Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Plot: “Mel turns to Harry for guidance after learning information that leaves her questioning everything she knows; Macy is determined to not let fate get in the way of her potential relationship with Galvin.”

The plot was very interesting and well-paced. Significant but not overabundant time was given to each character and story arc. The Sisters got the most screen time and focus, as should be. Each of the supporting characters got enough screentime to serve the purpose and tell their storyline this episode but not enough to steal focus.

Positives: The episode was obviously the midseason finale. I normally hate those episodes because they are, generally, poorly written and cause a disjoint in the season. However, this one was very well written. It concluded a bit of the story arc questions that have been quite up in the air. Exanples Include: 1) When will Maggie discover the truth about Parker? 2) How is Galvin’s protection rune going to be circumvented? 3) What are our villians main motivations? 4) When push comes to shove, who will Parker side with? 5) How could the source come into play? On the Other side it propsed a lot of new questions going forward. For Example: 1) What are the main goals of The Sarcana and how does recruiting Mel play into that? 2) Are the Elders really as pure intended as they like to protray themselves? 3) Is Jada really into Mel or is she just seducing Mel to her side? 4) Is Maggie going to forgive Parker and does he really deserve forgiveness? 5) Even if Maggie does forgive Parker, could their relationship actually survive? 6) Is Galvin now going to be in on the sisters’ secret Life as witches? 6) How is Harry going to be rescued from Tartarus and exactly how will this experience affect him?

Negatives: Harry being dragged into Tartarus makes a lot less sense when you consider that Harry could have orbed to safety at any point. I guess we’ll have to pass that off on Harry being intoxicated and not thinking clearly. Otherwise it turns the cliffhanger into a massive plot hole. Now that Galvin’s protection rune is null and void, it seems as though Macy/Galvin may officially become an item. Not looking forward to seeing that. Dr. Wagner was proven to be untrustworthy and working with/related to the villians. This is unfortunate because I was hoping she’d become the Elise of this reboot.

References to the original (This section contains spoilers for the original series.): Parker seems to be a counterpart yet also an antithesis for Cole. While both Parker and Cole are half-demons who manipulate the youngest sister and that manipulation becomes something else, their motivations are quite different. Cole started out as a totally evil demon with little humanity intent on killing the sisters before developing an obsession with Phoebe and abusing Phoebe and her family. Parker, on the other hand, is very human and seems to truly love Maggie. While he did do some bad things, he never wanted to and was forced into those actions. His motivations weren’t evil. He was simply seeking to survive but even at that he didn’t want to hurt Maggie or her sisters. We learn some aspects of The Source that differs from the original Charmed. In this one, the source can only be brought out into a demon born from a human. In the original, options were much wider as the source could be any upper-level demon. I like this change as it makes the source more unique and it narrows the chances of us seeing multiple versions of the source like we did in the original. A demon shapeshifted into one of the sisters. We saw a lot of that in the original series. I’d go as far as to say too much. Mel and Maggie talking about Maggie’s deadbeat father reminds me a lot of how Prue would talk to Piper and Phoebe about their own deadbeat father, Victor.

Theories/What I’d Like To See: I think we will have to wait at least an episode or two before Harry is rescued. I hope this isn’t just skated over and Harry is actually impacted by it. He could potentially develop PTSD and this could lead to showing a positive representation of trauma recovery. I think we will also learn more about why The Sarcana need Mel so badly. I’d like to see other whitelighters and see how they compare and contrast to Harry.

Favorite Character This Episode: I’d have to say it’s probably a tie between Macy, Parker and Harry. I’ve been loving Macy and Harry for awhile but this is the first time Parker has won me over. I kinda want to adopt him. He may only be 7 or 8 years younger than me but regardless he is my son now. Over the hiatus I will be busy drawing up adoption papers for my new child.

Favorite Quote/Interaction: I loved the bonding between The sisters and Harry this episode. Especially, the Vera’s sharing Marisol’s traditions with Macy and Harry.

Tidbits: I kinda need family history of the sisters. I wonder if we will get to see Tartarus or if it will remain mysterious. Honestly, I’m hoping we don’t get to see it and our only knowledge of it comes second-handed.

Please join me again for next week’s episode. In the meantime, please send me asks and/or messages. I would like to get more involved with the community.
Rating: 4 out of 5

Plot: “Harry informs the sisters that Hilltowne is a portal to hell; Macy is given an exciting opportunity at work which comes with unexpected complications; Maggie has a conflict of conscience over her relationship with Parker.”

The plot flowed well but was at times predictable and repetitive. Some scenes were drawn out too long. The acting has gotten even better. No storyline felt overshadowed.

Positives: Maggie is starting to come into her own and discver what she’s passionate about, which seems to be psychology. The sisters ate finally being honest with each other. The CGI has improved.

Negatives: Some plot points this episode came off quite offensive. First, we have an autoimmune disorder called a weakness and then we have one of our main characters specializing in genetic splicing, a process that is being used by ableist to attempt to eradicate and erase us autistic people. Considering they hired and defended an ableist cast member, Ser'Darius Blain, that is doubely offensive. This is throughly pissing me off. On a less serious note, the way they use music here can be quite distracting. There’s a reason instrumental music is generally used for background music. It’s because people don’t want to hear singers overpowering the scenes and characters we’re supposed to be paying attention to. This is most obvious in the Maggie/Parker scenes. If we’re struggling to understand the characters then it’s an issue.

References to the original (This section contains spoilers for the original series.): The Maggie/Parker relationship is obviously their take on Phoebe/Cole. I hated that pairing in the original series. If they are planning to make Maggie/Parker long term, I hope it written better and less abusive than their original series counter parts.

Theories/What I’d Like To See: I want Darkliighters to be introduced in this series. I thought that was what the electric demon was going to be. Darkliighters were one of my favorite magical beings in the original series so I hope the reboot utilizes them. We’re going to be seeing Charity again next week. While Charity is an interesting character, isn’t there other Elders we could be introduced to. The sisters think they found their Mother’s killer. Something tells me that this might be another red herring since it’s still early in the series.

Favorite Character This Episode: it’s a tie between Mel and Harry. They were the most interesting and enjoyable this episode.

Favorite Quote/Interaction: Maggie to Mel: “Does this make me the smart one?”

Tidbits: Harry seems to show favoritism to Mel. I think because Mel reminds him of his previous charge, Fiona, he sees Mel and he tries to give extra care to Mel so she doesn’t go through the same fate. I’m afraid my Maggie/Lucy ship is never gonna sail. I didn’t have much hope but I can dream.

Please join me again for next week’s episode. In the meantime, please send me asks and/or messages. I would like to get more involved with the community.
Rating: 5 out of 5

Plot: “Maggie tries to make amends with Lucy and realizes that there is a new Kappa member she doesn’t know; concerned about Galvin, Macy invites herself to his birthday party to investigate; Macy receives a cryptic message about her past.”

The plot was strong. There was misdirection but it made sense when rewatching it. There were hints sprinkled throughout foreshadowing what was to come. In my opinion, the episode flowed well and was the best so far. It was a very driven episode. Every scene had a purpose and nothing felt like filler but it also didn’t feel crammed in either.

Positives: All the main characters underwent character growth this episode. Macy learned how to open up about her emotions as well as learning to trust her instincts. Mel learned to understand that Maggie had lost friends and an opportunity to be a part of a group that meant a lot to her and that was devastating for Maggie. Maggie learned to see situations from others points of view, even ones where she is not the one in the right and she learned to apologize to those she wronged, like Lucy. Maggie learned that she needed to give Space for Lucy to recover. Harry learned that it was okay to bond with the sisters. Also, we are getting hints at why Marisol gave up Finally, we have ghosts now!!!!

Negatives: I only have three negatives. The first is that the episode wasn’t two hours long. lol. The second is the time travel sequence was too short. The last is the Macy exclusion. Maggie and Macy were able to time travel and see their mom but Macy wasn’t. Then they didn’t tell Macy about the time travel or the information they learned when they saw her. Maggie should know better. She learned this lessen already that secret keeping is horrible.

References to the original (This section contains spoilers for the original series.): Traveling back in time and seeing their pregnant mother is definitely reminiscent of That 70s Episode.

Theories/What I’d Like To See: we should get to see the sisters beginning to rebuild their new life’s since they’ve all recently undergone major life altering events lately.We’ll probably learn about Macy’s “darkness” soon. People have been hypothesizing that Macy is half-demon. Personally, I feel like they may do another misdirection like they did with Harry. Speaking of Harry, I would love for him to stay with the sisters permeantly.

Favorite Character This Episode: Maggie was my favorite. The amount of positive character growth we saw from her was awesome.

Favorite Quote/Interaction: Macy and Harry talking before going to visit the psychic.

Tidbits: I know people have been shipping Macy/Harry but I didn’t see it until this episode. I hope they don’t go there. I sat through forbidden witch/whitelighter love drama throughout the original series. I don’t want it here. I’m kinda shipping Maggie/Lucy. Am I the only one?

Please join me again for next week’s episode. In the meantime, please send me asks and/or messages. I would like to get more involved with the community.
Rating: 4 out of 5

Plot: “Mel is worried about Niko’s safety, so Mel and Harry come up with a plan to protect her; Maggie notices that Macy is upset about her situation with Galvin, so she offers to help; Maggie’s sorority sister Lucy turns to her for some help.”

The plot was satisfactory. There was mystery, intrigue and drama. All good things, in my opinion. The episode flowed well. The intended themes were more present this episode. They had shortcomings but it wasn’t as overwhelming this episode. However there were some boring parts.

Positives: We get to see quite a bit of mythology building again. We also get more background on Harry. Harry was actually likeable and, dare I say, charming this episode. We continue to see the sisters bond growing stronger. The sisters were actually relying on magic this episode. I’m shocked. We see great character growth from Maggie.

Negatives: Honestly, this episode gave me BtVS vibes but not in a good way. We have a witch using her magic to mess around with her girlfriend’s memory. Good intentions or not, it’s still icky, controlling and manipulative. It’s taking away Nico’s free will. I didn’t like it with Tara and Willow and I don’t like it here. Though to be fair, at least Mel isn’t doing it to force her girlfriend into emotionally and sexually abusive situations like Willow did. It’s more ethically akin to Bangel in I Will Remember You. Mel is doing the wrong thing for the right reason. The road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Mel obviously didn’t learn what Maggie did which is honesty is the best policy, even if the truth hurts. Plus, breaking up your only same sex couple in a series is definitely a problem. Harry has no memory of his mortal life. I truly hate that. Also, the villians were extremely boring this episode. Watching paint dry would be more interesting. Finally, the elders being allowed to take, examine and determine the acceptability of spells is something I don’t like .

References to the original (This section contains spoilers for the original series.): There are definitely comparisons to “She’s a Man, Baby, a Man!” Definitely not the best episode to remind us of considering that the episode unintentionally had some transphobic elements to it.

Theories/What I’d Like To See: We need Harry and Nico to get their memories back. I’ve already mentioned the similarities to BtVS so I hope it takes another BtVS like turn with The Charmed Ones having to “fire” the Elders and/or turn the tables where the elders truly understand their place as being not in control of our heroines.

Favorite Character This Episode: Believe it or not, Harry actually was ny favorite. I hated him before but I loved his adorable, sexy self in this episode. Rupert Evans stole every scene he was in.

Favorite Quote/Interaction: Harry to Mel: “As for your argument, I don’t see how Gangsta Bitch Music version 2 could be considered a radical manifesto.”

Tidbits: I still wish there was an opening credits sequence with a banging song like the original. I obviously wouldn’t want “How Soon Is Now” used again because that would be repetitive but something fresh and interesting. Heck, I hate when shows have no opening credits and only use a title card. Hopefully, they can make an opening sequence for season 2. Pretty please with a cherry in top.

Please join me again for next week’s episode. In the meantime, please send me asks and/or messages. I would like to get more involved with the community.
Rating: 4 out of 5

Plot: “While waiting for The Elders to arrive, the sisters’ patience grows thin as they keep a watchful eye on their new charge; Charity arrives and gives specific instructions on how to handle the situation; Mel does not agree with the solution.”

The plot was fairly solid. It had a good bit of character moments, which I love though I know not everyone does.The scenes flowed well and were well written for the most part. However, some portions feel forced. Nico’s partner being suspicious of the sisters didn’t make any sense. It was clearly forced simply so the writers can get him there to kill him. We get to see quite a bit of mythology building in this episode, which I hoped for.

Positives: We get to see quite a bit of mythology building in this episode, which I hoped for. We also get more hints towards Harry’s past, which seems to involve Charity. That seem to have some history together. Also, a decent amount of magic was used this episode so that was great, even if a huge portion of that was used by Charity instead of The Charmed Ones.

Negatives: Nico’s partner being suspicious of the sisters didn’t make any sense. It was clearly forced simply so the writers can get him there to kill him. This better lead to some majorly interesting storylines because otherwise it was just pointless. We still don’t know why Macy was given up so that needs to be explained posthaste.

References to the original (This section contains spoilers for the original series.): There are the obvious Mel/Nico and Prue/Andy comparisons. Though I hope Nico fairs better than Andy did. I can’t go through that again. What is it with The Charmed Ones and their attraction to law enforcement? Also, The comparations between Macy/Marisol and Paige/Patty.

Theories/What I’d Like To See: We know Charity tried to make the partner’s death look like a suicide but did she truly frame him or was that the work of the elevator demon to cause distrust between The Charmed Ones and The Elders. However, if Charity did do that then we can expect The Elders will be just as horrid as their original series counter points. Since they changed how Elders work in this reboot it also changes whitelighters and how they operate. Witches have control over the dead apparently because how would whitelighters get made otherwise now. Marisol was an Elder. Hopefully that leads to something.

Favorite Character This Episode: Macy is my favorite this episode. The best emotional beats were from her.

Favorite Quote/Interaction: Macy and Charity talking about Marisol.

Tidbits: I would love for Macy to be canonically labeled autistic. Macy has so many autistic traits. Plus it would help make amends for their shitty insistence on keeping that ableist piece of shit Ser'Darius Blain onboard instead of recasting the bastard. Ableism isn’t cute or acceptable. Sincerely, Your Local Pissed Off Autistic

Please join me again for next week’s episode.
Rating: 5 out of 5

Plot: “When Macy learns of a mysterious death in her lab, she informs her sisters, and together they devise a plan to flush out the demon; Maggie volunteers to throw a Halloween party at her house.”

The plot moved relatively smooth. Better than the previous episodes. Though the training sequence at the beginning felt off. The plot points are played really well though at times predictable. It had strong development and didn’t feel as forced as the second episode.

Positives: It seems to be developing it’s mythology well. Mel’s much needed self reflection and character development finally began this episode. We finally don’t have to see that “meninist” freak Cam again because he’s dead at last. Also, we finally get to learn some backstory on Macy, Mel and Harry. I also like how personal gain having negative backlash is set up really early in the series. Well instead of Jane the Virgin we now have Macy the Virgin. Is Macy going to have to go the same stuff Jane has? Harry is actually tolerable this episode. I’m still not a fan but I no longer want to smack my tv screen when he’s on it. So that’s a positive. Right?

Negatives: I’ll start this off with the same complaint I had last week. Not enough magic and too much science. If this were a show based on three sisters who were scientists it wouldn’t be a big deal. However, it’s supposed to be about magic so the science should take a back seat. It’s okay to include scientific solutions every now and then but not all the time. Next the introduction of Parker. Just like Parker from BtVS, he’s set up as a player. Why are characters named Parker always written as sleazy. So far I’ve only seen two exceptions. One is Spiderman and the other is a toddler. This whole impressing the sorrority sisters being Maggie’s only incentive in every episode has gotten real old real fast. Also, how Did Galvin guess who Macy was dressed as? Nothing about her outfit screamed Persephone. It could have easily been Hecate, Hera, Artemis, Demeter, etc. It was fairly generic with nothing identifiable about it. And it’s not like he could guess because he knows Macy so well. That coustume was Maggie’s idea.

References to the original (This section contains spoilers for the original series.): I really like how we have a sister who loves baking in both Piper and Macy. Also like Piper, Maggie is insisting on leading a “normal life.” It got annoying with Piper and is getting that way with Maggie. Hopefully she abandons that after awhile.

Theories/What I’d Like To See: Well, it’s already known we will see at least one Elder next week. It will be interesting to see this show’s interpretation of them. It will be nice to see the sisters in some more situations where knowing right from wrong is a little more grey then strictly black and white. I’d also like to see Mel working. We’ve seen Macy and Maggie at work but not Mel. Passing out cookies doesn’t count.

Favorite Character This Episode: It’s a tie between Macy and Mel. I honestly can’t decide between the two of them. Their scenes together were exceptionally well written.

Favorite Quote/Interaction: Macy and Mel in the kitchen:

Macy: Sugar?

Mel: No. I take it black.

Macy: Sugar!

Mel: Shouting won’t make me want it any more.

Tidbits: This is a new section I’m adding this week. It’s for anything I want to say that doesn’t fit neatly in any of the above sections. While I enjoy the character of Galvin, I absolutely hate the ableist actor who plays him. Hopefully the character will get killed off or recasted for season 2, if we get one. Honestly, I’m not big on fashion but Mel’s suit with the suspenders is an iconic look, which I’m living for.

Please join me again for next week’s episode.

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