Episode 2.09 Across The Veil

[Reyn]

2.09 - Across The Veil



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The Charmed Ones investigate the disappearance of an entire audience during the first showing of a new horror movie at the Repertoire Theatre. Unprepared for what their investigation uncovers, two sisters find themselves in a perilous situation.

Illustrated Set List - Large File Size
Wardrobe
Arcas' Gift
Arcas' Gift close up
The Blight

[Phoenixlighter]

My 2.09 Review:

SPOILER: Click to show

Alright, Im doing this entire review off the top of my head, so forgive me for the lack of minor details I tend to point out and elaborate on in past reviews. I'm just going to try and recap the episode with some notes I left for myself. In the teaser, it was nice to see Piper and Leo dating, always is, and it was nice to see Piper alerted by the scream, but had it passed off because it was a horror film. It was a logical reason not to go into investigation and that stuck out to me and is enscripted within my mind for this episode.

As I've admitted to you before, this episode initially started off slow for me. I was interested about the movie sucking up people, but wasn't completely captivated until it sucked up Prue and Phoebe. Before I jump into all of that, I want to roll back for a minute and see if I can review this chronologically.

I always love the scenes with Phoebe and Arcas training. Phoebe is going to be one hell of a force to reckon with. I do like how that she gets overworked with her power though. I've been wanting to see someone do that since I saw Fantastic Four with Sue Storm bleeding from her nose because of her forcefield. I can see Phoebe exhausting herself with her new ability. I have to say though, I miss her premonition ability. It seems as if it's becoming the unimportant of abilities.

To make Phoebe's training even more fun, Candice appeared! It was nice to see her develop such control with her power and to be there for Phoebe as a friend. I'm ecstastic to hear, once again, that Candice is doing well working alongside Cassandra, but you did a good job with the dialogue. It gave Phoebe that confirmation on how Andras feels for her, but I look forward to his own personal confession to her. The hug at the end of the episode was a start though. Candice also kinda pushed Arcas' button on the Cassandra issue. I'm looking forward to seeing what that's about because honestly, I don't think I've been following close enough with that storyline.

When Arcas gave Phoebe that diamond, I didn't expect it to be used so soon. I kinda figured it would come about once Leo mentioned to Piper that he knew of an Order that could enter the Shadow Realm, but it was still nice to see it put in use. Btw, you did a fantastic job on comparing Phoebe with the diamond. Beautiful to look at, but also extremely tough. I don't know how you had any doubt with writing that conversation.

I also have a question. Does Phoebe see Arcas' face? Or how much does she see of it? Candice said that she'll be happy with his looks, so it's safe to assume he's cute, but Phoebe also sees him smile. So is it just that the hood kinda hangs over his eyes? I've been picturing him like Altair (with the picture you posted), but I've been curious as to how literal to take it.

Let me start moving onto the magical element of the episode: The Shadow Realm. You provided great background, as always, to the Thresholds and Veil. I don't know how you do it, but it all sounds very official and I loved how it wasn't so easy to access at first, until Piper got that book. Is that book supposed to have been from the hidden room at her club? I assumed it to be. This Robert the Alchemist must've been a magical genius to find out the coordinations of the Veils and how to identify them by point of entry and exit. Also, your very own intelligence is artfully blended into this episode with the mentioning of mescaline. I trust that it's real, but how did you come across that? It was really impressive and lucky for Piper, I might add.

Onto Madame E. She was such a great surprise for me. I love how she called upon the Prey Hounds with her spell. Btw, would you happen to have a translation of that? I love the use of latin spells though, but your spells rock, so I kinda wish that was included as well. I cannot wait until Madame E's origin story! It's going to be fantastic and I'm wondering who this new person coming into town is going to be. My eyes are open out for newcomers.

Onto this Shadow Realm, this place truly was haunting. Water you can't drink? Terrifying thought. The residents as well are another story. When Prue was attacked, I had a feeling you would make it turn out to be more than just an ordinary scratch. I knew I could count on you to make a story out of it, as opposed to just having Prue say, "Damn it, this hurts." I'd kick you if that line was delivered. . It would've been great to see this ghost city-like-realm on t.v, but as always, you provide great imagery so it's all easily played out within my head. Which brings me to another point. You actually wrote paragraphs with no dialogue and they all flowed so easily when reading. Honestly. I was never thinking that it was dragging, but appropriate and necessary.

I was happy when Arcas came to play, but also saw some frustration with Phoebe when he met her at the hospital. That brings me to another point. Melody came off as a bitch with her offer, but in the end, she was trying to save her friend, so I won't blame her. When her and Arcas had their standoff about leaving and staying to help, I'll just say it was freakin' intense. I was sure Phoebe would keep her word, although a death still resulted from it.

When Arcas was fighting the Prey Hounds, he had black and white lightning. I remember purple lightning strikes from a previous episode, I think when he initially got the power. Is there reason to this?

I have to point out the chainsaw armed, barbed wire body giant. How freakin' cool would that have been to see on T.V?! I hope you return to this realm so we can see how that thing fights and what are the greater creatures out there, since he was a lesser being. Please find a way back to this hell hole or write an episode just with the creatures, lol. Kidding, but incoporate them somehow. Maybe one of them can stumble out of a Veil that is packing enough power to release one.

When Arcas was battling that Priest, when the Priest drew out the blade, it seemed a lot like Assassins Creed. I'm fine with it, but is it inspired from that? I hope so. I love your tie-ins with Assassins Creed.

As I'm ending this review, I do want to point out how I love you didn't put memory dust on Melody (and there was another escapee, correct?) but instead that you're having them monitored closely, so if they say something, they'll intervene. Great element. I love what you do with your Whitelighters.

Finally, Arcas and Phoebe. I'm glad he was there for Phoebe at a time when she needed him most. I hope she'll be fine with the aftermath of this death. It was against her power though so I hope she comes to that understanding.

Finally Finally Fantastic episode. Really picked up and shaped into another of your great episodes. Phoebe's presence was strong, Prue was there but lacking because of her Blight and Piper did her thing for someone who wasn't in the world. It was very Power of Two, but distantly worked together.

Great job, as always, Reyn.


Quotes:

This quote just made me feel a hint for the reader. The hangers was a good scene in the episode as well. I loved when Prue rambled about it later on.

PRUE
Underhanded tactics! I'll be
watching you closely from now on!

Definitely one of my favorites.

[Lexi]

Well, I've managed to get through another episode, thank God for all coursework deadlines out of the way! Here's my review for episode 9 - so close to catching up!

SPOILER: Click to show

First of, I've got to say, I loved loved loved the Piper/Leo moment! It was so great that they FINALLY got a date without interruptions from either side! Did I say that I loved that?
Anyway, in the movie theatre...I always loved the fact that Piper hated horror movies. Her comment in the original show about them dealing with enough horror, why would she want to watch it. She is a romantic and I love that she talked Leo into seeing that movie rather than him talking her into something.
The first scene automatically made me think of the movie episode in the original show, but I'm not going to compare them. I like that you use ideas from the original show and then change them to your own, so I'm going to wait and see what this is like without comparing to the original one.
Sucking the audience into a portal, that was interesting and I'm thinking it has something to do with the spell that the girl reads on screen. There was an episode of Supernatural in season 2 that had real incantations written into the script of a movie that was being shot, which ended up with ghosts showing up, so Dean and Sam had to get rid of them, and I have an idea that its something like that.
Also, Leo mentioning that screaming comes with the territory of horror movies made a lot of sense and I'm glad that Piper didn't go in there. Sometimes an episode needs a slow build up rather than jumping straight into "we have a demon, lets vanquish him". It makes sense for Piper and Leo to think that the scream was just at the movie.

Haha! The interaction between Phoebe and Arcas gets better and better. I loved his line about the robe making him irresistable to the ladies, couldn't help but laugh about it.
Bringing Candice back was a nice touch and to hear about the Academy and about how the girls like Arcas. It definitely brought a smile to my face, but I want to hear more about the Academy, what they actually do there!

You really do have Piper's humor down to a tee, I keep noticing it more and more. When she's talking to Prue about the coat hangers, I could imagine exactly how Piper would say the line "Dump him straight away". And it makes sense for Piper to put two and two together. She wasn't exactly certain that the scream was just at the movie so to hear about the disappearances, it makes sense that she would think magical problem.

Hmmm....Arcas does seem to care for Phoebe in more than a teacher-student kind of way, I hope I'm not reading too far into that. And there's definitely been something between Arcas and Cassandra, he didn't take kindly to Candice telling her that he could see her himself. The plot keeps thickening!
He really has thought about Phoebe though, so I definitely think there is something else there between them.

Its nice to see that Phoebe still has her childish side. I think its been missing in recent episodes, but I didn't realise until now. Her finding a lollipop and then asking Leo if he wanted one was so cute. Ok, that's interesting. Piper and Leo aren't sucked into the portal? Now is it because they're the only two who didn't eat any of the munchies? Or is because they're coupled up? Its brought a lot of theories and is very very interesting. Yet my theories were wrong since we find out that its because the spell loses power every time it is used. Now that I found very interesting indeed, but I don't understand why it would lose power.

You know with the line "besides she looks harmless" you can always tell that something bad is going to happen and the "harmless" person is not going to turn out as harmless as you think. Shouldn't Phoebe know that by now? hehe.

Ah! M.E is back, yay! She wants the two brought to her? Wouldn't that turn a little dangerous since once they're back in the real world they'd get their powers back?

The Founders contacted Arcas' Order, didn't they? I remember Arcas mentioning something about being like Whitelighters, but no exactly and that they don't really communicate with The Founders, I guess unless there is something very important and life-threatening to the Charmed Ones.

I like that Phoebe never forgets an innocent, no matter who else's life is in danger or what time constraint they are on. She always thinks of others, always did throughout season 1, and I'm glad you're keeping her that way. It's unique to Phoebe ALWAYS putting strangers first. Also taking it hard that she lost an innocent too.

The ending was sad but exactly what the episode needed. With how close Arcas and Phoebe are getting, its only natural that she would openly cry to him since with their connection he now understands what she feels whereas her sisters don't. They don't understand that for her losing one innocent is just as bad as losing all of them.

It was another enjoyable episode. Well done Tash.

[Reyn]

So are you officially on 'holiday's' now, Lexi? Or do you still have some assignments and things to hand in?

SPOILER: Click to show

I think after all that Piper and Leo went through in the original charmed, I had to give them a nice moment! They deserve a little bit of happiness. Piper certainly got her way with what movie they were going to see - I definitely can't see Piper voluntarily sitting through an action movie let alone a horror one!

Chick Flick was one of my favourite charmed episodes, and it definitely had an impact on this episode, but I wanted to make the episode different from it. I also wanted to introduce a whole new 'realm' to the Charmed universe, so it was great I was able to combine both ideas into one episode. Across The Veil is one of my top 2 episodes for this season - mainly due to the Shadow Realm and the possibilities it has for future episodes.

I remember the supernatural episode as well - that was a good one! I'd have to say, though, that this episode was more inspired by the video game silent hill than the supernatural episode - the shadow realm definitely has its roots in the silent hill idea of a gloomy, non-populated dark world that has things which will kill you with little difficulty and no reason. I did like supernatural's idea of ghosts coming to life because real life spells were used in the script, though. I even thought about playing around with the idea that someone from the magical community wrote a book all about magic and included real spells, which people then started using to their detriment. Maybe i'll see where that idea leads lol.

I definitely agree with you about the slow build up episode - often those are my favourite ones. I enjoy it when the main characters don't know what they are fighting until right at the end, rather than having all the information from the start. I think those episodes can be entertaining as well, but there's nothing better than the 'big reveal' at the end!

I always have fun writing the Phoebe and Arcas scenes, because their relationship is hard to define. Certainly Phoebe likes him, but his feelings are a lot more veiled and mysterious. More information on the Academy is coming, and there will be an entire episode dedicated to the Academy a bit later in the series. All I can say is it is definitely no magic school

Piper is also very fun to write for, because her sarcastic, dry wit is similar to my own humor. I'm overjoyed to hear that you think her characterisation is spot on - that made my day!

Regarding your comment that you get the impression Arcas cares for Phoebe beyond their student/teacher relationship - might I ask what gave you that impression? A specific moment or line of dialogue that he said? I'd be interested to know this Arcas and Cassandra definitely have a past - she is his ex, and let's just say they didn't really part on good terms

I'm trying to bring a little bit of the childish Phoebe into the more recent episodes, because I too missed that side of her. Having said that, though, I won't be bringing in the 'irresponsible' side of Phoebe, which I feel is what happened towards the later seasons of Charmed. Phoebe was childish in the first season, definitely - but she was never irresponsible or laissez faire, which is what she turned into. I never liked that character development (if you can call regressing 'development').

On to your question about the spell losing power (I believe this information might have been part of a scene I cut) - i've conceptualised the Charmed world in this way: certain spells draw upon particular types of power. Some power is infinite and some is limited. The spell that was used to open the gateway to the shadow realm was based upon a limited power source, so once it was used up, the spell stopped working. The spell is still potent, but the energy it uses is gone, so despite the spell being 'correct' it has no effect.

ehhe the 'harmless' comment! I think it must be one of those unwritten rules - like never say 'i'll be right back' in a horror movie because you won't be back (thank you scream).

Little spoiler for M.E since I appreciate your reviews so much: M.E has ways to keep the Charmed ones powerless

Yes - the Founders contacted Arcas's order, as they needed someone to help the Charmed Ones, and those in Arcas's order are the only people who could access the Shadow Realm (and in fact, Arcas is one of only 3 people who can voluntarily travel there).

I definitely agree with your 'phoebe never forgets an innocent' comment - she certainly feels it the most when anyone dies and I wanted to show that. She'll struggle with in in the next episode as well - for her the loss of an innocent is not something she can just brush off in 24 hours.

Very happy you liked the ending! One of my favourite Piper/Leo moments was when he arrived to comfort her after the mad doctor was killed by them in season 2. The scene was very much inspired by, and a reworking of, that scene.

Thanks for the review, Lexi! Not long before you are all caught up!

[Lexi]

No, its not completely over for me yet. I still have lectures to attend until Thursday (I always have Fridays off) and I have exams in January to study for, but there's no more work to actually hand in. Anyway, thank you for all the replies to the reviews, I felt that I needed to put a reply back for this one.

SPOILER: Click to show

Just in answer to what makes me think Arcas cares for Phoebe more than just a student/teacher relationship...I can't quite remember the part, it was something you wrote in the actions rather than the dialogue but both of them put together did have a lot to do it.

Like I said though, I can't remember it off the top of my head and right now I don't have the time to go back to the episode, I'm only on for a few minutes before I rush out to work. When I get a chance I'll go to where it was and then put another spoiler in here with the update.

Oh and the way Leo comforted Piper in that season 2 episode after the doctor died was amazing and I absolutely loved the writers for putting that in. I never realised though that that was where you got the inspriation from for the final scene with Phoebe and Arcas.

[Reyn]

It is a very good feeling when you know you don't have to hand in any more work and that you have a break from that for a little while! I hope your January exams go well for you, but I will wish you good luck for those closer to the day

Regarding the replies - no problem! I love reading reviews, and my replies are usually as long as the review, because I comment on almost everything you say! And thank you for your own reply

SPOILER: Click to show

It probably sounded like a weird question to ask, but I've been very particular with what I say regarding Arcas's feelings and actions, for a reason that will become more obvious in the next few episodes. I definitely haven't hid Phoebe's feelings for him - she is smitten with him, and likes him more than a friend. But Arcas? Are his actions the actions of someone in love, or is he simply being respectful and kind to her? Treating her as a gentleman would?

I loved the writers for putting that Piper/Leo moment in myself! I think it is one of, if not the top romantic moment between them, because it really showed that he cared for her deeply. To comfort her like that, to be there for her at a time when even her own sister's couldn't - it was a lovely moment shared between them. In the later seasons they didn't really get many special moments like that one, and it has always stuck out in my mind.

[Terry]

My review:

SPOILER: Click to show

Hehe, Schwarzy

Aha, did Piper really force him? Loool

“Thank God we're not seeing that.” I’ll bet that’s the people who’ll vanish hehe

“I had something in my eye!” They all say that

are they all real movies? In particular that zombie one?

Wow, another Latin spell, you seem to like those

Oh, Buckland’s is really in danger then :s is this your own way to prepare the field for Prue to swap jobs?

Aha, Phoebe swoons hahahaha!

“ARCAS (CONT'D)
Can't get enough of my company, huh?
Phoebe chokes on the mouthful of water. Spluttering, she swallows, then wipes her mouth with the back of her hand, searching for something to say.
PHOEBE
Well -
ARCAS
It's the robes, isn't it? They make me irresistible to the ladies.”
I Love it

“I'm joking, of course. I wouldn't take your motivation to practice for anything other than what it is - dedication to the craft.” The dork, *rolls eyes*

ow, Candice ^^

HOW unfair! They’ve seen his face but not Phoebe – nor us, in fact!!! Justice! Lol

Wow, that’s some story Candice’s said, Arcas’s loneliness and all. Kinda sad and happy for Phoebe! Can’t wait!

Is it allowed to bring food into the theatre in America ? Cause here, we gotta do with what they sell lol

Ruk-ruk demon ??

They sure go a lot to the theatre in one episode lol

Wow, careful, Pheebs

Oh, I like how having to keep his secrets is making Arcas angry or whatever

Oh, Phoebe is even more in danger than her sisters??? I wanna know why! Yes, I demand! Kidding lol alghouth… yeah, whatever

I just Love the whole Protector-Trustee-Charm gig!

“I chose the diamond for you, Phoebe. To me, it is the perfect match. A diamond is beautiful. Striking. Elegant. It is a rare gemstone, which cannot help but draw the eye wherever it appears. There are many gems which try to match the diamond in brilliance and allure, but none truly can. It is a one of a kind. As you are.” If THAT’s not a declaration of love, I’m going to bury myself -_-

Arg, damn mobile phones!!!!

Aha, damn funny how Piper’s just freaked out while Prue is bored!

Love the Mirror world, so far!

Again with the shadows hehe

This is like that Supernatural episode where they have a spell to chant in a movie and that actually brings ghosts or something!

Like the whole shadow realm mythology and gateways and such, kinda remind me of how Angel and Co. were sucked into Pylea

Oh, oh, that woman-thing… and that “pack” reference. That’s scaring! If they have a whole bunch of human-things at their heels :s

Oh oh, M. Ex, he…
I begin to wonder if Prue’s going to change into those things, with her arm scratched :s
Oh, and now she collapses :s seems to happen a lot to her lately lol

I also wonder if Phoebe could just not summon Arcas? Being a shadow man, he could very well fit into the shadow realm, no???
Ooooooooh, just when I make that supposition Phoebe calls him

I like Arcas’s “Gods” exclamation!

“Are you crazy?” ahahahahah!

Oh, the Founders have contacted the Order of Kalthingamabobs But I happen to hate you now! Lol Cause Leo apparently told Piper about the order off-screen but we readers are still in the shadows! Pun intended lol

I just love how you give all this knowledge from Robert the Alchemist! It’s really great! And his mescaline theory! Awe!

“I want coat hangers! Really!” now I know why you said it was a fun story to write! Mwahaha

I like how you do bring those commercial breaks, it makes it even more real! Though the suspense is killing lol

Yay, I was right! Well, mostly, Prue Has Been infected lol

“Saving your friends is an unnecessary deviation that could cost Prue her life! We must go now - we are wasting time!” arcas is being quite an ass there ^o)

That Realm is so freaky :s it reminds me of Silent Hill

“And try not to get yourself killed - I don't think my jeweler would like it if his pendant went to waste so soon after he made it.” Aha, who’s the jeweller, then ?

Oh, the priests! They’re like Buffy’s S7 Bringers hehe
Btw, this is the same church as in 1.02, with Javna, eh?

“It will turn you all into water! It will! The voices say so.
(shouting)
And I don't want to be water!” what’s wrong with the girl :s

Kara died :s eaten :s ow :s

OW! Arcas!

“Anyway, it doesn't matter. Trying to capture the sisters in that way was an unexpected bonus, an opportunity too good to overlook. Our plans remain unaffected.
(locking eyes with him)
Have you contacted our associate?” I expected no less from our dear M.Ex

He? He who? Another demon for the Charmed Ones

“LEO
I spoke with Balus. He and the Founders saw to it that all copies of the movie were destroyed. They are looking into how a Threshold activation spell was included in the script in the first place.”
That’s a good way to process and I’d like to see what explanation you give us, IF an explanation you do give us
Though I do wonder how the Founders have powers enough to have so much removed from our world…

That was some emotional ending scene! Nearly cried myself :$

Can't wait to see The Shadow Realm again

[Dark Witch.]

Here is a review for Episode 9!

SPOILER: Click to show

-I am having a strange feeling this is like Chick Flicks (cant remember the episode name) in Season2. I know there are episodes where they sort of have the same premise, but different, so i wonder how this will work out...lol.

-I like that Piper and Leo are finally on a date. it is nice to finally see them having some couple time...though i still think their relationship is on the rocks as it is...I really liked the cmedy int here with Piper how she thought the romance movie was beautiful and Leo totally thinking opposite. So very cliche, yet very funny at the same time . Nicely done.

-Okay that spell in the horror movie was pretty cool. I wonder what it does...Guess we shall find out! lol.

-I wonder what the police are going to say with all this. I feel bad for them since they have to deal with all the drama of the unexplained...

-I like the conversation witht he two sisters. It was nice to see them all together like that. I also think that Phoebe is falling for the guy pretty hard, and she knows nothign about Arcas. Guiess we shall see what happens. I wonder if prue will lose her job due to her "untimely" departures herself. Guess we shall see.

-I wonder if Phoebe will ever get to tell Arcas her feelings or if he will even return them back since he is such a warrior and sees himself doing nothing else. As for candice's return, I think that is really cool that you brought her back, but I ownder how Phoebe will perform to multiple attackers and not just one, for she seems to be learning quickly.

-Hmm, so Arcas may like Phoebe eh? Interesting, i never got the description that he never lowered his hood. I now get it. lol. I can't wait to see if he ever lowers his hood for her. Can't wait to learn more!

-Hmm, Ryan is asking Prue to pretty much move in with her...interesting. i wonder if she will when she finally gets to learn he is a DEMON! But oh well, till then, he is a good guy for her...for now...lol.

-I like the scene with Piper and Prue, I have always liked those two sister's scenes. Even in the series. You protray their chemistry so well with one another, so I praise you on that.

-I liked the fight scene with Phoebe , Arcas and Candice. Really cool, and I like how Phoebe is not the expert in anything, so it helps that she isn't so evenly matched and not invincible. Also, the bond sounds really interesting, so good job on the originality there. i like it alot!

-You say "fibre" when I think you mean "fiber", unless I am wrong when you say "every fibre of their being". Just a little mix up, or maybe I am wrong...

-I like the witty comment from Prue and Piper about Phoebe being able to allure a guy. Very nice comedic moment.

-Haha, I thought that was really funny, when Prue and Phoebe are sucked into the portal, and all Piper can say is "well that's not good". Very nice!

-I really like the explaination and the creation of the Shadow realm and the Veil. Very interesting analogy that Leo uses with the Zoo. Also, the Shadow Realm seems like a pretty powerful place, so why would any person be wanting to go in there. But the three types of ways to get into the Shadow realm is interesting as well. i really like this idea, so very well done!

-I am enjoyign Prue and Phobe'e time in the Shadow Realm. The sequences are great. The interaction is awesome, and the twists and turns, and horror just keep on coming! I am interested in how they get out of this situation...

-I like Madame executive, she is cutsie evil. Which is always fun to see. i can almost see Ali Larter doing this...lol.

-Alright so the whole thing with melody was pretty cool, and the mind link actually works with Arcas, that is really cool. Also, i really like how Arcas just knows where she is. I like this alot. You have got me interested, i can't go into every detail cause that would take forever, but you have done a wonderful job with this world...

-I really like the use of Alchemy again, and how the Founders are using The Order that Arcas is from to send help. I dont know how much more to say I like this concept. I have always thought of this as a possibility, but you bring it ti absolute cool heights lol.

-Haha, "I want coat hangers". That is really funny right there. Thoguh she is practically on the brink of death, it is still funny.

-Woo hoo! Arcas to save the day!

-That is a risky manuver, to save melody's friends and to make it there in time. i dont think they'll make it, but something also tells me they will, just cause they're the Charmed Ones.

-Well that was a big battle. I feel bad that kara has died, Phoebe hasn't really hasn't lost an innocent bfore, and this seems like her first in a long time. And like I said, they make it thorugh the portal in time, they always do lol.

-Well, Madame Executive is pretty cool. Most demons would simply kill everythign in sight for such a horrible manuver, but that is the beuty of our demon lol. i wonder who this associate is and when it shall come into being that it will attack the Charmed Ones...

-I can understand Phoebe's pain. It would be a horrible image to get out of your brain. To see someone die in front of you...I would never know, but I have heard it is a life changing experience.

-A very powerful ending. Nice work!

This is definately one of my most favorite episodes. Great work, and it will be interesting to see what happens in Episode 10!

[melindacharm]

Done!! Check it out.

SPOILER: Click to show

scene 1- Lol! I totally didnt see that coming. Piper is a lovey duvy fan?. She like late night kisses, long walks on the beach, and romance movies?. HA! I really thought that more of Phoebe. Piper to me would comment on how every aspect of the action movie was wrong. Although I did enjoy the catherine- zeta jones remark.

scene 2- Piper and Leo are so adorable.

scene 3- I like the cheesy way you made it. Portrays the scene very good.

scene 4- Amanda / Macy are witches or demons?. Why have they sucked the audience into a movie. No matter how cool it is!!.

scene 5- Leo thinks cake will make Piper sweeter?. Boy he's off. Ha!

scene 6- Im a bit confused at how Darryl / Jess get there information. They seem to be on the dot for everything. Its weird how precise they are even after the crime not being there and all.
I would love to see that Jess turns out to be a demon LOL!!

scene 7- wow! Prue is very commited to her job. Shes going to go in that early just because of a rumour?? I would never do that.

scene 8- Another movie?. I like movies but this is the second one. Will Phoebe be getting a job?.

scene 9 - Howcome Phoebe's sisters dont know about her love life yet?. She knows theres. Phoebe cant be keeping it that much of a secret.

scene 10- I very much like this scene. Phoebe / Arcas are opening up more. There seems to be more chemistry. Phoebe is gaining her powers and her control over her martial arts. , I enjoy that she can talk to Candice. Phoebe does need to make the next move with Arcas. He's opening up to her I can tell. I was wondering though will there be any sister related training or craft going on. I dont see that much.


scene 11- Aphrodisac ha! who would of thought that Ryan could be so open about a thing like that?. I thought he would be more preserved and serious but I guess I was wrong. , Way to go him!.

Scene 12- Awww. Ryan is really trying hard to keep the Manor with Prue. It must be hard for her to leave being one of the closest sisters to the place she must be having a hard time adjusting. It helps what Ryan is doing but she will never get that back. Its a different place now, a new life. Nothing can change that.

Scene 13- I love Prue / Piper's openess. Lol! I can tell the people in the back are totally creeped out by there demon talk but it's who they are I wouldnt hide it. Plus it was nice to see that the sisters could share the personnal information too. Piper isnt much of a help though when she shrugs.

Scene 14- I really think sometimes Arcas is going too far with the training. Phoebe is suppose to be able to protect herself but will he know when he goes to far? and can this training possibly hurt Phoebe one day?. Another thing I was suprised about was the necklace I was almost sure it was going to be an engagement ring lol. However I was wrong again. I like this idea he has of Phoebe and the words he uses to express that. Also why is it that the necklace has phoebe's future powers embeded in it? ex: telepathy, empathy. Also how come Arcas needs a way to contact Phoebe if he has teleporting powers?.


Scene 15- That was fast action in Phoebe's convincing for the movie.

Scene 16- Ive noticed that Prue is always the one to find out the information before even the founders. Its very unusual that this happens.

Scene 17- Why Prue and Phoebe in the movie screen? I thought it took only the audience in which case Prue had walked away.

Scene 18- Darker movie wow nice. Turning the climax around abit are we. It would be funny if they met Mme Executive in the Black / White movie.

Scene 19- short but good scene it helps the reader connect more with the situation and the response of the sisters towards this situation.

Scene 20- I find now that I think about it. The girls do not put much emphasis on Leo. They do not ask his opinion of things, they dont look for his views or comferts on the situations. Its just assumed that he will be there to help them. This is very selfish and no wonder they feel a loss when he is gone. They take so much advantage of his knowledge. Another thing is he can often times not see the good side but I believe that Leo would try his best to see both no matter the circomstances.

Scene 21- I like the suspense I have to say this scene is my favourite so far. You made it yours in a way. It is no longer like the season 2 movie one it is totally different. I like it.

Scene 22- Lol! Prue only noticed now that her powers are not working in this realm?.

Scene 23- HA! " Oh well." Says Mme Executive. She's only saying that cause she's a heartless B****!. She is horribly mean to the charmedones who have done nothing to her. For a minute there I thought she would be attacking Piper though, considering Piper is the only charmedone alone it would make sense? The creatures get the other two and Piper is left for the demon.

Scene 24- I understand how Prue's powers didnt work but howcome not Phoebe's. After all hasnt she been training against this type of thing.

Scene 25- Well its expected that they will be attacked at the store too. The creatures are everywhere.. Im starting to see these things coming.

Scene 26- I like it that the sisters finally found at least one person who is an innocent. Who is human like them, it would be hard to fight this thing off otherwise.

Scene 27- Poor Prue, I feel bad and I wasnt expected the creatures to have got to Prue this quickly. Its Prue, the strongest witch. Are they poisonous? Please explain whats hapenning inside Prue.

Scene 28- I love this chapter too. However im still shacky on how Piper gathered all this Robert information if she wasnt in the realm herself? Im curious as well to what she was doing with the blue metholine in her possesion.

Scene 29- Camera focuses on Prue like that!

Scene 30- Uhh so sad.. I liked the suspense though where the hounds jump at the charmedones. Very cool and the yellow eyes that was an added bonus.

Scene 31- lol. I like how Arcas knows all this knowledge of forbidden creatures or the other realms. Its impressive , packs of 7 future referrance of that should be noted in the book.

Scene 32- That is a fast working potion. I like it.

Scene 33- I like phoebe's judgement it is hard for her to do what she is doing and It is hard im sure to see Prue suffering and having to choose to save others instead of her sister.

Scene 34- This is a good chapter but I hate the feeling im getting when Melody is staying with Prue. I have a feeling she will leave Prue to die for her friends and if she does I will hate her.

Scene 35- I still do not understand why Phoebe is risking her kneck and her sisters?. What does she see of gaining by completing this impossible task?

Scene 36- I much enjoy Arcas's way of fighting althought the thing Phoebe's fighting looks less of martial arts and more of hand manoeuvers.

Scene 37- I had a very distinct feeling that Kara would punch Phoebe or resist the help but I was wrong.

Scene 38- Poor Piper she must be worried sick about her sisters at this point. Also do you create all the spells because they are awesome!!.

Scene 40- This scene has made me so freaken confused in my own thoughts. A feeling of anger and confusion float through me as I look at Melody and her path. I have a feeling she is destined for greatness but cannot tell if she will choose evil / good. Feeling more evil now for some reason.

Scene 50- " Everyone Alive." I like this line very Phoebe like.

Scene 51- WOW! I find Mme Executive took that extremely well. I thought she would have killed or at least tortured the suit for not completing what would seem to be an easy task.

Scene 52- Ohh. So sad. Poor Phoebe I mean seeing that will definately leave a mark the only difference is you would expect Phoebe who has seen much loss would be more composed. She's less emotional than her other two sisters.

Scene 53- Cute Phoebe and Arcas finally have a sad love moment. Though I have to say I was expecting Phoebe to fall on the floor and barry her head or something more dramatic.

[Ren]

SPOILER: Click to show

Alright, I feel entirely vindicated knowing that Piper and Leo got to get all the way through a movie, AND go out for coffee afterwards! Despite the fact that they’re going to be kicking themselves when they realize what was going on in the theatre right next to them at around the same time. Whatever. They have a knack for luring out the drama with their dates, eh? When Piper got her first look at the Devil’s Daughter, it was during what was supposed to be a date as well. Never a dull moment. And Leo’s quip about the movie being saccharine made me laugh out loud.

I still liked Arcas better when he was aloof and mysterious and not quite so chummy with Phoebe, but he is quite funny, and witty guys always win my heart, lol. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before I warm up to them. And Candice is back! We didn’t get to learn too much about her personality wise last time, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of her. I was really impressed before by the way she accepted this new life she was being forced into with relative grace. And I know that grave situations tend to speed along an instinctive know-how where supernatural gifts are concerned, but it was still something else watching her take out that ice spewing demon. The bonding between her and Phoebe is neat… I knew Arcas always has his robes on, but somehow it didn’t occur to me that Phoebe wouldn’t have seen his face as of yet. Oh Phoebe. I admit though, I’m pretty intrigued by Candice’s description of these piercing eyes of his.

Ryan ;D. Cubeb and coat hangers; the things any good romance are made of. There’s still a chance all this is to lure her into spending more time at his place, to make keeping an eye on her and her phone calls with Phoebe/Piper all the easier, but, like I say every time, the agent is JACKSON. And until there is irrefutable evidence to the contrary, I’m going to take Ryan’s sugary sweetness at face value. So there.

My curiosity has been roused (for about the millionth time since starting this series) by this tension between Arcas and Cassandra. I think I’m going to create a list of all the little mysteries that have snagged my attention and check them off as their backstories are revealed.

A random point that doesn’t really accompany anything else I’ve been saying; I really like the name Cassandra. There’s such an elegance to it; it’s suiting of her reputation and position in the Academy.

Okay. Arcas scored big points with me due to the diamond speech. Gotta love a man who’s good with his words. I especially like the parts that focused on the durability and strength of a diamond as opposed to its mere beauty. Lovely. Although, it’s going to be difficult (and by difficult, I mean absolutely impossible) for Phoebe to get out of explaining such a gorgeous piece of jewellery to her sisters. I’m really not seeing how she’s going to avoid telling them about Arcas after they see what they’re going to view as a very serious token of affection.

Haha, I love that they’ve called Phoebe in for her sex appeal. That girl really is one of a kind. And she shouldn’t even lie to herself… she’s most definitely flattered .

I don’t understand why Phoebe is sitting separately from the rest of them… I’m sure something bad is in all probability going to happen to her though. That’s what you get for splitting up. Bad move. Piper’s squeamishness coupled with Prue’s indifference made me smile to myself… I think everyone has one of “those” friends who gets suckered in to going to the horror movie even though it’s the last place they want to be. It’s always practically as hilarious to watch them squirm as it is to watch the movie itself.

I’m glad Prue got sucked into the portal along with Phoebe… I was a little concerned for a minute there that Phoebe was going to be all on her own. Poor Piper is going to go in panic overdrive when she realizes that getting them out is going to be all on her.

The detail you put into the worlds/beings you create is stunning. I think this shadow realm might be my favourite thing so far. It’s legitimately spine tingling, and while Leo’s description of it fills both the reader and Piper with horror, the unquantifiable trepidation that surges through Prue/Phoebe when they gather their bearings on the other side of the veil is really what makes you shiver. There’s this unnamed terror about the place that they’re in, and even though they don’t have explicit reason to be afraid as of yet, they still are. Very cool. Also, I was playing this video game called “Dragon Origins” with my brother over Christmas break (which is very not at all like me, considering I have the attention span of a hyperactive puppy… I can’t even write my papers without music blasting or a movie/show playing) and there was this veil between their world and “the fade” that reminds me of the veil between this plane and the “shadow realm.” Like what you’ve written, it was stronger in some places and nonexistent in others, and it’s pretty cool that you came out with the same idea like, years before the game came out.

I really feel like I’m watching a horror movie right now. Good lord, when Phoebe started moving toward the “old woman,” my mind was racing with thoughts along the lines of, “No! Are you kidding? Why? Why would you do that?!” I’m hoping Piper and Leo get them out before Prue’s gash can become too infected by the evil spirit that slashed her. Oh great… and as if things weren’t messy enough already, now Madame Executive knows where they are. Not good. Not good not good. This episode is stressing me out.

This is my favourite episode so far. The drama is ridiculous. You’re just so smart and insane with these ideas you come up with… mescaline? Really? Damn. I wouldn’t have thought of anything remotely that clever given a hundred billion years. The colour coded maps?!?!?! Well, to be honest I guess they’re not that big a deal, but they really appeal to my OCD, lol. In my perfect world, everything would be alphabetically ordered AND colour coded. Anyway. Not the point. I’ve been reading this same episode for close to two hours, because every time I finish a scene I freak out knowing I’m one scene closer to it being over, and I go make a cup of tea/do the dishes/vacuum/read for a bit before coming back.

ARCAS
(deadpan)
This certainly doesn’t look like a music store to me.

;D . Alright, alright. I give. Arcas can stay forever and always. There could not have been a more winning comment he could have made for me right here. I feel I’m going to need a drink or ten to come down from this.

I thought the image of the crazy vein-y doctor snapping on his surgical gloves was as creepy as it could get, but this chainsaw handed giant isn’t too far behind. And as if that’s not bad enough, he’s wearing a welder’s mask. I’m with Melody; what the hell kind of freaky thing has chainsaws for arms?

Kara is going to screw them over. Big time. I can see it coming. Oh man oh man oh man. Why is there always one damaged soul that effs everything up in every group? Now someone I actually like is going to get mauled because of her. Phoebe or Arcas. I just know it.

Son of a…

Well I saw that one coming. Every horror always has the one chick/dude who gets hysterical right as they’re about to be saved. I’m just glad she didn’t fully take Arcas down with her. Even though she did get him hit by the red lightning stuff. I know I shouldn’t be judging, on account of I’m sure if I was in the shadow realm, I would have been killed shortly after arriving, but it just SUCKS seeing them get so close to freedom, and then BAM (haha, pun. Tee hee). It’s like the subway-type scene near the end of Resident Evil. Sigh.

Well, I think I’ve set a new record with the length of this review, soo I’m going to post it and run now. Poor Phoebe. The next episode is not going to be a picnic for her. I liked that the ending kind of mirrored the Piper/Leo scene at the end of Astral Monkey. My heart breaks every time I watch that scene, and the parallel was wonderful.

My favourite so far. Unquestionably.