On May 21, 2006, Charmed ended its spectacular eight-year run on The WB, and for fans of the show, it's been an agonising ten years since this magical show died. Relive all eight seasons every Saturday on SpoilerTV in the run-up to the 10-year anniversary of the series finale.
Year two witches! Season one of the show was awesome, and it had many ups and downs, but season two took things a little further. I feel like there was a much lighter tone this season as the girls were getting more used to their powers and the supernatural world they now lived in. I found scenes to be brighter and the show's comical side being more prominent. I loved this season for the tone, and it managed to balance out the lighter episodes with the darker ones.
There was also electric chemistry between the three sisters. Before their were bitter fallings-out, Shannen, Holly and Alyssa all demonstrated their sisterly bond authentically, and it really carried through in their performances. They always seemed like sisters, from the very beginning, right up to the end of the original Charmed One era, but for this season, it was probably their absolute best as a trio. There are many episodes in this season that I could simply watch over and over again, and I'm pretty sure I have at one point.
There's also the grief of Andy's death that plays a big part in the premiere, which I will talk about more in-depth in my review of 'Witch Trial'. There's the whole new neighbour Dan storyline that will be addressed (and the blink-and-you'll-miss-her character of Jenny), and also the iconic opening of P3 - a setting that will be used time and time again in the show, allowing more room for the characters to develop, and it's a really awesome place. I'd totally rock out at P3 if I could.
I hope you all enjoyed the first season article last Saturday, and if you have not read it yet, check it out - a link is further up in the season navigation part. Without further adieu, please enjoy the second article in the Charmed 10th anniversary specials, exclusive to SpoilerTV.
EPISODE GUIDE
SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 - MAY 18, 2000
22 EPISODES
Because every Charmed episode is not complete without the original opening credit theme song (so glad I have the original DVDs, though season eight lets me down every time I watch it and this theme song is not there). This is the one with Karis Paige Bryant added to the credits, which I found weird considering she was so much more younger than the other cast members. It would be like putting Ella (Holly) in the opening credits of Pretty Little Liars among Lucy Hale, etc.
2.01 - "WITCH TRIAL" Original airdate: September 30, 1999
'Happy Anniversary, my darlings'. The first episode back perfectly encapsulates the tone of the entire season before it's even really begun. The premiere had a lot of fun moments as well as the much more serious and emotional ones too. Starting with the happier times, we had Phoebe and Piper attend an equinox where they had much to lose (like their clothes), and the introduction of Dan Gordon and Jenny. Hands up - who remembers Jenny? She appeared in 4 episodes and wasn't much of a character. I feel like if she had of been given more time, she might have been a bit more interesting, but she disappeared before we had time to say 'the power of three will set us free'. Dan, though, is smoking hot, and while I love me some Piper and Leo, Dan was the perfect distraction. The action of the episode was good, as past foes were summoned by Abraxas who manages to steal the Book of Shadows. It's exciting stuff when Jeremy returns to kill Piper, and the Woogyman has to be vanquished again. When the Charmed Ones realise the 'Power of One' means all three of them together, and the kick the demon's ass, it's a beautiful moment. But who can forget the emotional part of Prue talking about Andy to her sisters? These actresses can act, and Shannen gave a great performance. It was also nice to have her visit Daryl, who tells her that Andy said if anything happened to him, it wasn't her fault, which was a conflicting moment for Prue. Awesome premiere, one that I thoroughly enjoy.
Phoebe: "What have we got to lose?"
Piper: "Well, apparently we've got our clothes to lose!"
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Prue, for her emotional turmoil in the wake of Andy's death.
2.02 - "MORALITY BITES" Original airdate: October 7, 1999
This is one of my all-time favourite episodes. Legit, there is not one bad thing about this episode, and like the first episode back, it has an incredible emotional moment that, this time, shows Alyssa Milano can seriously pull at your heartstrings too. I also thought this episode should have swapped names with the 'Witch Trial', but I like the name anyway. Travelling to the future (love those time travel episodes) was a true highlight of the show. In it, the girls go to 2009 when Phoebe has a vision of herself being burned at the stake. Anybody else rewatch this episode in 2009 and have a bit of a trip thinking Prue could have still been alive - and she'd be BLONDE! I'm glad Piper and Leo had a kid, though they were split up and it was awful times for them and witches, but what an exciting concept. Phoebe being in the jail cell was terrifying, and when it was time for her to burn, I was in proper panic mode. The tension was killing me! But what a beautiful moment for her character to realise that her role as a Charmed Ones means to save people, not punish the bad ones (unless they're supernaturally evil, of course). What a hard moment for the sisters to let her continue to be burned at the stake, but it was one of those moments where a lesson is learned, and the sisters' bond is a little bit tighter.
Phoebe: "Our job is to protect the innocent, not punish the guilty."
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Phoebe, for her moving speech before sacrificing herself.
2.03 - "THE PAINTED WORLD" Original airdate: October 14, 1999
A really great episode actually, and one that is usually overlooked. It has an awesome concept of being trapped in a painting, as well as a neat little twist when the innocent turns out to be evil! There's also another good little storyline in Phoebe becoming extremely smart by a spell, with no personal gain, I might add. This leads to some funny little scenes, and it's another lesson to be learned moment when the spell wears out and Phoebe still manages to save the day! She didn't need the smart spell to be clever, and she decides to start taking night classes to become smart the hard way. Back to the painting though, Prue comes across it when a woman named Jane brings it to Bucklands, and she admits that she thinks it's haunted. It could have been a much creepier episode if, when Prue is sucked inside, she got to explore the entire castle, not just the one room. I'd hate to have been trapped in there if I was just stuck in that one room - much boredom after a day. Underrated, but a great episode nonetheless.
Spirits send the words,
From all across the land.
Allow me to absorb them,
Through the touch of either hand.
For twenty-four hours,
From seven to seven,
I will understand all meaning
Of the words from here to Heaven.
Oh, and P.S., there will be no personal gain!
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Phoebe, for learning she can be smart without a spell.
2.04 - "THE DEVIL'S MUSIC" Original airdate: October 21, 1999
The first episode to have the long-recurring element of featured musical guests! It really makes this show feel more teen-oriented when they get bands to play at Piper's newly-opened club. This time, the manager is promising young girls to the demon Masselin. He's a creepy looking thing and quite disgusting - something you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley. Jenny gets to be a victim to the demon, which means she gets a little more screen time. She still barely makes an impression, and it's easy to see why fans found her a little annoying. I liked the plan of using Phoebe as a sort of bait, getting to "see the band" when the manager promises her. Good vanquish technique by Prue there too. Another highlight, which is a little bizarre, is Leo's and Dan's first meeting, when Leo recognises Dan as a baseball player. They hit it off pretty well actually, which is weird when both of them are a big part of Piper's love life. Just shows that there are still good, civil men out there. Good episode, and unlike season one at this point, they've all been exceedingly good.
Piper: "You have time for baseball, but you don’t have time to tell me about you-know-what, before you-know-who shows up you-know-where?"
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Piper, for becoming a bad-ass club owner.
2.05 - "SHE'S A MAN, BABY, A MAN!" Original airdate: November 4, 1999
Who has ever wished they could see Shannen Doherty as a man? Probably nobody before this episode, but now it's happened, I feel very bad for saying she is actually a very attractive man... and she looks way better than I do! This may not be the best episode ever, but for sheer entertainment, this has to rank high! I'm sure I'm not the only one who couldn't stop laughing when Prue was first unveiled as the opposite sex, and to see her try to walk the walk and end up looking like Richard Simmons. Her name being Manny Hanks is also hilarious! The Succubus was a good foe too, though I kind of liked the original idea of having her be more of a monster like the Wendigo, which is something they were going to do. Dan is ultra cute in this episode too on the little videotape, and the Fine Romance aspect of the episode was funny but exciting at the same time. I still can't get over Prue as a man though.
Phoebe: "The man you admire is Richard Simmons?"
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Prue, for transforming her lady bits into man bits.
2.06 - "THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC" Original airdate: November 11, 1999
There had to be one episode that couldn't quite live up to the quality, but fortunately this isn't a downright terrible episode. It still has its good moments, as fleeting as they may be, but otherwise one of the more un-memorable episodes of the season. The opening was very Blair Witch Project-like, which is great as I love that film, but I didn't find the whole Chosen One storyline to be all that interesting. Kyle was alright, and the villain Tuatha was intimidating, but altogether I don't think the episode worked that great. I did like the confrontation with Tuatha, and Phoebe's potions - including water as "putting out fire", were genius. I loved her fake courage potion that gave Kyle the gall to defeat Tuatha. It was a nice moment, but I also loved when Phoebe was asleep on the floor, and even after Tuatha is defeated, she rolls around. It says a lot when a very insignificant (but funny) moment happens to be one of the best things I remember of this episode. This was also Jack Sheridan's first episode, who I couldn't really take that seriously as Prue's love interest at first, but I warmed up to him.
Phoebe: "Okay, this is the potion to induce sleep, this one is to repel an evil threat, and that one puts out a fire." Prue: "What kind of potion does that?" Phoebe: "None. It's water. I didn't have a lot of time, it was the best that I could do, okay?"
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Phoebe, for her potions.
2.07 - "THEY'RE EVERYWHERE" Original airdate: November 18, 1999
Oh my God - Castiel and Hank in the same episode together, before they became Castiel and Hank! If you don't know the reference, look up Supernatural and Breaking Bad. Unfortunately, the Collectors weren't brilliant villains, and I wouldn't say this was another of those episodes I really like. It's a fine episode, with some really good moments following Prue and Piper casting a mind-reading spell. That concept alone is a humorous, but dangerous, prospect. It was great seeing Misha Collins as Eric, and I enjoyed his performance here, as well as Dean Norris, despite me not being a big fan of the Collectors. I did love that Prue and Piper were worried about the men in their lives being warlocks, and the fun finger-pricking test Prue did on Jack. It was a funny, bizarre twist that he had a twin named Jeff. Quite bonkers actually. All in all, an alright episode, but I didn't dislike it.
As flame lights shadow,
And truth ends fear.
Open locked thoughts,
To my mind's willing ear.
May the smoke from this candle
Into everywhere creep,
Bringing innermost voices
To my mind in speech.
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Piper, for giving new potential love a chance.
2.08 - "P3 H20" Original airdate: December 9, 1999
This is a pretty big episode - if you think about it, the fruits of Paige were seeded here, despite not even being a thought in the writers' heads. But here we get more family history, and it's a good job we do, otherwise Paige's introduction in season 4 would make zero sense whatsoever. I loved the '70s episode from season one, so to meet Patty again was amazing, though this time a little more tragic as this episode deals with her death. It was tragic to see little Prue cry for her dead mother. What an emotional time for the girls to go through, and to find out that Patty had a love affair with a whitelighter named Sam too! Shows that she has way more in common with Piper than we realised. I loved the moments with Phoebe and the young kids of the camp too, and also the moment where Phoebe has to have a premonition of her mother's death to figure out how to vanquish the water demon. Still brings tears to my eyes to think of what these poor girls have to go through. Love this episode, and one of my favourites of the season.
Piper: "You're leaving, aren't you? For good this time."
Leo: "I don't know. But I do know we have to stop working together because I can't stop loving you... Which means I can't do my job." Piper: "And I can't do mine... I don't know how to say goodbye."
Leo: "Don't."
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Prue, for facing her fears.
2.09 - "MS. HELLFIRE" Original airdate: January 13, 2000
When I first saw this episode, I wasn't sure I liked it. Upon repeat viewings, I've grown to like it way more. I just thought this episode had nothing to do with the magic of the show, and was too normal-ish, despite the appearance of one of my favourite demons, Barbas. That judgment still applies, but I've learned to like it a lot more. I did love the barricade of bullets fired at the girls in the house, and the moment Piper freezes them all which is shown in the opening credits - iconic moment. I did like how Darryl had a bit more meat to chew in this episode too, and he has some good moments with Phoebe. Obviously the highlights of the episode were of Prue as Ms. Hellfire, and she fills her shoes so well, it's actually scary. Meeting Bane, who is one of the biggest bad boys of the show, was actually a positive, and I didn't think that at first either. I kind of liked the chemistry he had with Prue, and I do kind of wish we saw him return in season 3, when Prue didn't have a love interest. I also loved her getting a new power in Astral Projection. Another alright episode in my opinion, but I could see why people would enjoy it a lot more than I do.
Prue: (turning a lipstick to reveal a blade instead) "Not exactly Avon calling is it?"
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Prue, for being a bad-ass Ms. Hellfire and developing a new power.
2.10 - "HEARTBREAK CITY" Original airdate: January 20, 2000
Not a fan. As sweet as this episode can be, with the introduction of the Cupid and the prospect of love and whatnot, I just can't say this is an episode I can rewatch. In fact, I struggle to write this small review of the episode for that fact. I kind of did ship Phoebe and Cupid, but the Cupid that appears in season eight, our Coop, is way better. The Demon of Hate is a good idea though, and how he infects the loved-up couples through his influence through Cupid's ring was actually quite good. Prue trying to use her telekinesis in her Astral Projection form is another moment I can remember quite well, and I wish she had the chance to truly develop her powers had she not died a year later. Dan being suspicious of Piper is quite a good part of this episode too, as it means he isn't just a pretty face. His romance with Piper is, I admit, a good one, despite my love for Leo. But yeah, hard episode to write about.
Piper: "You're still gonna have to back up the Cupid claim."
Cupid: "Okay, fine. (He points to Piper.) Dan, (points to Prue) Jack, (points to Phoebe) Clay (points to Prue) Andy. My sincerest condolences. Eric in London, Alec in college, (points to Piper) Not Jeremy the Warlock, Joe in college, Barry in high school, Tim in eighth grade, (points to Phoebe) Ken, Kyle, Steve, Mike, Ken again, Brian, Joel, Martin, Peter, Paul, Tony."
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Phoebe, for her connection with Cupid.
2.11 - "RECKLESS ABANDON" Original airdate: January 27, 2000
The most memorable part of this episode is displayed in the photo - who doesn't remember Prue almost being peed on by a baby? A lot of the meat of this episode comes from Phoebe wanting to use her premonitions to help solve cases with Darryl (why that didn't become a spin-off I have no idea), but to have the Charmed Ones deal with babies for the first time, well, it's bound to be a recipe for disaster, right? Things do go a little haywire, but they end up acting like good parents to little Matthew. Even Dan is as dreamy as ever as this kind of stuff comes naturally to him. The ghost part of the episode was good, though not the most interesting ghost story they've had on the show. I liked Martha, played by Stephanie Beacham, and the sacrifice she makes to get rid of Elias, the ghost. This was a decent episode but one of the lesser ones of the second season.
Piper: "Wow, you're like MacGyver with oestrogen."
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Phoebe, for taking the baby to the Manor.
2.12 - "AWAKENED" Original airdate: February 3, 2000
This episode is brilliant. For one, there's not really a demon-of-the-week. Instead, it deals with a very real disease that strikes a family member when they least expect it, dealing with that real-life issue of life and death in a family. Death is a big part of the show, but this is the first time something natural, rather than supernatural, has struck. The long-running call to "LEO!" also started in this episode, so that's iconic in itself. But what we all remember this episode for is Piper's disease. She comes down with Oroya Fever from fruit ordered to P3, and it causes Prue and Phoebe to cast an Awakening spell to save her because Leo isn't allowed to heal Piper. The little ninja doll that comes to life was weird, but it starts spreading the disease, and Piper realises they must reverse the spell to save the innocents. It's Morality Bites all over again, and the girls reluctantly cast a reversal spell. So intense when Piper is crashing and the sisters are crying and Dan walks in. The moment Leo saves Piper in the light-looking realm was beautiful and really cements the idea that Piper is just meant for Leo, especially when she says his name when she wakes up and Dan is there. Awkward. Brilliant episode, one I truly love.
Troubled blood with
sleep's unease
Remove the cause
of this disease
Sleep eternal, nevermore
And shift the source
of illness borne
To this poppet whom
none shall mourn.
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Piper, for the sacrifice she makes for the innocents.
2.13 - "ANIMAL PRAGMATISM" Original airdate: February 10, 2000
So we go from a brilliant episode in Awakened, to this. The idea of Animal Pragmatism is simple enough - three lovelorn women cast a spell for love (sound familiar), except these women are mortals and the men they conjure are transformed from animals. I feel like something is wrong with me when I feel attracted to a man who is supposed to be an animal, so there's one problem. The rest of the episode is, again, unmemorable, besides only a couple of key moments. Phoebe transforming everyone in P3 into animals was a backfire but so entertaining, and the absolute best part of the episode was the end. Piper finds a card in her purse from Leo, and as Dan picks her up, she imagines running to Leo and kissing him instead. Who didn't want that fantasy to be true? It was one of those punch-your-fist-into-the-air moments, but it was only a dream, and we were heartbroken once again. A typical episode with only a couple of good moments.
From strike of twelve count twenty-four,
That's how long the spell is for.
If to abate my lonely heart,
Enchant these gifts I thee impart.
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Piper, for dreaming about running to Leo (until it turns out to be a dream!)
2.14 - "PARDON MY PAST" Original airdate: February 17, 2000
And we are back to the good episodes. And by good, I mean absolutely amazing as far as Pardon My Past is concerned. For those who love episodes that go to the past, this has to be the best one, as Morality Bites is the best one concerning the future. From the spell itself, which is the best spell of the season, to Phoebe waking up as her past life, it was incredible. I love the idea of exploring past lives, and the wigs, oh, the wigs. Especially Prue's wig! It's also cool how the past lives of the Charmed Ones were cousins, and apparently trying to kill each other! I really liked the conflict between the past lives, and the fire-throwing Phoebe and ice-blowing Prue made a good battling match. So dramatic when Piper and Prue are strangling Phoebe in the past, but at least they all had killer attire. The 1920s wardrobe was on point, and I wished they could have explored this era more. Anton's vanquish was great too, and Dan getting closer to the truth about Leo was quite worrying, but put a great end on an even better episode.
Remove the chains of time and space
And make my spirit soar.
Let these mortal arms embrace
The life that haunts before.
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Phoebe, for actively trying to break the curse on herself.
2.15 - "GIVE ME A SIGN" Original airdate: February 24, 2000
Unfortunately, the good times had to stop pretty quickly. Very up and down with these episodes, as we have outright brilliant ones, and then not-so-great ones. This is a not-so-great one. All I can really remember from this episode is that Bane Jessup comes back and starts a thing with Prue. No denying their chemistry, which we first saw in Ms. Hellfire, but was there really a substantial plot to this episode that really stood out? I liked when Piper and Phoebe caught Prue with Bane, thus leading to the "tall, dark and naked trap" line. The Source is mentioned by name for the first time in this episode, which is very important, and Piper knowing she didn't need a sign to know she loves Leo was also good development. But all in all another one of season two's low points.
Piper: "Yeah, we know. It’s a trap."
Phoebe: "A tall, dark, and naked trap."
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Prue, because she has great taste in men.
2.16 - "MURPHY'S LUCK" Original airdate: March 30, 2000
Before she became Giselle in Disney's Enchanted, and Lois Lane in Man of Steel and Batman v Superman, Amy Adams had a role in Charmed. Yes, the Golden Globe winner and Academy Award nominee was emotional mess Maggie, the unluckiest woman in the world (poor girl). While I wouldn't say this was an awesome episode, it had some great elements. I enjoyed the Darklighter, also played by movie star Arnold Vosloo of The Mummy, as he sends telepathic thoughts to his victims and tries to get them to commit suicide, and curses Prue when she saves Maggie from her hell. It's rather intense when we discover Prue has had so much guilt in her heart, and the Darklighter telling her that Andy might still be alive if she had of jumped off the bridge eight years earlier was a huge blow. Little details we learn about Prue in the past and her ties to photography were also nicely done. At least this wasn't a bad episode, in my opinion, but I would have loved to have seen Amy Adams again.
Piper: "What would I do without you?"
Phoebe: "Oh, suffer endlessly, no doubt."
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Prue, for not giving in to the Darklighter.
2.17 - "HOW TO MAKE A QUILT OUT OF AMERICANS" Original airdate: April 6, 2000
I think this episode is deemed as a few fans' least favourite. I can see why, as it really isn't one that captures your attention, but I do want to focus on the positives. I enjoyed seeing Aunt Gail and her arrival at the Halliwell Manor, looking back at her friendship with Grams and how she reveals herself to be a witch. I kind of wish closer family members were still alive for the girls so we could have learned more about them and walk down memory lane. Even though this isn't the first time the girls have lost their powers, it's one of my favourite times they've lost them. They had no idea that Aunt Gail would betray them like that, and it leads to Piper declaring she doesn't want to be a witch anymore. Bit late for that Piper! Poor Aunt Gail paid the price for her beauty and is turned to dust, and Cryto, the demon, is vanquished by the Charmed Ones, who get their powers back. I did kind of like the girls going to a different setting, but all in all I am not a big fan of this episode.
Powers of the witches rise,
Course unseen across the skies.
Come to us who call you near,
Come to us and settle here.
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Piper, for seeing the fishiness in Aunt Gail's story and for breaking up with Dan because she loves Leo.
2.18 - "CHICK FLICK" Original airdate: April 20, 2000
This is the one. I love this episode so much, and it's one that I would gladly go back to just for its sheer amount of fun. So many amazing moments in this episode! Firstly, the Demon of Illusion is spreading violence, and followed Phoebe home one night detecting she's a witch. Prue and Phoebe follow him back to the theatre and put him into the movie - Kill It Before It Dies - Phoebe's favourite movie. I feel like I love this movie too, just because of Phoebe's love for it. So the Demon puts the movie killers into the real world, including the Axe Murderer and Bloody Mary - both terrifying. The scenes in the Manor when the killers are there and the girls are hiding from them and fighting them - classic. Piper hiding in the shower is, of course, the definitive moment, as well as Prue being hurled by the Axe Murderer and saying "he wasn't real receptive to the plan" when she wanted to stick his finger into a socket. Also Prue's scream and jump when the Axe Murderer surprises her in the basement is hilarious. The deaths of the killers were very easy, but the Demon of Illusion was a good foe, "or should I say bitch?!" Piper's face! The other good parts were with Finley Beck, as Prue idolised him, but he turns out to be quite the disappointment. I love this episode so much!
Piper: "I am being stalked by psycho killers and I hide in the shower?!"
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Phoebe, for her knowledge of horror movies to defeat the killers.
Who wants to see me in Issue #21 of Charmed Magazine from March/April 2008? I selected Chick Flick as my favourite episode at that time, and made it into the magazine! I talked a lot about Prue in it, but on further reflection, I thought Phoebe stood out in this episode.
2.19 - "EX LIBRIS" Original airdate: April 27, 2000
One of the better ghost episodes, as it deals with a couple of issues at once, and almost like another of my favourite shows, Ghost Whisperer. Firstly, Phoebe is really getting stuck in at college, and meets Charlene, who is killed by the Libris Demon in the library. Please tell me I wasn't the only one who jumped out of their skin when Charlene pulled the book from the shelf and the Libris Demon's face is right there. Scary and surprising. I was sad that Charlene died, and it was hard when she didn't even know she was dead. I really liked the Libris demon and the trouble they had to vanquish him. I also liked how Prue helped out a grieving man who lost his daughter, and how the whole "punishing the guilty" thing comes back. In the end, Charlene helps by taunting the murderer of the man's daughter, which is something that Billie knows in season eight, which is cool how it links back to this episode. Really good, spooky episode.
Prue: "Leo. Nice orbs."
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Prue, for helping the man who lost his daughter.
2.20 - "ASTRAL MONKEY" Original airdate: May 4, 2000
The doctor from Awakened is back, and he's going to make mischief. I like how they tied back to it and didn't just drop that storyline of his suspicions of the girls. It is such a weird episode with the monkeys attaining the girls' powers through blood transfusions and then to see their interactions with the girls themselves - it's pretty funny. But Dr. Williamson is no laughing matter, and he really becomes quite scary when he has been a sort of Angel of Death to inmates and harvests their organs, then attains the girls' powers through a blood transfusion. The scene where the girls fight him is rather intense, as he's a mortal, and Piper has a hard time using her powers on him. But he's really strong and about to kill the girls, so this is another time Prue kills a mortal - she's turned into quite some killer. Poor Piper, though, she's terribly upset by it, but they had no choice, he was asking for it. Love it when Leo comforts Piper though. So sweet. Good, but bizarre, episode.
Prue: "B.o.S."
Phoebe: "B.o.S.? Oh, Book Of Shadows! Book of Shadows!"
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Piper, for being moral.
2.21 - "APOCALYPSE, NOT" Original airdate: May 11, 2000
This episode probably should have been the season finale, just because the storyline is far more severe and dangerous than that of a genie. There have been many incarnations of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and here I wasn't too convinced by them. Their threat just didn't seem all that threatening. I enjoyed Prue being taken to the Netherworld, a plane that we never see again unfortunately. Loved the concept of it, so in turn, I really did enjoy this episode. This forces good and evil to work together to get Prue back and the other Horseman back. I liked the bubbles of Prue and War, and moving the spirit board, and the other hints and stuff Prue sent to them. In the end, the girls succeed and their selfless acts helped stop the apocalypse - not that I was really convinced of its threat anyway. Also, the Horseman of War is later seen as a Titan, which is something I always noticed. Not distracting at all!
Phoebe: "What just happened?"
Piper: "I think we just vanquished our sister."
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Piper and Phoebe, for working with the enemy to save their sister.
2.22 - "BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WITCH FOR" Original airdate: May 18, 2000
This is probably the funniest season finale, but that is probably a bit of a bad thing. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed this episode with the Genie and the Dragon Warlock and Prue being turned into a teenager and dying and Phoebe flying, etc. But as a season finale, compared to season 1, and season 3 to follow, it's just not really all that great. The three wishes is awesome, and the trick on the girls is well-played, but the fight with the Dragon Warlock was quite tame. I did love, love, love Phoebe flying outside the window when Piper and Leo were in the attic - that had me laughing so hard the first dozen times I saw it. Prue dying was also a very scary part of the episode, where it actually turned from silly fun to really dramatic. I loved that the Genie, played well by French Stewart, helped the girls out in the end, and they gave him his freedom. A magic Aladdin moment. I really did enjoy this finale, just not as a finale. The stakes, while high at one point of the episode, was not fully played to its full potential, and is distracted by some of the goofiness in other parts.
Piper: "Prue where are you going?"
Prue: "I got a date with Dick."
Phoebe: "Dull Dick, Prue, you are too hot to duty date."
Prue: "I need to find a way to put more balance in my life."
Piper: "Yeah, but Prue you don't need Dick."
Winner of the Charmed One Award: Phoebe, for putting up with the Genie and her flying moments.
SEASON VERDICT
A truly great season, and one that absolutely takes things up a notch from season one. There's more magic, more demons, and more lessons for the Charmed Ones to learn as they continue their process of being the world's most powerful witches. There are long strings of episodes that go up and down in terms of quality, but the vast majority I would give a solid 10 out of 10. The dynamic between the sisters have never been stronger than this season, and all three Charmed Ones give it their absolute all. Amazing season, and it will always be one of my favourites.
Winner of the Charmed One of Season Two Award: It's a very close-call this season, with both Prue and Piper as joint runner-up with 7 wins, but Phoebe takes the crown with 9! Go Phoebs!
TOP 5 EPISODES 1. Morality Bites
Season 2, Episode 2 2. Pardon My Past
Season 2, Episode 14 3. Chick Flick
Season 2, Episode 18 4. Awakened
Season 2, Episode 12 5. P3 H20
Season 2, Episode 8
Morality Bites is just leaps and bounds one of the best Charmed episodes ever, and I think a lot of fans can agree. Besides that, I really loved the episode we see the death of their mother in, and the family drama that created. On a lighter note, Chick Flick just had to make my top five - it's just a funny yet sometimes scary and exciting episode, and one that just makes an impression on me. Among my least favourites are Animal Pragmatism, which is one I find incredibly boring, How to Make a Quilt Out of Americans, and even Amy Adams couldn't quite save Murphy's Luck.
TOP 5 SPELLS 1. Past Life Spell ('Pardon My Past')
Season 2, Episode 14 2. To Hear Secret Thoughts ('They're Everywhere')
Season 2, Episode 7 3. Smart Spell ('The Painted World')
Season 2, Episode 3 4. Awakening Spell ('Awakened')
Season 2, Episode 12 5. To Call a Witch's Power ('How to Make a Quilt Out of Americans')
Season 2, Episode 17
Ahh so many great spells this season too, and the Past Life spell is just one of the best. It's an easy one to remember too, and I'm sure a lot of fans will be able to recite it in their sleep. Other spells are quite catchy too, like the To Hear Secret Thoughts Spell and the Smart Spell. A lot of good ones this season.
TOP 5 VILLAINS 1. Water Demon
Season 2, Episode 8 2. Demon of Illusion
Season 2, Episode 18 3. Axe Murderer / Bloody Mary
Season 2, Episode 18 4. Nathaniel Pratt
Season 2, Episode 2 5. The Libris Demon
Season 2, Episode 19
When picking a top five, I realised that this season doesn't exactly have that many memorable demons. There are some with no villain at all, really, like Awakened, but nonetheless there were still some good ones. Getting to defeat the killer of their mother was so satisfying, so I placed the Water Demon first, though the Demon of Illusion helped create a great episode with its movie mischief. Bloody Mary was freaky, but the Libris Demon was also terrifying - the moment he appears behind the bookcase to Charlene. Oh my God.
QUESTIONS FOR THE FANS
You don't have to answer these questions, but they'd be a good starting point in discussing the second season of the show. Tell me what you thought of season two!
1. What was your favourite episode(s) of the season? 2. Did you have a least favourite episode of the season? 3. Obviously Dan is no Leo, but did you like him? 4. Who was your favourite Charmed One this season? 5. Have a favourite villain? 6. What was your favourite moment(s) of the season?
Big Question - Is there anything you'd like to see in these season reviews? Any features you'd like me to incorporate? Any comments of improvement would be greatly appreciated, as I want each and every season review to be as charmed as they can.
Remember to return to SpoilerTV next Saturday, April 16th, for Charmed's next anniversary article, where I will be discussing the show's third season. But what did you guys think of the second season of our favourite show? What were your favourite (and not-so-favourite) episodes? Release your inner Charmed geek and let me know all your thoughts and feelings of season two of Charmed in the comments!
About the Author - Gavin Hetherington
Award-winning author of the 'Abyssal Sanctuary' series. Gavin joined SpoilerTV in August 2014 and reviews 2 Broke Girls, Devious Maids, Mistresses, Pretty Little Liars, Salem, Scream Queens and Sleepy Hollow. Gavin will write previews for Empire and Shadowhunters, and backs-up Once Upon a Time, Reign, Scandal and Supergirl. Gavin also writes special anniversary articles, most recently for Charmed. You can contact him at gavin@spoilertv.com.
