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Many wonder why Charmed has been such a hit. The answer is simple. It is a TV show about 3 sisters and their struggle for a normal life all while having great style.
Charmed is a Drama TV series produced by Aaron Spelling and directed by Brad Kern. The show ran on the WB from 1997-2006 and seasons 1-8 are now on DVD. The series stars Shannen Doherty (as Pru), Holly Marie Combs (as Piper), Alyssa Milano (as Phoebe), and Rose McGowan (as Paige). After reading an incantation in the Book of Shadows, the sisters are turned into good witches with magical powers. The series recounts their life experiences over a period of 8 years where they live their lives and fight evil. In the end, viewers are shown that family and good is stronger than evil. Why Viewers Love CharmedAs the sisters learn to deal with their newfound powers and the responsibilities that go along with them, they learn the basic Wiccan rules. One such example is the rule of not using their powers for personal gain. This proves to be a challenge again and again for the sisters. On one occasion, they are even sent to the future to see what the consequences of the use of powers for personal gain are: phoebe burns at the stake. Luckily, she is sent back to the past in enough time so that she can change the past to protect the future. Fighting evil is not without hazard. All of the sisters die on numerous occasions. So too do friends, acquaintances, and innocents. When death does not occur, other side effects occur at times. Examples include the time Pru turns into a man, Piper turns into a Wendigo, Phoebe turns into a Banshee, and Paige turns into a Vampire. Sacrifices for the greater good are made time and time again, such as when Phoebe helped her sisters vanquish her husband Cole- the Source of all Evil. Other examples include Andy dying while trying to save Pru from a demon or when Agent Brody dies trying to save the world from the Avatars. There are a surprising number of plot twists in the series as well that leave viewers wondering whether everything will work out in the end. One such example is when the Angel of Death comes after Leo. Piper makes a deal with the Angel of Destiny for an alternate solution. Leo is frozen and the Angel of Destiny takes him. In the end, the sisters risk it all to get the happy end they wanted so badly and for so long. The last episode is called “Forever Charmed” which reminds the many fans of the series that Charmed will never die and will live forever through the DVD series and reruns. Main CharactersPru is the eldest Halliwell sister. Her powers are telekinesis and astral projection. Though resistant to the idea of being a witch at first, eventually she learned to love and appreciate her gifts. She put her heart and soul into becoming the best and most powerful witch. She was reunited with her high school sweetheart, Andy shortly after receiving her powers. Sadly, both Pru and Andy were killed by demons within 2 years of each other. Piper is the second Halliwell sister. Growing up, she was the middle sister and so she became the negotiator and peacemaker of the family. After Pru passed away, she became the eldest and learned to take charge. Her powers are molecular manipulation, and astral projection. After several losses in the arena of love, Piper met and fell in love with her whitelighter Leo Wyatt (Bryan Krause). After many ups and downs, they had three children: Wyatt, Chris, and Melinda. Phoebe is the third sister. Growing up, she was the baby of the family and as a result was fun and outgoing, but also flighty and irresponsible. Once she came into her powers, however, she made some very quick adjustments and became a force to be reckoned with. Her powers are premonition, levitation, empathy, and astral projection. Phoebe married Cole (Julian McMahon), but that marriage failed when she found out he had become the source of all evil. Eventually, she married the love of her life, Coop (Victor Webster). They had three girls together, one she had foreseen and two she had not. Paige is the fourth and youngest sister. Because there were strict rules against whitelighters and witches being together, she had to be put up for adoption for her safety and that of her parent’s. As an only child growing up, she became an independent, willful and opinionated woman. After Pru died, she went to her funeral and found her sisters. When Paige met the girls at the Manor, she gained her powers when the Power of Three was reconstituted. Paige was at first was resistant to the idea of being a witch, but eventually grew to love it. Paige’s witch powers are telekinesis, and astral projection. Because she is half whitelighter, she also has the ability to orb, heal, and sense her charges and family. Paige eventually found her perfect mate in Henry Mitchell (Ivan Sergei). They were married and had twin daughters and one boy. Supporting CastLeo Wyatt (Brian Krause): He is the Charmed ones whitelighter, Piper’s husband and father of Wyatt and Chris. Darryl Morris (Dorian Gregory): He is a police detective and a close friend- Especially after he learns their secret. He almost dies on several occasions protecting the sisters and their secret. Billie Jenkins (Kaley Cuoco): A new witch to the craft. The Charmed Ones take her in and are betrayed when they learn that she is the ultimate power and that they will have to fight her in the ultimate battle to win Leo back. SourcesAlso see www.wikipedia.org Want to know more?Charmed has a magazine, numerous books, seasons 1-8 (with special features on season 8), and many websites and blogs in relation to the show. Fans of the series rave in particular about season 8 which has special features and special nest eggs for the “real” fans of the show who also read the Charmed magazine.
The copyright of the article Charmed-a Television Series Review in TV Show DVDs is owned by Rocio Hunt. Permission to republish Charmed-a Television Series Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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