Charmed | Was I Wrong About Prue?

[@zer0luv]

I always liked Prue to me she was the strong female character I needed to see as a teen. To me she was a typical older sibling who had too much responsibility put on them at an early age. Was she perfect no, but she put herself on that box and had to learn to step down and be on the same level as her younger sisters.

[@BetterWithBob]

Yeah it's very topical with how pressure put on children to be caretakers of their younger siblings can affect them later in life

[@cheriacole7114]

Well said! I absolutely agree! I loved Prue.

[@barbarakenny3041]

Prue was always my favourite sister, she wanted to go to college but Grams made her give up her dream &she made Prue look after Piper & Phoebe,but Prue was the best big sister she protected her sisters at all costs she risked her life everyday she paid the ultimate price

[@Catherine.Dorian.]

I didn’t hate Prue but I did see how her presence prevented the other sisters from thriving. She was perfectly the big sister but it prevented Piper from becoming as strong as she does and kept Phoebe as the little sister unable to become an adult. If she’d stayed I would’ve liked to see her find a way to let them grow

[@pakese30]

Tbh I was Prue other than the the wardrobe and superpowers. I even have 2 younger sisters. It took me a long time to understand what Prue finally did and that is even though we scrifised and we did that’s just truth, we did that, we helped mould our siblings into good, loving, caring people and we had to learn that it was time for us to let our siblings take their own steps. To say and show we are here whenever you need us but you don’t need us in the way you used to anymore. And not only was that giving them the chance to be more equals within the family it let Prue as the character and myself explore ourselves in ways we never could have and never allowed ourselves to.

[@Abbeyburns3030]

R.I.P Shannen! 🥺I’ve always looked up to Prue as a character and will never forget how much of a badass she was 💜

[@randomlibra]

Prue was always my favorite. I think she was the best actress of the three. She seems the most grounded and kept the show based in emotion. After she left, it got way too fantastical, and silly. Also, knowing now what happened in the background, it's hard to watch Phoebe. :(

[@matchbox2084]

Totally agree with you…after she left they just did any and every they could think of and that lost me I was use to the darkness of the first 3 seasons Paige wasn’t it 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@tammiepage6489]

I’m still a fan of Phoebe, even though I know what happened in the background, and I like to prove what my thing was I separate there a personal lives from there are characters that’s my thing I’m not gonna compare them to the characters I’m not gonna stop liking a character just because of their personal lives which if people actually do the research her and Shannon Doherty meet up Chyna I’m not made up but they both have took a responsibility and Alyssa Milano has taken responsibility to her or said that an a lot of it was her fault to, and it’s generally said the same thing and apparently Alyssa Milano did reach out to Shannon Doherty went to Shannon Doherty’s a cancer diagnosis came out

[@mariafernandavelascohernan5839]

I think both Shannen and Alyssa were to blame, but also producers were at fault. Each had their own version of the story, so Phoebe is a remarkable character that grows the most of the three sisters.

[@fanmagicks]

Exactly. Love the art but not always the artist. ( Like the guy who made Buffy...what was his name...?)

[@valerieorozco571]

I totally agree with you! After Prue Died It didn't got my attention anymore. I watch some episodes of season 4 and stop. I watch til season 6 probably 10 years later.

[@AmoMe2009]

Prue brought an assertive, sensual and sophisticated 90’s aura to Season 1 which includes her classy work and casual wardrobe. Going from a stern superwoman in the beginning to a relaxed heroine at the end of her journey, the actress had a nice short and sweet character development. She was super bad azz in her final season and I love her million mile stare that she does when something suddenly happens or is brought to her attention along with her always planning out the ways to get rid of the evil entity of the episode.

[@seana_momsen]

[@angelaholmes8888]

Love your comment ❤

[@mary-janereallynotsarah684]

Prue 4eva bishes! The show was never the same. I hate they didn't even mention Prue in the finale. They brought dead people back but never Prue! I know it is because if the controversy but we didn't even get a picture on the wall because they refused to fork over the money.

[@fanmagicks]

They did honor her. The grand daughter holding The Book of Shadows was Prudence.

[@JustinPullinAngelliller]

​@@mary-janereallynotsarah684 Luisluciano DaniellePullin StephanieRetamar JustinPullin ScottBrown MistyBrown MikeEllis MeganEllis Higgins MichelleOiler

[@asnallar]

Finally…. I think it’s simply because you started Charmed during the Paige era. You didn’t know Prue when she was “alive”. It’s like being born into a family and never meeting an amazing aunt/cousin that everyone else talked about and liked, and you didn’t really know why the entire family/friends had such nostalgic and lovely memories of her.

[@BetterWithBob]

Yeah that probably has a lot to do with it. Paige was my default.

[@omaargilm]

I don't think when you started to watch the show matters. I watched the show since season 1, and I still prefer the seasons after prue's death.

[@mykoniichistorychannel]

I started during the Paige era, but I was drawn to Piper then Prue as my favourite.

[@storiesbyJTK]

like others stated it doesn’t matter when you watch it more on how you like are when watching things, i first watched Charmed in season three with three episodes of season 3 with Prue then immediately the first introduction of Paige & love them both.

[@teresaames7902]

I loved Prue, after that is was more comedic then anything else.

[@Suiter]

The thing I liked about Prue that the later seasons desperately missed is that she actively tried to help people. She understood innocents came first before anything else and didn't save people begrudgingly or constantly complaining about how unfair it was. In the later seasons half the conflict was getting the sisters to actually do anything. Prue felt like what a hero should be.

[@BetterWithBob]

I'd argue that the later seasons had plenty of instances where the sisters wanted to help people - Styx Feet Under has Phoebe risking certain death to save Harriet, Charrrmed has Paige going above and beyond to rescue Brenda, in Malice in Wonderland Piper says she can't ignore teenagers being attacked right in front of her, they go above and beyond to save Maya in Run Piper Run, Piper insists on helping the two students in Generation Hex, Paige gets violent on Billie in The Jung and the Restless when she knows her charge is being held captive by Darklighters etc. It's just that the later seasons have them specifically going after demons or prepping for the big enemy so there's less emphasis on the procedural format of an innocent of the week.

[@rizzarius]

Yeah Piper even almost noped out a few times when she was sick of being a witch

[@roter13]

Shannon is a very underrated actress. I hope that she pulls through with everything that is happening to her right now.

[@BetterWithBob]

Yes I only heard the news the other day. Hopefully things turn around for her

[@JustinPullinAngelliller]

​​​@@BetterWithBob Danielle and Luis Luciano Justin and Stephanie Retamar Misty and Scott Brown Megan and Michael Ellis Higgins and Michelle Oiler Mom and stepdad

[@kennyp1477]

Sadly she didnt😔. She passed 7-13-2024. May she R.I.P 🕊🔮

[@bashley7487]

Prue will always be my favorite. The show wasn’t the same without her

[@sandiarayada]

Hi Five 🖐️

[@ChrisWolff2013]

Yeah it was different, but Paige was a great substitute for her.

[@bashley7487]

@@ChrisWolff2013 I loved Paige. She’s my second fave. But I liked the darker tone the show had with prue. Tbh I wish they would’ve gotten rid of Phoebe

[@ChrisWolff2013]

@@bashley7487 But how would Piper grow as a character?

[@bashley7487]

@chriswolff2013 I feel Piper would’ve definitely still grow. When Phoebe dies Prue would most likely become the fury since she blames herself so much. They could make it to where Prue doubts her leadership skills because she can’t trust herself and then that’s when Piper can take over. Prue’s guilt is how her and Paige could’ve gotten closer. Paige blamed herself for somehow getting out that car, etc. she lots of potential still

[@alexvhino]

May your soul rest in peace Shannen Doherty. Prue is really gone now.😢 You will always be Charmed.

[@BetterWithBob]

So sad

[@AmoMe2009]

@@BetterWithBobI was thinking about you today to see if you’re ok and if you were going to post. 🙏🏾

[@ChrisWolff2013]

​@@BetterWithBobBeautiful woman and, by all accounts, an absolute sweetheart at conventions.

[@sunnyskiez91]

She was always my favorite character on that show. She just seemed like the brave one that you can count on for help. I loved her confidence and fierce attitude. Piper and Phoebe were always whining about Love, Men, and other things but I felt more connected to Prue. I always got a kick when they mentioned her name or a memory of her in the later seasons 😊

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

You mean Phoebe and piper had lives?

[@sunnyskiez91]

@@NoThankUBeQuiet Prue had a life to but had to always play the mom role and look out for her siblings! The reason the other two had “lives” were because of Prue

[@heartjewelry-hh1nz]

Prue was the best one! I wouldn't have minded if Phoebe left the show.

[@WynneL]

@@heartjewelry-hh1nz Same! Prue and Piper were my favorites. I was glad to see Piper growing, but the show lost its edge without Prue's strength. I didn't dislike Paige or Billie; I actually liked both of them, but Phoebe just wasn't interesting enough or her actor didn't have enough charisma, or both. Prue was a depiction of the older sibling I always wished for during my childhood. I hated seeing her go.

[@renealexander2703]

@@heartjewelry-hh1nz , no. I loved Phoebe, Piper and Prue together.

[@bestcutie]

I wish we could have seen Shannen's vision for the future of the show. She wanted it to get darker and grittier. Probably would have shifted to more of a two major storylines we follow throughout a season style rather than the monster of the week format we were use to. The show just got too complacent on the love stories and soap opera energy...

[@BetterWithBob]

Where has she said this? I'd like to hear her thoughts

[@Suzy.E123]

Being the eldest of three sisters and a workaholic with no social life, I really connected to Prue's character

[@gg454lune]

I guess most people can find something in any of the four sisters. My wish for a stable life and my complaints about a part of me without being able to turn my back on it completely (not that I could anyway) make me connect with Piper.

[@neishawnjohnson7602]

She was and always will be my favorite sister. We stan Prudence!!!! It always irritates me when people say Prue is a bad character, or she was perfect, or too overexposed, and or dull. She is literally the most complex character in the series even tho she's there for only three seasons. People don't understand that she's the way she is based on her life up until the pilot. She started to overcome that and became approachable. She had a dominant personality so it makes sense she would be front and center most times. She's not bitchy she's just vocal and confident. Plus, you can label any of the sisters that way. People are too harsh on her character and I'm glad you came back with a video to reflect on your past thoughts on her as a character. I disagree with you saying that there wasn't more for them to do with her character. They could've tackled how she navigated finding herself and happiness outside of her sisters and being a witch.

[@sandiarayada]

Good 👍😊❤️

[@QuinnsIdeas]

I personally love Prue and Paige the best. I'm currently rewatching the show and Paige really feels like Prue's little sister, it's so cool. They have a lot in common if you pay attention. Paige took up Prues position of distrusting Cole, but she wasn't established in the family enough at the time for her to be believed. Phoebe treats Paige really badly in the fourth season. Prue could have never been bullied that way.

[@BetterWithBob]

I mean I don't feel sorry for Paige in that situation. She was wrong about Cole - believing he willingly went evil when he was possessed - and when she understandably wasn't believed she just resorted to being passive aggressive and putting Phoebe and Piper on the defensive. She had good, if somewhat misguided intentions but her methods were all wrong

[@QuinnsIdeas]

​@BetterWithBob I mean I slightly disagree. I think Phoebe is overly dismissive of Paiges' concerns. I implore you to rewatch the Fifth Halliwheel. The way Phoebe treats Paige is ridiculous. And Piper just joins in. A few episodes later, Piper admits that Paige was right.

[@QuinnsIdeas]

​@BetterWithBob And also Cole willingly betrays the sisters multiple times even when he's not being demonically influenced after Phoebe rejects him finally... Paige was completely right and honestly wasn't aggressive enough in her concerns. Phoebe has a long history of not paying attention to the signs when it comes to Cole, like Prue's devil's trap spell. Phoebe was too concerned about her boyfriend to understand that the trap was only meant for demons and only trapped demons. To defend phoebe over paige here is quite strange. ALSO Phoebe herself betrays her own sisters in regard to Cole even before the Seer's tonic potion. I'm sorry I just don't get that interpretation. The writing in the show is not consistent, but there are certain things that are clear. It's pretty obvious that the only reason this Seer was even able to use Cole as a vessel for the source's powers, is because she exploited the vacuum inside of him where his demonic half once was. She literally says that. Cole was destined to be evil. If Phoebe had been the one that died, he would have continued to go after the sisters. It was always gonna end with them vanquishing him.

[@QuinnsIdeas]

​@@BetterWithBobAnd also, are we forgetting that Paige literally dealt tarot cards that predicted the future and gets totally dismissed??? They're all witches and she's doing magical divination to divine the truth and somehow that's passive the aggressive?? She's literally going about it in the most logical way possible.

[@midnightharvest3065]

I do agree with this statement to a point. We have to remember divination is a prediction not the whole truth. Now if Phoebe had a vision relating to the tarot and her relationship that would be different. But, yes the way they treated Paige in general, I don't expect them to just be all peachy with a long lost sister, but damn they could have done better and just listen to her but realistically I understand what they did. Very bad situation and still fresh grief​@@QuinnsIdeas

[@susanoconnell9791]

Prue and Phoebe's relationship was such an underrated part of charmed. they were ying and yang and they spent the first three seasons sort of finding each other again. Even though they focused on Piper's grief after her death I felt sadder for phoebe as she had only just gotten close to Prue again before she was ripped away from her.

[@BetterWithBob]

Yeah I always thought it was tragic that Phoebe only got three years reconnecting with Prue now as adults and equals, since Prue and Piper were much closer and even lived together before moving back into the Manor

[@susanoconnell9791]

@@BetterWithBob Yeah the scene where phoebe breaks down over Prue's leather jacket really got me

[@RobynAdair]

People not liking Prue says how well she portrayed the eldest sibling that was in the parental role. So often she has to remind them how much she was carrying them while making mistakes herself. Being the oldest sibling of three- I was constantly told how like her I was and how I was going to die first.

[@MiguelDracul]

I'm also the oldest of three in a similar dynamic and wow... Sending you love. ❤

[@JohnSmith-xg9wx]

WTF?

[@rsync9490]

How you are going to die first? That's very callous for someone to say that to you. I don't know you, but if you are compared to Prue, that is a compliment, she was an awesome character and you are probably an awesome person.

[@Wag1blad]

Oh honey outlive them all then quote this at their funerals

[@nunyabiznes33]

The good news for you is the eldest child apparently have higher life expectancy. I don't remember what the reason could be but something about the parents being in their prime when making the first child.

[@ParadoxFreak]

Rest in Power, Shannen. Thank you for everything but especially for Prue.

[@ChrisWolff2013]

Miss her.

[@JuanCarabajal]

This is literally the first time I've heard (seen) people say they didn't like Prue. Growing up, she was my favorite character. I even cried while watching the season 4 premiere episodes. I guess since I didn't have an Internet connection until I was in my early teenage years, I missed out on a lot of discussion and debate from the Charmed fandom.

[@BetterWithBob]

It's funny how most of the sisters have polarising reactions from fans. You'll find just as many detractors for Piper and Phoebe, although I've noticed that Paige seems to draw the least hostile reactions. And there will be just as many who love those characters.

[@Lola6920]

@@BetterWithBob I think that's what makes Charmed a great show. You could easily do a video essay arguing each sister is bad or good - because they are all fully developed characters. They have their good points, they have their bad points - things that come naturally to them, and things they struggle with, which is (mostly) blended through the overarching narrative of the show very well.

[@jaywest3734]

@Better With Bob? Piper was super bitchy but Phoebe was the overall worst character in the show. I loved Phoebe in early seasons, but her character totally fell apart once she became the lead.

[@Catherine.Dorian.]

I’ll say it, I never liked Prue. But it wasn’t cause of anything like she was bad or whatnot it was just because she prevented the other two from growing at all.

[@judigemini178]

Me too, it’s only when I came online that I was shocked to find out there’s actually people out there who hate her, especially when she is what made charmed as great as it was. If not for her character I doubt I would’ve formed an attachment long enough to care to watch past her death. She gave charmed a mature vibe that other shows were severely lacking in at the time.

[@jaydubbs8277]

I always thought of how proud prue would be of piper. How much she had grown as a person and a witch and became a force to be reckoned with.

[@BetterWithBob]

Oh for sure!

[@michellecorona6907]

there was a very special chemistry between alyssa, shannen and holly that made them seem as real sisters. I love Paige but when Shanne left the show became more about magic and less about sisterhood.

[@user-go1px9kt1v]

Duh! She was a new witch/Whitelighter 😂 that came into a family like a newborn

[@user-go1px9kt1v]

But Paige & Prue both are the glue like Piper is too!

[@RAssas-ud7tu]

That's exactly what I felt back then! You got it right. After season 3, it kinda felt like "everyone on her own"

[@ChrisWolff2013]

Different dynamic when Paige came in, but they were still a fun trio, especially the stuff with Paige and Phoebe.

[@michellecorona6907]

@@ChrisWolff2013 No! Both of their story lines were boring and superficial. Brad Kern really ruined the series after Constance M. Burge left.

[@chaosinmybreath]

Prue was relatable in that she was the mother figure. The mother archetype which made a lot of us connect with her because of this. Personally, she reminded me a lot of my own mother.

[@BetterWithBob]

It's funny that I always found Prue to be most similar to Victor, while Phoebe and Piper favoured Patty. Although Piper's snark definitely came from Penny lol

[@mykoniichistorychannel]

I always found Prue to be the most relatable.

[@JaiProdz]

She was a surrogate mother figure and had to reorganize her life, to care for the family, the manor and the world. She doesn't get the respect she deserves.

[@BetterWithBob]

From the characters or the fans?

[@JaiProdz]

@@BetterWithBob certain fans, and the industry/public at large in regards to Shannen's great performance.

[@AmoMe2009]

I’ll never understand the disdain fans have of Prue including Season 1 Prue. I’m glad you did this retrospection video. I’m glad you discarded the “wet blanket” and “mary sue” label. Maybe its because I actually watched the show from the jump when it aired in 1998 and grew up on 90s television, but to me her image in Season 1 represents how mature television was back then. She isn’t like the young lead female characters on NETFLIX or HULU shows neverthless the young lead characters in the teen shows back then…she was a mature adult character like on Melrose Place, Dynasty, Dallas, etc. Season 1 was just a different time of television that can’t have certain modern social takes applied to it.

[@BetterWithBob]

A friend of mine described her thoughts the other day. Prue was her least favourite too: "She wasn't nice or funny like the other two, and Rose McGowan just slotted it in with them much better"

[@AmoMe2009]

@@BetterWithBob I agree with the not being funny part but I just feel Prue was for the older demographic especially the older sibling demographic that connected with her as well as watched non-kid or non-teen shows on the same WB channel. The fans who recently started watching Charmed as well as young fans probably connect with the younger, more hip, fresh Paige/Rose McGowan. I guess it’s a “you had to be there” type of preference(especially if one followed Shannen Doherty’s career from 1990).

[@raspyswirly]

@@AmoMe2009 I wasn't super familiar with ShanDo's previous material (I was too young for 90210), but maybe the creators thought people would like her being this hard B on TV as well to match her reputation? I think she was able to give her character a lot of great levity and depth when needed though, especially when Prue got a lot more free time. lol I was only really familiar with Rose being associated with Marilyn Manson and with Jawbreaker (hadn't seen Scream at that point), so seeing her get on the show, as exciting an energy as she had, was still a little odd. I thought she was a miscast then, and though I do appreciate her turn at Paige, I wonder if someone else could've given her more justice.

[@AmoMe2009]

@@raspyswirly thanks for commenting. I like different views and you put it into perspective of what the non-familiar fans might have viewed Shannen/Prue when they started watching. (Especially non-familiar teen/kid fans). You also have a point with the “match her hard B on TV” part.

[@JaiProdz]

She was a surrogate mother figure and had to reorganize her life, to care for the family, the manor and the world. She doesn't get the respect she deserves.

[@sentamericuna]

Growing up Paige was my favourite and now that I’m older Prue is my favourite 😂 I think the issue I have with the Paige years is specifically Season 5. Paige had SUCH a great introduction and Piper and Phoebe’s characters went to such amazing places after Prue’s death that S4 is still a phenomenal season However the stark tone shift, the mistreatment of Cole in S5, the fact that Paige basically sat around most of S5 because she quit her job and the character assassination of Phoebe, for me, S5 is the worst season. I just wish the off screen beef could have been quelled so that Prue could have an reappearance in Forever Charmed maybe or they allowed her image to be shown in the later seasons. The Angel of Death not mentioning Prue, not even a picture of her around the house just felt disrespectful

[@BetterWithBob]

Yeah there's no straight answer on why they could never come to an agreement. One side says Shannen refused to let them use her image (I think talks might have been opened for her to be shown in episodes like Cat House and have an action figure made of Prue that she turned down), and another says that the network just didn't want to promote her. Brad Kern says that he was told they'd have to pay her per-episode fee to use any pictures, but then later realised the network could have just been lying.

[@TomsTube]

Prue was a good time and a great way for the audience to grow into the premise of the show, along with her. I always loved the chemistry between Shannen and Holly, also her and Alyssa’s, despite back stage issues. They dealt with her departure from the show in a really great way, and paved the way for a completely new and amazing sister in Paige. So love her or not, she helped build the show to where it got, and was still a pivotal part of the over-arching storyline of the entire series. Great video!

[@nonamerequired5979]

Prue was the absolute best out of all the Halliwell's, with Phoebe being the worst. (irrelevant, but it's more like Prue > Paige > Piper > Phoebe) Prue was never perfect, but she also had so much pressure on her shoulders, and trauma overall. Carrying the weight of the world while trying to protect your loved ones would take a toll on anyone's spirit. Her layers and vulnerability is what made her so raw and wonderful. It's not all just about her strength and being a badass, but it's about how relatable and real she was. Especially as they all entered a world unknown to them without any real help or guidance at all. She had to step up, because the others relied on her to be that person for them, from the time that they were just children. That protective role and mindset embedded itself into the fabric of her being, because it was thrust upon her while she was still growing and developing.

[@renealexander2703]

Paige is my least favorite.

[@ImTheBatmann]

As a full Prue stan, I absolutely agree with you. I missed her on the show deeply in my formative years, but her life and death meant so much to us as the fans that it resinated throughout the entire lifespan of the show. I'll always miss Prue, but the time we had with her was deeply meaningful for the development of the show. She will always be in my heart and I cherish the time we had with her while she was present on screen.

[@BetterWithBob]

Very well said :)

[@GrecianWarlock]

Another banger! Loved the balance of this review. Although I am a Prue stan, I completely get your annoyance with some of the Prue fans who take it too far. Paige is a great character and anyone who hates on her is so blind by their love for Prue. I think season 3 and 4 is where Charmed peaked in terms of archs and story telling. Although it was the Prue show for most of the earlier seasons, I think you're right in that the show was aware of this and was very meta about it. My favorite Prue episode is Sin Francisco because that's where it all clicked for me that she wasn't a Mary Sue and has been flawed this entire time. So great!

[@BetterWithBob]

Thanks for your thoughts :)

[@Moon0525_]

I think for me I definitely can recognise my Prue favouritism. I just didn't bond well with Rose's acting style, I definitely feel her lines were less enunciated so it has more of a youthful mumble than the chic dialogue of all three elders

[@GrecianWarlock]

@AquaMoon_ When it's put that way, I do feel like there was a lack of gravitas with Paige, especially in the earlier seasons. You know when Alyssa Milano does that baby voice thing whenever she's under a spell? Thats what I think Rose was doing to a certain extent. The medieval episode where she played the evil enchantress, her voice was deep and sultry. Had she brought that to Paige, I feel she would have been better received by the fans.

[@Moon0525_]

@@GrecianWarlock oh absolutely. Her enchantress character had me in a grip, very powerful and that low toned voice highly soothing to listen to. Phoebe's perky baby voice I absolutely found just as annoying, so I think that comparison is comparable. I actually said to a friend that I also think whilst Paige's Only Child Syndrome arc was an interesting twist and dynamic to add, because the entire premise is based around a strong sisterhood, it grates against the core of its Wiccan theory. Even when Phoebe was going off doing her own thing and messing up, sisterhood was ALWAYS the grounding force to her. She couldn't even truly turn evil and remained limbic because of her sisterly ties, whereas Paige can cause friction in the Three with non-magic life issues. I say that as an only child with Only Child Syndrome myself, she acts as I would act. The adoption theory is perfect for a hidden sister to appear out of nowhere, but growing her up in a sibling household would at least have made her merge better. She would understand the dynamic of the Power of Three better if she had adoptive siblings.

[@GrecianWarlock]

@AquaMoon_ 100% I never liked the angle of her being an only child because save for the a Knight to Remember episode, it's barely a point of contention. By the end of Season 4 she's the one having to convince the sisters to keep their powers which rang false to me. Also, Paige remained a free spirit throughout the show and never really felt blended as a member of the power of 3. Which wasn't a bad thing persay, just an observation I had even as a kid. I think Charmed would have been better served focusing season 4 entirely on Piper. I think had she had a decent into depression (evil) that would have been more compelling.

[@detected1989]

Since I was young, I have always admired Prue, not because of her power, but because of her being a big sister. I am an only child, so when I watched Charmed, Prue was the type of sister I would love to have. She's smart, she protects her younger sisters, she's beautiful. However, It was her problematic behaviors in season 3 that got me totally head over heels for her since I realized she's not perfect, and when she let her guard down, she could give up herself to temptations as well. Her internal conflicts and battles keep me root for her ever since. That's so human and realistic!

[@devernikki]

Shannen Doherty, you will be missed. 😢❤

[@elisif0319]

Prue is my favorite character and I was really sad that she got fired… That being said I really love Paige and she brought so much to the show. I wish that there was a world where we could have all four sisters together.

[@asthargf]

There is a somewhat non-told rule in our society about first borns having the role of the responsible, protective and most successful ones amongst siblings as a duty to the family. Prue had to subvert all that and become her own person without feeling the guilt of failing her family (I know that guilt as a first born) which in those years it was a huge thing, in my opinion. Maybe that's why I connected so much with her when she was in the show and I looked up to her (although my favourite will always be Piper, she is a whole mood 💖). I love Prue and I have a soft spot for her.

[@AzguardMike]

tell my sister that. When she broke up with her ex and was crying, wouldnt let me hug her at all. Literally shoved me out the way and slammed the door repeatedly until it broke. Needs to go to work, shall her big brother take her? "Nah id rather take a Uber with a potential rapist at 10PM for a 20 minute drive than get in my big brothers car." The only time my siblings talk to me is for money, or to tell me men are evil and we should all stop breeding.

[@dani-ell-ah]

Agree. As a firstborn daughter, Prue was always the most relatable sister to me.

[@Oblivion2906]

Paige won me over when the Barbas tricked phoebe into killing her and she said “phoebe it’s me it’s your sister” I just lost it and loved her since 🥺🩷

[@BetterWithBob]

Oh yeah that scene is so hard for me to watch. Rose plays vulnerable so well there

[@ReneeS77]

I cried at that scene first time

[@elegant.destiny]

I love both Prue and Paige, for different reasons. Prue brought an older, wiser sibling aspect who was trying to find herself as an individual after years making multiple sacrifices for everyone else in her life. Which I can relate to. While Paige was the younger sister but also an outsider in the beginning, and i really enjoyed how they incorporated that aspect, especially in season 4. Honestly, seasons 1-4 are my personal favorites. I hate when people only claim seasons 1-3 as good just because Prue was in them.

[@BellesView]

I learned to appreciate Season 4 over time. Paige was the addition they needed to rebuild. Without her, The Source would’ve killed them.

[@kyleellis1825]

Really would have liked to see a timeline where it was each of the other two sisters that died.

[@BellesView]

@@kyleellis1825 We kinda did in the season 1 finale. Two of the three times they faced the time demon Phoebe and Piper died.

[@kyleellis1825]

@@BellesView No, I mean S4 an onwards where Paige replaces a different sister. I just want to know what those timelines look like and what changes they would have made to Paige in each one to balance the personalities.

[@fg4462]

I just commented the same thing! Seasons 1-4 are ELITE! Season 4 is actually my favorite but the first half of the series is something special. All the dynamic shifts in season 4, chefs kiss BUT Prue was my favorite.

[@mogamatsedickpetersen8620]

As the oldest of four siblings, I remember relating to Prue's need to be responsible for and take care of everyone even at the cost of neglecting ourselves and always feeling the need to be strong and independent. I too kept everyone at arm's length, because it's easier when they eventually leave. I also like that Prue let herself be more herself (relating to what you said about her becoming quippy) and you could see this in the way she acted and dressed as the series progressed. She just seemed lighter and you can see how much it helped their relationship.

[@Steevenlight75]

Prue was the best !!! No argue 😂. I liked her temper , her power, and Shannen was literally Prudence Halliwell . The acting, the way she waves her hand to move objects. She was Prue !

[@BetterWithBob]

To each their own

[@mykoniichistorychannel]

Same. Shannen is a hell of an actress, and did most of the emotional heavy lifting those earlier seasons while also being a badass. Loved her character the most.

[@jaygibbs_]

I absolutely love Prue. The episode of the 7 Deadly Sins, "Sin Francisco", I loved how they played up her pride. It was hilarious and on point! Thank you for the video!!

[@BetterWithBob]

That's one of my favourite episodes for her character, because she's just a self parody and it's glorious lol

[@seanalexandermedia]

How was she too harsh on Cole? He literally was a demon that was sent there to kill them, so what he didnt SUCCESSFULLY kill them? He tried plenty of times why would I wanna trust anybody like that?!? that’s crazy

[@elecrom_9757]

@Zee B If I remember correctly that would not have worked because he had killed people already. I still think that the storyline did Cole dirty because he rebounded from good to bad way to much to be in any way believable to me and even after he got killed and had the cameo in Season 7 his soul got destroyed in the comics so that his father could live in his body as Kyra the Seer's love interest...

[@BlackGirlMarvel]

​@Zee B every charmed one makes excuses when they're in love or care deeply for a man, even Prue

[@marocat4749]

She is jut the devil advocate, and while cole has good, sh is the devils advocate that maybe he shouldnt be trusted.

[@BetterWithBob]

That's pretty much what I said. As a kid I thought she was too hard on him. As an adult I saw her perspective.

[@Bakuru]

If you watch his Cole video you'll get it more LOL THAT story is a whole debate in and of itself. Prue most certainly was justified, and right, in the beginning. Later on, hus actions basically leave zero impact on her, despite the fact that he saves her life regularly. It's quite ridiculous LOL

[@liliesofthefieldyt]

I loved Prue. I watched Charmed when I was about the same age as the character (late 20s) and I identified with her a lot (driven perfectionist, older sibling, carrying too much responsibility while too young, etc). Believe it or not, watching Prue face her fears, work through her trauma, learn to forgive, provided a good model for me dealing with my own problems. I never saw her as perfect or overpowered, probably because I saw her weaknesses and flaws very clearly in myself all the time. I liked Paige too. She had a really good arc. Phoebe was my least favorite sister. She was annoying, selfish, and immature (she grew up through the show but it took 7 seasons for me to not want to strangle her). Also, “I’m the youngest sibling” isn’t actually a personality, but the writers seemed to think it was. My Halliwell dream team would have been Prue, Piper, and Paige. If only…

[@PittsburghSportsFan43]

I agree, although I was about 14-15 when I started watching the summer between seasons 4 and 5. Phoebe was, and probably still would be my least favorite if I ever decide to rewatch the show. I loved the other three and really sympathized with them. Prue with her burden of basically instant motherhood when she was far too young, losing her grandmother then Andy within like 2-3 years, her fiancé potentially cheating on her with Phoebe, dealing with being a witch and seeing her sisters fall in love while she was alone. Piper playing the mediator then eventually having to take the lead and teach Paige the ropes after Prue died, and Paige. The death of her adoptive parents, finding out she was magical, was given up for adoption because her natural parents couldn't keep her, had 3 older sisters, one of which she'd never meet but always compare herself to. I know a lot of that affected Phoebe too but for whatever reason I started to have less empathy for her around the middle to latter half of season 2. I also always wished we could have seen a trio with Prue, Piper and Paige.

[@renealexander2703]

@@PittsburghSportsFan43, no. Prue, Piper and Phoebe were the best trio.

[@9124Nove]

I don't see how anyone could watch those first three seasons and think that Prue was anywhere close to being a "Mary Sue". The one negative I would agree on is that she does dominate a good chunk of the storylines.

[@BetterWithBob]

The term gets misused a lot. It originally just meant a badly written self insert for fan fiction, but nowadays it's used as shorthand for 'character I don't like'. Charmed fans hurled it at Billie and Phoebe a lot.

[@renealexander2703]

Piper dominated season 2. And Phoebe dominated season 3.

[@misslala1377]

@@BetterWithBob ummm, she was the least bad written self insert character ever. I think you prolly have to be an oldest sister to understand her character. I loved her and didnt really connect with paige for a long time for ages!

[@kennyp1477]

​@@renealexander2703thank you. People failed to see that.

[@yenh1144]

The way this channel is allowing me to feel the connection and attachment I have with Charmed without having to rewatch it is so beautiful. Like I am currently in need for the show due to what’s going on in my life right now (this is one of my comfort shows) but I don’t really want to watch the full episodes again, these analysis’ are awesome!

[@BetterWithBob]

Thank you for your kind words :) It's been a pleasure to relive the show myself in the last year

[@bopbopanna]

Prue was my absolute favourite. She was the big sister I always wanted. Rest in love Shannen. You will be missed.

[@rydbthatsme]

I love Shannen regardless of the hate she gets for being committed to her roles. She’s method and that’s rare. Prue was my favorite character til she died and then Piper. Honestly, I think if Alyssa would have not been so unfocused and creating drama off camera that Shannen would have no issue with her.

[@monica012077]

Yes and people forget Shannon was in Heather's and Beverly Hills 90210. She brought a big fan base with her

[@BobbeJ12]

Actually Shannon caused drama in more than one show with other cast mates she was the problem and has taken responsibility for her actions in her youth

[@rydbthatsme]

@@BobbeJ12 no she took accountability for her part but it was never ALL just Shannen’s fault. She was just direct about how she handled things and lot of people didn’t know how to handle that.

[@mykoniichistorychannel]

@@monica012077And Mallrats.

[@pedro2754]

Prue was awesome and she deserved better, the strongest character in the whole series. She was the perfect sister the charmed ones didn´t know they needed. Everything Piper and Phoebe achieved was because of Prue. I loved Paige but Prue was the master witch and it felt something was definitely lacking when she was gone. The charmed ones didn´t have a leader. Piper was the best character since she managed to have balance in every aspect of her life, but she already had her own priorities and being a witch was not the top one, Phoebe was never mature enough to be a leader and Paige tried but failed completely because she didn´t listen and the writers never gave her the talent she needed to become a superwitch.

[@KeepWalkingNeverStop]

I have always loved Prue the most - her character is the closest I got to my own circumstances, as I was the sibling who was forced to sacrifice his childhood to raise my younger brother. Her neurotic and controlling behaviors are what happen to an older sibling who is forced into this role. Same goes for her inability to express love and vulnerability - both are failings of the older sibling who has only known how to be the strong and tough one to help the family's survival, even to the detriment of their well-being. Ever her arrogance checks out perfectly - you simply have to be this way to survive as an older parentified child, telling yourself you're strong and invincible and that no one and nothing can break you. If you don't tell yourself that, it feels like you'll collapse and take the rest of the family members you're in charge of looking after with you. Not that this is what actually happens, but this is what it feels like in the young mind of a sibling that does not yet know the world and their own strength, but know already too much about responsibility and the consequences of not performing their duties. The show got the Prue character as a representation of the overbearing older sibling perfectly down to a T. Your issues with Prue sound to me like you simply may lack the understanding of parentified children. I suggest you do some research on this.

[@itsjayel1722]

Prue was always my favorite from day one! She was realistic and showed constant growth. I related to her very much as the older sibling being raised by their grandparent and all that comes along with it. And while I missed her I'm glad we got to meet Paige who I love as well. Though at times the show felt like a parady of itself, I loved it for what it was. Rewatching the show over the years, while I love all four sisters, I've realized Piper is the character I don't like very much. I have affection for her character but I've grown to realize how much I dont vibe with her. So while I'm not a fan of Piper myself, I'd never bash her the way a lot fans did Prue, always rubbed me the wrong way. Everyone favors characters they feel conected to and that is great and should be celebrated without bashing another. In all I'm just glad people are starting to appreciate Prue now :)

[@alannettles851]

Prue is my favorite character out of all the sisters. While I appreciated Paige, Phoebe was my least favorite character for multiple reasons. I think Prue is the most iconic character because she's the main character we're still discussing in 2023. Charmed premiered in 1998. The character of Prue was written so well, and the actress that played her indeed developed the character as a well-rounded individual. Prue is human. We laughed with her, we cried with her, and we got angry with her. All of the average human emotions we feel for one another. When a character is written in such a humanistic way, it truly allows that character to mold a special place in our hearts.

[@MayJade001]

Prue was my favourite during her run. She was the oldest and had to take on a lot of responsibility at a young age. She had a maturity and strength that the other sisters didn't have yet. I will say though that Paige was the perfect replacement and she instantly became my fave. She was so passionate about being a witch compared to Piper and Phoebe who had become bitter and resentful. I think similarly to Prue, Paige had to learn standing on her own feet very early. She was a bit naive in the beginning but learned quickly and took her duty very seriously.

[@s1b3r11]

To me she was the best character on the show.. after her death I tried to give the show a second chance but they immediately created another sister (Paige) literally out of nowhere... And of course they gave her powers and some characteristic of Prue because it's to difficult to create an original character. I also hated how they almost immediately tried to replicate the bond Prue had had with her sisters in Paige's relationship with them. I know that they were sisters but c'mon they had never even heard about her and suddenly after several episodes she is as important to them as Prue had been.... I couldn't stand that so I checked out.

[@N_0968]

Yeah, I couldn’t watch without Prue.

[@mykoniichistorychannel]

@@N_0968Same. Though I did like a lot of season 7.

[@Esmeraldacevedo]

As an older sister who dealt with all the younger siblings I could literally feel like Prue. Hate it being the perfect child according to my sisters. Prue was the best!!!

[@plp666]

She was my favorite. Was so incredibly excited about this show when it came out and it was mostly because of Shannen. Paige was awesome but Prue was the best. The 3rd season is amazing. I stopped watching when she left but eventually got back into it. I just wish we had a season with both Shannen and Rose, both iconic.

[@gillysummerss]

These videos are so comforting to watch

[@BetterWithBob]

Thank you :)

[@msinvincible2000]

When someone says he doesn't like Prue, that's a massive red flag. I never trust someone who dislikes Prue

[@BetterWithBob]

And so you shouldn't *thunder claps MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA!!!!!!

[@Nephlyte348]

I think this is a very good examination of the character of Prue. It feels like the things people dislike about her are actually intentional character flaws. If she had been around longer it might have been different but we only had her for a short time. Also, as you point out about her being "dour," there's certainly an element of some gendered perspectives of how we think about female characters particularly when you have two other female leads that fit other archetypes that are more "preferred" for women. A male character that acted like she did would probably have been viewed differently at the time this show was on. I always missed Prue in later seasons, and Paige never really grew on me (though I oddly was OK with the Billy character so I'm not sure what that says). Great examination! Also really enjoyed the ones on Cole and Daryl.

[@tarzangrant123]

I’ll never understand what is it that make people think Prue was this bad character for the show! I didn’t even watch much of seasons 1-3, only getting into the show during season 4 and onward till Cole got vanquished; I felt the show wasn’t that good, Phoebe was extremely annoying and useless as a character, and Paige was cool. Now that I’m watching the show from the beginning, I see how great Prue was, how pivotal she was to the storyline, and how the series changed for the worse once she died. The major thing I keep seeing is how much people prosper Piper’s growth as character once Prue died, but seen to forget that she really wasn’t as caring as an older sister like Prue was. Piper was colder, keeping her sisters at a distance at times, and wasn’t really sisterly to Paige. No matter what issues Prue had with Phoebe, it always came home a place of love, always wanting Phoebe to be better than what she was. Prue had her own personal and traumatic issues, but she was always there for her sisters. That type of relationship wasn’t present during seasons 5 and beyond, something I feel the writers did because they just couldn’t write stories about the sisterly bond anymore, focusing more on the fantastical elements which makes me not enjoy the series once Prue left Lastly Shannen was an acting beast on the series! She shined the brightest during those scenes that called for more emotion in them. I also loved seeing Shannen do action scenes, the mix of the hand to hand, with her powers were more visually pleasing than anything Phoebe did. Yea Phoebe “mastered” levitating ur let’s be real, that’s really her only active power, so it would make sense that she would since she couldn’t do much else when it came to battling demons. Once Prue was killed, Phoebe literally would just have fight scenes whenever Piper couldn’t do the job herself. When Prue was alive, she and Piper did most of the leg woke, Phoebe worked on the spells, but again there’s them doing it altogether. Later seasons just erased that

[@daylonmurray8068]

I always liked Prue. She was the strong character who had had to take care of her younger sisters while still being fragile. Shannen Doherty is by far the best actress on the show, she perfectly well demonstrates how much Prue can be both frail and strong at the same time; along with a great intelligence and witty remarks. Her life has never been happy. She literally saw her mother die, was abandoned by her father (remembered both her parents well), her first fiancé was a jerk, her grandmother died early as well and when she finally found love with Andy, he died. I agree that seasons 1 and 2 were too « Prue oriented », yet season 3 both shows her sisters’ arc developments and how she was not only strong, but also weak and with plenty of doubts. I now think that this weakness and her strong perseverance and willingness to protect her sisters actually are what made her the strongest witch. Obviously she didn’t deserve to die, but she deserved happiness and love. And she would have been a formidable witch. I would have loved to see her use telekinesis as Penny did. Maybe even use it as Wyatt did with strangulation or his energy waves. She might also have developed powers such as teleportation or the ability to use both her and her astral projection simultaneously.

[@gillysummerss]

As a child watching the show I always hated Prue and loved Paige. Whilst I still think Paige is my favorite I appreciate Prues character arc and journey and find myself relating to her the most.

[@liamcole8359]

I always hated Prue too and preferred Paige. The more I rewatch the series, the more I understand Prue. Always looking out for her sisters and taking on that ‘motherly’ figure. She watched them grow, fall in love (albeit with a demon, Phoebe, we’re looking at you), but was supportive in the end. Her arc and journey grows on me the older I get and the more I watch it. It’s a shame that behind the scenes it never worked and/or she never came back for the finale!

[@BG-dy6fx]

this!

[@GameOn71213]

Honestly when we watch the show through adult eyes, we see her differently

[@gillysummerss]

@That Charmed Lover and in return this comment made me so happy 🥹🥰

[@gillysummerss]

@@liamcole8359 agreed!! Even though I feel as though Prue was forced into her maternal role. Poor girl never had a choice 🥹 and I guess not bringing her back was better than bringing her back to tarnish her character or the way Prues story ended. I wish they would’ve AT LEAST had a picture of her on the freaking staircase at the end though! It always seemed extremely crazy how Piper who was the closet to Prue never even kept a picture of her up. (Even though we know it’s cuz of likeness right and b.s)

[@nikki5980]

I love all four sisters for different reasons ❤ They all are special to me. Thank you for a wonderful video. Just found you!😊

[@MegaMagicdog]

I have enjoyed all the characters for various reasons, but I identified with Prue to a degree because I was also the oldest sibling and had some expectations as such. I understood why Prue had to be the example for her sisters to follow and be protective of them like a mother. I do not think Prue had reached the peak of her powers however. If she had lived just 2-3 more years (if I had a choice, I'd rather have had 5-6 seasons of Charmed with Prue than 8 seasons of what we ultimately got), we could have seen her third power (all the original sisters were supposed to have three powers each like Melinda Warren) and perhaps be able to consistently be active in both her regular and astral forms. I just think we could have still had more to explore, but as we know behind the scenes tensions ended all that. I also think the show would have remained at a higher quality level had she stayed (as well as Constance Burge). Season 4 was the last great season of the show as it slid into insanity.

[@saramatthews7159]

Prue kicked azz and I loved her character so much. She played the role as the oldest sister so well and I felt like I lost my oldest sister when she died on the show.

[@ashleighbowyer8959]

This episode made me very emotional, it took me back to my childhood feelings of the show. Thank you.

[@BetterWithBob]

aww thank you :)

[@AS-bm5ey]

Prue didn't choose herself to be in the position of the most "adult" one, as no one willingly gets parentificated anyway. She was the most complex and deepest character, with literal splitting of her personality through astral projection.

[@ParadoxFreak]

I love all the Charmed Ones and their family. I agree with most of what you said with the exception of one point, if Prue was able to appear at the very end of the series with the entire family after defeating Christy, that would have been the cherry on top of a perfect ending.

[@williamthompson4655]

Prue was AWLAYS my favorite. Charmed declined for me when she left after S3 to the point I never finished the series. I think I got through S4.

[@AbelCelester-eg3cm]

Shanne was the best actress of charmed. Her acting was just something different and unique!!

[@rodericktrinity4708]

I've actually seen this sentiment in a lot of charmed discussion, younger views dislike Prue but appreciate her when they get older. I think it's fair & you were spot on with the fact she needed to die. Prue staying alive would have stalled the show because her presence never would have allowed Piper & Phoebe to "grow up", they would have always leaned on her, looked to her, & their dynamics wouldn't be challenged enough to change/create a new one. When she dies & they discover Paige, it feels like there is a new found freedom amongst the girl. It's almost feels like when you leave your parents house for college or what have you. You now exist in an area of unencumbered expression but now you have to figure your life without the safety net for reassurance, advice, protection, & bailing out you're so used to having.

[@BetterWithBob]

Very well put :)

[@Justitia_Nomen]

Very well said.

[@blaah9999]

Between my sister and me, I was the Prue of us (Think Luisa Madrigal) and I hated Prue as a younger kid but love her now. I suspect its because I saw me in her a bit too much which now I can appreciate.

[@Justitia_Nomen]

@@blaah9999 is always loved Prue and her portrayal as the eldest since I’m the oldest and only brother with 5 younger sisters. As I’ve gotten older I appreciate the others a lot more and recently rewatched up till season 4. I have a new appreciation for the show, much better than my last viewing when the show first ended.

[@rodericktrinity4708]

@@BetterWithBob Thank you. Love your vids.

[@istressdream]

I watched charmed as it was airing and I was so young that I don’t remember my initial reaction to Prue’s death. I’ve rewatched charmed so many times and always accepted Prue as a character that wouldn’t be around for long so I never attached to her. It wasn’t until my most recent viewing that I allowed myself to truly focus on her and put myself in her shoes and man did I grieve her. My heart finally broke for her and not just for Piper and Phoebe. She experienced such loss and she had to be strong. I really related to her as an adult and as someone who now has to be in charge. She died when I was 9 and I didn’t grieve her until I was 30.

[@BetterWithBob]

Very well said

[@Gaymer_77]

I have to say I like Prue! Out of all sisters Prue was my favorite! I love her personality and I think she treated Cole the correct way. She always knew something was wrong with him and didn't trust him from the beginning and she was right! Prue will always be my favorite. 2nd would be Piper, 3rd Paige and 4th Phoebe!

[@Cloud-dt6xb]

I loved Prue alot and she definetly did keep earning the strongest label in a natural way. It's a shame Shannon left the show the way she did because I've always wanted to see her interact with Paige finally.

[@boneil0824]

Prue annoyed me as a person, but I liked her as a character. Paige I liked as a person, but she had more moments that annoyed me as a character. I think Prue is still my least favorite character, but she definitely also grew on me the more rewatches I've done. Great video and great analysis. I'm definitely in the group that loves both eras, I think both have pros and cons, and I can definitely see why either wouldn't work as well for some people

[@karicewillis]

The only annoying thing that annoyed me about Paige was when she threw the book of shadows out the window and then stole it to go do personal gain. But at least Piper warned her that personal gain was not allowed. Paige didn't even know what personal gain was and Piper forgave her. 😀

[@tramanh.j22]

I loved Prue, she was the reason I kept watching Charmed and when she died, I could not bring myself to continue watching the show anymore, so I only watched the first 3 seasons. 😢

[@BetterWithBob]

The fourth is really great.

[@renealexander2703]

@@BetterWithBob, I just can't without Prue. I love Piper, Prue and Phoebe together.

[@IgoZoom1]

I truly enjoyed your take on Prue! It takes maturity to reevalute long-held opinions. I find it very refreshing. I will always be a big fan of Shannen Doherty (RIP), but I didn't care for Prue at times. Piper was always my favorite and that never changed. Prue was a very strong, sometimes abrasive personality (as was Shannen). Shannen/Prue was the de facto star of the show, at least in the beginning. But she was often controlling, judgmental and annoying. It was only after the show that I developed an appreciation for her. I won't discuss how/why she left the show except to say I don't think it was fair to Shannen. But I think the show needed the change. I don't think the show would have lasted eight seasons if the change hadn't occured. The show felt very different, especially after S4, in a good way. Prue's death opened the door for Piper to shine and Phoebe to grow and be a mentor to their newly found sister, Paige. Prue's most amazing scenes were actually in her final episodes. I do think Shannen did a great job portraying Prue. I also think Shannen and Holly's friendship translated into great on-screen chemistry. You actually believed they were all sisters. But eventually, Piper, Phoebe and Paige felt like real sisters too.

[@nicoleackerman205]

I like how teenage Pure had Brenda Walsh hair. 😂😂😂

[@BetterWithBob]

The makeup job was impressive. They made her look near identical to how she was ten years before that.

[@madlinoorkoiv8462]

Prue was always my favorite character, because she reminded me of myself as a teenager. It broke my heart when she died.

[@elisemcuk9808]

Prue has always been my favourite. I missed her for the rest of the show after Shannen left.

[@clauderain312]

I think people love Prue because she's a multifaceted character. She seem monolithic when you first see her, and you realize very quickly that she is very complex. And the very frontal and intense acting of Shannen Doherty reinforces this connection between the role of Prue and the spectators. But anyway, these conversations about why one character is more liked than another are useless in Charmed: it's the trio that people love, in its first version or the second.

[@griver007able]

I miss this Shannen Doherty. 90210 and charmed are her peak.

[@raspyswirly]

I never did notice how Prue got a lot more lead-time, especially in the early seasons, but it did make sense to get the type A driven one to charge into battle, while Piper and Phoebe get to be on the sidelines and have silly or romantic B-stories. That said, I do agree that her exit did more for the show, as I also wouldn't know which direction her character would've gone since they covered so much ground on her already. A villain storyline though (even a la the Charmed comics) would be interesting. Also this got a lot of Sin Francisco shoutouts but I do hope you get to do an in-depth go at it--I do think it's one of the best and most fun episodes of the show. 😊

[@BetterWithBob]

Oh I already have some thoughts on that ep so I will get to it in future lol

[@Rachel-xu4br]

Prue is not just regular wish fulfillment, but the one of a feminist perspective and I assuming due to the era of time that Constance really wanted positive role models for the fans. She isn't perfect, but she's powerful, successful, and has no issues with expressing her sexuality. All of the sisters I feel have this quality too, but it just seems amplified with Prue (given the status of Buckland and her being the eldest). However, not everyone wants to work at an auctioneer house, I'm sure a lot of people would also dream to be a successful columnist, chef, social worker, or even a photographer like Prue also eventually was. She's definitely far from perfect, but I do agree she is a form of wish fulfillment and while at first it seems eyerolly (to me it used to be too), but in the end it's kind of a good thing to see. It's not just for fun, but can be inspiring. I've heard a lot of stories of people wishing (and entering) into certain careers due to being inspired by these characters.

[@BetterWithBob]

Yep, just like the people who were inspired to become astronauts because of Star Trek etc

[@kelvineniafegiwa9024]

I think a lot of the hate directed toward Prue is rooted in misogyny and antiquated, draconian notions about female representation. If Prue were a male character I can confidently assert that there would NOT be as much, if any, vitriol directed to the character and the egregious notion of her being a "Mary Sue" (LEARN the definition of that word) would most probably cease to be. Male characters are allowed to be everything that Prue was (in terms of characterization and personality) without controversy or animosity.

[@KaiDecadence]

The writing for Prue also made sense why she would have a stronger disposition in the beginning compared to her sisters because of all the responsibility that was piled onto her when their mother died and their father left. She had to grow up and mature faster and that is why she had such a headstrong essence about her.

[@kelvineniafegiwa9024]

@@KaiDecadence Exactly right in your assessment of her characterization.

[@JaredMerlin]

Charmed wouldn't be Charmed without Prue. Yes, Paige filled in well but still, she would never be no Prue.

[@tarafranzen9964]

Prue WAS Charmed. I loved her in that show. It sucked without her

[@knowlesknowles2154]

Prue was my favourite character then after her departure... I loved Paige.... I've never been team Phoebe especially from season 5.... I couldn't Piper was just there for me.... But I loved her character development the best especially her storyline in season 8. We got to see the future of the haliwellls through her generation

[@RyanKarolak]

I kind of wish we saw Prue return once. However having her staying absent carried weight too. What really bugged me is that she wasn't in any photos, flashbacks, or shown in any other ways you'd expect. I know it didnt happen due to off-camera reasons, but it still felt weird and stuck out to me.

[@BetterWithBob]

Yeah they should have had pictures or archive footage. Cat House could have been so tragic, with Phoebe and Paige having to avoid Prue so as not to ruin the timeline

[@Dlihnyrb]

Such a great video, thank you! Prue was always my favourite and i was crushed when she died, but i really appreciate your take that her arc had finished. Her character really had developed so much at that point, and her death lead to season 4, which is one of the best, in my opinion

[@lordofentropy]

I always liked Prue, I also admittedly had a crush on Shannen, although Alyssa is my true love forever. I never got into Paige as much, but that's really less to do with Paige herself and more that the show had lost its hold on me in the later seasons. In terms of Prue's character, they really nailed the oldest sister essentially forced to become the mother. If you know anyone like this, you'll see that Prue is quite true to life; my mother was the oldest sister to a sister and two brothers growing up in household with alcoholic and very dysfunctional parents and step-parents.

[@QuinnsIdeas]

Prue will always be my favorite!

[@liz6377]

Prudence is literally my baby. I was so opposed to Paige, I liked her, but greatly resented her because Prue was gone and she was my favorite. I’ve come around to Paige, but would still sacrifice her along with Phoebe at the alter if it meant I could have kept Prue.

[@steveyj3002]

Pure was part of the dark tone of charm and just like cole’s departure the tone change and the characters became silly and uninteresting especially when going back to the beginning of the show

[@EmilSchwarzYT]

Prue was always my favorite. Stop watching after season 4... It wasn't the same without her.

[@michelita2704]

I agree!

[@vaggos013]

In my opinion Prue was the best, and then Piper. Also the first 3 seasons were more authentic and dark. Later the series became a special effects show, but the "magic" was lost...

[@barbarabaker1457]

14:43 Only sister who had the sin that could not be removed, pride. I felt that was slowly melted and her death especially had her letting go of it, one loop at a time. And I know the curse of being "the responsible one" on account of my brother's having been in gangs and having to constantly self check my own behavior for fear of not always having enough people to call me out correctly and boy do I need it. Not the grumpy one but that helped me understand one of my brother's after he grew up. She's my favorite character for these reasons. As for her exit, I only wish she made the occasional cameo towards the end, especially the last episode and that's likely from my own bias. But otherwise her death made sense. As you said, completed arc.

[@marianojuri746]

Another great Review again, thanks for share 🙏🏻 Long Live Prue ✨

[@BetterWithBob]

Saying long live the queen would just be too lowbrow ;)

[@caryn3688]

I always loved Shannon Doherty and all the negative press she got never changed my feelings of loving everything she acted in and how beautiful I thought she was❤❤❤❤😊

[@BetterWithBob]

Hopefully that includes Heathers ;)

[@caryn3688]

@@BetterWithBob of course Heathers!!!!! Lol

[@ChefDomH]

I will forever mourn her character. Prue was gone before I was ready for her to be gone. She was my favorite sister at times.

[@kennyp1477]

Prue was THE BEST. Seasons 1-3 are the only seasons worth watching.

[@plp666]

I recently rewatched the entire series and I found an appreciation and love for the latter series, and of course I always loved Paige. But Charmed was never the same without Prue and the world will never be the same without Shannen. She fought for almost a decade and never stopped working. Am sad and devastated. RIP Angel

[@lovetolovefairytales]

I know for legal and money reasons they couldn't include her likeness, but I really wish the photograph of the three original sisters, including Prue, was included in the final episode. Season 3 had a whole flashback episode about the grandmother taking that picture so obviously it was important to the lore. I'm okay with Prue not coming back in person but the show couldn't shell out the extra bucks to get the rights to use her likeness one last time for the fans? All we got was the little girl closing a door with telekinesis as a callback to Prue? Ugh. From a show that did everything else to cut costs for season 8, they could have given the fans one last hurrah and included the picture.

[@ScribblebytesWorldwide]

If you said or thought something sheety about Prue then yeah you were wrong ASF. Prue and Paige are BOTH AWESOME and the writers and them did a great transition.

[@giftedgirl6388]

As I grow up I too agree with Prue on this Cole thing. While I was younger, I couldn't understand why Prue was mad for so long, let go of it, woman. But, man, was I wrong. The guy tried to kill all of them, and Phoebe was so hormonal about him. Piper stayed mad only for one episode, wich is too short for my liking even considering her character. So now I realize, Prue has the most adequate reaction among three of them.

[@superman32725]

I disagree a lot with the narrator of this series. Prue was the eldest so it always felt like she was the most responsible of the 3 and a lot of the burden of keeping everyone and everything in alignment was on her. I never felt like she dominated story lines as I felt like she was the glue of the family and kept the sisters together. I didnt like Phoebe as I felf her character was uninteresting, boring and whiny and her storylines were bland. I loved the character of Piper as she always felt like the moral compass of the 3 and it was nice to see her evolution of growth in her powers and character, whereas, Phoebes character remained the same. I thought Paige was a great character too, since you saw an evolution of her story arc and she really grew into her powers and responsibility of being a witch. I thought Prues character however brought empowerment and it made the series what it was.

[@sandiarayada]

Good !!! 👍😊❤️