User Reviews

No, you did not read the title wrong. In this episode, Piper does in fact, go into a mental institution. But not how you'd think. This episode is great and one of my all-time favorites.

In this episode, The Source kidnaps Piper and infiltrates her mind. She awakens in the Halliwell Manor to find out that it's actually Halliwell Hospital, that she isn't a witch, and that Leo is her doctor. At first she knows the demon, who The Source is impersonating, is behind this. Phoebe and Paige are also in the hospital, but they aren't the real sisters, they are parts of the imagination dream. They also aren't her sisters in the dream world, Piper is an only child. Piper slowly begins believing that she is crazy and that she isn't a witch. The Source even uses Prue as a weapon, saying she got better and was released. How twisted is that? Anyway, she comes to terms with the fact that she's not a witch, so she starts to read a spell that will relinquish her powers. But real Phoebe and real Paige come into the dream world just in time to convince her of the real world. In the end, The Source was wounded, Piper knows she's not crazy, and all is good.

Overall, I give this episode a 10 out of 10.

One of the best episodes of Charmed. Alyssa, Rose, and Holly do a fantastic job as portraying mentally ill patients. Episode is both suspenseful and comedic. It shows what mentally ill patients go through with their distorted thinking and the voice that controls their behaviors. That voice pushes them to the deep end ( suicidal behaviors, self-harm, substances) and in Pipers case to almost relinquishing her powers. She is able to push through and not let that voice control her by finding a break through where she finds herself being controlled cognitively and how that isn't reality. A must see for all Charmed fans

Brain Drain is a wonderful episode dealing with Piper's want of a baby as she prepares for a friend's shower and how magic interfere with it. The Source devises a plan to trick her into giving up her powers in a fantasy world. What makes it work so well is the fast pace, exploring different sections of the underworld and The Source showing his brilliant mind instead if standing by.

All the leads shine throughout with the great script and seemed to have a great time shooting it. Even though we know the dream world is fake, the explanation for the supernatural events surrounding her everyday are handled well and I like the extra mention if Prue. Leo and Cole working together as biddies was sweet being only one of a few times it occurs.

My only complaint is this is the first time Wendy is ever mentioned or seen and the sanitarium seems fake. Houses have been used before as asylums, but placing metal cages, a few beds and staff doesn't make it into a legit holding cell. Also I thought the Oracle was wasted potential by killing off her character instead of sending her off to deal with the Charmed ones while unconscious and unprotected or saving her to be the queen of the underworld.

Yet I have to say it was one of the best episodes this season.