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Charmed - Series 5
RRP: £59.99
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Editorial
Synopsis
Debuting in 1998, the Aaron Spelling-produced television series CHARMED follows the adventures of three modern-day witches juggling their supernatural abilities with the demands of everyday life. The Halliwell sisters use their magical powers to protect innocent people from evil demons, who, in turn, attempt to steal the sister's powers for their own purposes. In order to shield the world from darkness, the sisters must protect their own powers from the lords of the underworld, and also rise above the childish bickering of sisterhood to work together as a team.
the humour returns
Review date: 2007-11-29 Rating: 8 out of 10
I liked this season of charmed because it was more like the first and best season where there were completely different storylines from one episode to the next, and the romantic goings on in the witches lives are not overwhelming.And although Rose McGowan doesn't look half the witch Shannon Docherty was she grows on you after a while.Julian Mcmahon as Cole is at his most humorous in this season and as always the special effects and action are enthralling.Watch out for the episode where a beautiful demon woman keeps making herself look identical to phoebe and playing with cole's mind.And the epsisode where phoebe turns into a mermaid is good too.It's a good thing that the writers did away with the darker storylines from season three and season four ( I think this was when the creator of charmed constance burge retired from the show) and lightened things up again but the darkness was worthwhile just so we could see the kind of territory this programme could be taken into.
I'd love to see them make a charmed movie with all four witches and Leo and Cole.It would be great.The four witches could take on the four horsemen of the apocalypse -sort of charmed meets the lord of the rings.
Would have to bring shannon docherty back to life though.
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Reviews
surprisingly...the greatest season of CHARMED
Review date: 2007-11-26 Rating: 10 out of 10
after rewatching this season of charmed i have found that this season is actually by far the classiest out of all eight...while the first two seasons were plain boring,the third being an improvement, the fourth made it dark and entertaining...now season 5 is the greatest season of the show and definitely shows off the hilarious talents from all three of the sisters...especially phoebe, and great to see Paige's character gain more depth this year...season 5 contains most of the shows recognizable episodes and definitely contains the best of charmed-centennial charmed,siren song,the importance of being phoebe(the best),the day the magic died, and the hilarious sense and sense-ability a genuinly great season that no other season managed to achieve and the only season that i couldnt compare with the far superior show BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER so while charmed couldnt live up to the standards of BUFFY it came close with this season...and at this great price i would buy it...season 4 and 8 are also quite enjoyable:)
episodes-
a witches tail-best transformation ever...and the best season opener 5/5.
happily ever after-very enjoyable 4/5
siren song-one of the best episodes ever 5/5:)
witches in tights-classic 5/5
the eyes have it-okay episode reasonably cool 3/5
sympathy for the demon-an exciting eppy with barbas 5/5
a witch in time-another season great 5/5
sam i am-yet another classic episode with adrenaline 5/5
y tu mummy tambien-another classic 5/5
the importance of being phoebe-just the best episode ever(well nearly)5/5:)
centennial charmed-this is the best episode ever!!! 5/5
house call-another fun one 3/5
sand Francisco dreamin'-'another great episode i love it 5/5
the day the magic died-just when you thought it couldnt get classier...it did 5/5
babys first demon-very fun 4/5
lucky charmed-a campy classic 4/5
cat house-great great great 4.5/5
nymphs jus wanna have fun-actually the only dud in the season 2/5:(
sense and sensability-the funniest episode ever!!!!never beaten 5*/5
necromancing the stone-pretty cool 4.5/5
oh my goddess-a great cliffhanger,great effects,possibly the last way for a while a great season finale occurs as many charmed finales are considered weak...but not this one...this is charmed meets xena:)
as you see it is a classy season!
while never able to reach the standards of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER this season is the only one that doesn't appear as a rip-off but as an independant gem and i like that:):)possibly the only season i'd consider buying at the moment...and a great price.
A bit too teenagey for me
Review date: 2007-07-29 Rating: 4 out of 10
I'd never really seen Charmed before I got this, but I'd heard good things about this season, and I'm a fan of Angel, and other supernatural stuff. But unfortunately it really wasn't up to scratch. I can see how the whole camp magical aspect of it is enticing, but the storytelling really wasn't good. I was bored after 20 minutes. If I was alot younger I would probably really enjoy it, because I'd have enjoyed all the prettyness and magic spells. I'm not saying you can't enjoy it if you're older, but don't expect sophisticated story-telling or Whedonesque dialogue.
There's much better fantasy stuff out there, is what Im saying. Maybe earlier seasons were better though.
Please don't be offended if you are a fan of this show...I have nothing against 'Charmed', I just didn't enjoy it personally. The 2* rating is just how much I enjoyed it. I watch plenty of cheesy shows, so I'm definately not judging.
The Mediocrity of Season 5, Charmed Begins Its Downfall!!
Review date: 2007-06-05 Rating: 6 out of 10
After a dark and impressive 4th season, charmed fans were anxious for the 5th season after the season finale's revelation of Piper's pregnancy. With the 2-parter premiere, "A Witch's Tail", Charmed began to change dramatically. The show had a fresh and lighter scenery with brighter colors. Holly Marie Combs and Alyssa Milano became show producers and after 4 years, show creator Constance M. Burge had completely left the series. This season is dominated by 2 story arcs: 1.Piper's pregnancy which bring some funny and touching moments for the series and 2. Cole's newly invincible and powerful state that causes trouble for the sisters, especially Phoebe. Now while the season starts off pretty good, the season soon becomes light as fluff and the episodes that follow are some of the worst of the series!! Also the characters and sister dynamic changes dramatically, mostly Phoebe whose personality becomes more work and men involved than magic involved! The season introduces new love interest Jason Dean for Phoebe, and is the first of Phoebe's long, pointless relationships. Here is Season 5:
A Witch's Tail, Part 1-Weak Episode!! "A mermaid named Mylie asks the help of the Charmed Ones when a Sea Hag is after her immortality, which leads to a spell that causes Phoebe to become a mermaid herself!!" The mermaid storyline was rather "Disney worthy", but guest star Jamie Presley gave a decent performance. Cole returns and Paige's hair is now red!!
A Witch Tail, Part 2-Weak Episode!! "Running from her fears of Cole, Phoebe is still mermaid and won't return to her sisters when a Sea Hag's boss, Necron is after Phoebe's immortality now." The premiere continues drag with Piper's subplot the only redeeming quality.
Happily Ever After-Weak Episode!! "The Evil Witch uses old fairytale stories to kill the Charmed Ones." While it was nice to see Grams again, the fairytale storyline was so corny and it was embarrassing seeing Phoebe being possessed by her glass sleepers!"
Siren Song-Great Episode!! "The Charmed Ones must stop the Siren who is killing the husbands of San Francisco, while Piper's unborn child switches Piper and Leo's powers!!" The Siren was a great villain played wonderfully by Melinda Clarke, and the baby subplot was pretty funny.
Witches in Tights-Good Episode!! "When a demon uses a young male witch to make a comic book villain, the Aggressor steal the powers of an Elder, the boy turns the Charmed Ones into superheroes themselves!!" This was a very fun episode where all 3 leads look like they were having fun as superheroes. This is also the first time we meet an Elder!
The Eyes Have It-Great Episode!! "Not having a premonition for a while, Phoebe visits a gypsy fortune teller which leads the Charmed Ones to protect a clan of gypsies who are being hunted by Oren, the gypsy hunter!!" This one of the few dark and suspenseful episodes all season. Alyssa as well as the rest of the cast is very good here. I loved the gypsy magical mythology and the characters, like Aunt Lydia and Ava!!
Sympathy for the Demon-Great Episode!! "Barbas returns and tricks Paige into giving him Cole's powers, which he uses to trap the sisters in the manor and using their fears against them." While Barbas' appearance wasn't needed, the episode was another rare dark episode with great effects. The scene where Phoebe kills Paige was shocking!
A Witch in Time-Great Episode!! "After having a premonition of his death, Phoebe saves her new boyfriend Miles which causes a warlock from the future named Baccura to come to the present to kill Miles to stop Phoebe's death and sets on a mission of his own." This was a surprisingly original episode with some dark twists. The whole cast again does great, especially Alyssa who gives a rare good performance from the latter seasons.
Sam I Am-Good Episode!! "The Elders give Paige her first charge, which turns out to be her biological father, Sam just as Cole plots to get the sisters to vanquish him using a darklighter." Rose and Scott acted great together showing that chemistry between them as father and daughter. I felt bad for Cole this episode, with him wanting to commit suicide."
Y Tu Mummy Tambien-Good Episode!! "An Egyptian demon named Jeric is searching for the perfect witch's body to store spirit of his lover Isis which leads to him using the body of Phoebe and Cole making a deal with him." Adrian Paul gives a great performance as Jeric, and Julian adds a needed dilemma to the episode. The fight between Piper and Cole was great as well.
The Importance of Being Phoebe-Weak Episode!! "Cole devises a plan that traps Phoebe in his apartment, while a stripper demon named Kaia shape shifts into Phoebe and helps him take the manor so he can steal the Nexus." The Cole/Nexus plot would have been great if the disgusting stripper/slutty Phoebe plot was left out. This is what began the breakdown of Phoebe's character. Although, the Kaia and Phoebe's fight scene was great and well shot.
Centennial Charmed-The 100th Episode!! "On his 100th birthday, The Avatars make Cole an Avatar in which he uses his new power to alter reality where the Power of 3 is no more. Can Paige save the day?" One of the best of the season and series!! The writers went all out to celebrate such an achievement in the series. The cast, especially Rose give great performances. This is Cole's final appearance in the series (well until season 7!) and Julian McMahon's acting presence will be missed.
House Call-Bad Episode!! "When the manor is haunted by evil spirits, The Charmed Ones summon a witch doctor to exorcise them, but the witch doctor is lead to believe the sisters are evil and puts a hex on them." This episode was laughable at best, with more pointless Phoebe sluttiness and pretty much all 3 leads acting like annoying psychos for an hour!! The only good things were it was nice to see Glenn again and Rose looked gorgeous with her 40's hairstyle.
Sand Francisco Dreamin'-Weak Episode!! "After Phoebe has a premonition in her sleep, The Charmed Ones protect the Sandman from a demon who uses dream dust to make the sisters' nightmares come to life!!" The whole dream thing was boring, and ultimately a forgettable episode.
The Day Magic Died-Great Episode!! "When magic disappears around the world, Paige and Phoebe try to solve the mysterious problem when Piper goes into labor and the sisters' father returns with a new wife." This was one of the best episodes with the birth of Wyatt being an emotional and touching episode!! The fight scenes were well done and Cheryl Ladd gives a funny and dark performance as Doris.
Baby's First Demon-Good Episode!! "The Charmed Ones must protect Piper's baby from the demons who are after it, while Paige goes undercover as a bounty hunter and Phoebe meets her new boss." Jason Dean makes his first appearance and leaves little to be desired from his character. The Crone begins her mini arc in this half of the season and the action scenes were well done!!
Lucky Charmed-Awful Episode!! "The Charmed Ones must save a clan of leprechauns from a demon who is killing them and using their gold to give evil good luck and good bad luck." One of the worse episodes of the series!! The fairytale episodes have never been great episodes and I don't get what Brad Kern was thinking with this GOD AWFUL MESS!! The guest stars are terrible and the special effects looked like they were taken from a G rated cartoon. Avoid this at all cost!!
Cat House-Pretty good episode!! "When Piper and Leo are having marriage problems, they go see a therapist, only to have Piper cast a spell that sends her sisters and a warlock to her past memories!!" It was nice to see Paige getting to see her sisters before she meet them and her reactions, but the lack of Prue's scenes sucked (thanks to Shannon owning her footage rights!!) Funny how Zachary Quinto (the warlock) went on to be very successful on Heroes.
Nymphs Just Wanna Have Fun-Awful Episode!! "After a demon kills one of 3 nymphs, the Charmed Ones protect the last 2 in which leads to them turning Paige into a nymph herself." He would have to be crazy to love this pathetic excuse for an episode, even Rose McGowan herself said this was a terrible episode!! The nymphs are horrible, what is with the fairytale creatures? Just kill them ALL!! Not to mention the whole Phoebe sleeping with Jason..EHW!!
Sense and Sense Ability-Great Episode!! "The Crone returns and uses an ancient monkey spell which causes Piper to go blind, Phoebe to go deaf, and Paige to lose her voice so she can steal Wyatt for his powers." One of the most hilarious episodes and all 3 actresses have great comedic timing with Alyssa giving the funniest performance!!"
Necromancing the Stone-Weak Episode!! "Grams returns for the wiccan ceremony for the new baby and is shocked that the baby is a boy, while a Necromancer plans to win Grams' love back and kill the sisters." I didn't like the whole men bashing from Grams and the Necromancer plot is boring and pointless.
Oh My Goddess, Part 1-Weak Episode!! "When the Titans are released, they kill the Elders for revenge, while the Charmed Ones are added by a mysterious whitelighter from the future and Leo gives the sisters the ultimate power to stop the Titans." The Titans are underused and badly portrayed villains, and Drew Fuller makes his poor acting debut on Charmed as Chris!
Oh My Goddess, Part 2-Weak Episode!! "Now as Greek Goddesses, Piper and Phoebe lose themselves to their vast powers leaving Piper get them control themselves so they can destroy the Titans while Leo becomes an Elder." A mediocre finale at best, the goddess personas were a waste of time and the finale battle with the Titans lasted all but 5 seconds...literally!! The ending with Piper and Leo was sad and Holly was great as usual.
Season 5 was a real letdown, with silly and poor story developments. There were a nice group of good episodes but the majority of bad ones were painful to watch!! It seems that once Cole left the series, the show lost all its great quality in storytelling and the sister dynamic began to slip away. Buy this season if your an absolute hardcore Charmed fan, but if your not, don't bother. The sad thing is...the worst is yet to come!!
A Hit and Miss Season
Review date: 2007-05-16 Rating: 6 out of 10
The fifth season of Charmed definitely lacks the tight storytelling and character arcs of the previous four seasons and suffers in its lack of originality. This is the season that the writers ran out of ideas; they began to rely heavily upon fairytales and farcical stories of the week which ultimately led to the shows decline in quality. But this is not to suggest that season five is without merit because that would be untrue; rather this season has less failings than some seasons and has an array of well written narratives. The season opens with the two part episode `A Witch's Tail'. It's enjoyable for the most part and the mermaid storyline was handled in a fun way.
There is a loose story arc running through the first half the season which sees Cole coming to terms with Phoebe's continual rejection of him. His story meets its resolve in `Centennial Charmed' the shows 100th episode, the best episode of the season. I think it's an excellent example of good writing and one of the primary reasons I actually bought this season. Coles arc is laced with tragedy and this makes his story all the more compelling. Julian McMahon hit it out of the ballpark in every scene this year and played Coles slow descent into madness incredibly well. Phoebe was consistent with the ending of season four and thus the character attempted for much of the season to move on from her destructive relationship with Cole. Other character arcs of the season include Piper and Leo's pursuit of parenthood and Paige's mission to become a "super" witch. All the actors do well and Paige fits far more seamlessly into the familial conversations than before. More importantly the bond between the sisters still remains the forefront of the show.
This is probably one of the poorer seasons of Charmed, primarily for its patchiness and the obvious lack of direction - the writers really had no idea where they were going until somewhere near the latter half. `Oh My Goddess' (another two parter) at the end of the season set up the next which was definitely several steps up from the hit and misses of this year. It also introduces an important character whilst actually using Greek mythology in a twisted an interesting way. The season finale is actually very good as it deals with a lot of emotionally resonant issues especially for certain characters, and opens up a whole can of worms in terms of the future for the girls.
Certain episodes of the season do make up for some of the poor writing that occurred over the course of the year. The main thing I disliked about season five was the awful reworking of fairytales. It's one thing to rework old stories but the catch is you have to do it well... this didn't happen here. I really wouldn't recommend this season to anyone above the age of 15... unless you don't mind the silliness or are willing to skip some episodes (since they are completely irrelevant after all). I know not everyone will agree but it just didn't work for me.
These episodes especially are badly written and I miss them out whenever I rewatch season five and the season is all the better for it: `Lucky Charmed', `Nymphs Just Want to Have Fun' and `Happily Ever After'. `Witches in Tights' is also pretty bad. So avoid these and live blissfully. The other large problem with this season is the lack of an overarching story, the season is largely episodic aside from the character arcs.
All in all its enjoyable if one ignores certain parts! The good episodes include: `A Witch's Tail', `Siren Song', `A Witch in Time', `Sam I Am', `Centennial Charmed', and `Oh My Goddess'.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Alyssa Milano
Holly Marie Combs
Rose McGowan
Brian Krause
Julian McMahon
Creators:
Holly Marie Combs (Primary Contributor)
Alyssa Milano (Primary Contributor)
Recording label: Paramount Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Paramount Home Entertainment
EAN: 5014437893833
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 6
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2006-03-06
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 917 minutes
Language: English (Original Language)