There's a confidence to this episode which is really entertaining to watch. The Cole arc is in full swing, and the idea of sisterly conflict has brought out the best in the writers. Great direction by David Straiton, too, who adds some interesting visual flourishes throughout, notably that great post-credits sequence with the Halliwells in the bathroom together. The idea to isolate Paige from her sisters is continued from last episode, but depicted as far more hurtful and evil than it was in Marry-Go-Round. The scenes with Cole tormenting a mentally weakened Paige are incredibly difficult to watch, both actors entirely selling their respective mindsets at that point.Phoebe definitely brought out varying emotions in me here. I really liked seeing her as an advice columnist, regardless of how contrived her hiring was. Alyssa was a lot of fun in those scenes, especially whenever she was distracted by her work during demon attacks. However, that final scene at P3 was really ugly. You can understand why she'd be frustrated with Paige, but to so casually attack her like that and flee before Paige can truly explain her opinions on Cole was really obnoxious.
The Fifth Halliwheel continues Charmed's aggressive pursuit of momentum, utilizing the show's greatest actor (Julian McMahon) and giving him some truly entertaining and layered material. Rose McGowan, too, is really good here. Great lines all round, an intriguing demon M.O., and more Seer hoodoo. The Piper/Leo beneath-the-counter sex scene is clearly the work of very, very sick people, but even that doesn't dent the creativity of the episode. A
Crimes of Fashion Phoebe's pink woolen poncho, and that ugly denim skirt with extra fringe. It's like a physical assault to look at it.
Credits
Guest stars Molly Hagan (Karen Young); Mario Schugel (Raif); Becky Wahlstrom (Lila); Rebecca Balding (Elise Rothman); Debbi Morgan (The Seer)
Writer Krista Vernoff Director David Straiton
I love this episode too. Pretty much all the cast are brilliant as well, but Rose in particular stood out. After watching the series through, it's almost as if her acting skills deteriorated with the series itself, mostly due to laziness. It's sad to see that happening.
ReplyDeleteI think she's one of those actors that only gives her all when she feels inspired by the material. She was so great when Charmed was still fresh and exciting, and then phoned it in from mid-season five onwards. It happens in movies, too. She's crazily great in something like Grindhouse or Scream, but is just abhorrent in something like Conan.
ReplyDeleteShe's a mystery, heh.
Ughh...McMahon the greatest actor? That man trying to emote is always unintentional comedy.
ReplyDelete