This is a superbly clever episode which actually goes so far as to make Phoebe still an interesting character.
Synopsis: When Phoebe is struck with a case of cold feet, she casts a spell to find out if she should marry Cole. The spell summons her young child and elderly selves. Cole struggles to fight the Source taking over him.
Cole’ struggle to battle the Source is surprisingly dark, especially in comparison with the episodes in season one and two, for example. It was done very well, with his fight to keep the evil inside from corrupting him conveyed with just as much darkness as necessary, since he is fighting to keep his humanity. Sometimes I feel like Charmed is almost undeserving of someone like Julian...
Phoebe’s spell was a load of fun, but at the same time very, very clever. While her past self was pretty unnecessary, even though she did provide a little bit of help, it’s her future self (played so fantastically by Frances Bay) that makes this episode so fantastic.
In a way, one could believe that she is Phoebe in the future, turned bitter by what happened between her and Cole and all the demon vanquishes she has faced before. Her sacrifice at the end of this episode is surprisingly devastating, and speaks volumes about her and Cole’s love for each other. Every scene between her and Cole were done brilliantly, giving off the impression that she knows all that he’s done, and is going to do (face slap!).
Paige finally starts to orb in this episode. To be honest, I’m not sure if it should have happened so early on in the series, considering how easy things are already with Leo orbing them anywhere they want to go. What happened to him ‘not being a ‘cosmic taxi for the whole family’? Whatever, it DID allow for the stories to be a little freer when she could get places a lot faster, especially if Leo was out of commission.
The Seer starts her meddling in this episode, though here there isn’t much indication that anything is up until the final few seconds. I don’t know if I’m alone in thinking her one of the greatest enemies in the series?
This episode is essentially the start of the major arc that will last until the end of the season, and it’s a fantastic one at that.
8.5/10
Loved this episode when I watched it again. It took an interesting subject matter and ran with it. Frances Bay is a fantastic character actress, too.
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