The Day Magic Died: It’s a Boy

By Lisa Eiseman
Scoopme.com

"And the Skies of night were alive with light, with a throbbing, thrilling flame;
Amber and rose and violet, opal and gold it came. It swept the sky like a giant scythe, it quivered back to a wedge; Argently bright, it cleft the night with a wavy golden edge.
Pennants of silver waved and streamed, lazy banners unfurled; Sudden splendors of sabres gleamed, lightning javelins were hurled. There in our awe we crouched and saw with our wild, uplifted eyes

Rejoice and celebrate for the magical baby has come upon us. And many of you were correct…It’s a BOY!

What an outstanding episode. It would be hard to convey how compelling this storyline was if you didn’t watch. I cannot think of an episode recently that captured the audience so wholly and completely. Really, the entire production, from writing, acting and casting was just superb.

We must take note that this was a "special" episode in itself since the above-mentioned baby was due. For the writers to incorporate the intense beauty of the Northern Lights, with a whole "mystical phenomenon" was very cleaver. Not once, did the plot line seem lacking, nor have any noticeable discrepancies.

Again, it must be noted that all of the acting within this episode was convincing and very believable. It was refreshing to see the writers not take an easy way our of Piper’s pregnancy by giving her an easy pregnancy. Since the beginning of the pregnancy, it has seemed that Piper has had a fairly easy go of pre-labor events. Yes, she had morning sickness and burping bubbles, but really every time something life-threatening could have or would have happened to the baby, the "white-lighter" healing side of the baby cured the hurt or sickness.

For the writers to include the "toxicimia" was a credible possibility during pregnancy. With all of Piper’s stress, this would be a logical route for writers to take.

It was enjoyable to watch this episode for several reasons: 1) the sisters were threatened as a whole 2) Victor was back and he brought a new wife and 3) we actually find out more about magic.

First off, the sisters’ being threatened isn’t a new thing, but this was like old times. Usually when something threatened a Charmed One, two sisters knew about the problem and one didn’t (usually Piper). It was nice to see this again, because it is fun seeing everyone run around on tiptoes trying not to let Piper in on the secret. Of course, Piper always figures something is going on and gets someone to fess up.

Second, it is nice to see Victor back. I’ve always enjoyed seeing the Halliwell father simply for the fact that he doesn’t enjoy magic or being around it. Hilarity always ensues when Victor is around. This episode makes it even more fun because he has a stepmother with him and wants to keep the girls' secret from her. Knowing she was too good to be true, we later find out she knows all too much about the Charmed Ones. The splendid addition of having Victor on hand during the delivery was only slightly more intense than wondering if Doris actually killed him when she stuck that long knife in his abdomen.

Finally, we get mention of the magical community in this episode. It has been hinted at before, but seeing that many gifts come from all around is fascinating. In fact, it might be prudent for writers to explore more of the magical community in future episodes. Yes, we’ve seen an Elder or two and of course other "good" magical beings (witches, fairytale keepers, mermaids, etc.) but to really expand and delve into that world could possibly revive what some think is as a very shallow dipping whole for future episodes and possible storylines. Really, if you think about exploring more options, it would be entertaining to see a magical summit or have a more in-depth arching storyline in the magical community where not so many innocents were involved.

That said; there is probably a whole new way to explore the Charmed world with the involvement of super magical baby. What can we expect from this new addition to the Halliwell clan? Will the series focus on more stories with Baby Halliwell as a character, or will he simply fade into the background for a while? While some series highlight the birth of a child only to banish it to the background after the birth, some series continue to feature the child (or simply transport them to an alternate universe to become an 18-year-old). It should be interesting to see how Charmed handles this new addition.

• As mentioned, I enjoyed the "magical community" mention, especially the gifts. Who wouldn’t want geese that lay golden eggs or a beautiful unicorn?
• For a group that really didn’t want to see Piper and Leo married, they sure saved the day with their foresight-ful gift.
• Again, costume designer, what are you smoking? Neon orange with an electric green and black polka dot belt? What about Phoebe’s awful fingerless lace gloves?
• Victor, you are such a hero in this episode. It is such a delight to see how much you love your daughters. Hopefully you’ll be more present now that you have a grandson.
• One must admit, the Halliwell dining room has seen a lot of action over the years!

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Review provided courtesy of ScoopMe.com