Molecular immobilization (Charmed)

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In the television series Charmed, molecular immobilization or temporal statis is the main power of the fictional character Piper Halliwell. Molecular immobilization is the ability to slow down molecules to the point where they stop, causing whatever is targeted (living or not) to "freeze" for a time and be unable to move.

This power is initially triggered by panic. With mastery of this power, Piper has been able to freeze things for a longer period of time, freeze things more precisely, and better control the unfreezing (occasionally, Piper notably unfreezes just the head of a demon so that he can talk but not attack). The ability works on all but the most powerful demons and on other good witches.

Objects that have been frozen can still be moved by touch or by magic. This is particularly useful for the Charmed Ones. Prue and Piper tend to tag-team many of their opponents, with Piper freezing their attacks and Prue sending them right back to defeat demons and warlocks, even moving a frozen evil witch inside a mirror, which they shattered to defeat her.

One of the limitations of molecular immobilization is that it cannot be used outside the room you are in. Piper found this a very big problem when attacked by the Wendigo while she was inside a phone booth, and remained unable to freeze it while it was mostly outside. This problem soon becomes manageable as Piper learns to control her powers as they grow. Like other Charmed powers, molecular immobilization is tied to emotions and Piper has been known to accidentally freeze things when upset. Her powers have grown over the years and in an episode set in the future, she was able to freeze an entire city block when she was upset. This power was very rarely used since Piper got her power to blow things up.

[edit] Similar powers

In addition to Piper, several other Charmed characters have been shown to possess this power or a similar power, perhaps the actual act of freezing time. These characters include Piper's ancestor Melinda Warren and her mother Patty Halliwell and her past life P. Baxter from whom she inherited the power.

The half-demon/half-human Cole Turner in his invincible form could freeze time with a different effect, implying the nature of the power was different. The Angel of Destiny could make time stand still. The Triad also were shown to freeze time, but since they made no attempt to capitalise on the frozen Charmed Ones it could be concluded this is a means of communication. The Avatars possessed the ability to stop and rewind time at their will. The warlock Nigel from the episode Witchstock possessed a similar power, possibly the same as Piper's, stolen from a witch. The Cleaners also have the power to stop time, rewind time and change events. Zankou in the episode, Extreme Makeover: World Edition, showed that he had the power to freeze time as well. Zahn in the episode Soul Survivor may also had the power to freeze time, as he froze a vial when Paige failed to vanquish him although this could have been him holding it in place using telekinesis.

Charmed
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