Ugh. Magic School. The most overt of the latter day knock-offs this show employed, Magic School's not only entirely illogical, it's also the one Charmed concept that just wouldn't go away. Whoever decided to make it a long-term deal should probably be horrifically maimed. The Legend of Sleepy Halliwell is one of those episodes with a decent central conceit that is quickly petered away by weak writing -- leaving only a couple of annoying set pieces designed to show off the headless Halliwell sisters. It's weak all-round.Piper is still whining about wanting a normal life for Wyatt, despite having ruled out binding his powers until he comes of age. I don't understand this woman anymore. Similarly, why the hell is Magic School only being mentioned now? Wouldn't it be in the Book of Shadows if thirty-something vision-quest-lady was a former student? And wouldn't Leo have at least mentioned it when Piper first fell pregnant, especially since he's best buds with the principal? Gah. Once again, the writers express total disdain for their audience, comfortable to pull everything out of their collective butts.
While all this is happening, Paige is stuck in some low-rent Dangerous Minds riff, teaching a bunch of horrible magic teens. Everything here is awful. From the nerd with the apple to the ghetto chump who sits on tables because he's just so damn 'edgy'. He's also named Slick, because this show is increasingly terrible.
I guess there are some amusing moments here, while Phoebe's vision quest is both visually gorgeous and finally gives the dead-in-the-water Chris arc some forward momentum. But, generally, too much of the episode blows. The headless horseman story isn't as present as you'd imagine, Magic School bugs, and most of the acting is contrived. Is this season done yet? D+
Credits
Guest stars Dean Shelton (Zachery); Christopher Neiman (Sigmund); Adam Hendershott (Slick); Mitchah Williams (Quentin); Elena Finney (Enola); Sarah Rafferty (Carol); Betsy Randle (Mrs. Winterbourne); Gildart Jackson (Gideon); Ziggy Marley (Himself)
Writer Cameron Litvack Director Jon Paré
Yeah, magic school...
ReplyDeleteA massive waste of space, and the biggest mistake the writers have made since Chris arrived. I have to agree with most of what you've said too.
This episode is basically an excuse to hide Holly's belly, and its a terrible one at that.
I literally laughed out loud at the Slick comment. I just kind of took in in my stride, since Charmed doesn't really try to hold back when it comes to stereotypes.
Great reviews, entertaining as always.
Thanks, Panda. Really eager to read your future Charmed stuff, like always.
ReplyDeleteThe one thing is missing that melinda warrren creater of the book of shadows forgot to added the headless horseman inside the book of shadows pages.
ReplyDelete