As a refreshingly light take on the fantasy genre, the much-welcomed Charmed has managed to carve out its own niche in the world of cult television. Constance M Burge's creation is always entertaining, never imitating. And considering the networks' seeming delight in cancelling as many genre series as possible, the fact that Charmed has survived the executioner's axe is a testament to the show's willingness to diversify itself from its nearest rivals. The Charmed Ones' world may not be as dark and tragic a place as that experienced by Buffy or Angel, but it does have a charm all of its own. Three of them in fact.
In a still-growing trend of female empowerment on TV, actresses Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, and Alyssa Milano carried the show single-handedly from day one, although admittedly aided by an increasing stable of recurring characters. Then, following Shannen Doherty's much-publicised departure, cult movie actress Rose McGowan was drafted in to feature as the lost Halliwell sister, Paige - a move which brought even more success to the already well-loved show. But it's the three leads that really made this show what it is, as viewers have followed the story of the Halliwell sisters - right from the very first moment they reluctantly discovered their supernatural destinies. As with any journey, it hasn't been an easy one though. The sisters have fought and made up numerous times - both with each other and with various love interests. Then there's also the issue of life-and-death battles with demons, warlocks, and various evil incarnates - which really shouldn't be overlooked!
In addition, it seems the show isn't afraid to create its own rules and mythology, contributing to the ideas already present in the fantasy genre, with its own take on beings such as werewolves and guardian angels to name a few. And as far as soundtracks go, Charmed also leads the way, with its mix of contemporary music, plus guests appearances by bands of such particular note as The Cranberries and The Barenaked Ladies. It seems that Charmed works the way witchcraft is ideally supposed to - with all these elements coming together to form one distinctive spell - under which, it seems, a lot of people have already fallen!
The Cast
Piper Halliwell...............................Holly Marie Combs
Phoebe Halliwell...................................Alyssa Milano
Paige Matthews.................................Rose McGowan
Leo Wyatt..............................................Brian Krause
Darryl Morris.......................................Dorian Gregory
Cole Turner.......................................Julian McMahon
Prue Halliwell...................................Shannen Doherty
Jack Sheridan.....................................Lochlyn Munro
Dan Gordon.........................................Greg Vaughan
Jenny Gordon................................Karis Paige Bryant
Andy Trudeau..............................................T.W. King
