REVIEW: ‘Agatha All Along’ Episode 5 — “Darkest Hour, Wake They Power”

Agatha All Along Episode 5 is a pivotal moment for the series. Running at just under 25 minutes, it’s both the shortest episode of the series to date and a critical turning point. While we don’t get to spend much time within the walls of this trial for very long, it’s instrumental to setting up the back half of the series, with a major reveal closing out the final moments. Possessing some truly haunting elements and brutal revelations that shatter current dynamics, “Darkest Hour, Wake They Power” largely delivers.

The biggest issue with Agatha All Along Episode 5 is the pacing. A lot happens. The coven takes flight using practical magic at the start of the episode, leading them to the third trial. Taking the form of a summer camp equipped with ‘80s aesthetics, the crux of the challenge seems, at first, to base itself around using an Ouija board. However, it soon goes beyond simple fun and games. As this is Agatha’s (Kathryn Hahn) trial, she’s first targeted by the spirit of her mother, Evanora, whose cruel intentions reveal themselves.

It’s unsurprising how much motherhood plays a role in Agatha All Along, yet it remains pleasantly so. Alice (Ali Ahn) deals with this head-on in Episode 4, but there’s also a long-lasting mystery surrounding Agatha’s son. This thematic core continues as Agatha must deal with her past trauma, enduring the insults and nastiness that radiate off of Evanora. “You were born evil” is a particularly terrible thing for a mother to tell their child, and that attitude informs the Agatha we know today.

It’s also one of the more interesting lines of the series in how it speaks to the ideas of witches, womanhood, and the queer undertones of the former, namely Rio (Aubrey Plaza) and Agatha’s likely past romance. The idea of being seen as evil simply for being different or not conforming to the wills of society.

Of course, Agatha is undoubtedly ruthless in her search for power — seen clearly in Episode 5. However, her character becomes richer with the introduction of her mother and the realization that some of her behavior was learned through abandonment. It makes sense that, betrayed by the person meant to protect her, she’d seek out power that would never let her be defenseless again.

Seeing that truth makes her turn all the more tragic. Alice, in an act to save Agatha from possession, is killed as Agatha (possibly accidentally) siphons out all of Alice’s power, leaving her a shell. Not even Teen (Joe Locke), who tells Agatha that her son’s spirit is in the room, can help. Written by Laura Monti, the episode does an excellent job of playing with our expectations.

Agatha All Along isn’t meant to be a cozy watch with neatly packaged characters. Yes, it seemed like Agatha cared for Teen in Episode 4, but she likes power more. She might not have intended to kill Alice, but she doesn’t seem too concerned about it due to what it gave her.

All of this leads to a significant confrontation between Teen and Agatha. Teen can’t comprehend Agatha’s actions, refusing to be a witch if it means being okay with killing. But Agatha doesn’t relent, taunting him with the bombshell line, “You’re so much like your mother.” Hahn is tremendous here, utterly captivating as her face morphs into a smug satisfaction. Locke also shines as his face shifts into something colder and more controlled, seemingly wielding magic to control Jen (Sasheer Zamata) and Lilia (Patti LuPone). Through his influence, they throw Agatha into a mud trap before Teen throws them in after her.

Rio is mysteriously absent from the exchange, but it doesn’t lessen the impact. While plenty of viewers have been accurately theorizing Teen’s true identity, it happening in Episode 5 makes it just as effective. Enter Wiccan, the reincarnated son of Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen). The final image of him wearing a piece of headwear that looks much like what Scarlet Witch wore is a way to end a rapid-fire but engaging episode.

But despite the twists and turns and the satisfying reveal, the pacing is hurting the overall quality of the series. This was simply too much to throw into a single episode, especially one so short. Decisions are made that don’t align with what’s been presented — such as Alice conveniently using her powers. The ending is rushed to the point of wondering if we missed a scene, especially as everyone seems to move on from Alice’s death quickly.

Regardless, it’s a fun and immersive episode that begins with genuine creepy visuals in the form of the Salem Seven and ends with a powerful reveal. Agatha All Along Episode 5 paves the way for the back half of the series as we wonder how this new reveal will play into the remaining story and how his inclusion will influence the other characters.

Agatha All Along Episode 5 is out now on Disney+.