Having bought the DVD box set, it took me four years to watch all the 178 episodes. The final verdict - this show should have stopped long before the 8th season. Starting off as monster-of-the-week type of show, the writers cleverly opted to expand the universe and include story arcs over one or more season.
The most interesting was the introduction of Cole Turner, Phoebe's love interest who was also a powerful demon bent on destroying the sisters. After Cole Turner leaving the show in the fifth season, the fans had to make do with an endless string of demons attacking the sisters ad nauseam. Finally came the 8th season where it is obvious that budget cuts have made the producers go for the cheapest production possible with almost no on-location scenes, almost no scenes at the Piper's club P3 or the Bay Mirror that would require hiring extras and Leo being written out of the show for no sensible reason.
So although the first three seasons are enjoyable, the rest is a mostly confusing mess and it jumped the shark when Piper had her first child in the fifth season. The principal cast was competent but extra credit should go to Billy Drago as the demon Barbas whose every appearance is worth watching.
The most interesting was the introduction of Cole Turner, Phoebe's love interest who was also a powerful demon bent on destroying the sisters. After Cole Turner leaving the show in the fifth season, the fans had to make do with an endless string of demons attacking the sisters ad nauseam. Finally came the 8th season where it is obvious that budget cuts have made the producers go for the cheapest production possible with almost no on-location scenes, almost no scenes at the Piper's club P3 or the Bay Mirror that would require hiring extras and Leo being written out of the show for no sensible reason.
So although the first three seasons are enjoyable, the rest is a mostly confusing mess and it jumped the shark when Piper had her first child in the fifth season. The principal cast was competent but extra credit should go to Billy Drago as the demon Barbas whose every appearance is worth watching.
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