Dreamspell: Vanquishing Fears
(Sand Francisco Dreamin)

By Lisa Eiseman
Scoopme.com

Often, facing fear is the most difficult thing you can do. How often have you asked your boss for a raise? Questioned a lover’s loyalty? Confronted your partner/parent/sibling/friend about an addiction they have?

The above-mentioned scenarios are all uncomfortable situations that many of us would rather not think about. In fact, more often than not we would prefer not to think, talk or dream about such moments. The subconscious can be a very powerful thing. While we would prefer not to dwell on these topics, many times our dreams will deal with them for us. It is a way for our conscious to let off steam without the repercussions of the actual event.

The portrayal of dreams and nightmares in this episode was depicted splendidly. While each sister and Leo had justifiably awkward moments to confront, there was also the much needed humor and danger that the viewers require from a Charmed episode.

While we had all the right plot points though, the episode felt very forced and disjointed. In other words, this stood out as a "stand-alone" episode that had no major thread to the season. As a "sweeps" episode, this lack of continuity was a major disappointment.

As many have voiced throughout the seasonto date, we have indeed be entertained. The substance, however, that viewers have come to expect (especially after season three and four) is lacking. We are justified to  feel more than a little disappointed when viewing an episode like "Dreamspell."

Overall, the episode was good enjoyable "candy" for the brain. Piper’s obsession with an erotic soap star was humorous. In fact, this is probably a dream/fantasy that many women in the U.S. do have. With special guest star, Austin Peck – "Austin" from Days of our Lives notoriety as Piper’s obsession, many women were probably indeed thinking about him last evening when their heads hit the pillows. Taking into account that Piper is very pregnant and possibly not getting her lovin’ from Leo. it isn’t a surprise that this might be a fantasy.

Paige has a realistic fear of the insecurities she might feel about having a baby be celebrated upon its arrival. The best part of this fear was how quickly the writers recognized that this was a very low possibility. The history of the show proves time and again that the love that the Halliwell family has for one another is very strong. By using Paige’s fear as something for her to worry about, the writers simply gave a small, but semi-legitimate fear for Paige to worry about this episode.

On a side note, this can also be chalked up with the other episodes this season that Paige’s storyline has seemed like an after-thought. Many viewers keep voicing their concerns that Paige’s character isn’t being "fleshed" out enough. Yes, we get small sneak peaks into Paige’s thoughts, but nothing is built upon. Ms. McGowan is doing the best she can with what she is given, but more attention needs to be given to Paige’s character -- namely attention from the other two sisters.

As for Phoebe and her insecurities, it is time for the writers to decide one way or another what direction this Charmed One is heading. At times this season we have seen the self-empowered Phoebe and at other times, the timid and insecure Phoebe. The time has come for the writers to decide which direction Phoebe is going to go She no longer has Cole to deal with. Really, this episode should be the moving on point for Phoebe. Her nightmare was dealing with the baggage that came with ending her relationship with Cole. She had to face herself and work through all the emotions that came with Cole’s vanquishing. In essence, facing her inner feelings instead of suppressing them under the surface. Since she did face her feelings in this episode, she should really be moving on from this point forward for the rest of the season. Hopefully the writers will stay this course.

Giving this episode a rating would be difficult; there are certain issues that just seem to need addressing, but aren’t getting the attention (i.e. Paige’s feelings). At the same time, this episode wasn’t a complete nothing. It was fun and really applied to Charmed formula rules (i.e. an innocent is threatened by a demon, the Charmed Ones figure out how to fight demon and their own issues at the same time, demon vanquished). So, as far as "brain candy," this defiantly was, but it is nice when television challenges the brain to think a little as well.

• Loved Phoebe’s pants, the pink with the embroidery at the top, very cute!
• Were we all experiencing the navel free covering? I can’t count how many belly button shots were in this episode.
• Admit it, how many of you knew that it was Phoebe behind the mask? Makes one question the predictability of the show.
• Enjoyed the fact that the clown was not a homicidal killer. Clowns have gotten such a bad wrap since John Wayne Gacy.
• One more different question. How come the majority of the "lower level" demons have long hair, while many higher-level demons have short?
• It is always refreshing to see Phoebe at work, here’s hoping they show more of that. It is nice to see more sets then just the manor and P3.

Finally, we get the new baby! But don’t expect it to happen without a few hitches in the grand scheme of things.

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Review provided courtesy of ScoopMe.com