Throughout this season we’ve seen Richard start as a man that didn’t access his power, go to a man that became obsessed with it. While doing so he has at times used magic for his personal gain. While I know this is a “no no” for this sisters, the question I pose is this: is it a consequence-garnering act for another witch or warlock? Conjuring the earrings, bracelet, and dress it seemed as if there was no consequence for Richard. While in another episode he tried to cleanse his soul, the repercussion from that spell, was obviously the spell that was cast on Phoebe. I guess one could argue that Richard’s consequences for using magic could be the fact that he lost Paige as a result. However, it seems like an awfully steep sacrifice as a result.

I love Balthazar Getty as an actor, not only is he handsome, I actually believe in what character he is playing and don’t ever wonder if any of his true self is slipping into that role. Having said that, I must say I am very disappointed at seeing another man escorted or exiled away from the sisters.

It seems that every time a man comes into the girls’ life they aren’t ever there for the duration. While, Leo is obviously the exception, all other men that have graced this series haven’t stuck around (okay, besides Cole and the writer’s didn’t have anywhere else to write that storyline). I thought that for once, Paige would be able to have an actual relationship with a man and he would stick around for a while, especially since he was aware of her being a witch, and in fact practiced magic himself and grew up around it as well. It seems that the writer’s could have expounded this storyline further because Paige had not grown up with magic and could have learned the finer details from Richard and his knowledge.

Now Chris’ use of magic, to me, it simply baffling. Not only has he numerously used magic to tweak, alter, and manipulate what he wants, the repercussions don’t seem all that evident, besides the mistrust of the girls and Leo.

Too many times to count Chris has manipulated magic for what he considers his “ultimate goal” (keeping Wyatt from turning evil). By maneuvering Leo and Piper’s relationship he has altered his entire fabric. While this viewer would never want to see Leo and Piper lose out on happiness and another child, it almost (I’m just saying ALMOST) serves Chris right to be faced with the consequence of his actions, his nonexistence. That said, we know that can’t be the way the writer’s will take this storyline.

Yet, there are many other times that Chris has maneuvered the sisters for either getting his way or trying to get around them. It seems that using the “Phoebe genie” to get Leo to forgive him was an easy way out of getting sent back to the future. There is no consequence that we see for that manipulation of magic.

All this said, only leads me back to the question of whether or not others that are not the Charmed Ones are not set to face consequences for using magic for their own good.

While the girls still had an obvious role in this episode, it seemed that my center of focus was on Richard using magic and Chris trying to get his parents together. It was great to see the girls not have to have a major forefront role for this episode to work either. Yes, Paige had a central role, as well as Phoebe, but I didn’t find myself consumed with them. This is just another reason that this series has become so popular and well written. It doesn’t just need to fall back on it’s three central figures, but can also depend on the supporting characters as well.

Having an ensemble cast helps to show that this show has staying power, something we all already know. We know this simply because the series has lost one central figure once already and has had three seasons to flourish and continue to succeed.

Overall this episode was needed if simply to highlight Paige/Richard’s relationship and to set up the focus for next week’s focal on Leo/Piper.

Kudos for the writers/actors/costume designers for voicing the joke about Phoebe always getting the wigs! That was a great nod to those of us who have been complaining every time they make Phoebe look like something that Alyssa is not.

One small complaint of the waiting for Holly Marie Comb’s pregnancy to be revealed, we don’t get to see a lot of Piper in the episodes. She can only wear so many big shirts and stand in front of so many couches or carry a purse that they have sidelined her too much for this viewer!

While I think Chris is suppose to look young, I still find a hard time believing that the Wyatt that they showed in the future (earlier in the episode) is only a year older than Chris. Also, could the wardrobe people put Chris in something a little sexier than hooded sweatshirts and saggy pants?

Did anyone else find it interesting that none of the Elders reminded Leo that he wanted send Chris back to the future? It just seemed too convenient that Leo convinced the Elders to send Chris back to the future and then simply because Leo changed his mind the decision is negated?

It is very nice to know that Wyatt is welcome up where the Elders are at any time, Why not just let Piper and Wyatt live up there with Leo, that way Wyatt would be safe from everything that keeps trying to turn him evil, Piper and Leo could be together (since they are spiritually joined) and Piper can just have Leo or Paige pop her down to earth when she is needed? Has there been any rule that has completely said this isn’t an option? This would seemingly solve many, many problems.

Just a thank you to all of you who posted last week: I’m glad to be back as well. Thanks for everyone who reminded me that Chris actually does have powers besides the orbing. I had forgot him using them at the end of last season, although we did see him use them a couple of times in this episode. (Anyone else wonder if the writers/creators read our boards?) See everyone next week!