CS Weekly Archive > DVD of the Day > 02/24/06

Magic Formula

by dennis sampson

Brad Kern, Krista Vernoff, Daniel Cerone, Neil Scovell, Alison Schapker, Monica Breen, Curtis Kheel, Michael Gleason
Created by Constance M. Burge

Wizards, warlocks, witches, knights, demons, ninjas, muses, firestarters, vapors, and vampire queens populate season four of the WB's widely popular supernatural show about sisterhood, Charmed. Following the death of Halliwell sister Prue (Shannen Doherty) in season three's finale, season four sees the arrival of half-sister Paige (Rose McGowan), who joins sisters Piper (Holly Marie Combs) and Phoebe (Alyssa Milano) as they unite their powers to become "The Charmed Ones" -- the most powerful witches of all time. While the episodes themselves are competent in terms of character arcs (life lessons are often learned) and plotlines (always well structured, neatly tied together, and highly predictable), the series' biggest drawback would be its repetitive tendency to keep within its own blueprint of a "villain of the week" formula. But what Charmed lacks in the mythos that Buffy the Vampire Slayer had in spades, it makes up for in its focus on sisterhood and family bonds, thus wisely keeping the show more about characters than special effects. No extras.

Charmed: The Complete Fourth Season
Paramount Home Entertainment
Unrated; 958 min.
$49.99

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Dennis Sampson is a commercial production coordinator and unproduced screenwriter. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his better half, Susan, and their dog Tripp.

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