Customer Reviews

Charmed - The Final Season

5 star:		(91)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Well, this here is the final season of CHARMED. The Charmed Ones, PIPER HALLIWELL (played by Holly Marie Combs, for the final time), PHOEBE HALLIWELL (played by Alyssa Milano, for the final time), & PAIGE MATTHEWS (played by Rose McGowan, for the final time) return for the final time, with LEO WYATT (played by the outstanding Brian Krause, for the final time), to battle demons & warlocks before they go on to the next phase in their lives, where they would leave a legacy to the future Halliwell witches, who are soon to come.

"Still Charmed & Kicking"
Presumed dead, the Charmed sisters start their demon-free existence with new identities brought about by a spell that altered their appearances to the outside world, but not to those closest to them.

"Malice in Wonderland"
Hoping to lure the Charmed Ones out of hiding, Haas, a young demon wanting to take over the Underworld, uses the Alice's Adventures in Wonderland fairy tale to prey on young victims.

"Run Piper, Run"
Looking for a new career path, Piper goes on an interview with a corporate recruiter, but is soon arrested when a background check reveals that the physical appearance she adopted was that of a woman wanted for murder.

"Desperate Housewitches"
Wyatt's impending school play brings out the competitive nature in Piper when her hand-sewn costume for Wyatt and her parenting ability are attacked by Mandi, the perfect Stepford-like mother.

"Rewitched"
Unaware that she is being watched, Billie jeopardizes the Charmed Ones' new lives when she uses her powers to save an innocent and is caught by Agent Murphy of Homeland Security, who has suspected all along that she and the "cousins" are involved in supernatural activities and that the Halliwell sisters are not dead.

"Kill Billie Vol. 1"
Armed and ready to vanquish, Billie inexplicably freezes and is flooded with childhood flashbacks when she sees her latest demon target, the Dogan. Wanting to prove to the sisters that she is an asset, Billie casts a spell to erase her fears and goes after the demon.

"The Lost Picture Show"
Wanting to get her old job back as a social worker, Paige's plan changes when her Whitelighter father, Sam, asks for her help with his charge, J.D., a future Whitelighter, who recently reappeared after fifty years.

"Battle of the Hexes"
The Charmed Ones are given their first Homeland Security case by Agent Murphy going through cold case files. Billie discovers a belt in one of the boxes and can't help but put it on.

"Hulkus Pocus"
Phoebe has decided to take a hiatus from men. Piper seems to think Murphy and the government is hiding something from the sisters.

"Vaya Con Leos"
Piper notices that the Angel of Death is watching over them, but what she doesn't know is that he is actually there for Leo.

"Mr. and Mrs. Witch"
Billie's parents are in town and have supper with their daughter and the Halliwells.

"Payback's a Witch"
With the intention of helping his parolee get a loan, Henry, along with Paige, go to a bank but instead the parolee decides to take everyone at the bank hostage. Meanwhile, Phoebe and Piper have their hands full when, during his third birthday party, Wyatt turns three of his toys into real people.

"Repo Manor"
Phoebe, in an attempt to move on with her own life, signs a lease for a new apartment, much to the worry of Piper, while Paige considers telling Henry she's a witch.

"12 Angry Zen"
In searching for information about Leo, Piper discovers a message from Lo-Pan, a monk and keeper of a sacred Buddhist staff containing the power of influence.

"The Last Temptation of Christy"
Paige begins to realize the difficulty in dating a mortal when Henry tries to immerse himself in her magical world. She finds herself even more conflicted when a suitor, Sir Simon Marks, arrives hoping to convince her to marry him so they can become the ultimate magical couple.

"Engaged and Confused"
Piper organizes an engagement party for Paige and Henry, but the wedding is put in jeopardy when the couple begins to get cold feet. Phoebe notices a strange man following her, and soon discovers that he is a Cupid.

"Generation Hex"
Two former students of Leo's from Magic School turn up at the manor to inform the Charmed Ones that demons Leo had imprisoned in the Magic School dungeons have escaped and are seeking revenge.

"The Torn Identity"
Christy becomes a powerful force in the Underworld as the demon Creo tries to convince her that she needs to get Billie away from the Charmed Ones so she and her sister can fulfill their dark destiny.

"The Jung and the Restless"
The Charmed Ones are put into a dream-like state by Christy so that Billie can learn something about each of them.

"Gone with the Witches"
Convinced that The Charmed Ones are too self-involved to protect the "greater good," Billie and Christy team up to destroy their reputations in the magical community.

"Kill Billie Vol. 2"
Billie and Christy have managed to turn everything around: while the two of them are now at the Manor and demons are at Magic School, the Charmed Ones are forced to hide in the Underworld.

"Forever Charmed"
After the death of their respective sisters, Piper and Billie go their separate ways, both determined to get their families back together.

What an excellent season to close out the series. The series finale was absolutely incredible, especially the ending, with the sisters writing down everything they had experienced in the last eight years (eight years for Piper and Phoebe, five years for Paige), where it then shows an elderly Piper reading their legacy to her young granddaughter, who is named PRUDENCE (after Prue). As an elderly Piper and an elderly Leo ascend the long staircase in the old Halliwell Manor, they pass many photographs taken of the Halliwell family, including Penny Halliwell (good ole Grams), Patty Halliwell, Paige, Leo, Piper, Phoebe, Wyatt, & Chris. This show was, in so many ways, very amazing, and I still find myself heartbroken that it is now all over. I do wish the entire cast (SHANNEN DOHERTY, HOLLY MARIE COMBS, ALYSSA MILANO, ROSE McGOWAN, BRIAN KRAUSE, & KALEY CUOCO) nothing but the very best in their careers.

Season 8 did not disappoint. It was very well written and the final two episodes are so well written and the final scenes of the final episode are beautiful. It was such a joy to see the sisters finally get a happy ending after all they have endured the last 8 years and seeing familar faces in the final episode was just wonderful.

I have no complaints about season eight of the final episode. Through Prue is mentioned, it was a little sad not see a photo of Prue anywhere in the house in the end when so many photos of the family were shown. But again, thats all a legal issue between Shannon and the producers.

This is a must have season!

I always feel, when it comes to watching "Charmed: Season 8", that I am watching something I shouldn't be. What with the drama and finality of the Season Finale of Season 7, and then the rumours that were spun in the summer of 2005 (that "Charmed" could very possibly NOT be returning for an eighth season), it really seemed like that was going to be it - the sisters had defeated one of their deadliest enemies, fled The Manor and relinquished their lives as Halliwells and The Charmed Ones. They had faked their deaths, left it to the next generation and disappeared off, in disguise, with Leo. Daryl's reaction to this appeared to be a satisfied one, and Prue's ghost - it is believed - had shut The Manor door one last time (an apt end to the series).
This, however neatly tied up, just didn't seem right though. Of all the endings, renouncing their heritage and giving up on life as they knew it was just not satisfying enough. When I watched the finale to Season 7, although it was not confirmed that the show would continue, something inside me knew that it would. The feel that episode left the viewer with was an uneasy one...like this was not the end, regardless of what the network was saying. It never really felt that "Charmed" was to conclude like that.

And indeed, it didn't. As Season 8 opens in "Still Charmed And Kicking" you feel almost honoured that you are allowed to see what happens next, after the threat that The Halliwells would not return as The Charmed Ones again. The viewer gets to see HOW the characters get out of the mess that they seem to have created for themselves.

Season 8 is not the best of seasons, but it is yet another superb one. It begins by revealing The Halliwells are back in The Manor, living with their father Victor. Only they are posing, in magical disguise, as The Bennetts, pretending that they are three cousins and that Victor is in fact their uncle.
The opening episodes of Season 8 hold a nostalgia that reminded me of Season 1 - the music and themes of it. "Charmed" has always had an underlying tragic feel to it, with the constant loss and sacrifice the sisters have had to experience over the years, both before and after they were witches; and a season that opens at the funerals of the three principle characters dwells on this further. Although we know that they are not really dead, there is a morbid feel to it - a morbid fascination nonetheless.

Season 8 carries the "faked death" theme throughout the first few episodes, not simply throwing the plotline away. And to great effect too. Their reasons for returning to their old lives are believable and well-planned, as is the way in which they eventually reveal to the world that they are still alive (the excuse that they have been working for the government). The best part of it is that they return to being Halliwells, allowing us to feel satisfied that "Charmed" will not end with the sisters forsaking their legacy.

This season introduces the character of Billie who seems unnecessary at first. She does, however, grow on the viewer and becomes integral to the outline of the season. Her story progresses into a great one and her character is worthy of the magnitude it markets. She is essential to the final battle that the girls have to face, as is her sister, Christie, who is forever shrouded in intrigue.

I shan't divulge exactly what happens, though shall reveal that Season 8 contains plots that involves Paige and marriage, the brief return of The Source and ANOTHER separation of Piper and Leo (probably the most tantalising of the entire series).

The finale of the season is spectacular! The battle The Halliwells have to face is superb, incorporating an assortment of various different elements from plotlines-past, such as The Hollow and The Triad. These are not used repetitively though, only to highlight the weight of this ultimate fight.
The explosion in the basement of The Halliwells' home, which occurs in the Season 7 finale, seems minuscule in comparison to the event that takes place in the penultimate episode: The Manor actually totally blows up! This occurrence is literally phenomenal.
"Charmed: Season 8" is a terrific final season. There are, indeed, "silly" episodes, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Witch" and "Battle Of The Hexes"; and why the writers insisted on throwing a leprechaun-related episode into every season since Season 5 is beyond me!
The title track that plays to the opening credits has also been inexplicably altered, which may displease fans (although it does grow on you actually). I was also irritated that, although discussed, Prue was not given nearly enough acknowledgment as the series she helped found came to a close. But aside from these minor flaws, Season 8 charts a perfect end to a show that risked throwing in the towel when one of its leads left the series at the end of Season 3. Not only did "Charmed" survive the death of Prue and the introduction of Paige, it endured the uncertain finish to Season 7, only to pave the way for a touching, enjoyable and rewarding end to the show. "Forever Charmed", the final episode, is the perfect mix of action, nostalgia, characters old and new and, most importantly, it renews our faith that The Halliwells will continue their birthright on into the future.

Highlighted by DVD extras (including an exciting look at the original unaired Pilot which didn't feature Alyssa Milano as Phoebe) this season is outstanding. From the gratifying turn of events of "Forever Charmed", to the glimpse into the future at the very end (something which is much more satisfying to see than The Charmed Ones faking their deaths) to the inspired last-ever closing of The Manor door - Season 8 is quite simply the perfect end to this radiant series.

There will be three featurettes: "To The Manor Born", "The Making of Charmed", and the 2-part documentary "The Story of Charmed" and "Forever Charmed". The "Story of Charmed" featurette will contain parts of the unaired pilot with actress Lori Rom playing the part of Phoebe. Also to be included on the DVD set will be a gag-reel and episode commentaries on the following episodes: "Still Charmed and Kicking" (Brad Kern, James Conway and Kaley Cuoco), "Vaya Con Leos" (Brad Kern, Cameron Litvack, Brian Krause), and "Forever Charmed" (Brad Kern, James Conway).

Great to see that now the last season of charmed is coming on dvd. Not only because is one of the best seasons and was a last minute one, but it also is the first charmed dvd that has special features, so this is a must have to finaly have in home all the maagic of charmed.

I have been a Charmed fan since the show premiered in 1998, faithfully watching every episode. Being a fan of Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs & Alyssa Milano,I felt that the show was destined to be a hit.

In 2001, I was rather disappointed when Shannen left and felt that the show should be cancelled. It took me a little time to warm up to Paige played by Rose McGowan. As time progressed, I realized that her character was not a replacement for Prue, and I was able to accept her. Rose proved to be a great asset to the show in her own right.

In the Season Finale, I was rather disappointed that Shannen was not brought back for a cameo appearance, or even shown in a picture. I know that there were legal issues, but it would have made many faithful viewers very happy.

The Finale was done superbly. The jumping back and forth made me a little dizzy, but it all made sense and tied up any loose ends. The last five minutes of the show was excellent. I think everyone was glad to see that Leo and Piper finally ended up happily married. It was also great to see that both Paige and Phoebe had achieved happiness.

This was one of the best Finale episodes that I've seen in ages. It reminded me a little of the Six Feet Under finale. It was also great to see Grams (Penny), Patty, Victor, Wyatt & Chris, all together again for one last family reunion. Charmed and the Halliwell line will be greatly missed!

Bringing on a new character that takes on a major role... and suddenly becomes an equal to the main characters is tricky. I felt that the level of betrayal portrayed by Billie's character was unforgivable. I also felt that her character added way too much tension to the table. To bring on a character like that and leave fans unable to escape the drama she caused? There were very few scenes devoted to the sisters. I felt like the developers were trying to say once you're old you can't keep up or something. Are you serious??

I was also disappointed to see Cole disappear. I liked the passion that Pheobie and Cole shared. I didn't get the same satisfaction from Cupe. That resolution was okay.. but not fabulous.

I did enjoy the family history-- seeing all the generations together. It did seem like a last minute sloppy mess where the directors didn't have enough time to wrap everything up. I think they should have gotten rid of Billie and Christy eons ago and moved on with the plot involving the charmed ones. Seriously... who forgives someone who attempts to turn your kid against you? ..... That's like jumping back into an abusive relationship. I thought these were strong girls.

Season 8 was a great final season for Charmed. It had all the elements that made Charmed so great. It had the heart-tugging moments (i.e. Vaya Con Leos) and it also had the fun light-hearted moments (i.e. Desperate Housewitches). Each of the main three women brought their A-game to the final season of this series. Adding in Billie also made it nice because it reflected back to when the series began and the girls were learning about their powers. Also, the build up to the final showdown was a great progression through out the series. Highlights in this season are Piper and Leo saying bye to each other in 'Vaya Con Leos,' Paige and Henry's relationship, Phoebe meeting Coop, Phoebe saying goodbye to Piper when she moves out of the manor and into her own place, and the big showdown between the Charmed Ones and Billie and Christie.
The biggest reward to the fans of Charmed has to be the final minutes of the series finale where each of the main girls reflects on their lives and we pass a wall of pictures of the Halliwell family, and with the final shutting of the door we end on what was a great 8 year ride.

I give this season 5 starts. It was superb from beginning to end. I do feel that a few mistakes were made. First of all, budget cuts that resulted in less use of the sister's magical powers. I would have loved to have seen Phoebe get all her active powers back (I guess you just have to assume she does). The second victim of budget cuts was Brian Krause (who was axed from episodes 11-20); this was a huge mistake. My third gripe: the Triad/Kristy/Billie thing. I do like that Billie and Kristy were the big bad (and that the Triad plucked Kristy so they could turn them to their side). Why did the Triad look different in season eight (more human) than in season three? Was there not enough in the budget for the make-up? Also, Paige's wedding was totally overlooked. If they were going to resurrect Sam at all, it should have been in that episode.

Having said all that, the writing this season was top-notch. The sisterly bond was tested as Phoebe and Paige moved out of the Manor (again). Piper struggled as a single parent. Each sister struggled with their careers. I feel that Alyssa, Holly Marie, and Rose performed above and beyond in this final season. The character of Billie was often a tad annoying, and entirely too much screen time was given to her whining. I do wish they had shown more of the relationship between Paige and Henry.

I loved Charmed from the first episode! My kids and husband are fans too. We own Seasons 1 through 7 on DVD and are anticipating Season 8's release. After Prue was killed off, I was sure that the show wouldn't work and it would go downhill. It took me awhile to warm up to Rose McGowan as a new "Charmed One", but once I did, I realized the show was better than ever. It wasn't just scary, but funny too. It showed the humanity in the sisters as they forged their sisterly bond. Also, I know that budget cuts supposedly made them cut out a lot of special effects. I think the fact that the later seasons demons looked more human than before made it even more spookier because you couldn't tell the good guys from the bad guys anymore. It was more realistic. My kids said so anyway. Loved the plotline with Cole, was so sorry to see him go. I also thought that Prue would've appeared as a ghost throughout the series once in a while to counsel the sisters, but I guess since she was fired from the series she wasn't willing to come back or they weren't willing to bring her back. I enjoyed the episodes when they brought back Grams or Mom for whatever reason, or time traveled. It's what made their being witches being cool. I would have liked seeing more of what their futures would be like, but with the series ending I guess we will never know. I thought the whole Billie/Kristy/Triad thing dragged on a bit, and I missed Leo. I did like the ending and knowing that all three sisters are happily married and having children with powers etc. It would've been nice to have shown pictures of all the characters who have been in the "family" as they went up the stairs. They could've shown pictures of Prue, (she was their sister after all), Paige and her family, Phoebe and her family, Grams, and the parents, etc. That way everyone could've been seen one last time as the series ended. Who knows? Maybe they will do a spin-off with Chris and Wyatt. That would be great! Charmed: The Next Generation! That would be Great! And they could have Alyssa, Holly Marie, Rose, and Brian Krause as regulars on the show in elder/counselor/grandparent mode.