Is Season 6 the most disappointing season and why?

[rebooted]

Season 6 had the ability to make Season 4 and 5 look the worst - because the idea was actually pretty good - its just the execution was really poor.

It definitely could have been the iconic legacy of the show with the 2 brothers and perhaps 2 more siblings or cousins.

[sonja]

Aug 26, 2022 19:25:15 GMT -5 Aaeiyn said:

I still like S6 and don't see what others see regarding how "awful" it is. I don't mind other magical beings saving the day. I don't feel like it ALWAYS must be the Charmed Ones, at all costs. Makes other magical beings seem pointless. I think (especially by S6) it's OK to expand beyond three powerful sisters. There are other characters, in the show besides the sisters.

I agree that it doesn't always had to be them, but in season 5 finale it was Leo. In season 6 finale it was Leo. It's starting to get repetitive! I also think by this point, the sisters are experienced enough to get by without the help of a whitelighter/elder (or without him doing all the work, basically). Not saying that Leo should do nothing, I guess I was just disappointed that he got the most interesting storyline and the most emotional & impactful scenes this season (witnessing Chris's death, killing Gideon...) while the sisters don't get much to work with, in my opinion.

[Aaeiyn]

Aug 28, 2022 5:36:13 GMT -5 sonja said:

Aug 26, 2022 19:25:15 GMT -5 Aaeiyn said:

I still like S6 and don't see what others see regarding how "awful" it is. I don't mind other magical beings saving the day. I don't feel like it ALWAYS must be the Charmed Ones, at all costs. Makes other magical beings seem pointless. I think (especially by S6) it's OK to expand beyond three powerful sisters. There are other characters, in the show besides the sisters.

I agree that it doesn't always had to be them, but in season 5 finale it was Leo. In season 6 finale it was Leo. It's starting to get repetitive! I also think by this point, the sisters are experienced enough to get by without the help of a whitelighter/elder (or without him doing all the work, basically). Not saying that Leo should do nothing, I guess I was just disappointed that he got the most interesting storyline and the most emotional & impactful scenes this season (witnessing Chris's death, killing Gideon...) while the sisters don't get much to work with, in my opinion.

The finales don't make nor break seasons, for me. It's about the overall enjoyment, of the season via the amount of episodes I enjoy, in each season.

I can honestly say, I'm not super hyped about any of this show's season finales. If I had to pick, S1 has the best finale out of all the seasons, personally. Otherwise, I really don't like any season finales, of this show lol

I hardly watch them xD

[sonja]

That's true. I also love the season 1 finale the most. Along with season 3. And I don't think S6 finale is the worst, I think S8 takes that spot.
I like a good final episode to wrap up the season, to be honest. Or to set up the next one. It's important to me, but not what makes or breaks the season, yeah.

[greta]

Aug 28, 2022 5:52:25 GMT -5 sonja said:

That's true. I also love the season 1 finale the most. Along with season 3. And I don't think S6 finale is the worst, I think S8 takes that spot.
I like a good final episode to wrap up the season, to be honest. Or to set up the next one. It's important to me, but not what makes or breaks the season, yeah.

S1 might be my all time favorite finale. All the others just leave me feeling upset or angry one way or another. 

I believe S2 should've found a better episode to use as the finale. It doesn't feel like a season finale to me. I guess they had to give Shannen a more easier first episode to direct for the first time. Morality Bites would've been a much stronger episode to end S2 on or even Apocalypse Not. 


 But Charmed wasn't never the strongest when it came to opening and closing a season. Out of the sixteen openers and closers to the series, I think only 3 out the 16 would make my list of top episodes.

[Esmeralda]

Aug 28, 2022 21:27:51 GMT -5 greta said:

Aug 28, 2022 5:52:25 GMT -5 sonja said:

That's true. I also love the season 1 finale the most. Along with season 3. And I don't think S6 finale is the worst, I think S8 takes that spot.
I like a good final episode to wrap up the season, to be honest. Or to set up the next one. It's important to me, but not what makes or breaks the season, yeah.

S1 might be my all time favorite finale. All the others just leave me feeling upset or angry one way or another. 

I believe S2 should've found a better episode to use as the finale. It doesn't feel like a season finale to me. I guess they had to give Shannen a more easier first episode to direct for the first time. Morality Bites would've been a much stronger episode to end S2 on or even Apocalypse Not. 


 But Charmed wasn't never the strongest when it came to opening and closing a season. Out of the sixteen openers and closers to the series, I think only 3 out the 16 would make my list of top episodes.

S1's finale and S7's (if you skip the last scene - I HATE that!) are the only ones that make my Top 50. I think I don't like the other (or the premieres - the only ones I like are 'Something Wicca This Way Comes' and 'Witch Trial'), because Brad Kern wrote most of the premieres and finales, and unless he's writing with someone like Connie or Sheryl, I just don't like how he writes the sisters.

[Esmeralda]

I decided to repeat my response from last year - my reaction hasn't changed any.

Aug 19, 2021 23:22:48 GMT -5 Esmeralda said:

Even though I hate S6 more, I think S8 was the most disappointing one. I remember how excited we were when we found out that there would be an 8th season - and then how disappointed we were when we had to tolerate Billie, the star of the season when we thought it should be the Charmed Ones.

I remember how disappointed I was when Piper treated Leo like her own little errand boy and totally emasculated a man who was raised in the 20s/30s when the men took care of their women who took care of the children but had given up immortality for love of her. Then she had the NERVE to be upset when he was frozen! Man, I hated her, especially when she used her magic to make her look like the best mother without any sort of backlash! And for HER to be the one who lives sappily ever after? *shudder* Oh, did that disappoint me!

Next I was SO disappointed when the Elders actually sent Coop to Phoebe because they were sorry that they'd messed up her love life. SAID, WHAT???!!!

But what disappointed me the most was when the Elders treated Paige as if she was a full whitelighter when she was still alive! And to have her forget that she helped vanquish the Source??!! *shudder*

So much of the last season and S6 could've been so good, and yet neither were, mainly due to Chris and Billie, Kern's GaryStu and MarySue who took away attention from the ones who should've had it: the Charmed Ones.

But I hated so much of S6 and because I did, it never disappointed me, while S8 disappointed me at every turn.

And like I keep saying, I'm SO glad I hate S6 and was disappointed by S8 because fixing those horrible messes inspired so many fantastic fanfics where Chris and Billie are nothing like Kern's versions and aren't GaryStus or MarySues.

[Aaeiyn]

My enjoyment for this season has not changed. I still like Chris but now that I like Phoebe, again, this season remains an enjoyment, for me. I don't want to repeat the whole "but Phoebe is so selfish this season!" point of contention 'cause I hate to break it to everyone, but Phoebe has ALWAYS been selfish, since S1E1 "Something Wicca This Way Comes". It's just who she is, as a character. I would even argue that Phoebe was LESS selfish in S5-S8 compared to her S1-S4 counterpart especially when it came to her column and readers.

In re-watching S5E5 "Witches in Tights", during our S5 re-watch helped open my eyes, to that. She was helping the innocent folks being wrongfully evicted by the slumlord, non-magically, pre-superhero conversion. That's still helping other people, in my book. Or, when she tried to compromise in the S6E7 "Soul Survivor" situation and agreeing that Zahn is a threat, that needed to be dealt with. Prior to Drake, in S7, she was pretty selfless and lost Leslie because she was too busy with her Charmed duties, but I digress.

Plus, I really enjoy Phoebe and Paige's sisterhood dynamic, in S6. Whether we agree with their tactics or not is irrelevant. They were definitely on the same wave length in S6-S7. I just like more episodes in S6 than S7 so unpopular opinion 😅

[lunchking]

In comparison to S5, S6 was a blessing. But it isn't perfect (I still love others more like S1). But the first half of S6 has enjoyable episodes to watch (Power of Three Blondes, Loves a Witch, Soul Survivor, Little Monsters, Witchstock, I Dream of Phoebe just to name some). The last few episodes are a drag but it's not a deal breaker for me. I can just avoid rewatching them. LOL

Plus the funny and hilarious moments. I'll never not laugh at Paige using her powers to move an Apple into Phoebe's mouth.

[forbuss]

For me it definitely wasn't the most disappointing. This distinction goes to season eight.

I can't remember how I felt originally watching any of the seasons but in retrospect I do think six was one of the weakest seasons of the show. However, with season six at least we got season seven after which is one of my favorite seasons. We didn't get anything after eight - no light at the end of the tunnel (haha).

Season six isn't fantastic but I do enjoy it. It has a campy light hearted tone and wasn't as fairy tale creature centric as season five. I didn't like the whole Giddeon storyline at the end at alll.

[zachary]

Despite my analysis of the season, I don't believe it to be the most disappointing season. I admire the storylines given to each sister, as far as their love interests, them moving out, and striving for a strength within their individuality. I admire Chris's internal conflict of trying to save his older brother, while trying to maintain certain aspects within his timeline and shifting others to create a better future- at the expense of his life, and I admire his self-struggle with knowing who his dad becomes to him, but seeing him in a different light as a first-time father, 20-ish years prior to the Leo that Chris knows.

I think Leo has his own arc, which is new, as he hasn't had much development since season 2 when he became mortal. It's interesting to see him head down a path that was labeled as "dark" when he was just protecting his family by eliminating its threat. It's also a nice setup to the storyline Leo gets in season 7, with the avatars.

Like forbuss said, season 6 also benefited from it's balance of having that campy, light-hearted tone, and not being fairytale-centric as season 5.

There's fun episodes, like the Power of three Blondes, and yet, episodes that have that sense of severity in them, like Love's A Witch.

I also have to give props for finally introducing another family of witches!

[Aaeiyn]

We'll see how everyone feels about S6, when re-watch it, soon.

[Aaeiyn]

A trend I'm noticing regarding the hatred towards S6 is Chris and the personalities of the sisters. My love for S6 has NOTHING to do with these two points of contention. I'm more interested in the episode stories OUTSIDE of the sisters.

S6E4 "The Power of Three Blondes" - Fantastic episode of some surprisingly highly intellectual bad witches (or, at least, Mabel). I was intrigued with their storyline and their tactic of trying to "take down" the Charmed Ones.

S6E5 "Love's a Witch" - The Callaways vs the Montanas, and how these witches were able to produce energy balls. It was lovely seeing more witches beyond just the sisters. I was hoping (and S6 presented a little bit of this but poorly) these witches would help out the Charmed Ones with their adventures (which we know Richard did in S6E7 "Soul Survivor", but I digress).

S6E7 "Soul Survivor" - The concept of the book not being up to date with entries was an interesting concept, added into the Charmed universe. And, how powerful demons can become with (basically) an "underground immoral auction house" structure.

S6E9 "Little Monsters" - Learning about the Manticores species and a lovely demonic display since S2E4 "The Devil's Music". No, I don't count Belthazor. And, the lore concept behind their existence. And, how Derek transformed himself into "the Beast".

S6E14 "The Legend of Sleepy Halliwell" - Yes, Magic School is "hit or miss" with the fandom, but it's a "hit", for me. I do believe it could've worked had it been newer instead of "20 years in existence" (as S7E8 "Charmed Noir" makes it). It's like S6E5 "Love's a Witch", for me, where I like seeing OTHER witches BESIDES the Charmed Ones and was hoping we'd get more of a diverse cast, with these kids (alas, they're only minorly mentioned, like in S7E2 "The Bare Witch Project" or S7E7 "Someone to Witch Over Me"). I love hearing about other powers like Zachary's Telepathy, Enola's Shamanism, Herman's Conjuring, etc. I just like seeing a multitude of different powers besides just premonitions, TKing, blasting stuff, etc.

S6E15 "I Dream of Phoebe" - The twist surprised me especially seeing Phoebe becoming the new Genie LOL Also, this is the episode that made me think differently about how the book "protects itself". I don't really believe that "evil can't touch it". I believe "those seeking to steal it can't touch it". I don't believe Jeannie had any interest in stealing the book which is why it didn't repel against her, but I digress.

S6E16 "The Courtship of Wyatt's Father" - The ghostly plane intrigued me, and it was interesting how Chris' void form was being used as a "messenger" between both worlds. Also, it's nice seeing another Angel of Death (similar to how there's more than just one "Angel of Destiny", but I digress).

S6E17 "Hyde School Reunion" - Controversial episode, aside from what some would call Rick's death as "murder", I mainly liked seeing Victor, again and trying to contribute more than what he did, prior. Plus, it was fun digging deeper into Phoebe's past, and Rick solidifying the fact that Phoebe DID change.

S6E18 "Spin City" - The Spider Demon was such an interesting demon that doesn't kill so randomly but for a purpose.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that LOL

[lunchking]

May 11, 2023 11:46:44 GMT -5 Aaeiyn said:

A trend I'm noticing regarding the hatred towards S6 is Chris and the personalities of the sisters. My love for S6 has NOTHING to do with these two points of contention. I'm more interested in the episode stories OUTSIDE of the sisters.

S6E4 "The Power of Three Blondes" - Fantastic episode of some surprisingly highly intellectual bad witches (or, at least, Mabel). I was intrigued with their storyline and their tactic of trying to "take down" the Charmed Ones.

S6E5 "Love's a Witch" - The Callaways vs the Montanas, and how these witches were able to produce energy balls. It was lovely seeing more witches beyond just the sisters. I was hoping (and S6 presented a little bit of this but poorly) these witches would help out the Charmed Ones with their adventures (which we know Richard did in S6E7 "Soul Survivor", but I digress).

S6E7 "Soul Survivor" - The concept of the book not being up to date with entries was an interesting concept, added into the Charmed universe. And, how powerful demons can become with (basically) an "underground immoral auction house" structure.

S6E9 "Little Monsters" - Learning about the Manticores species and a lovely demonic display since S2E4 "The Devil's Music". No, I don't count Belthazor. And, the lore concept behind their existence. And, how Derek transformed himself into "the Beast".

S6E14 "The Legend of Sleepy Halliwell" - Yes, Magic School is "hit or miss" with the fandom, but it's a "hit", for me. I do believe it could've worked had it been newer instead of "20 years in existence" (as S7E8 "Charmed Noir" makes it). It's like S6E5 "Love's a Witch", for me, where I like seeing OTHER witches BESIDES the Charmed Ones and was hoping we'd get more of a diverse cast, with these kids (alas, they're only minorly mentioned, like in S7E2 "The Bare Witch Project" or S7E7 "Someone to Witch Over Me"). I love hearing about other powers like Zachary's Telepathy, Enola's Shamanism, Herman's Conjuring, etc. I just like seeing a multitude of different powers besides just premonitions, TKing, blasting stuff, etc.

S6E15 "I Dream of Phoebe" - The twist surprised me especially seeing Phoebe becoming the new Genie LOL Also, this is the episode that made me think differently about how the book "protects itself". I don't really believe that "evil can't touch it". I believe "those seeking to steal it can't touch it". I don't believe Jeannie had any interest in stealing the book which is why it didn't repel against her, but I digress.

S6E16 "The Courtship of Wyatt's Father" - The ghostly plane intrigued me, and it was interesting how Chris' void form was being used as a "messenger" between both worlds. Also, it's nice seeing another Angel of Death (similar to how there's more than just one "Angel of Destiny", but I digress).

S6E17 "Hyde School Reunion" - Controversial episode, aside from what some would call Rick's death as "murder", I mainly liked seeing Victor, again and trying to contribute more than what he did, prior. Plus, it was fun digging deeper into Phoebe's past, and Rick solidifying the fact that Phoebe DID change.

S6E18 "Spin City" - The Spider Demon was such an interesting demon that doesn't kill so randomly but for a purpose.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that LOL

S6 did a good job of attempting to build up exploring the culture of other witches (e.g The Callaways vs the Montanas, Phoenix witches and of course magic school and the witches there).

But I know most of the fandom like the show only being sisters sisters sisters all the time. But I don't see any issues with having other witches helping out the Charmed Ones with their adventures. This isn't about the Charmed Ones sitting on the sidelines and these witches taking over, but an extension to the sisterhood we already had with female empowerment going beyond just being all about the sisters. It's a controversial opinion I know will get hated here, but I didn't hate Billie as much as most fans do. She added some much needed new energy into the show, and expanded the sisterhood from just being blood related to a sisterhood of women.

S6 had lots of nice concepts. Aaeiyn good job pointing out so many of them. Most of the hate is directed at the sisters and Chris. But take that away and we got some good episodes out of S6.

[Aaeiyn]

Bumping so theredqveen can get a little bit deeper of a dive, on my thoughts regarding my love for S6, and how I will defend it, until the day that I die! LOL

[Aaeiyn]

I wanted to bring these conversations over here:

Jan 12, 2024 20:34:04 GMT -5 chromaticanmomdasia said:

Season 6 I find quite underrated

Controversially I did love the time travel stuff and ongoing Chris madness going on trying to sabotage which made things unpredictable across the season

Whilst the opener with Valkyries they could've gone more into the NORSE mythology like Xena instead of Amazon focus point of the costume design I quite liked the different route it took.

Phoebe as an emoath was under utilised in places however .. loved Paige temp jobs taking her to obscure places. Gideon and the magic school was an interesting threat too

And the finale was the best finale since season 3 just excellent two hours of perfection

Jan 12, 2024 20:57:22 GMT -5 missjessica said:

I agree. It's VERY underrated.

Yeah, I have a feeling the reason the Valkyries dressed more like Amazons than how the real ones were, was more a marketing thing so they could have the characters revealing more skin. I didn't mind it, it was annoying though.

Paige's temp job were fun. I did like the concept of the sisters moving out, but they didn't do a good job of it. I also wasn't happy they just abandoned Phoebe and Paige's love interests so quickly after they made a big deal of them moving out.

Couldn't agree more with S6 being underrated! I think it's too hated, TBH, and I still don't understand why. Especially with our S6 re-watch, the overall attitude is NOT reflecting these polls.

In regards to Phoebe's Empathy, I agree about it being completely underutilized. It's unfortunate, that this is the ONLY season to experience what they had in mind with it. The only episode I felt served its purpose (and wished it was handled this way, more) is in S6E14 "The Legend of Sleepy Halliwell". As it fits well with her power of premonition in having Insight, in certain situations.

---

It's no secret that I play video games, and in magical video games I play, the power of Insight (mindreading, essentially) is EXACTLY how S6E14 "The Legend of Sleepy Halliwell" utilized it, and I wished it was displayed more. As (like I said) it totally coincides with her power of premonition. I've been playing Baldur's Gate 3, and I'm pretty much Phoebe (mostly with the power of Insight) LOL Insight is POWERFUL. She's not much of a fighter (unlike Phoebe) but is really good in reading people. Exactly the way I guess Kira (from S7E10 "Witchness Protection") would be (except not as fun, I guess LOL).

Just really disappointed, we only have ONE episode showcasing how WELL Empathetic Phoebe would've worked out 'cause it fits in so well with her character! Just poorly executed.

[Melinda Halliwell]

Exactly.

As I've said myself already season 6 wasn't the worst one overall. There were others I disliked more.

This had the potential to be good if it had been written better of course.

Valhalla I'd have liked to have been set in proper Scandinavia and maybe introduced a Norse God or two.

Paige and Phoebe should've asked Darryl if he'd help them instead of just throwing the potion and taking his soul without permission.

I didn't mind Phoebe having Empathy but the use of that power could've been executed much better and I'd have preferred her not to be able to channel powers although I understood the concept of that but kept Empathy emotion-based only e.g. reading emotions, channelling, them, healing people emotionally, projecting Phoebe's own emotions on someone else whatever she felt at the time and been able to shield an attack from evil who might have the same power stopping any psychic attacks.

This she would've all learned had Phoebe not lost the power herself and her premonition power could've connected with her empathy through Phoebe after feeling a strong emotion from someone receiving a vision without her touching anything expanding that power then.

Chris coming back was cool with his character having a lot of potential if only he was written more likeable also but still hiding things trying to keep why he was back obviously.

Gideon was a good villain but before just outright trying to kill Wyatt I wanted him to explain his concerns about the boy to Piper and Leo at least which never happened.

Regarding Piper and Leo, I'd like a definitive answer as to whether they were divorcing or not as that storyline just stopped after a while and wasn't spoken about again which a passing comment would've helped. 

I liked Paige's temp jobs and how they helped her to become a full-time Whitelighter eventually but also thought this would've been a good move for Phoebe had things been different in season 5 with Paige taking the social worker promotion and becoming a part-time Whitelighter and Phoebe either taking a sabbatical from the newspaper or quitting and becoming the full-time witch before taking on temp jobs to get her out there using her magic to help people which her empathy could've done.

[Aaeiyn]

Jan 14, 2024 3:10:22 GMT -5 Melinda Halliwell said:

Paige and Phoebe should've asked Darryl if he'd help them instead of just throwing the potion and taking his soul without permission.

I'd like to point out that they did ask, but Darryl said "no". But, they threw the potion, anyway.

IK it's controversial, but I really don't think it was the worst thing the show displayed. It was meant to be funny, and I did laugh.

I think what you meant was for them to find a different way, since Darryl said "no" to their request.

TBH, Kern didn't even want Valhalley as his S6 premiere. lunchking pointed out that Kern wanted S6E8 "Sword & the City" to be his S6 opener. But, the Network (always leads back to them) said "no". The Network pushed for Valhalley 'cause "sexy".

You can tell Valhalley drags on while Excalibur was unfairly shortened. I'm still not the biggest fan of Excalibur, but it does explain A LOT of the poor writing done in Valhalley.

Darn Network, always ruining the show.

Dec 2, 2023 3:13:47 GMT -5 lunchking said:

Thought I'd share this article from an interview Brad Kern did. Originally this episode was meant to be the two-part opener not the Valkyrie episode.

View Attachment

[Melinda Halliwell]

You're right in me having wanted the girls to have found a different way to get a soul for Valhalla as I found it disrespectful that Darryl said no and they ignored him anyway despite having been a family friend for so long.

Yeah, networks interfering with shows erks me as well especially when someone has an idea that gets thrown out of the window.

Losing Leo would've explained what happened with Piper in that episode in terms of Excalibur etc.

[chromaticanmomdasia]

Whilst fans generally split it as s1-4 Vs 5-8 but S6 despite me not liking some directions they tried to take it ....love interests didn't interest me but loved how the charmed universe expanded here