Just about every nineties childhood was underscored by some or other TV series. If supernatural narratives peaked your interest then the chances are good that Charmed was on your list of must watch TV.
This tale, of the three Halliwell sisters and their super-abilities, started airing in 1998 and completed its eight-season run in 2006. The story of Charmed centered on three sisters, aptly named the Charmed Ones, who come into their own as witches after the passing of their grandmother.
As the oldest sister Prue Halliwell, played by Shannen Doherty, wields the power of telekinesis and, simultaneously, carries, somewhat reluctantly, the mantle of most responsible sister. Holly Marie Combs portrayed Piper Halliwell, the somewhat preppy middle sister with the ability to freeze time. Rounding out the trio of witches is Phoebe Halliwell (Alyssa Milano) who has the power of premonition. Incidentally, it’s Phoebe who reads the incantation from the Book of Shadows, which restores the sisters’ powers.
Hear now the words of the witches, The secrets we hid in the night. The oldest of Gods are invoked here. The great work of Magic is sought. In this night and in this hour, I call upon the Ancient Power. Bring your powers to we sisters three! We want the power! Give us the power!
As the series progresses the trio of witches are pitted against several baddies, which not only test their powers but also their bond as sisters. The premise of the show very much focuses on this bond with their combined power, referred to as the ‘power of three’, being the ultimate weapon in the face of evil.
From a character perspective the writers delivered by imbuing the three ladies with vastly different personalities. Yet, through fluid writing they combine naturally to deliver an enjoyable on-screen chemistry. The supporting cast too was cleverly written in support of the three main characters. And though they received well-earned narrative focus on their individual characters it was never to the detriment of the overall plot.
[SPOILER ALERT]
Alas, some good things don’t last forever and at the end of Season Three Shannen Doherty’s Prue was killed off and replaced with long-lost sister Paige, played by Rose McGowan. There are some things in our TV lives we’ll never get over and Prue dying is one of them. Nevertheless, the series continued with rich material and a new sister, which didn’t take too long to get into the Halliwell mix.
While we are now inundated with fantastical and magic-centric TV series Charmed was, during its run, a groundbreaking narrative that paved the way for many.
We rate Charmed #WorthTheBinge
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