Charmed: Look Who's Barking (3.21)

This episode doesn't have a whole lot of emotional resonance, but it's another fun detour involving the sisters morphing into something supernatural. Where it falters is in the execution of the banshee story. The idea of the demon is that each banshee is a former witch, and that banshees seek out those in great emotional pain. Phoebe unsurprisingly is taken over by the banshee, and it should have been an interesting idea to build an episode around. However, the emotional ramifications of the story aren't exploited enough, and it's disappointing that all Phoebe can learn from the episode is that Cole is, deep down, a good guy. Meh.

While what we are given is fine, it's an element that could have been pushed a lot further. The banshee story, generally, is pretty effective, especially the creature herself. I loved the smashing glass, the old man bleeding from his eyes, and the sweeping curtains and visual flourishes given to most of her scenes.

Prue's adventures as a dog weren't at all interesting, but presumably Shannen needed time off to prep her directorial gig next episode. There were obviously all those rumors at the time that Shannen demanded time off because of the Alyssa drama, but the truth was probably a lot less scandalous.

Look Who's Barking is an episode that works on the surface but falters a little when you try and analyze it. Don't get me wrong, it's a lot of fun and the villain is pretty badass, but it's kind of a filler episode generally. C+

Credits
Guest stars Matt Battaglia (Journalist); Joe E. Tata (Inspector)
Teleplay Curtis Kheel, Monica Breen, Alison Schapker Story Curtis Kheel Director John Behring