Bare Witch Project

Throwing caution to the wind, The Charmed Ones faced off against the biggest of foes, The 56th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. The awards show gave a dismal performance with a 22% overall drop in viewers over prior year. So, someone was watching the other shows, including Charmed.

With episode trailers previewing the name of the episode, over views of the lovely Alyssa Milano appearing to be nude on horseback, as Lady Godiva, The WB hoped to pull in viewers with this hook. The hook might have been there but the strength in this episode was not. The purpose core of the episode seemed to be setting up required elements for future story arcs. In this way, the episode succeeded. Sometimes, episodes like this are needed to set up preliminary elements for future stories.

The weakest link in the new Charmed season is Nick Lachey. Mr. Lachey brought in as a romantic interest for Phoebe Halliwell simply can not act. Alyssa Milano is so comfortable in her role as Phoebe Halliwell that she makes Lachey look stiff and terribly uncomfortable in his role. Viewers wait for actors to dig into their roles, catch the rhythm and carry viewers along. Lachey not only missed the beat but only managed to deliver 3 lines that did not sound like he had just stepped off of a reality show. He is simply not strong enough for the talented Alyssa Milano to play against. Lachey must fill a suit worn prior by talented actors Julian McMahon and Eric Dane. Quite simply, it looks too big on him. Note to producers: give the boy some powers quick – it will distract from his acting and if he is magical the audience needs to know it, we love to keep a secret.

The bright spot for the Bare Witch Project was Brian Krause’s performance as Leo Wyatt. For 6 years, the Halliwell’s Whitelighter has never deviated from the heights of goodness, until the end of Season 6. As Season 7 begins, we see Leo’s confusing descent into darkness. This is a welcome and interesting story arc, and well deserved by the ever patient, terrific actor Brian Krause. This story arc is also opening new portals for the wonderfully talented Holly Marie Combs to stretch into. The new shadows that now seem to cover Leo and Piper are providing opportunities for an edgier story line for both characters.

Rose McGowan is finally growing up. No more lollipops and silly faces, she is back to brunette, tanned and considerably more comfortable in her role this season. Allowing her to return to a concentration on magic at Magic School is again opening a door of endless story possibilities with students, parents, faculty and her siblings.

We are now set with the Charmed Ones to battle the “Great and New Threat” mentioned last week and again in this episode by the first female Elder we have ever seen. Brad Kern take us on a ride.
Episode Rating: 6.0