The Secret Circle 1.11 ‘Fire/Ice’ review: You’re Hot Then You’re Cold

The Secret Circle’s “Fire/Ice” was a little lukewarm for me. The brief blazes of heat where chilled by some wonky staging (murdering suspense) that appear characteristic of the shows episodes centered around a dance, and odd character choices. However, the holding pattern some of the storylines were frozen in received some much-needed emotional intensity that should complicate the Circle’s lives more.  Because ya’ know, they need that. Read on for a discussion of the hot and cold moments!

Hot: Faye’s feelings have been smoldering beneath sarcastic comments and bitchiness to spare all season. We’ve witnessed her impulsiveness flare into some freakish displays of magic (the storm on the boardwalk), and horrific misfires (Sally Matthews dashed on the rocks) before. However, the emotional fallout of Faye’s ill-fated dark magic heist is what sets her latest power trip apart from the others. The Circle confronts Faye about her dangerous stunts, and she reverses the situation on them, venting that Cassie’s mischief equals hers. Cassie argues that her incidents were accidental and Faye’s intentional. I agree with Cassie, but I appreciate Faye’s defense of herself because of how it reveals her characters perspective.

Cold: While I think the scene with Faye chucking the deuces to the Circle was great the road there was illogical. If the writers wanted to arrive at that moment they should have chosen one consistent with the character.  While it’s difficult to believe Faye would just strut onto the dance floor and start abusing magic in front of everyone (she’s done it before) the extent to which she did this was questionable.  The Circle dramatically falling down as she sapped their powers instead of Cassie’s, and that brief tête-à-tête with her frenemy, could have been accomplished more naturally. The situation felt forced for the episodes drama quota. Where was the SOLE chaperone during this scene? Conveniently the trustworthy town drunk wasn’t in the room. And when the Circle started to pass out on the dance floor in clear view of the people around them no one seemed concerned? No wonder witches settled in Chance Harbor. Silly Muggles. Part of a supernatural shows appeal is for the otherworldly to occur under the noises of the unsuspecting, but when someone’s been intent on keeping their powers under wraps then proceeds to freeze a girls drink in her hand, it becomes spectacle for the sake of spectacle.

Hot: The bonding between Melissa and Diana was really well done. Any insight into their lives sans the witchcraft and misery is nice to see. Also, at times I’ve wondered what are some of the characters relationships to each other outside of the Circle. We found out these two used to hangout before Diana started dating Adam, and Melissa became Faye’s shadow. I hope Melissa’s growing backbone keeps her closer to Diana.

Cold: Faye coming back to the Voodoo Douche Lee at the end of the episode. Earlier she was enraged that he knew she’d be tapping the Circle’s power source instead of Cassie’s, and pinned him against the wall. All fist pump worthy, but then to slink back into his shop? Shouldn’t she be setting the thing ablaze, and kneeing him in the balls for good measure? I’m willing to see where this storyline is going, but I’m a little annoyed with it.

Hot: The sincere awkwardness between Adam and Diana in the hallway when they chat about moving on was stellar for what it led to: Diana breaking down when Adam walked away. Shelley Henning’s acting was phenomenal there. She’s putting on the brave face for him and genuinely wants to move on, but is still torn inside. Also, this ties into Adam finally making a move on Cassie, but hold up—did somebody say the love triangle needs another brooder? Jakes back in town!

The Secret Circle succeeds at smaller character moments. Whenever there’s multiple characters on screen at once, in a confrontation, someone’ s left standing around awkwardly, or the actions come off stiff and wooden. Hopefully by the next dance (or moment when there’s actions involving everyone) they get that figured out. And the writers need to stick to logical and true character motivations or otherwise they’re cheapening the suspense, and we’re left with the predictable.  I know these are the growing pains of a freshmen series so I’ll leave my quibbles there. Besides, next week looks good!

What did you all think about this episode? Agree or disagree with me? Have a completely different opinion? I invite you to discuss!