Although 2000s TV show while it was still on the air, becoming a Charmed superfan.

Since it was released for streaming, I’ve watched the show dozens of times, including a period of four or five months straight where it was on repeat. Like other fans, I episodes I love – “All Hell Breaks Loose” and any of them with Barbas – and episodes that I skip – “Dream Sorcerer” and “Nymphs Just Wanna Have Fun.” However, one of them really stands out from the rest as the best. “Morality Bites” has stuck with me since the first time I watched it, and I can’t rank any others above it.

Why I Believe Charmed Season 2's "Morality Bites" Is The Show's Best Episode

"Morality Bites" Includes Incredible Acting & Character Development

From a narrative perspective, “Morality Bites” is one of the most integral episodes for the Halliwell sisters’ character arcs. The dystopian future provides very important lessons for all three characters. Phoebe learns that she’s responsible for the consequences of her own actions, something the youngest Halliwell sister struggled to grasp. Prue detemines that she cannot put everything into work if she wants a better future, something that influences her season 2 decision to quit Bucklands. Piper finds out that there is hope for her relationship with Leo. All three absorb the lesson that they cannot use magic for revenge.

The fact that the Elders also didn’t bring the Halliwell sisters back until after Phoebe gets burned alive makes the climax of the episode more impactful.

Additionally, the Charmed season 2 episode has incredible acting and builds tension beautifully. Phoebe’s fear is palpable from the moment she gets the premonition to the moment they return to the present. It’s challenging to watch the sadness and desperation of Piper and Prue towards the end without tearing up.

The pacing speeds up at all the right moments, forcing the audience to feel the same panic as the characters. The fact that the Elders also didn’t bring the Halliwell sisters back until after Phoebe gets burned alive makes the climax of the episode more impactful. All these elements came together to create an unforgettable episode that rises above the rest.

When Charmed was on the air, its theme song was "How Soon Is Now?" performed by Love Spit Love, but they changed the music when it released for streaming because of expired music licensing rights.

How Charmed's "Morality Bites" Holds Up During A Rewatch Today

The Charmed Season 2 Episode Holds Up 26 Years Later

Besides the hilariously bad visual effects when Phoebe goes up in flames, the Charmed episode “Morality Bites” holds up extremely well when watching it today. The story explores themes such as “how do good people turn bad” and the difference between right and wrong. This exploration feels even more relevant now than it did when the episode aired.

Additionally, the story maintains the narrative integrity with later seasons. The progression of Prue and Piper’s powers in the future fits with the way the Power of Three grows in Charmed seasons 3 and 6. Ultimately, “Morality Bites” is just as well-written, impactful, and entertaining as it was 23 years ago.