Finally, we have a semi-decent episode. All Halliwell's Eve doesn't at all have the emotional resonance of past time-travel episodes, but it's a fascinating and mostly authentic-feeling depiction of old-time magicks. Most of the fun is derived from the various obscure magic that the 1600's witches use, from leaves in apples to brooms sweeping away evil. Equally fun is seeing the sisters rendered powerless and having to quickly learn how to use all this old-time magic, in order to save the day once again. I'm not sure they captured the time period all that well, but in terms of enriching the Charmed mythology, this episode completely works.Cole's inclusion in the story is pretty successful, further depicting his evilness with some calculating attempts to win over Phoebe's heart. I also loved the irony of his angel costume at the end. I always thought the 'seeing the initial of your true love in the apple peel' thing was silly, especially since you could never get, I don't know, a 'B' via an apple peel. 'C' and 'O', sure, but what if your true love was named Xena or Zorin? Huh, writers?? Ever think of that?
You can understand why the show thought it would be interesting to throw Leo and Darryl together in a subplot, but their presence throws the whole hour off, especially when the scene keeps flipping back to the modern-day action... which isn't interesting at all. The Grimlocks officially become the stupidest demons in the world, failing to kill Leo and Darryl's asses in the, what, thirty-three times that they had good murderous opportunities? Eh.
The time-travel sequences are pretty great, especially the script's emphasis on magic rather than annoying, badly-acted demons. And that shot of Phoebe flying across the moon on her broomstick is undeniably awesome. B-
Credits
Guest stars Judy Geeson (Ruth Cobb); Clare Carey (Eva); David Chisum (Micah/Mitch); Sadie Stratton (Charlotte); Danielle Weeks (Sally); Snake River Conspiracy (Themselves)
Writer Sheryl J. Anderson Director Anson Williams
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