This episode should be considered as the second half of a two-parter. Even though Cole's cover is blown, we discover what hold Raynor has on him --a surprisingly human one at that. Then Raynor sets him a series of assignments, supposedly to test his loyalty, actually to force him to get back in touch with his inner demon --in the hope that sooner or later, his repressed evil nature will get the better of him. While the amulets end up becoming a mere pretext, this plot is well-paced and introduces nice side characters (I just love Rachel Lutrell).
Beyond that, Piper finally acquires a second power, and boy does it shake things up. The link with her first power sounds a bit far-fetched, but it makes for delightful scenes and rather unpredictable results. Maybe it also illustrates how much Piper has changed from the timid, evasive girl of season 1 --even though she will always yearn for a normal life with an almost admirable single-mindedness.
But I am less happy with the ending, which seems to go for drama at the cost of consistency. First of all, we never really know why Cole suddenly snaps and kills the witch. For now, it seems as though Raynor's hold on his father's soul finally pushed him too far. Later on, it will be revealed that he was under a spell... a moment that is never shown on screen. Then I am of two minds concerning Phoebe's decision to destroy the de-powering potion. It does seem fitting to take away Cole's only hope of becoming human, since he has apparently embraced evil again; but considering Belthazor's background, is it really wise to let him keep his powers and possibly kill more people? Finally, there is the sad fact that this scene sums up Cole's fate over the next year(s): despite the Charmed Ones' mistrust and his own conflicting instincts, the guy fights tooth and nail to be good, all for the sake of Phoebe's love -- only to have her suddenly turn against him and condemn him without giving him a chance to explain. When you think that two episodes ago Piper and her were blithely turning people into pigs and smashing Leo to pieces, this really smacks of double standards.
Beyond that, Piper finally acquires a second power, and boy does it shake things up. The link with her first power sounds a bit far-fetched, but it makes for delightful scenes and rather unpredictable results. Maybe it also illustrates how much Piper has changed from the timid, evasive girl of season 1 --even though she will always yearn for a normal life with an almost admirable single-mindedness.
But I am less happy with the ending, which seems to go for drama at the cost of consistency. First of all, we never really know why Cole suddenly snaps and kills the witch. For now, it seems as though Raynor's hold on his father's soul finally pushed him too far. Later on, it will be revealed that he was under a spell... a moment that is never shown on screen. Then I am of two minds concerning Phoebe's decision to destroy the de-powering potion. It does seem fitting to take away Cole's only hope of becoming human, since he has apparently embraced evil again; but considering Belthazor's background, is it really wise to let him keep his powers and possibly kill more people? Finally, there is the sad fact that this scene sums up Cole's fate over the next year(s): despite the Charmed Ones' mistrust and his own conflicting instincts, the guy fights tooth and nail to be good, all for the sake of Phoebe's love -- only to have her suddenly turn against him and condemn him without giving him a chance to explain. When you think that two episodes ago Piper and her were blithely turning people into pigs and smashing Leo to pieces, this really smacks of double standards.