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* AccidentalHero: By the time the Darklighter was goaded into going after his fellow contestant, the shapeshifter was already attacking Phoebe. The Darklighter finishes off the shapeshifter the moment he pops in, inadvertently helping Phoebe out.
* ActuallyPrettyFunny: When Corr betrays the Darklighter to claim the power, the musclebound bar patron admits that's a good reality TV twist.
* ApologeticAttacker: Gideon uses his powers to prevent Sigmund from leaving the office, leaving him feeling pain. He says one last thing before killing him.
-->'''Gideon:''' I'm sorry, old friend, but this too is for the greater good. Forgive me.
* BadGuyBar: The demon bar is full of patrons that hang out, watch the show, and casually attack each other.
* ActuallyPrettyFunny: When Corr betrays the Darklighter to claim the power, the musclebound bar patron admits that's a good reality TV twist.
* ApologeticAttacker: Gideon uses his powers to prevent Sigmund from leaving the office, leaving him feeling pain. He says one last thing before killing him.
-->'''Gideon:''' I'm sorry, old friend, but this too is for the greater good. Forgive me.
* BadGuyBar: The demon bar is full of patrons that hang out, watch the show, and casually attack each other.
* BatmanGambit:
** With Chris saying time is running out to save Wyatt and the family starting to look at people they already know, Gideon cuts a deal with the gamemasters. He framed it as a simple distraction and asserted he didn't want the Charmed Ones harmed, but he knew the gamemasters would try to go against them eventually. He wanted that, as it would provide a perfect scapegoat to finally put the investigation to an end and get everyone to lower their guard. In the end, he feels the plan worked, but Sigmund is aghast over how an innocent witch died and the possibility of Wyatt turning evil because of what they're doing.
** Since the crystals are in the manor and the gamemasters can't do anything while everyone is holed up in Magic School, the group opts to play to that, as well as use the recovered athame to locate the Underworld studio. Paige and Chris return to the attic ostensibly to do spell research, correctly anticipating that one of the gamemasters (Corr) will immediately start attacking. The moment Corr does so, Phoebe and Leo ambush Clea in the studio to take her out. With the power that Clea had, Phoebe makes short work of Corr and then sends a deadly message to the rest of the Underworld.
* BeneathTheMask: Gideon starts cracking over the possibility of the sisters figuring out what his true intentions are. He can put on the face of a benign mentor during conversations, with any outbursts chalked up to his concern about the recent unexplained witch murders. When alone with Sigmund, though, he becomes more on edge over the walls possibly closing in, as well as the deadly fallout of his deal with the gamemasters. By the last scene, he's very touchy about the mere suggestion that his actions will cause that which he wants to prevent, and he ultimately murders Sigmund for trying to tell the truth.
* BondOneLiner: After taking out Corr and a number of demons at the bar, Phoebe then trashes the TV screen for good measure.
-->'''Phoebe:''' Looks like your show's just been cancelled.
* BriefAccentImitation: When Gideon checks in on the gamemasters, he questions the presence of athames, but he's reassured when told the demonic contestants will be using them only on each other.
-->'''Gideon:''' More dead demons? Not a problem for me.\\
'''Clea:''' ''[imitating his accent]'' More dead Elders wouldn't be a problem for us, either.
* BrokenPedestal: Sigmund was helping Gideon because he genuinely believed his old friend knew best and had the best of intentions. Through the course of the episode, he sees that old friend make a deal with demons that got an innocent witch killed and endangered the Charmed Ones. Worst of all, Gideon comes up with mere "greater good" justifications to deflect rather than take stock of what he's done.
** With Chris saying time is running out to save Wyatt and the family starting to look at people they already know, Gideon cuts a deal with the gamemasters. He framed it as a simple distraction and asserted he didn't want the Charmed Ones harmed, but he knew the gamemasters would try to go against them eventually. He wanted that, as it would provide a perfect scapegoat to finally put the investigation to an end and get everyone to lower their guard. In the end, he feels the plan worked, but Sigmund is aghast over how an innocent witch died and the possibility of Wyatt turning evil because of what they're doing.
** Since the crystals are in the manor and the gamemasters can't do anything while everyone is holed up in Magic School, the group opts to play to that, as well as use the recovered athame to locate the Underworld studio. Paige and Chris return to the attic ostensibly to do spell research, correctly anticipating that one of the gamemasters (Corr) will immediately start attacking. The moment Corr does so, Phoebe and Leo ambush Clea in the studio to take her out. With the power that Clea had, Phoebe makes short work of Corr and then sends a deadly message to the rest of the Underworld.
* BeneathTheMask: Gideon starts cracking over the possibility of the sisters figuring out what his true intentions are. He can put on the face of a benign mentor during conversations, with any outbursts chalked up to his concern about the recent unexplained witch murders. When alone with Sigmund, though, he becomes more on edge over the walls possibly closing in, as well as the deadly fallout of his deal with the gamemasters. By the last scene, he's very touchy about the mere suggestion that his actions will cause that which he wants to prevent, and he ultimately murders Sigmund for trying to tell the truth.
* BondOneLiner: After taking out Corr and a number of demons at the bar, Phoebe then trashes the TV screen for good measure.
-->'''Phoebe:''' Looks like your show's just been cancelled.
* BriefAccentImitation: When Gideon checks in on the gamemasters, he questions the presence of athames, but he's reassured when told the demonic contestants will be using them only on each other.
-->'''Gideon:''' More dead demons? Not a problem for me.\\
'''Clea:''' ''[imitating his accent]'' More dead Elders wouldn't be a problem for us, either.
* BrokenPedestal: Sigmund was helping Gideon because he genuinely believed his old friend knew best and had the best of intentions. Through the course of the episode, he sees that old friend make a deal with demons that got an innocent witch killed and endangered the Charmed Ones. Worst of all, Gideon comes up with mere "greater good" justifications to deflect rather than take stock of what he's done.
* {{Confessional}}: The three contestants each use one to tell the demonic viewers what strategy they intend to pursue. The Brute Demon anticipates a Charmed One will try to scry for him, so he intends to ready an ambush and then pursue an undefended Tali. The shapeshifter plans to pose as someone that Phoebe could invite back to the manor, thus taking him past any defenses. The Darklighter plans to exploit being new to the game, as he will just wait for the Brute Demon to get killed and then attack while everyone's guard is down.
* CreateYourOwnVillain: Part of Sigmund's turn is because he genuinely worries that attempting to eliminate the supposed threat that is Wyatt will instead create it. He argues that a young child being betrayed by authority figures he was told to trust could likely have a very damaging effect.
* DealWithTheDevil:
** Demons who want to appear on ''Witch Wars'' are told they'll gain fame and fortune, but they have to sign a contract that specifies the gamemasters get their powers in the event of being vanquished by the given target. Early on, an upper-level demon that they tried to recruit sees this all as just a way to claim others' powers for themselves, with those signing the contract taking on all the risk and the gamemasters getting all the rewards. This guy had the sense to refuse to sign up, but others didn't and suffered for it.
** Gideon cuts a deal with the gamemasters in the hopes of preventing the sisters from figuring out what he's up to. He stressed that no innocents or Charmed Ones be harmed, but the gamemasters simply bide their time and wait for the right opportunity to twist the terms of the deal to their liking. Gideon says he did anticipate that as part of his larger plan for the sisters to think the gamemasters are the ones threatening Wyatt, but an innocent witch still ended up dead because of his deal.
--->'''Gideon:''' That wasn't supposed to happen.\\
'''Sigmund:''' You're dealing with demons. What did you expect?
* CreateYourOwnVillain: Part of Sigmund's turn is because he genuinely worries that attempting to eliminate the supposed threat that is Wyatt will instead create it. He argues that a young child being betrayed by authority figures he was told to trust could likely have a very damaging effect.
* DealWithTheDevil:
** Demons who want to appear on ''Witch Wars'' are told they'll gain fame and fortune, but they have to sign a contract that specifies the gamemasters get their powers in the event of being vanquished by the given target. Early on, an upper-level demon that they tried to recruit sees this all as just a way to claim others' powers for themselves, with those signing the contract taking on all the risk and the gamemasters getting all the rewards. This guy had the sense to refuse to sign up, but others didn't and suffered for it.
** Gideon cuts a deal with the gamemasters in the hopes of preventing the sisters from figuring out what he's up to. He stressed that no innocents or Charmed Ones be harmed, but the gamemasters simply bide their time and wait for the right opportunity to twist the terms of the deal to their liking. Gideon says he did anticipate that as part of his larger plan for the sisters to think the gamemasters are the ones threatening Wyatt, but an innocent witch still ended up dead because of his deal.
--->'''Gideon:''' That wasn't supposed to happen.\\
'''Sigmund:''' You're dealing with demons. What did you expect?
* DopeSlap: Clea doesn't trust Gideon one bit, so she smacks Corr for agreeing to the deal with him.
* DramaticIrony:
** In TheTeaser, Phoebe cites crime statistics about how half of violent crimes are perpetrated by someone who had already known the victim and how a colleague at the paper remarked it's always the person you least suspect. Gideon gets very frustrated by this talk, but not because he wants the group to focus on the recent witch murders.
** While accusing a variety of people of being after Wyatt, Piper briefly suggests Gideon.
** As the group tries to sort out all this reality TV show business, Piper can't relax, as she feels like she's being watched. The others assert that the demons have no crystals in Magic School, so they have privacy. We then see Gideon and Sigmund watching them through the former's crystal ball.
** Despite being opposites in nature, Gideon and the Darklighter are shown to have the same approach to taking out a target: have the ones in the way focus on someone else and then strike once everyone's guard is down.
** With the reality show permanently taken off the air, the group celebrate their victory and believe Wyatt is safe at last, all while completely unaware of what Gideon is plotting.
* TheDreaded: After both gamemasters are dead, Phoebe makes a point of playing this up for all the demons watching. She gives a demonstration of what happens when the Underworld goes after one of their children.
* DramaticIrony:
** In TheTeaser, Phoebe cites crime statistics about how half of violent crimes are perpetrated by someone who had already known the victim and how a colleague at the paper remarked it's always the person you least suspect. Gideon gets very frustrated by this talk, but not because he wants the group to focus on the recent witch murders.
** While accusing a variety of people of being after Wyatt, Piper briefly suggests Gideon.
** As the group tries to sort out all this reality TV show business, Piper can't relax, as she feels like she's being watched. The others assert that the demons have no crystals in Magic School, so they have privacy. We then see Gideon and Sigmund watching them through the former's crystal ball.
** Despite being opposites in nature, Gideon and the Darklighter are shown to have the same approach to taking out a target: have the ones in the way focus on someone else and then strike once everyone's guard is down.
** With the reality show permanently taken off the air, the group celebrate their victory and believe Wyatt is safe at last, all while completely unaware of what Gideon is plotting.
* TheDreaded: After both gamemasters are dead, Phoebe makes a point of playing this up for all the demons watching. She gives a demonstration of what happens when the Underworld goes after one of their children.
* EnemyMine: Gideon cuts a deal with the gamemasters in the hopes of keeping the sisters and company from figuring out what he's up to. It's a very fragile alliance, as the gamemasters fully intend to break whatever deal they make, while Gideon has no concerns about them getting vanquished as part of his plan.
* EveryoneIsASuspect: Phoebe's suggestion that the person after Wyatt is someone they already know causes Piper to become distrustful of everyone at Magic School over every little transgression. Leo has to rein her in.
* EvilVersusEvil: With the truth about the reality show getting out to the group, Clea thinks they've got a big fight coming up and no power to fight it out. To get that power, Corr manipulates the Darklighter into going after the shapeshifter now, and the guy's only too happy to try. Corr then happily betrays the Darklighter when he least suspects it.
* {{Foreshadowing}}: Believing the gamemasters are after Wyatt, Leo is ready to go PapaWolf on them. Gideon says Elders are supposed to be non-violent, but Leo doesn't care and takes out Clea himself. This attitude will be very important in [[Recap/CharmedS6E23ItsABadBadBadBadWorldPart2 the season finale]].
* {{Forgiveness}}: Paige continues to needle Chris for not being upfront about the deadline to save Wyatt, but Leo says he already apologized once and that that's good enough.
* TheFourthWallWillNotProtectYou: After vanquishing Corr, Phoebe turns towards the crystal projecting the reality show, surprising everyone in the demon bar.
-->'''Phoebe:''' See what happens when you make a play for our baby? Who wants to play next? ''[beat]'' What's the matter? Scared of me? ''[shimmers into the bar]'' [[PreMortemOneLiner Well, are you?! Are you?!]]
* TheGadfly: Still infused with demonic powers, Phoebe happily mocks Paige for thinking she was helpless and really drags out making her own up to that. As removing the powers requires stabbing Phoebe with the athame, it's no shocker that Paige volunteers.
-->'''Chris:''' She was pretty obnoxious.
* HeKnowsTooMuch: Sigmund was fully prepared to go tell the sisters everything. Gideon ensures he never leaves the office.
* HeelRealization: Sigmund goes through an episode-long one, as he becomes increasingly unnerved by Gideon's deal with demons and how an innocent witch got killed as a result. In the end, he says the threat they're so concerned about is just a young child who hasn't displayed any malevolence.
* HiddenHeartOfGold: Chris says the reason that he's been all-business and never relaxed for the last year is because he knew about the looming deadline to save Wyatt.
* HowWeGotHere: The episode opens with Corr saying he and his fellow gamemaster will be going after the Charmed Ones to finish them for good. The episode then jumps back 12 hours to show us how everything got to that point, catching up to that opening scene just before the last act.
* ICantLookGesture: Getting the demonic powers out of Phoebe requires her being stabbed with the athame, and Paige is only too happy to volunteer after listening to her gloat. Chris (having a front row seat) simply closes his eyes and looks away.
* EveryoneIsASuspect: Phoebe's suggestion that the person after Wyatt is someone they already know causes Piper to become distrustful of everyone at Magic School over every little transgression. Leo has to rein her in.
* EvilVersusEvil: With the truth about the reality show getting out to the group, Clea thinks they've got a big fight coming up and no power to fight it out. To get that power, Corr manipulates the Darklighter into going after the shapeshifter now, and the guy's only too happy to try. Corr then happily betrays the Darklighter when he least suspects it.
* {{Foreshadowing}}: Believing the gamemasters are after Wyatt, Leo is ready to go PapaWolf on them. Gideon says Elders are supposed to be non-violent, but Leo doesn't care and takes out Clea himself. This attitude will be very important in [[Recap/CharmedS6E23ItsABadBadBadBadWorldPart2 the season finale]].
* {{Forgiveness}}: Paige continues to needle Chris for not being upfront about the deadline to save Wyatt, but Leo says he already apologized once and that that's good enough.
* TheFourthWallWillNotProtectYou: After vanquishing Corr, Phoebe turns towards the crystal projecting the reality show, surprising everyone in the demon bar.
-->'''Phoebe:''' See what happens when you make a play for our baby? Who wants to play next? ''[beat]'' What's the matter? Scared of me? ''[shimmers into the bar]'' [[PreMortemOneLiner Well, are you?! Are you?!]]
* TheGadfly: Still infused with demonic powers, Phoebe happily mocks Paige for thinking she was helpless and really drags out making her own up to that. As removing the powers requires stabbing Phoebe with the athame, it's no shocker that Paige volunteers.
-->'''Chris:''' She was pretty obnoxious.
* HeKnowsTooMuch: Sigmund was fully prepared to go tell the sisters everything. Gideon ensures he never leaves the office.
* HeelRealization: Sigmund goes through an episode-long one, as he becomes increasingly unnerved by Gideon's deal with demons and how an innocent witch got killed as a result. In the end, he says the threat they're so concerned about is just a young child who hasn't displayed any malevolence.
* HiddenHeartOfGold: Chris says the reason that he's been all-business and never relaxed for the last year is because he knew about the looming deadline to save Wyatt.
* HowWeGotHere: The episode opens with Corr saying he and his fellow gamemaster will be going after the Charmed Ones to finish them for good. The episode then jumps back 12 hours to show us how everything got to that point, catching up to that opening scene just before the last act.
* ICantLookGesture: Getting the demonic powers out of Phoebe requires her being stabbed with the athame, and Paige is only too happy to volunteer after listening to her gloat. Chris (having a front row seat) simply closes his eyes and looks away.
* InTheBack:
** How the Darklighter kills the shapeshifter. Corr in turn does this to him immediately afterwards.
** During the fight in the studio, Leo does this to Clea, infusing the athame with her power.
* ItsAllMyFault: After being healed of the Darklighter poison, Chris blames himself for Tali getting killed.
* LoopholeAbuse: When Gideon suggests using the shapeshifter to distract Phoebe and brushes off talk of how demons can be unpredictable, Clea sees that as an opening to start going on offense. Gideon was actually counting on this so that the sisters would eventually go after the gamemasters.
* MamaBear: Infused with demonic power, Phoebe gladly steps up. She kills Corr and then wreaks havoc on the demon bar, all while saying this what happens when you mess with the baby in the family.
* TheNeedsOfTheMany: How Gideon justifies continuing on with his plan, even in the face of a deal with demons and a dead witch. Sigmund finds this excuse increasingly hollow, as well as worries about the danger of the threat they could be creating instead of stopping.
* NeverMyFault: Tali dies as a result of the deal Gideon made with the gamemasters, but he rationalizes as an unfortunate sacrifice for the greater good. When Sigmund suggests that the plot to target Wyatt will turn the kid evil, Gideon becomes angry and goes into denial.
* NiceJobBreakingItHero: Paige was putting a demon through a little crystal torture to interrogate him for information. He was actually starting to talk by citing a witch murder the previous night and the dead witch's PlayingWithFire power, but Paige thinks he's lying and vanquishes him on the spot. Leo then orbs in to report a witch with fire powers was murdered the previous night, prompting Chris to snark at Paige for wrecking a lead.
* NiceJobFixingItVillain: The Brute Demon's ambush not only results in his own death, but it causes Paige and Leo to come across the crystal projecting the show and thus learn what is really going on.
* NothingIsScarier: Discussed. Chris says that, with so little time left to save Wyatt, the part about "not knowing" what will strike terrifies him.
* ObliviousToHisOwnDescription: In the face of Sigmund second-guessing him, Gideon questions why he is the only one to see the threat posed by Wyatt. Sigmund alludes to how that being the case says more about Gideon himself than it does about anyone else.
* OhCrap: Leo, after seeing Chris shot by the Darklighter.
* PapaWolf: When convinced the gamemasters are the ones after Wyatt, Leo says he'll kill them himself. Though Gideon says Elders aren't supposed to do such things, Leo is the one who takes out Clea.
** How the Darklighter kills the shapeshifter. Corr in turn does this to him immediately afterwards.
** During the fight in the studio, Leo does this to Clea, infusing the athame with her power.
* ItsAllMyFault: After being healed of the Darklighter poison, Chris blames himself for Tali getting killed.
* LoopholeAbuse: When Gideon suggests using the shapeshifter to distract Phoebe and brushes off talk of how demons can be unpredictable, Clea sees that as an opening to start going on offense. Gideon was actually counting on this so that the sisters would eventually go after the gamemasters.
* MamaBear: Infused with demonic power, Phoebe gladly steps up. She kills Corr and then wreaks havoc on the demon bar, all while saying this what happens when you mess with the baby in the family.
* TheNeedsOfTheMany: How Gideon justifies continuing on with his plan, even in the face of a deal with demons and a dead witch. Sigmund finds this excuse increasingly hollow, as well as worries about the danger of the threat they could be creating instead of stopping.
* NeverMyFault: Tali dies as a result of the deal Gideon made with the gamemasters, but he rationalizes as an unfortunate sacrifice for the greater good. When Sigmund suggests that the plot to target Wyatt will turn the kid evil, Gideon becomes angry and goes into denial.
* NiceJobBreakingItHero: Paige was putting a demon through a little crystal torture to interrogate him for information. He was actually starting to talk by citing a witch murder the previous night and the dead witch's PlayingWithFire power, but Paige thinks he's lying and vanquishes him on the spot. Leo then orbs in to report a witch with fire powers was murdered the previous night, prompting Chris to snark at Paige for wrecking a lead.
* NiceJobFixingItVillain: The Brute Demon's ambush not only results in his own death, but it causes Paige and Leo to come across the crystal projecting the show and thus learn what is really going on.
* NothingIsScarier: Discussed. Chris says that, with so little time left to save Wyatt, the part about "not knowing" what will strike terrifies him.
* ObliviousToHisOwnDescription: In the face of Sigmund second-guessing him, Gideon questions why he is the only one to see the threat posed by Wyatt. Sigmund alludes to how that being the case says more about Gideon himself than it does about anyone else.
* OhCrap: Leo, after seeing Chris shot by the Darklighter.
* PapaWolf: When convinced the gamemasters are the ones after Wyatt, Leo says he'll kill them himself. Though Gideon says Elders aren't supposed to do such things, Leo is the one who takes out Clea.
* ProperlyParanoid: Clea doesn't trust Gideon one bit, saying an Elder never would go in for something like this without a larger reason. Gideon was planning all along for Corr and Clea to die, as that would end a threat to witches and throw the sisters off his trail.
* PunishmentDetail: At Gideon's suggestion, Corr tasks the shapeshifter with getting close to Phoebe. Corr frames it as a punishment challenge for the shapeshifter failing to claim Tali's amulet.
* RatingsStunt: Lampshaded. When making his proposal about teaming up, Gideon says targeting a witch in the care of the Charmed Ones will be quite a ratings grabber.
* ReducedToDust: Gideon does this to Sigmund to keep him from telling the sisters the truth.
* PunishmentDetail: At Gideon's suggestion, Corr tasks the shapeshifter with getting close to Phoebe. Corr frames it as a punishment challenge for the shapeshifter failing to claim Tali's amulet.
* RatingsStunt: Lampshaded. When making his proposal about teaming up, Gideon says targeting a witch in the care of the Charmed Ones will be quite a ratings grabber.
* ReducedToDust: Gideon does this to Sigmund to keep him from telling the sisters the truth.
Changed line(s) 53 (click to see context) from:
* TakeThat: The scene where Corr and Clea try to recruit an upper-level demon is filled with Take Thats towards [[RealityShow Reality Shows]]. Leo even gets on it later on, saying that ''Witch Wars'' is not sicker that any other reality TV show. That was during a time when ''{{Series/Survivor}}'' was beating ''Charmed'' in the ratings, so there might be some bitterness there.
to:
* TakeThat: The scene where Corr and Clea try to recruit an upper-level demon is filled with Take Thats towards [[RealityShow Reality Shows]]. Leo even gets on it later on, saying that ''Witch Wars'' is not sicker that any other reality TV show. That was during a time when ''{{Series/Survivor}}'' was beating ''Charmed'' in the ratings, so there might be some bitterness there.there.
-->'''Clea:''' You'd think demons would've invented reality television, but somehow, humans beat us to it.
* ThisIsGonnaSuck: With Paige and Leo having found the crystal projecting the show, the bar patrons briefly go completely quiet. Clea also tells Corr they're going to need more powers immediately for what's surely about to happen.
* TooDumbToLive:
** The terms of the reality show's contract specifies that the powers of any demon killed during an episode goes to the gamemasters themselves. The upper-level demon that Corr and Clea try to recruit won't have any part of this, saying the minor demons that did sign up were "silly morons" who couldn't see past promises of fame and fortune.
** The gamemasters are skeptical of Gideon's suggestion a witch in the care of the Charmed Ones be targeted, with Clea explicitly calling it a suicide mission that no one would want any part of. Corr is only intrigued when Gideon says Piper is out of the picture for the moment, thus meaning no Power of Three to contend with.
** The Brute Demon plans to simply ambush a Charmed One, fully expecting to easily kill one of the Underworld's most persistent opponents. He's gets even more overconfident when seeing Leo (an Elder) leaving with Paige. The Brute Demon is killed within seconds.
* UnderestimatingBadassery: Paige spends the episode being overly protective towards Phoebe, due to her lack of active powers, much to Phoebe's frustration. After leaving the demon bar, Phoebe is only too quick to lord her actions over Paige and get her to admit she was doing this.
* WhatTheHellHero: Chris knew the whole time that whatever turns Wyatt evil occurred before he himself was born, but he doesn't bring this up until TheTeaser. Phoebe and Paige yell at him for this, with the latter still holding a grudge about it halfway into the episode.
* WhatYouAreInTheDark:
** Gideon explicitly didn't want any innocents harmed throughout all this, threatening to personally kill the gamemasters if that were to happen. Though he is saddened by Tali's death, he rationalizes it as a sacrifice for the greater good. He continually refuses to give up his plan to kill Wyatt, and he won't let Sigmund try to stop him.
** By contrast, the episode's events cause Sigmund to reconsider what they're plotting to do and what effect even just an attempt would do to Wyatt's alignment.
* WhyDidItHaveToBeSnakes: Though her paranoia towards those at Magic School is played for laughs, Piper expresses genuine fear over her son turning evil. She worries that the family's continual struggles against demons will simply teach Wyatt that it's easier to be evil than to be good.
* WitchWithACapitalB: While Gideon's plan works at distracting Paige, Leo, and Chris, Phoebe remains insistent on investigating the possibility that someone they know is after Wyatt. He doesn't take that well.
-->'''Gideon:''' Stubborn little witch!
* WrongAssumption: Paige is certain that multiple demons are behind the killings, so it's suggested this is a coordinated effort to reorganize the Underworld under strong leadership like in the earlier seasons. It's actually a reality show stunt, where the gamemasters are out to claim powers from witches and demons alike for themselves.
* WrongGenreSavvy:
** Invoked. When suggesting the person after Wyatt is someone they already know, Phoebe cites crime statistics and experts from the mortal world to back it up. As Piper says that makes a lot of sense, Gideon interjects to say what makes sense for mortals doesn't necessarily apply to witches who are frequently targeted by antagonists they don't know. He's doing this to ensure the sisters don't start looking into things that could lead back to him.
** Further invoked by the show targeting Tali, something that Gideon had suggested. At first, the demons are tasked with simply stealing her amulet. It's an entirely mundane family heirloom, but Paige and Chris think the demons have a supernatural reason to want it. It's just a reality TV show game meant to manipulate and distract them.
* XanatosSpeedChess: Gideon has news of recent witch killings, and he's frustrated that the sisters and Chris are instead focused on the threat to Wyatt (particularly when Phoebe theorizes the perpetrator is someone they already know). When Chris mentions the short amount of time left to save Wyatt, Gideon floats the idea these witch killings are related in the hopes of throwing the sisters off the scent. He proceeds to work with the gamemasters to further this objective. When Phoebe won't give up her theory, he suggests the shapeshifter be sent after her, as he is certain she can handle such an opponent even without active powers and that it will draw further attention to the gamemasters.
-->'''Clea:''' You'd think demons would've invented reality television, but somehow, humans beat us to it.
* ThisIsGonnaSuck: With Paige and Leo having found the crystal projecting the show, the bar patrons briefly go completely quiet. Clea also tells Corr they're going to need more powers immediately for what's surely about to happen.
* TooDumbToLive:
** The terms of the reality show's contract specifies that the powers of any demon killed during an episode goes to the gamemasters themselves. The upper-level demon that Corr and Clea try to recruit won't have any part of this, saying the minor demons that did sign up were "silly morons" who couldn't see past promises of fame and fortune.
** The gamemasters are skeptical of Gideon's suggestion a witch in the care of the Charmed Ones be targeted, with Clea explicitly calling it a suicide mission that no one would want any part of. Corr is only intrigued when Gideon says Piper is out of the picture for the moment, thus meaning no Power of Three to contend with.
** The Brute Demon plans to simply ambush a Charmed One, fully expecting to easily kill one of the Underworld's most persistent opponents. He's gets even more overconfident when seeing Leo (an Elder) leaving with Paige. The Brute Demon is killed within seconds.
* UnderestimatingBadassery: Paige spends the episode being overly protective towards Phoebe, due to her lack of active powers, much to Phoebe's frustration. After leaving the demon bar, Phoebe is only too quick to lord her actions over Paige and get her to admit she was doing this.
* WhatTheHellHero: Chris knew the whole time that whatever turns Wyatt evil occurred before he himself was born, but he doesn't bring this up until TheTeaser. Phoebe and Paige yell at him for this, with the latter still holding a grudge about it halfway into the episode.
* WhatYouAreInTheDark:
** Gideon explicitly didn't want any innocents harmed throughout all this, threatening to personally kill the gamemasters if that were to happen. Though he is saddened by Tali's death, he rationalizes it as a sacrifice for the greater good. He continually refuses to give up his plan to kill Wyatt, and he won't let Sigmund try to stop him.
** By contrast, the episode's events cause Sigmund to reconsider what they're plotting to do and what effect even just an attempt would do to Wyatt's alignment.
* WhyDidItHaveToBeSnakes: Though her paranoia towards those at Magic School is played for laughs, Piper expresses genuine fear over her son turning evil. She worries that the family's continual struggles against demons will simply teach Wyatt that it's easier to be evil than to be good.
* WitchWithACapitalB: While Gideon's plan works at distracting Paige, Leo, and Chris, Phoebe remains insistent on investigating the possibility that someone they know is after Wyatt. He doesn't take that well.
-->'''Gideon:''' Stubborn little witch!
* WrongAssumption: Paige is certain that multiple demons are behind the killings, so it's suggested this is a coordinated effort to reorganize the Underworld under strong leadership like in the earlier seasons. It's actually a reality show stunt, where the gamemasters are out to claim powers from witches and demons alike for themselves.
* WrongGenreSavvy:
** Invoked. When suggesting the person after Wyatt is someone they already know, Phoebe cites crime statistics and experts from the mortal world to back it up. As Piper says that makes a lot of sense, Gideon interjects to say what makes sense for mortals doesn't necessarily apply to witches who are frequently targeted by antagonists they don't know. He's doing this to ensure the sisters don't start looking into things that could lead back to him.
** Further invoked by the show targeting Tali, something that Gideon had suggested. At first, the demons are tasked with simply stealing her amulet. It's an entirely mundane family heirloom, but Paige and Chris think the demons have a supernatural reason to want it. It's just a reality TV show game meant to manipulate and distract them.
* XanatosSpeedChess: Gideon has news of recent witch killings, and he's frustrated that the sisters and Chris are instead focused on the threat to Wyatt (particularly when Phoebe theorizes the perpetrator is someone they already know). When Chris mentions the short amount of time left to save Wyatt, Gideon floats the idea these witch killings are related in the hopes of throwing the sisters off the scent. He proceeds to work with the gamemasters to further this objective. When Phoebe won't give up her theory, he suggests the shapeshifter be sent after her, as he is certain she can handle such an opponent even without active powers and that it will draw further attention to the gamemasters.
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* BadGuysPlayPool: The demon bar where Witch Wars is broadcast has a pool table. One demon kills another with her cue during a fight.
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* DefectorFromDecadence: Sigmund.
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* DefectorFromDecadence: Sigmund.Sigmund, too bad Gideon kills him before he can do anything about it.
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* {{Cliffhanger}}: The episode ends with Gideon killing Sigmund and firmly cementing his role as this seasons big bad.
to:
* {{Cliffhanger}}: The episode ends with Gideon killing Sigmund and firmly cementing his role as this seasons big bad.season's BigBad.
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* ScrewTheRulesIMakeThem: Despite the Magic School being enchanted so that noone can die within its walls, Gideon kills Sigmund anyway.
* TakeThat: The scene where Corr and Clea try to recruit an upper-level demon is filled with take thats towards [[RealityShow Reality Shows]]. Leo even gets on it later on, saying that ''Witch Wars'' is not sicker that any other reality TV show. That was during a time when ''{{Series/Survivor}}'' was beating ''Charmed'' in the ratings, so there might be some bitterness there.
* TakeThat: The scene where Corr and Clea try to recruit an upper-level demon is filled with take thats towards [[RealityShow Reality Shows]]. Leo even gets on it later on, saying that ''Witch Wars'' is not sicker that any other reality TV show. That was during a time when ''{{Series/Survivor}}'' was beating ''Charmed'' in the ratings, so there might be some bitterness there.
to:
* ScrewTheRulesIMakeThem: Despite the Magic School being enchanted so that noone no one can die within its walls, Gideon kills Sigmund anyway.
* TakeThat: The scene where Corr and Clea try to recruit an upper-level demon is filled withtake thats Take Thats towards [[RealityShow Reality Shows]]. Leo even gets on it later on, saying that ''Witch Wars'' is not sicker that any other reality TV show. That was during a time when ''{{Series/Survivor}}'' was beating ''Charmed'' in the ratings, so there might be some bitterness there.
* TakeThat: The scene where Corr and Clea try to recruit an upper-level demon is filled with
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!Witch Wars
->'''The Charmed Ones' powers are put in jeopardy after they're tricked into taking part in a demonic reality show where demons compete to hunt down the sisters. The winner gets the witch's powers.'''
->'''The Charmed Ones' powers are put in jeopardy after they're tricked into taking part in a demonic reality show where demons compete to hunt down the sisters. The winner gets the witch's powers.'''
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'''Season 06, Episode 21:'''
!Witch Wars
->'''The Charmed Ones' powers are put in jeopardy after they're tricked into taking part in a demonic reality show where demons compete to hunt down the sisters. The winner gets the witch's powers.'''
----
!Witch Wars
->'''The Charmed Ones' powers are put in jeopardy after they're tricked into taking part in a demonic reality show where demons compete to hunt down the sisters. The winner gets the witch's powers.'''
----
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* DrunkOnTheDarkside: Phoebe, when she gets a crap-ton of demonic powers and promptly goes on a demon murder spree. [[EvilFeelsGood And she enjoys it]].
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Added DiffLines:
* {{Cliffhanger}}: The episode ends with Gideon killing Sigmund and firmly cementing his role as this seasons big bad.
Added DiffLines:
* PowerUp: The athame provides a temporary one for Phoebe.
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Changed line(s) 1,2 (click to see context) from:
Chris reveals another piece of information: whatever turns Wyatt evil happens before Chris' birth, and the deadline is quickly approaching. Phoebe tries to figure out who would be after Wyatt with help from a co-worker using mundane methods. Gideon comes across a demonic reality show where demons kill witches, and directs their attention towards the Charmed Ones with the intention of framing them for being after Wyatt all along, while his assistant Sigmund grows uncomfortable with the plan.
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'''Season 06, Episode 21:'''
!Witch Wars
->'''The Charmed Ones' powers are put in jeopardy after
----
The episode opens in medias res with a teaser to a TV show called "Witch Wars", in which a demon promises a fight with the Charmed Ones.
Immediately after, the scene flashes back to 12 hours earlier. The Charmed Ones are meeting at Magic School. They are trying to identify who is trying to turn Wyatt evil. Leo is after a witch killer, according to Gideon. Phoebe is quoting statistics and
Gideon meets with Sigmund and notes that the sisters are "just about to figure us out".
In the Underworld, the gamemasters of Witch Wars, a male and a female demon, try to bring a high-level demon on the show. The male one has an athame in his hand. They promise him the powers of the witches he kills -- but he will lose his powers to the gamemasters if he fails. The demon refuses, and shimmers away. The gamemasters plan to rule the Underworld with the powers so acquired.
Phoebe goes to a crime reporter at the newspaper, Kyle Donie. She says she wants to dedicate a month of her column to protection of children and wants to know how she might find someone who is after Wyatt. Paige orbs in, worried that Phoebe has no powers, and hands her some potions.
Gideon appears to the gamemasters, claiming to have an offer. He tells the gamemasters that the Charmed Ones
Gideon orbs into the manor and tells Leo that Piper has become paranoid and is terrorizing Magic School. Leo orbs away. Paige scries for witches under attack; Gideon fakes a finding and tells her and Chris to hurry after her. Alone in the manor, Gideon plants a number of small Ronyx crystals in the walls, cameras for Witch Wars.
Chris and Paige find a witch being attacked by three demons. One steals an amulet from her and shimmers away. Chris and Paige orb the witch, Tali, back to the manor. The amulet is an heirloom and has no powers, but Tali is now where Gideon wants her.
A crowd of demons is watching Witch Wars in a bar.
Piper argues with a teacher at Magic School about an incident in the preschool. Leo manages to calm her down, noting all the people around Wyatt who love and protect him.
A round of Witch Wars begins, with a Darklighter, the "Brute demon" who stole Tali's amulet, and a shapeshifter (also involved in the attack on Tali) setting out to go after Tali, but they'll have to get past Paige and Phoebe to get to her. Each carries a power-absorbing athame.
Phoebe is talking with Kyle after hours, trying to find out who's after Wyatt
Paige scries for Tali's amulet and she and Leo orb to its location. The brute demon lays it on the ground and tries an ambush, but Paige suspects a trap. Paige throws a potion and vanquishes the demon, and then the two see a crystal projecting an image -- showing the interior of the manor. The Darklighter orbs in, shoots Chris, and kills Tali. Leo orbs back to the manor and Paige grabs the crystal and the Brute demon's athame.
Leo heals Chris and Chris tells of Underworld rumors of a demonic game show. Paige calls Phoebe and "Kyle" tries to accompany her to the manor, but she becomes suspicious. "Kyle" tries to force Phoebe to take him with her, but the Darklighter orbs in and takes out his competition. Phoebe calls for Leo and Chris; Chris arrives and they orb away.
The Darklighter tries to claim his prize, but the male gamemaster vanquishes him with his athame. The gamemasters plan to go after the Charmed Ones themselves.
Gideon magically forges a page that describes the projector crystal and presents it to the sisters. Phoebe speaks an incantation from the page; Gideon secretly gestures in that moment, and the crystal activates, showing the teaser from the beginning of the episode. Gideon claims that it's the gamemasters of Witch Wars that are after Wyatt.
Chris and Paige enter the manor. The gamemasters shimmer in and attack. Leo and Phoebe orb in. Paige throws two potions but they have no effect. Leo vanquishes one of the gamemasters with the
Phoebe shimmers to the demon bar. She throws energy balls, vanquishing several demons and causing the rest to flee in panic. Back at the manor, Paige has to stab Phoebe with the athame to remove the demonic powers from her.
Sigmund is worried that he and Gideon might themselves end up turning Wyatt evil by their attempt on his life. Sigmund plans to go to the sisters, but Gideon kills him to protect his secret.
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Changed line(s) 1,2 (click to see context) from:
Chris reveals another piece of information: whatever turns Wyatt evil happens before Chris' birth, and the deadline is quickly approaching. Phoebe tries to figure out who would be after Wyatt with help from a co-worker using mundane methods. Gideon comes across a demonic reality show where demons kill witches as directs their attention to the Charmed Ones with the intention of framing them for being after Wyatt all along, while his assistant Sigmund grows uncomfortable with the plan.
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Chris reveals another piece of information: whatever turns Wyatt evil happens before Chris' birth, and the deadline is quickly approaching. Phoebe tries to figure out who would be after Wyatt with help from a co-worker using mundane methods. Gideon comes across a demonic reality show where demons kill witches as witches, and directs their attention to towards the Charmed Ones with the intention of framing them for being after Wyatt all along, while his assistant Sigmund grows uncomfortable with the plan.
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Changed line(s) 1,2 (click to see context) from:
Chris reveals another piece of information: whatever turns Wyatt evil happens before Chris' birth, and the deadline is quickly approaching. Phoebe tries to figure out who would be after Wyatt with help from a co-worker using mundane methods. Gideon comes across a demonic reality show where demons kill witches as directs their attention to the Charmed Ones, while his assistant Sigmund grows uncomfortable with the plan.
to:
Chris reveals another piece of information: whatever turns Wyatt evil happens before Chris' birth, and the deadline is quickly approaching. Phoebe tries to figure out who would be after Wyatt with help from a co-worker using mundane methods. Gideon comes across a demonic reality show where demons kill witches as directs their attention to the Charmed Ones, Ones with the intention of framing them for being after Wyatt all along, while his assistant Sigmund grows uncomfortable with the plan.
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Added DiffLines:
Chris reveals another piece of information: whatever turns Wyatt evil happens before Chris' birth, and the deadline is quickly approaching. Phoebe tries to figure out who would be after Wyatt with help from a co-worker using mundane methods. Gideon comes across a demonic reality show where demons kill witches as directs their attention to the Charmed Ones, while his assistant Sigmund grows uncomfortable with the plan.
!! Tropes
* DefectorFromDecadence: Sigmund.
* ImmoralRealityShow: ''Witch Wars'' is a reality show about demons killing witches and taking their powers.
* ScrewTheRulesIMakeThem: Despite the Magic School being enchanted so that noone can die within its walls, Gideon kills Sigmund anyway.
* TakeThat: The scene where Corr and Clea try to recruit an upper-level demon is filled with take thats towards [[RealityShow Reality Shows]]. Leo even gets on it later on, saying that ''Witch Wars'' is not sicker that any other reality TV show. That was during a time when ''{{Series/Survivor}}'' was beating ''Charmed'' in the ratings, so there might be some bitterness there.
!! Tropes
* DefectorFromDecadence: Sigmund.
* ImmoralRealityShow: ''Witch Wars'' is a reality show about demons killing witches and taking their powers.
* ScrewTheRulesIMakeThem: Despite the Magic School being enchanted so that noone can die within its walls, Gideon kills Sigmund anyway.
* TakeThat: The scene where Corr and Clea try to recruit an upper-level demon is filled with take thats towards [[RealityShow Reality Shows]]. Leo even gets on it later on, saying that ''Witch Wars'' is not sicker that any other reality TV show. That was during a time when ''{{Series/Survivor}}'' was beating ''Charmed'' in the ratings, so there might be some bitterness there.
