Post by Scott on Aug 18, 2006 1:39:05 GMT -5
Once again, I see that I am on the minority side when it comes to assessing this episode. As a starter episode for the final story arc - the Ultimate Battle - I felt that some important points were made in this episode that one only appreciates after seeing the arc to the end. Plus, there were some eminently funny moments in this episode.
First, let me disagree with those who believe that this is simply a re-hash of Demon Who Came in from the Cold from Season 3. In that episode, we do not gain a clear sense as to the length of time that had gone into the plot to gain control of a major corporation by taking out one of the CEOs. We see only the final stages of the execution of the plot, as well as Cole's and TCO's efforts to thwart this plot. In Mr. & Mrs. Witch, however, we learn that the plot to gain control of a corporation has been an ongoing activity for any number of years (30?). Apparently, under the aegis of the TRIAD or not (this we still don't learn), children are kidnapped for the sole purpose of corrupting them and putting them into the real world in order to serve the TRIAD (or the Source). Clearly, we are being set up for the realization that the kidnapping of Christy was part and parcel of ongoing demonic activities.
Second, the dinner table dialogue, as well as the initial discussions between Phoebe and Billie regarding Billie's parents and the premature arrival at the manor, did a very good job of depicting the disconnect (alienation) between Billie and her parents. Because important facts are withheld by her parents (grandmother was a witch; the parents knew a lot more than they revealed, etc.), Billie has grown extremely annoyed with and alienated from her parents.
Third, the plot does construct a resolution of this alienation, as mother and daughter come to an understanding at the end of the episode. Now, had we paid attention at the time to what Mrs. Jenkins was saying, we would have been deeply, deeply suspicious of Christy when she first arrived. (Remember: we are introduced to a firestarter trying to come to terms with her powers (ostensibly) and clumsy in the ways of the world (how to eat in a restaurant, walk in high heels, etc.). This episode should have taught us to penetrate illusions.
Moreover, Mrs. Jenkins cautions Billie that Christy, although she loved Billie dearly and was always looking out for her, had a sneaky streak. Like Billie, most of us probably overlooked this bit of dialogue when it was spoken at the time. Consider this:
Mom: You, two, you fought like cats and dogs, you know. You
were as wildly different as any two kids could ever be.
You, two, were inseparable.
B: We were?
Mom: Oh, yeah. Of course, Christy loved to get you in trouble, a
lot. It took your father and me a while to figure that one
out. She was very sneaky that way.
B: You know, I don't remember that much about her. There's
little moments and things here and there. But most of
what I remember, I loved.
Mom: Oh, honey, she adored you. She was very protective of
you, too. Nobody could pick on you, except her.
Well, there you have it. If only we had paid attention!
Finally, this episode clearly has transition written all over it. Piper coming to terms - comically - with Leo's absence. (Does she really expect Leo to sit down and view these videotapes? Sounds like the 60s home movie phenomenon all over again.) Paige and Henry exploring their quirky relationship more and more as they tentatively tip-toe towards revealing secrets each as.
Not a bad job, after all!
First, let me disagree with those who believe that this is simply a re-hash of Demon Who Came in from the Cold from Season 3. In that episode, we do not gain a clear sense as to the length of time that had gone into the plot to gain control of a major corporation by taking out one of the CEOs. We see only the final stages of the execution of the plot, as well as Cole's and TCO's efforts to thwart this plot. In Mr. & Mrs. Witch, however, we learn that the plot to gain control of a corporation has been an ongoing activity for any number of years (30?). Apparently, under the aegis of the TRIAD or not (this we still don't learn), children are kidnapped for the sole purpose of corrupting them and putting them into the real world in order to serve the TRIAD (or the Source). Clearly, we are being set up for the realization that the kidnapping of Christy was part and parcel of ongoing demonic activities.
Second, the dinner table dialogue, as well as the initial discussions between Phoebe and Billie regarding Billie's parents and the premature arrival at the manor, did a very good job of depicting the disconnect (alienation) between Billie and her parents. Because important facts are withheld by her parents (grandmother was a witch; the parents knew a lot more than they revealed, etc.), Billie has grown extremely annoyed with and alienated from her parents.
Third, the plot does construct a resolution of this alienation, as mother and daughter come to an understanding at the end of the episode. Now, had we paid attention at the time to what Mrs. Jenkins was saying, we would have been deeply, deeply suspicious of Christy when she first arrived. (Remember: we are introduced to a firestarter trying to come to terms with her powers (ostensibly) and clumsy in the ways of the world (how to eat in a restaurant, walk in high heels, etc.). This episode should have taught us to penetrate illusions.
Moreover, Mrs. Jenkins cautions Billie that Christy, although she loved Billie dearly and was always looking out for her, had a sneaky streak. Like Billie, most of us probably overlooked this bit of dialogue when it was spoken at the time. Consider this:
Mom: You, two, you fought like cats and dogs, you know. You
were as wildly different as any two kids could ever be.
You, two, were inseparable.
B: We were?
Mom: Oh, yeah. Of course, Christy loved to get you in trouble, a
lot. It took your father and me a while to figure that one
out. She was very sneaky that way.
B: You know, I don't remember that much about her. There's
little moments and things here and there. But most of
what I remember, I loved.
Mom: Oh, honey, she adored you. She was very protective of
you, too. Nobody could pick on you, except her.
Well, there you have it. If only we had paid attention!
Finally, this episode clearly has transition written all over it. Piper coming to terms - comically - with Leo's absence. (Does she really expect Leo to sit down and view these videotapes? Sounds like the 60s home movie phenomenon all over again.) Paige and Henry exploring their quirky relationship more and more as they tentatively tip-toe towards revealing secrets each as.
Not a bad job, after all!