WATCH & DISCUSS [REBOOT] 1x01: Pilot

[Assassin Witch]

Charmed | 1.01 - "Pilot"
Original Airdate: October 14, 2018 @ 9PM Eastern


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Episode Summary
After the tragic death of Mel (Melonie Diaz) and Maggie's (Sarah Jeffery) mother, the sisters struggle with moving forward but face another huge shock when they learn they have an older sister, Macy (Madeleine Mantock). With the emotions of all three sisters running high, each of the girls suddenly exhibit impossible new abilities: Mel can freeze time, Maggie starts hearing others' thoughts and Macy has telekinetic powers. While trying to understand their new powers, Harry Greenwood (Rupert Evans), gathers the sisters and reveals they're actually powerful witches, as was their mother. He also lets them in on a little secret, he's not really a professor, he's their "Whitelighter," a witch's advisor and guide. The sisters must make the decision to accept their new destiny as The Charmed Ones... and their new duty to protect humankind from the demons that walk among us... one of whom killed their mother.
Source

[CharmedFaith]

I'm so disappointed that they couldnt be creative enough to give this episode an actual name.

So...does the mom not have any active powers?

This is already to heavy and is starting to feel like an after school special.

[Sasha]

Oct 14, 2018 20:00:43 GMT -5 CharmedFaith said:

I'm so disappointed that they couldnt be creative enough to give this episode an actual name.

I agree 100%, so many shows go the typical way of just calling it Pilot. What's funny is, I find this is what they do these days so often on Network television. While Cable and Netflix, I notice give the first episode a title.

Naming a first episode just comes across as more interesting and creative.

[CharmedFaith]

So in the original we get a nice spell from Phoebe and the chandelier glowing, here we get the power going out.

Mel uses her mind to Freeze is not as interesting as Piper using her hands.

I really hate that the sisters have to be kidnapped and then told of who they are instead of find it out themselves.

Did they just use Mel to "easter egg" Piper? And make it look ridiculous?

Trying a bit to hard to be funny.

Have to get the Pro-choice out there to be witches, it was something that the originals just had to deal with which is more interesting.

A Whitelighter who doesnt teleport away in white lights....so why are you called a whitelighter?

How in the hell do you just find out that your a witch, you have a half sister, and your mom was murdered but you go to an event? And to work? And act normal?

Really....freezing with the mind is very boring.

Not a fan of this music and trying to make all of this so comedic.

[Sasha]

Oct 14, 2018 20:22:54 GMT -5 CharmedFaith said:

So in the original, we get a nice spell from Phoebe and the chandelier glowing, here we get the power going out.

Mel uses her mind to Freeze is not as interesting as Piper using her hands.

Those don't excite me. 

Seeing as you watched this, and I do not plan to watch it. Hope you do not mind me picking your brain a little?

1) How much political and MeToo was included in the episode? Curious?

2) Was the chemistry between the sisters believable? How did they handle the half-sister coming?

3) What from Classic Charmed was put in as an easter egg in it?

4) How much of the supporting cast was included in the first episode?

[CharmedFaith]

Oct 14, 2018 20:33:48 GMT -5 Sasha said:

Oct 14, 2018 20:22:54 GMT -5 CharmedFaith said:

So in the original, we get a nice spell from Phoebe and the chandelier glowing, here we get the power going out.

Mel uses her mind to Freeze is not as interesting as Piper using her hands.

Those don't excite me. 

Seeing as you watched this, and I do not plan to watch it. Hope you do not mind me picking your brain a little?

1) How much political and MeToo was included in the episode? Curious?

2) Was the chemistry between the sisters believable? How did they handle the half-sister coming?

3) What from Classic Charmed was put in as an easter egg in it?

4) How much of the supporting cast was included in the first episode?

THe episode isnt over yet but as soon as it is, I will answer these lol

[Sasha]

Oct 14, 2018 20:37:58 GMT -5 CharmedFaith said:

Oct 14, 2018 20:33:48 GMT -5 Sasha said:

Those don't excite me. 

Seeing as you watched this, and I do not plan to watch it. Hope you do not mind me picking your brain a little?

1) How much political and MeToo was included in the episode? Curious?

2) Was the chemistry between the sisters believable? How did they handle the half-sister coming?

3) What from Classic Charmed was put in as an easter egg in it?

4) How much of the supporting cast was included in the first episode?

THe episode isnt over yet but as soon as it is, I will answer these lol

(Guess your timezone is still watching it, would have ended 45 mins ago for my area) No worries. Look forward to the answers

[summerreading]

I saw the pilot at Comic-Con this year, so no need for me to see it again. I'll be looking forward to reading what others think. I have no intention to see more of it.

But had to comment on a few points, since I already saw it before. Curious if anything from what I saw was changed.

Mel using her mind to Freeze was horrible. I really hated that and it is so boring.

I HATED that the sisters have to be kidnapped and then told of who they are. I loved the original, where they find out without anyone telling them. Also didn't like the whitelighter telling them everything, that makes him far too important. I still love the mystery of Leo.

[CharmedFaith]

Is this a potion that they made or is it just baking soda?

So demons are able to posses people like in Supernatural, black smoke included.

The music and trying to be funny/dramatic is REALLY annoying.

I feel like the sisters bond is going to be rushed unlike how they managed to pace Piper/Phoebe adapting to Paige somewhat decently. They known each other for less then 24 hours and they are already acting like they've known each other forever.

Ugh this music! Have I mentioned how much I hate this damn music?

Of course! The pervy old professor has to be a demon just as the boyfriend who isnt Maggies boyfriend had to force himself on her because he was possessed by a demon.

Harry is already a major part of their lives and making things easy for them. And now we arent supposed to trust Harry?

Overall...it was ok. Not as strong as Something Wicca This Way Comes. They tried to do way to much with this episode. 2 demons and 1 demon dog all in the very first episode. Are they funny? Are they dramatic? it changed literally 5 seconds from one another. It hit us over the head with the #MeToo movement that it dragged the episode down. The sisters are united very quickly after not knowing they have a long lost sister and everything about being a witch is made easier by having Harry around to explain everything to them. Who are they? Harry informs them. Are they going to be witches? Harry offers that ultimatum. An Innocent gets killed? Harry is there to save them. The sisters are having trouble vanquishing a demon? Harry is there to give them a pep talk.

[CharmedFaith]

Oct 14, 2018 20:33:48 GMT -5 Sasha said:

Oct 14, 2018 20:22:54 GMT -5 CharmedFaith said:

So in the original, we get a nice spell from Phoebe and the chandelier glowing, here we get the power going out.

Mel uses her mind to Freeze is not as interesting as Piper using her hands.

Those don't excite me. 

Seeing as you watched this, and I do not plan to watch it. Hope you do not mind me picking your brain a little?

1) How much political and MeToo was included in the episode? Curious?

2) Was the chemistry between the sisters believable? How did they handle the half-sister coming?

3) What from Classic Charmed was put in as an easter egg in it?

4) How much of the supporting cast was included in the first episode?

1) How much political and MeToo was included in the episode? Curious?

-A lot of MeToo with a pinch of political.

2) Was the chemistry between the sisters believable? How did they handle the half-sister coming?

-It wasnt bad but it was rushed, especially in regards to them bonding with Macy.

3) What from Classic Charmed was put in as an easter egg in it?

-Melinda Warren, Source of All Evil, Book of Shadows, "Whitelighters", Power of 3 reference, Mel trying to freeze Harry by flinging her hands ala Piper when she's just used her mind the entire episode.

4) How much of the supporting cast was included in the first episode?

-Supporting cast had very little to do besides Harry who was heavily featured since he was the dictionary to them.

Are you in EST time? Because we usually get it first lol.

[Esmeralda]

Oct 14, 2018 20:08:05 GMT -5 Sasha said:

Oct 14, 2018 20:00:43 GMT -5 CharmedFaith said:

I'm so disappointed that they couldnt be creative enough to give this episode an actual name.

I agree 100%, so many shows go the typical way of just calling it Pilot. What's funny is, I find this is what they do these days so often on Network television. While Cable and Netflix, I notice give the first episode a title.

Naming a first episode just comes across as more interesting and creative.

I wonder if Classic Charmed did that to keep it separated from the Unaired Pilot since it had so many differences.

[summerreading]

Oct 14, 2018 21:20:41 GMT -5 Esmeralda said:

Oct 14, 2018 20:08:05 GMT -5 Sasha said:

I agree 100%, so many shows go the typical way of just calling it Pilot. What's funny is, I find this is what they do these days so often on Network television. While Cable and Netflix, I notice give the first episode a title.

Naming a first episode just comes across as more interesting and creative.

I wonder if Classic Charmed did that to keep it separated from the Unaired Pilot since it had so many differences.

Could be. But from memory, I have watched many shows that gave their pilots actual titles. Then again, I wouldn't have a clue, if half of them had unaired pilots. 

[Esmeralda]

That's the problem with it being an unaired pilot - if it's not announced, you never know.

[Sasha]

Oct 14, 2018 21:20:41 GMT -5 Esmeralda said:

Oct 14, 2018 20:08:05 GMT -5 Sasha said:

I agree 100%, so many shows go the typical way of just calling it Pilot. What's funny is, I find this is what they do these days so often on Network television. While Cable and Netflix, I notice give the first episode a title.

Naming a first episode just comes across as more interesting and creative.

I wonder if Classic Charmed did that to keep it separated from the Unaired Pilot since it had so many differences.

That's true. Might be the same for any show that had an unaired pilot.

[Patrick]

Finally, after waiting ages for this premiere, I can honestly say that I'm relieved it's here but it's kind of bittersweet. I'm just going to say what I liked and didn't like about it.


Like:

• The Manor. The house is very old-fashioned and has that creepy vibe to it like most old Victorian homes. What I like about the new manor is that it's more heavily decorated/furnished which makes sense it being an old house. It could use more stained glass windows though like in the original show
• The Melinda Warren page in the Book of Shadows! Can't have Charmed without her! I can't wait to see how they spin that when it comes back around
• Maggie's little "pilates" kick to get the possessed demon off of her, so I enjoyed that little homage to Phoebe's kickboxing talent.
• Harry and Maggie's humor kept the show light for me. I see what the producers tried to do with the humor aspect and it worked in some parts of the pilot.
• I Love, love, love how they made Macy a scientist. Originally, Prue was the smartest sister but only in history and artifacts. Having Macy know scientific compounds and such is GENIUS and I tip my hat to the producers on this one.
• I like how they explain the difference between classic Charmed here and there. Like when Harry materializes in and out and comments, "I just wanted to show you the effect" because of course all the fans are waiting to see if the new Whitelighters can orb. And also, how the demon vanquish at the end how his body remained and all the fans are like...."What? No explosions?" and then Harry explains it may take a while sometime. So they definitely kept the Charmed fans in mind when writing the script which was neat.

Dislike:

• Mel's female empowerment tirade was a little too on the nose for me. I know the show tried to showcase feminism and powerful women but they tried TOO hard with Mel.
• The overall tone of the show, probably for being aimed for younger viewers also, has completely changed the tone of Charmed. Charmed2018 plays more like a teen-drama now which sucks but hopefully that was just to make the pilot more accessible for all fans and they'll gradually get back to the true nature of Charmed which is adult female witches living normal lives and balancing magic.
• The magical effects are cheesy. You'd think they'd be better since we're in an age where anything is technically possible! For instance, freezing time and telekinesis look WAY more natural in original Charmed. So for this show to have those cheesy effects in a year like 2018 just irritates my soul. They better come up with some new stuff for the effects. Hopefully, it was just a pilot budget thing and the effects will get better later on.
• Latin spells? Come on now. This ain't the Secret Circle.
• Black-smoke possessing demons that are weakened by baking soda.....this ain't Supernatural either.
• A Little too predictable for my tastes. But they make up for it with little creative moments during those predictable plots.

The Actresses:
It did leave a lasting impression on me, however, and I actually like the dynamic that Macy brings. I know she got a lot of reaction from fans for being awkward and taller than the two, but I actually like her in the show. As for the actress who plays Mel, I never liked her acting. But now I get a chance to watch her so too early to tell. And I LOVE Sarah Jeffrey ever since Shades of Blue and she plays her part well. I think they may need to up their game a little though and become more comfortable with their roles as they are BIG shoes to fill but only time can give them that experience.



Overall, I liked it. I didn't love it, but I liked it. I had to keep reminding myself that this was a NEW SHOW. But as a sad afterthought, ANYTHING Charmed-related will now be spun-off of this new 2018 version. I think our dreams for one last Halliwell movie or spin-off short series are basically dead at this point. We've seen all we will see of the original sisters which sucks so this new show better do it justice and NOT get canceled after one season or 7 episodes.

[Sasha]

Oct 14, 2018 21:15:37 GMT -5 CharmedFaith said:

Oct 14, 2018 20:33:48 GMT -5 Sasha said:

Those don't excite me. 

Seeing as you watched this, and I do not plan to watch it. Hope you do not mind me picking your brain a little?

1) How much political and MeToo was included in the episode? Curious?

2) Was the chemistry between the sisters believable? How did they handle the half-sister coming?

3) What from Classic Charmed was put in as an easter egg in it?

4) How much of the supporting cast was included in the first episode?

1) How much political and MeToo was included in the episode? Curious?

-A lot of MeToo with a pinch of political.

2) Was the chemistry between the sisters believable? How did they handle the half-sister coming?

-It wasnt bad but it was rushed, especially in regards to them bonding with Macy.

3) What from Classic Charmed was put in as an easter egg in it?

-Melinda Warren, Source of All Evil, Book of Shadows, "Whitelighters", Power of 3 reference, Mel trying to freeze Harry by flinging her hands ala Piper when she's just used her mind the entire episode.

4) How much of the supporting cast was included in the first episode?

-Supporting cast had very little to do besides Harry who was heavily featured since he was the dictionary to them.

Are you in EST time? Because we usually get it first lol.

I'm not surprised it was MeToo heavy with some political.

Just like with Paige. A huge rush with Macy. They better have conflict. Especially the middle since she was the youngest big sister all her life.

Don't like the sounds of a mention of The Source this soon.

Freezing with the mind sounds weird. I like hands.

I'm glad the support had little. Don't like Harry being so involved. Better when they learn on their own with clues left by their mother.

Hehe! Currently 10:33 PM where I am. So I believe you'd be just an hour behind me?

[peytonhalliwell]

So I didn't think I'd watch this but ended up anyway since I wasn't doing anything. At the attempt of doing an unbiased review here goes nothing:

Positive:
The middle sister's freezing power. I don't like how she's channeling it with her mind, but I do like what makes it work. Piper's worked when she was anxious/scared. This sister's works when she's happy and positive. In the episode and before she's rather grumpy, so her powers will actually lead to some character growth if she wants to use her freezing power.

I like that the middle sister was gay, their relationship seemed very realistic with the break up.

The mother character seemed very nice, I wish we saw more of her before she died. Her magic seemed pretty strong in this first episode. Hopefully they bring her back like they did Penny and everything.

The relationship between the two younger sisters. They feel like they're sisters and play off of each other well, with time I'd imagine that this would be even more convincing. It helps that they look a little alike.

The youngest is actually playing her age rather then acting older then she is or unnecessarily bratty. She's a freshman that wants people to like her, I get it.

The visual effects weren't too bad.

Negatives:

Really don't like how the two sisters are automatically accepting of the new oldest sister. It took Piper what, months?, to accept Paige and these two accept her in 24 hours or less.

The political statements? Please please let this be it. The youngest sister was fighting a demon and she's saying things like "I can always say no" yet she's about to be killed. Fight girl fight. The middle sister's protests were pretty extreme I think.

Of course the bad guy had to be the one on trial.

Why bring science into the show? It's magic and you don't have to explain it (they did once with Pipers powers and that was enough for me but I love fantasy) and actually do some witch craft. They defeated the possessed boy with baking soda. I like that she is smart though, I thought Prue's background fit more into the show though. 

Really don't like how they were kidnapped and be told about their powers and were witches. If they wanted to be "feminist" they'd do what the original did and learned as they went along and put things together piece by piece as they learned about magic. Not with some random person telling them and expecting to trust him.

Harry, he gives me a vibe that reminds me of Gideon. While that's not a bad thing, you know something is up with him and we're left guessing what. Don't trust him? This doesn't seem like a good set up especially in the first episode since we just met him.

The whole consent thing. So Harry tells them that they have an option to accept their powers or not. Then it goes back later to say if you do this thing (I forgot what it was) you have to accept the powers and can't go back. So what was consensual? The original girls didn't have a choice, they were going to get their powers eventually.

In All: 
I liked it, it'd be something that I'd write if I was doing a Charmed spin off (except the girls would be Phoebe's kids and we'd get cameo's from the original cast throughout the season). It has it's good points and it's bad. I probably won't be watching again but for what it is, its good. Teenagers are going to eat it up and fans of the original will enjoy some parts here and there. 

[CharmedFaith]

Oct 14, 2018 21:34:22 GMT -5 Sasha said:

Hehe! Currently 10:33 PM where I am. So I believe you'd be just an hour behind me?

Sounds like we are on the same timezone lol. Charmed comes on at 9pm.

[summerreading]

Oct 14, 2018 21:30:34 GMT -5 Patrick said:

Finally, after waiting ages for this premiere, I can honestly say that I'm relieved it's here but it's kind of bittersweet. I'm just going to say what I liked and didn't like about it.


Like:

• The Manor. The house is very old-fashioned and has that creepy vibe to it like most old Victorian homes. What I like about the new manor is that it's more heavily decorated/furnished which makes sense it being an old house. It could use more stained glass windows though like in the original show
• The Melinda Warren page in the Book of Shadows! Can't have Charmed without her! I can't wait to see how they spin that when it comes back around
• Maggie's little "pilates" kick to get the possessed demon off of her, so I enjoyed that little homage to Phoebe's kickboxing talent.
• Harry and Maggie's humor kept the show light for me. I see what the producers tried to do with the humor aspect and it worked in some parts of the pilot.
• I Love, love, love how they made Macy a scientist. Originally, Prue was the smartest sister but only in history and artifacts. Having Macy know scientific compounds and such is GENIUS and I tip my hat to the producers on this one.
• I like how they explain the difference between classic Charmed here and there. Like when Harry materializes in and out and comments, "I just wanted to show you the effect" because of course all the fans are waiting to see if the new Whitelighters can orb. And also, how the demon vanquish at the end how his body remained and all the fans are like...."What? No explosions?" and then Harry explains it may take a while sometime. So they definitely kept the Charmed fans in mind when writing the script which was neat.

Dislike:

• Mel's female empowerment tirade was a little too on the nose for me. I know the show tried to showcase feminism and powerful women but they tried TOO hard with Mel.
• The overall tone of the show, probably for being aimed for younger viewers also, has completely changed the tone of Charmed. Charmed2018 plays more like a teen-drama now which sucks but hopefully that was just to make the pilot more accessible for all fans and they'll gradually get back to the true nature of Charmed which is adult female witches living normal lives and balancing magic.
• The magical effects are cheesy. You'd think they'd be better since we're in an age where anything is technically possible! For instance, freezing time and telekinesis look WAY more natural in original Charmed. So for this show to have those cheesy effects in a year like 2018 just irritates my soul. They better come up with some new stuff for the effects. Hopefully, it was just a pilot budget thing and the effects will get better later on.
• Latin spells? Come on now. This ain't the Secret Circle.
• Black-smoke possessing demons that are weakened by baking soda.....this ain't Supernatural either.
• A Little too predictable for my tastes. But they make up for it with little creative moments during those predictable plots.

The Actresses:
It did leave a lasting impression on me, however, and I actually like the dynamic that Macy brings. I know she got a lot of reaction from fans for being awkward and taller than the two, but I actually like her in the show. As for the actress who plays Mel, I never liked her acting. But now I get a chance to watch her so too early to tell. And I LOVE Sarah Jeffrey ever since Shades of Blue and she plays her part well. I think they may need to up their game a little though and become more comfortable with their roles as they are BIG shoes to fill but only time can give them that experience.



Overall, I liked it. I didn't love it, but I liked it. I had to keep reminding myself that this was a NEW SHOW. But as a sad afterthought, ANYTHING Charmed-related will now be spun-off of this new 2018 version. I think our dreams for one last Halliwell movie or spin-off short series are basically dead at this point. We've seen all we will see of the original sisters which sucks so this new show better do it justice and NOT get canceled after one season or 7 episodes.

I remember, the manor, the outside is right out of Witches of East End (another show that did film in Vancouver I believe) or so I read from other people a while back.

They seem to borrow stuff from other shows and films and not just Classic Charmed. Like the stuff from Supernatural (never seen it), and the teleportation for whitelighters from Harry Potter.

I wished they'd have renamed Whitelighters who cannot orb something else. It didn't make sense to still name them that if they don't have orbs.

I remember having seen the pilot at Comic-Con, hating the special effects. Looks like they didn't re-do them for the actual pilot that aired too.

[Sasha]

Oct 14, 2018 21:45:45 GMT -5 CharmedFaith said:

Oct 14, 2018 21:34:22 GMT -5 Sasha said:

Hehe! Currently 10:33 PM where I am. So I believe you'd be just an hour behind me?

Sounds like we are on the same timezone lol. Charmed comes on at 9pm.

Looks like it. I thought it was at 8pm not 9 pm. Lol 

You think you'll watch it again next week?