the story actually works well in the context of the Charmed universe. In both cases, it is a battle between good and evil, which is, in many senses, the heart of Charmed.
Overall, I can definitely understand why this episode is a fan favorite. Between the onset of the Piper and Leo relationship, and the fall of Prue and Andy’s, there is so much good story to become invested in as a viewer. The mark of a good drama is knowing how to balance humor and sadness, and that is something that Charmed does really well. As a viewer, you feel for Prue and Andy, but you can still laugh at the humor of the truth spell gone awry, and you can be happy for the start of a new chapter in Piper’s life with Leo. Balance is key. So, next episode anyone?
Best Moment(s):
-Piper and Leo’s first kiss.
-Phoebe interrogating Andy
Best Sibling Moment(s):
-Phoebe offers advice to Prue, and she actually takes it, and then Phoebe comforts Prue after she finds out Andy’s true feelings
-Prue, for once, is the one getting busted for magic use
-The magic 8 ball bit
Best Quote(s):
Phoebe: Prue, what do you think of me?
Prue: While I admire your confidence and your fearlessness, your utter lack if responsibility frustrates me to no end. Oh God, that is so enough.
Piper: Oh my God, this could be very dangerous.
Phoebe: I’m kinda digging it. Piper, what do you really think of your boss?
Piper: I think he’s a self serving jerk who must have a very small penis. Oh my God, I’m gonna be so fired.
Prue: Oh. Look who's talking, Little Miss Spell of the Week.
Phoebe: No, no. I mean I can't believe you actually took my advice. The biggest pooper at the wicca party has finally used her power for personal gain. It's about time.
Phoebe: Whoa, whoa wait a minute.
Piper: A premonition?
Phoebe: No. An epiphany.
Piper (To Prue): Don’t even think of asking me what I think about you right now.
I have noticed from looking at various reviews and fan comments that this episode seems to be a particular season 1 favorite, and I can understand why. This episode is filled with some great moments and relationship developments. The demon story is also very relevant and allows for the exploration of new supernatural themes the show has not yet explored. Plus, they finally put Phoebe’s character development back on track after brushing it to the side for Aviva last episode. Can you tell I’m still bitter about that?
So, Prue finally gets an answer to the question that has been plaguing her all season. I have to say, I’m a little bit disappointed in Andy. I honestly thought he would be more open to the idea given the fact that he has come to accept the possibility of the supernatural at his crime scenes. You can’t help but feel bad for Prue, who has basically just had her worst fear confirmed. Her witchcraft was, in large part, what kept Prue from fully investing in her and Andy’s relationship to begin with, and now it has proven to be their downfall. I can see this experience impacting any future relationships Prue may have, romantic or otherwise. If she was not already reluctant to fully share this world with the people in her life (besides her sisters of course), she certainly will have reason to be now.
One sister’s love life has taken a turn for the worse, however, another’s seems to be thriving. Piper and Leo share their first kiss. I liked the way that they handled the sibling war going on between Piper and Phoebe over Leo. They address it in a way that allows you to appreciate that it has been continuing off screen between episodes, therefore making it seem like a real continuing thing. However, they don’t drag out the war to the point of its becoming annoying. They cleverly use the truth spell story to end the war early in the game and with a finality that clearly lets the viewer know that Leo is Piper’s love interest, and no one else’s. Speaking of Piper, she finally takes another step in the confidence department by telling off Martin at the end. The truth spell, while offering Prue the answer she needed, also allowed for some of the more comedic moments of the episode. I particularly enjoyed Phoebe using the effects to interrogate Andy about the murder case.
The demon in this episode offered up the idea that time travel is possible within the supernatural world of this show. The story was pretty much equivalent to the Terminator story, which is an interesting choice. Terminator has less to do with magic, and more to do with technological advances, but I think the story actually works well in the context of the Charmed universe. In both cases, it is a battle between good and evil, which is, in many senses, the heart of Charmed.
Overall, I can definitely understand why this episode is a fan favorite. Between the onset of the Piper and Leo relationship, and the fall of Prue and Andy’s, there is so much good story to become invested in as a viewer. The mark of a good drama is knowing how to balance humor and sadness, and that is something that Charmed does really well. As a viewer, you feel for Prue and Andy, but you can still laugh at the humor of the truth spell gone awry, and you can be happy for the start of a new chapter in Piper’s life with Leo. Balance is key. So, next episode anyone?
Best Moment(s):
-Piper and Leo’s first kiss.
-Phoebe interrogating Andy
Best Sibling Moment(s):
-Phoebe offers advice to Prue, and she actually takes it, and then Phoebe comforts Prue after she finds out Andy’s true feelings
-Prue, for once, is the one getting busted for magic use
-The magic 8 ball bit
Best Quote(s):
Phoebe: Prue, what do you think of me?
Prue: While I admire your confidence and your fearlessness, your utter lack if responsibility frustrates me to no end. Oh God, that is so enough.
Piper: Oh my God, this could be very dangerous.
Phoebe: I’m kinda digging it. Piper, what do you really think of your boss?
Piper: I think he’s a self serving jerk who must have a very small penis. Oh my God, I’m gonna be so fired.
Prue: Oh. Look who's talking, Little Miss Spell of the Week.
Phoebe: No, no. I mean I can't believe you actually took my advice. The biggest pooper at the wicca party has finally used her power for personal gain. It's about time.
Phoebe: Whoa, whoa wait a minute.
Piper: A premonition?
Phoebe: No. An epiphany.
Piper (To Prue): Don’t even think of asking me what I think about you right now.