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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2015 18:42:20 GMT -5
1: I'd have Phoebe still get empathy 'cause I liked the idea of it and the fact it fit with her premontions just not the execution of it though. My problem with Phoebe's empathy is that it completely contradicted what "Primrose Empath" had established earlier about empaths. Similar to whitelighter powers, empathy was something that was only given to special individuals after death. Phoebe should've never gotten the power while she was still alive. I feel like Chris' storyline would have worked better if they worked it into the episode. Like say each episode have him flashback to a dark event in his future, and we can see how it links to the current timeline with an evil the sisters are facing. I would have liked to have seen a lot more of the dark future. Same here. This was supposed to be the main driving plot of the season, and yet, it barely got any focus outside of "Chris-Crossed." The episode that came right after was the continuity-destroying piece of crap known as "Witchstock."
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2015 23:25:38 GMT -5
How could the great Chris-Crossed be followed by that piece of dung called Witchstock. It baffles the mind. What they SHOULD have done was continue the story we saw in Chris-Crossed.
We should not have had to suffer through one rubbish episode after another, waiting for Chris's story to step forward again.
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Post by Chrisaholic on Jul 1, 2015 8:53:50 GMT -5
I think my little quadrology solved that problem as tim66 had pointed out on the other board here several times. There I continue Chris's story from his start in S5 until the end. Maybe I'll link here later on - only if interests exist.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2015 11:19:53 GMT -5
How could the great Chris-Crossed be followed by that piece of dung called Witchstock. It baffles the mind. What they SHOULD have done was continue the story we saw in Chris-Crossed. We should not have had to suffer through one rubbish episode after another, waiting for Chris's story to step forward again. That, I think, was what ultimately dragged Season 6 down. They had this great storyline with Chris, but it was constantly being shunted aside for filler crap, so it was never allowed to develop at a natural pace. How much screentime did Freebie and her love life NEED, anyways?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2015 12:16:06 GMT -5
God forbid Phoebe and her love life take a back seat for a change. We had more than enough of that in S5. S6 should have developing Chris's story, where he came from, why he did, and what his goal was.
Brad Kern really was bad at ongoing story lines, wasn't he.
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Post by Melinda Halliwell on Jul 1, 2015 14:04:38 GMT -5
In later seasons he definately was yes.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2015 15:50:04 GMT -5
I think, in some respects, this issue is one reason why the first two seasons have held up well and are endlessly rewatchable compared to the later years. Charmed's writers were always better at writing standalone episodes than ongoing story arcs. Less of a chance to screw up continuity and botch characterization.
Unfortunately, any good series NEEDS to be able to transition away from standalones to story arcs because story arcs make for richer storytelling. You can find many good ideas in the later seasons, but they were almost always executed horribly. (Chris' story being the #1 example.)
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2015 17:15:01 GMT -5
Ask any Charmed fan and most of them will probably say that the early seasons blow the later ones out of the water. I should now, I'm one of those fans.
What Charmed needed was someone in charge who could plan out good story arcs and carry them thought successfully. Hollywood is full of such people. Unfortunately, Brad Kern wasn't one of them.
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Post by Melinda Halliwell on Jul 2, 2015 3:00:12 GMT -5
What Charmed needed was someone in charge who could plan out good story arcs and carry them thought successfully. Hollywood is full of such people. Unfortunately, Brad Kern wasn't one of them. Like Eric Kripe on Supernatural and it's 5 year plan from seasons 1-5 where everything interwove together Sam's demon powers, the yellow eyed demon, ruby using him to kill Lilith, The apocalyspe, Sam and Dean being Michael and Lucifer's vessels and why John and Mary met in the first place which was a good example of above.
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Post by Pruefan63 on Jul 2, 2015 10:00:40 GMT -5
people like Eric Kripke or Joss Whedon had a plan, and Brad Kern didn't, but WB destroyed the show too dont forget with demands and a bad budget didn't help.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2015 11:08:50 GMT -5
Believe me, I'm not letting the WB off the hook. One only has to look at S8 to see what damage they did.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2015 11:39:40 GMT -5
people like Eric Kripke or Joss Whedon had a plan, and Brad Kern didn't, but WB destroyed the show too dont forget with demands and a bad budget didn't help. Joss Whedon had one BIG thing neither Burge or Kern ever had and that was full creative control over his show. Not only did he own the production company (Mutant Enemy), but the WB pretty much left him alone. Buffy was both a huge success AND a critical darling, so Whedon lent an air of credibility to the young network that Charmed never did. Buffy was basically the show that the WB built its lineup and image around (just compare the shows the network was airing before Buffy started to after it), so there's no question that it was the Crown Jewel of the network. Unfortunately, that ended up biting the Frog Network on their ass in 2001 when Whedon demanded more money for the show than they could afford, and he ended up taking the show to another network... their rival, UPN. No doubt, this probably caused the WB to tighten their grip over Kern and Charmed even more, keep them from following Whedon's lead over to another network.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2015 11:50:21 GMT -5
Even after it had defected to UPN, Buffy still cast its long shadow over Charmed, it seems.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2015 13:46:49 GMT -5
Another episode, might watch some more tonight.
Little Monsters
Starting with the Phoebe- Jason “I love you too” scene. I’m still not sure why this was such a huge deal. Well... yes I am, it’s because Phoebe couldn’t deal with it like an adult and went into ‘Phoebe the amazing dip-sh*t’ mode. But she could have just had a slip of the tongue or made an assumption from what he’d said. The “hilarity” that ensued really didn’t seem necessary.
Chris’ willingness to vanquish the demon baby. When you consider what he’s in this time for (I don’t if they’d decided on that at this point, although Chris-Crossed is next episode, so I guess they might have)... his desire to kill a baby based on its powers and that it “could” grow up to be a threat is actually rather Gideon-esque and hypocritical.
How do they not consider that the baby might be half human?
Paige: I wonder why he looks so human? Phoebe: I don't know, but he won't for long. Erm, assume much? Like he'd be the first human looking demon?
When Phoebe interrupts Jason’s meeting. I find myself feeling for Jason more. I still don’t particularly like him, but boy does he have more patience than most humans?
Phoebe: “Men bolt, that’s what they do!” Phoebe: “I have had it with men! They are incorrigible!” Phoebe could you back off with all the generalizations please? I certainly would never be so cruel as to say all women behave like you!
Once again, Paige is the voice of humanity this episode. Actually, Piper isn’t too bad this episode... but everyone else, geesh!
Heh. Silly as the invincibility thing is, you can tell Dorian had far too much fun with it. Then again, he’s probably over the moon that they’ve given him anything to do at all.
Phoebe: “Oh I make things difficult? How by being honest about my feelings?” Pah! Phoebe, you’re constantly avoiding guys, playing games, or having some kind of non-issue that leads you to befuddle the hell out of your boyfriends. And yeah, you do make things difficult... this episode alone shows that; see my first comment!
Phoebe: “This is all Jason’s fault” Leo: “How’s that?” Phoebe: “Oh you’re a guy you wouldn’t get it!” Oh...Grow up!!! Seriously, how is this woman a famous advice columnist? My cat has more emotional maturity!
I really thought the guy playing Derek might have ended up being a love interest for Piper. Shame. I mean the whole Piper dating thing was of little interest to me anyway, but he certainly has a more interesting back story than fireman Greg or all the other nobodies. Might have been a little less tedious if we had an actual character for her to go out with.
Overall, I didn't mind this one. Can't say for sure, but I think the few episodes before this might have been the peak of the obnoxiousness for a while at least. Oh God, did I just jinx it?
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Esmeralda
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Post by Esmeralda on Jul 2, 2015 14:11:12 GMT -5
ROFLMAO! Oh, I am *SO* very glad that you've found that you can stomach more of these, because I enjoy your reviews so very, VERY much. They're much better than Obscure Lupa, who got repetitive and boring after a while. These are right on!
Looking forward to seeing what you think of my least-favorite time-travel episode, "ChrisCrossed"...the one that proved that the only person Chris was in the least-bit interested in outside of himself was an assassin witch...
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Post by Melinda Halliwell on Jul 2, 2015 17:18:31 GMT -5
Yes p3nathan I like your reviews to. You know what your talking about and I agree with most things you say.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2015 18:48:24 GMT -5
Count me among those that are enjoying these reviews.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2015 19:07:36 GMT -5
Hehe thanks guys, glad you're enjoying them. Got a double feature for ya. I actually managed to watch time travel and hippies in one sitting... I'm far stronger than I give myself credit for!
Chris-Crossed
I forgot that this episode is the debut of Fireman Greg. How did I let such a whirlwind romance slip my mind?
Ah Bianca. Never really bought her as a love interest, let alone a fiancé... but I found Nichols to be a decent enough actor at least (although when all her scenes are with Fuller, it's hard to tell for sure, could just be by comparison). That outfit though, good grief. She’s just short of a whip and some chains! 50 Shades of Chris. *Shudder*
Oh God the probes in the future. Pahaha. They’re terrible. Season 6 has really been a showcase of terrible CGI thus far. Dragons, T-Rexes and probes, oh my!
If all the women of The Phoenix are witches, why do they all shimmer and throw energy balls (then again, Richard’s family had energy balls, so meh.)
Aww, lonely Elise’s speech to Phoebe. I enjoy this scene far more when I tell myself that Elise is using emotional manipulation to get Phoebe to move out of the country and leave The Bay Mirror in peace. Oh Elise; you so sly!
So Phoebe CAN sense Chris’ emotions now?
The Halliwell Memorial Museum. Their egos are eternal! Oh good grief, all the outfits, all from season 5, but hey I’m surprised they remember even that far back! So many painful memories. Then the tour guide treats us to a flashback of a much better episode; from a much, much, much better season.
Why is Chris so freaked out when Bianca kills the demon security guard? Suddenly he’s above killing?
Bianca: “I’m not going to make the same mistake a 1000 other demons have made” Huh? Demons? I thought they were witches.
The writers really thought the inhibition spell was a good idea? It really doesn’t change much... especially for Phoebe. Oh it makes her ditch magical matters for a guy; what a new and unlikely move for her!
Piper and Paige are de-spelled. Thank you for sparing me the Phoebe-Jason coitus.
We’re in the future. “Hello Wyatt” DUN DUN DUN!
Okay seriously, what is up with Wyatt’s accent? It seems to switch randomly between American and English. Maybe it’s the King Arthur in him coming out.
Piper: “How did we do it before?” Leo: “The Elders made that happen, remember?” Erm no Leo, I don’t remember that. I remember them using a spell and The Elders brining them back.
Since Chris used this spell to get back, I’m wondering how he orbed into the attic in Oh My Goddess instead of coming through the attic wall. I know, I know: stop thinking.
Okay, I have issues with this last scene, but particularly this line- Piper: “But you can't keep sacrificing your lives forever and neither can I. Mum did that, Grams did it and even Prue. And look what happened to them. It's not a legacy I want us to inherit.”
No, no, no, no, no. You hear me? No! Okay let’s take this one name at a time. Grams had a heart condition, so not sure why you’re even mentioning her here. Patty had a husband, an affair and four damn kids, she did okay! And she didn’t die because she was obsessed with her duty; she died trying to save a whole bunch of school kids being murdered! Same for Prue, while her death was certainly more avoidable, she died trying to save an innocent. Using their deaths as an excuse for your self-centred whining is a new low for you guys! I just... it’s astounding to me that you can spin selfless heroic acts into an excuse to think of yourselves more. Fan-freakin-tastic!
Witchstock (we're doing this? yep, we're doing this)
So I take it Phoebe and Jason moved to 19th century Hong Kong?
Another display of bad CGI for season 6- The Slime Demon.
Piper turned Phoebe’s room into a gym? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! *snort* HAHAHAHAHA!
Oh Piper, all the bad stuff I’ve said about you, disregard all of that; it’s forgotten. Pahaha... awesome!
So Paige doesn’t want Richard using magic. I know they said he stopped using it, but we’ve never actually been told or seen anything to suggest he has a problem. Maybe it could aid his story somewhat if you gave us a bit to go on guys.
We have hippy Grams in 1967. Wow, Grams ages horribly between this and “That 70s Episode”. I can only assume she did some major acid trips and came down hard.
They really made no effort casting here did they? Why pick a red head?
So Grams uses a return to owner spell on all her belongings. Well that’s great, especially if a mortal gets hold of something and all of magic is exposed.
Robin is a lousy actor.
Hippy Leo. Hippy Leo. I don’t know whether to shower or just blind myself now.
Hi Grams, still keeping the blonde up huh?
Phoebe: Uh, a few weeks ago. But we're handling everything.
Grams: Dear, you have Paige stuck in the past...
Uh yes, and that’s your fault!!
Grams: “You’re the oldest, how could you let them move out?”
What is she their warden? These are adult women! I know they could fool you into thinking otherwise sometimes, but they are.
Oh and we’re back to Grams’ delightful misandry. See, I know this episode tries to make out like this is the reason for her hatred, but it makes even less sense to me after this episode where we see how much she loved Allen.
Urgh, the hippies are insufferably stupid. Phoebe fits in no problem though, go figure.
So Robin being vanquished makes Grams a hippy again? Right, because if you were a hippy in the 60s and you don’t have a loved one murdered, that makes you a hippy forever and you wear the same clothes and everything. Charmed logic.
Also Leo and Chris are aware of the change. So glad this season focuses so heavily on time travel.
Piper: The first thing my Grams taught me was not to reason with demons.
No Piper, that is most definitely NOT the first thing Grams taught you, because you have no recollection of being a witch before 1998!
Penny: It doesn't matter, he's dead. No one will ever compare to him. I'll probably end up hating men for the rest of my life.
So that’s the reasoning they’re going with. Nobody comparing to Allen? That’s why she refused to even hold her grandson in season 5. Yeah, whatever you say writers.
I’ll admit, the telekinetic arse-woopin was pretty fun at least.
Phoebe: What about Grams?
Leo: She didn't make it.
She’s already dead you morons!
Okay, done. *Sigh* That wasn't so bad. So what do we have next, I'm sure it'll be much better than that. (Checks episode guide)
Prince Charmed... ........................... ........................... GRRR$%&*!?/#~!!GAH!&*^CRAP!!!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2015 19:23:13 GMT -5
I can't wait From what the writers understand of time travel, I'd say yes. That shrinking budget again. That was quick. Was Phoebe out of the Manor five minutes before Piper did this. Then she had to give the room back when Phoebe returned. There is no way she was that young in 1967. As I said, it was supposed to be Patty, but they couldn't get Finola Hughes, so they changed it to Penny. Logic? We don't need no stinkin' logic! Grams clearly blazed one too many doobies. And the way she was vanquished, like a Scooby Doo villain. Sorry for insulting Scooby Doo by associating him with this horrible episode. I wonder how the Elders felt about him bumming around the Manor. Didn't he have charges to look after. They trotted out every stereotype they could think of here. Yeah, a hippy forever. I'm sure a former President of The United States and his wife, a former Secretary Of State, might have something to say about that. Things should have changed the moment Paige went back. Instead the present just putters along like normal until Robin gets killed for reasons I can't begin to explain. As I said, they should have fed this rubbish script into the nearest paper shredder.
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Esmeralda
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Post by Esmeralda on Jul 2, 2015 21:02:18 GMT -5
Hehe thanks guys, glad you're enjoying them. Got a double feature for ya. I actually managed to watch time travel and hippies in one sitting... I'm far stronger than I give myself credit for! Oh, to put it EXTREMELY mildly! I am so very, very impressed, and again enjoyed this so very, very much!!! ROFL! I CANNOT wait!!!
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