8:01 Still Charmed & Kicking
New Faces. New Identities. New Charges. New Love. New Season
Premiere Airdate: 03 February 2006, 19:30 SABC 3
Re-Run Airdate: 25 March 2006, 00:30 SABC 3
Episode Sypnopsis: After being presumed dead, the Halliwell sisters begin their demon-free existence with new identities: Phoebe is overwhelmed with visions of her future husband; Paige begins hearing her whitelighter call, which draws her to a mysterious young witch; Piper attempts to deal with her financial situation, the club and her children. Meanwhile, a brash young demon decides that he wants the Halliwell manor as a trophy and plots to kill Victor to get to it.
Cast & Crew:
Writer: Brad Kern
Director: James L. Conway
Star: Rose McGowan (Paige Matthews (Season 4+)), Kaley Cuoco (Billie (Season 8+)), Holly Marie Combs (Piper Halliwell), Brian Krause (Leo Wyatt (Season 2+)), Alyssa Milano (Phoebe Halliwell)
Recurring Role: Jason Lewis (Dex Lawson), Rebecca Balding (Elise Rothman), Jennifer Rhodes (Penny 'Grams' Halliwell), James Read (Victor Bennett)
Guest Star: David Levine (Middle Aged Man), Keith Mackechnie (Leon), Mandy McMillian (Front Row Patron), Marisa Lauren (Taylor), Amanda Sickler (Sophie), Andrew McGinnis (Louis), Christina Ulloa (Jo Bennett), Dorian Brown (Brown-Haired Woman), Harry Dhillon (Gregg), Darion Basco (Dominique), Todd Cahoon (Dominic), Nigel Gibbs (Jonas), Adrienne Wilkinson (Fake Phoebe Halliwell), Glenn Morshower (Agent Keyes), Derek Magyar (Elkin), Mykel Shannon Jenkins (Haas), Beatrice Rosen (Jenny Bennett), Janice Dickinson (Herself), Brandon Quinn (Agent Murphy)
Notes: It is referenced that Glen Belland, Paige's close friend who appeared in three episodes spanning seasons four and five, attended the sisters' funeral and visited Paige's urn.
Quotes:
Piper (to Victor): Barry Manilow?! Dad you booked Barry Manilow?
Piper: The whole underworld is afraid of Wyatt. Apparently, my little guy's reputation precedes itself.
Billie (about a fireball a demon is holding): Doesn't that burn your hand?
Piper: What are you doing here?
Grams (about Paige): Trying to stop you from ganging up on your sister.
Piper: Well you’re sort of dead…so this doesn’t concern you!
Paige is upset because she has no life outside of magic.
Grams: I still have an afterlife to live.
Paige: See! You're dead and you have a life!
Trivia:
In this episode and in the season 3 episode "Just Harried", when looking from inside the house out by the front door, the pathway in front of the house is flat, but normally, on all other episodes, there are stairs.
TRIVIA: This is the second funeral that has been held for one of the Charmed Ones. The first was Prue's funeral in the season 4 episode "Charmed Again (1)".
TRIVIA: This episode marks the first appearance of Kaley Cuoco as "Billie", and she has been added to the opening credits.
TRIVIA: This is one of nine episodes with the series title "Charmed", in it.
When Piper and Phoebe are coming out of the store they look into a window and their new identities' reflections can be seen. One of Phoebe's handbag straps hangs over her shoulder, however, her disguised reflection has both straps on her shoulder.
Allusions:
The scene when Billie crashes into the Manor wearing a black wig and a leather outfit is inspired by the M-Net's spy series "Alias".
Title: Still Charmed and Kicking
This is a reference to the phrase "alive and kicking".
Review:"Good Save to Brad Kern" is the only way I can begin this review. I for one was somewhat impressed. Originally, I was outrage when I first read about the budget and cast cuts. I felt that Charmed deserved better treatment for the many years of loyalty, good reviews and revenues that they gave to it's American Broadcaster- WB network.
When I previewed this season opener, I wanted to hate it. I thought the fate of Charmed was sealed with an ever tearful death. I will admit I began my viewing with speculation. Waiting for the show's time to slowly creep by, so that I could end the torment I had to view and weep over the fact that my beloved show was condemned to be put into a waste receptacle.
With my total delight and surprised satisfaction, that I had not felt since Season Five previewed with the season opener of "A Witch's Tail" had I enjoyed an episode more.
As the episode began, it was nice to see the familiar face of Victor Bennett (played by James Read who I have liked for many years since seeing him in North and South). As Victor gazed about the house at mourners, I felt the sadness in the moment. That quickly changed when a brunette (Piper in a glam spell) came in and spoke to Victor, a familiarity returned to the show that I had not seen much of in the last season. One of my favorite scenes was when Paige came to the funeral as a female celebrity to mourn herself. It was great fun in watching Paige cause havoc at the manor. Then in the Charmed fashions having her sisters pull her into the safe haven of the kitchen away from onlookers so that they could scold Paige for her antics.
Ohhh the good ole days!
I knew right then and there, they had won me over. The old Charmed had return with a new air of freshness. I couldn't wait for the anticipation to see what would come next. As I continued to watch the scenes came to life, I discovered something. With season seven ending the way it had and considering all the months that had recently passed trying to figure out how Mr. Kern would save this Icon. I encountered with great enjoyment how Leo was still showing his support and guidance, watching Piper, Paige and Phoebe still having amusing sibling rivalry and with demons still as cunning and conniving shimmering in and out of scenes as if nothing had changed. With all of the that and Wyatt going through his awful emotions of confusion that would just break your heart, it was nice to see there was still time for love and life possibilities and even a little shoe shopping.
After viewing all of these marvelous things I knew that Charmed wasn't doomed, it was just beginning. The first episode had everything of all of its past glories and them some. Bringing back Grams was a pleasure in itself, having her give helpful advice as she so wonderfully does with a hint of sassiness that fans have grown to love and expect of her character. The only sadness was not seeing Patty in this opener, but there is always a possibility in the future. Also, DORIAN GREGORY as Darryl Morris, he will be sadly missed. I have always enjoyed how he was a solid support to the Charmed Ones through good times and the very bad times. I hope to see him in a show of his own. Mr. Gregory is a splendid actor.
In addition, the shows new direction added exiting new possibilities and adventures when they brought aboard the newcomer "Billie" play by Kaley Cuoco.
Ms. Cuoco is ensured to bring in a new group of viewers. The next generation of Charmed fans will have high hopes for this new character for she brings life and a extra source of delight for her amusing dialog and witty actions. Not to mention her daring fashion sense, but that is just part of the charm of this new character. (No pun intended).
Also, I enjoyed watching the other side to the sisters. Such as the scene where Piper and Phoebe were walking down the street after shopping and just having a normal conversation. I look forward to seeing more normal every day living with Piper, Paige and Phoebe. Who said you can't have girl talk and a little magic on the side too.
The only thing that somewhat surprised me at a first glance, was when the demon Haas and his brew of bullies emerged at the manor and encountered a fight with Billie. The girls just stood on the stairs not knowing what to do. I don't think I had ever seen the Charmed Ones not take immediate action when there was a fight with demons going on, especially in there own home. The girls stood and watched in ultimate shock as this new witch fought and won her battle.
After this scene, I understood what the writers were going for. They wanted the audience to know that there was a new person in town and that she would carry on the fight for good, right beside the sisters or in their stead when the time was right. I also knew at that moment that the girls were held by the element of surprise. Paige, Piper and Phoebe were responding the only way they could to that chaotic moment. By letting Billie finish her fight. Even though, she did well, Billie made a couple of mistakes as Piper pointed out "She didn't care that people saw her use her powers". Since Billie needs some additional work and discipline, I figure that some kind-hearted witches in disguise would know doubt be lending a helping hand in her training, but that is another story.
I had always wonder how WB could possibly subject and succumb it's audiences to the new changes that took place when Prue was killed and then again when the character of Cole left the show. Each time I was pleasantly surprised by the creative actions the writing department took to ensure new life into the show and it's story lines. The old saying "They never cease to amaze me" is definitely true in this case. Need I say more?
No matter which direction this season carries it's story line, whether or not the actors wish to continue the show for a 9th season. There is still hope for new adventures to be had with this new witch. Adding a splash of intrigue and a new flare to an old favorite. Rest assured life is beginning again for CHARMED.
This episode was properly named, because it definitely is
"Still Charmed and Kicking".