This episode is important because it introduces some changes for the characters, but it feels odd on all accounts. First, the fact that it is presented as a trial is original, but it ends up as very high-winded and talkative. It is nice to re-watch some past events, but a large portion of the episode is spent just reminiscing, which seems cheap. It is also rather difficult to believe that a mystical jury would use such fishy procedures. Besides, it's hard to believe they would actually blame the sisters for what they did years ago, when at the end of season 4 they wanted to reward them for their accomplishments.
Then there is Darryl. I don't know what to think of his plot. I really like the character a lot, especially as he has such bad luck with spells. But his treatment here seems incredibly harsh and too realistic for a light-hearted series. Granted, the trial needed a high stake, but the execution scene freaked me out, so it seems normal that Darryl will not go back to normal as he usually does. As for the sisters, they don't really get to do much except wait for others to save them. Piper in particular barely has a cameo. But Phoebe's punishment is well deserved : she's had it coming for a long time now, and I guess her lack of empathic powers and foresight will come as a relief for the scriptwriters.
Other nice things are the returns of many familiar faces, including the Cleaners and Barbas. The latter is becoming a fixture of the underworld, which is good because he's a cool character. Then the lava pit. Seeing Leo and Chris argue there reminded me of the good old days when it was Leo and Cole. I must say, as a team, they really rock.
Then there is Darryl. I don't know what to think of his plot. I really like the character a lot, especially as he has such bad luck with spells. But his treatment here seems incredibly harsh and too realistic for a light-hearted series. Granted, the trial needed a high stake, but the execution scene freaked me out, so it seems normal that Darryl will not go back to normal as he usually does. As for the sisters, they don't really get to do much except wait for others to save them. Piper in particular barely has a cameo. But Phoebe's punishment is well deserved : she's had it coming for a long time now, and I guess her lack of empathic powers and foresight will come as a relief for the scriptwriters.
Other nice things are the returns of many familiar faces, including the Cleaners and Barbas. The latter is becoming a fixture of the underworld, which is good because he's a cool character. Then the lava pit. Seeing Leo and Chris argue there reminded me of the good old days when it was Leo and Cole. I must say, as a team, they really rock.