All Halliwells Eve

It transpires that the date is 1670, the place is Virginina, and the Halliwells have been summoned by a local coven. One of their number, Eva, explains that they need their help to protect an unborn child who the locals believe to be some sort of "Rosemary's Baby". After changing into 17th Century garb, they're on the job but soon find that their powers don't work in the past. They are unable to prevent Eva being wounded and have to beat a hasty retreat.

Meanwhile Charlotte, the mother-to-be is being held against her will by a female baddy and we're surprised to find that Cole has has time-travelled as well. The Halliwells must return to the present by midnight or else be stuck in the past. Cole is determined to make sure they don't make it.

Meanwhile a resentful Eva is being patched up and the sisters get a crash course in traditional witchcraft. They don masks and go to the village party. Phoebe is invited to play a divination game in which a slice of apple peel will spell the first letter of her true love. The masked Cole takes great interest in the procedure and is visibly affected when the peel curves itself int a "C". A shocked Phoebe drops her mask. The sisters are identified as the witches who got away earlier and are taken off to be hanged.

Once again the mysterious stranger saves them by tying some sort of dodgy french knot that only makes it look like they've been hanged and then going back later to cut them down. Their saviour identifies himself as Mica and he and Prue share a passionate kiss. Mica's chicanery is later discovered and he is killed. By Cole! The sisters find Charlotte who appears to be already in the early stages of labour and take her to the witch's altar where they cast a protection circle. It takes effect just in time as witch hunters close in on them. Charlotte gives birth to a girl.

Cole watches all this with interest but takes no action. Meanwhile a pointy-hatted Phoebe flies on a broomstick spreading fear and confusion among their pursuers who take to their heels. Thwarted, Cole opens his own portal and leaves 17th Century Virginia behind. Back at the coven Charlotte decides to call her daughter Melinda and the Halliwells realise they have just saved their own ancestor, Melinda Warren. Then they are sucked back to the present.

Meanwhile back at the manor Leo has been cooking up some anti-Grimlock soup and the Grimlocks have ambushed and blinded Darryl. Leo soups one Grimlock and Prue gets the other. Leo heals Darryl's eyes and Darryl goes off for a good lie-down, it's been quite a day. The Charmed Ones now know that the Triad is out to destroy them and has sent a powerful demon to do the job.

The Hallowe'en Party at P³ is in full swing. Prue meets a Mica look-a-like, Mitch. A distracted Cole arrives dressed as an angel, but denies that he is one. Phoebe tells him that she too, is no angel. Blimey!

There is a strong link between the apple and witchcraft which is reflected in the Hallowe'en custom of ducking for apples. The apple is widely used in divination, especially in affairs of love (as we see in this episode) and is also an ingredient in certain spells.

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Was it just me or...