Yes, the opening credits made me squeal in joy... although in retrospect they also spoiled the surprise effect of seeing Cole again. It's good that the show recognizes the importance of Cole both to the viewers and to Phoebe. And by the way, I cannot but laugh at the fact that, ever true to himself, Cole STILL hasn't let go... and still loves Phoebe with all his soul. But there are a few jarring notes. First of all, it seems shocking to find him so smug and confident, as if he had never 1) committed crimes that left him racked with guilt 2) lost the love of his life AND death, and 3) gone completely mad with despair over 1) and 2). My second grievance is the plot itself. I can accept that Cole has sent Drake to help Phoebe, even though I think that as usual his "solution" is bound to backfire. But his explanation for helping Piper is really far-fetched, and it feels like he was inserted into the plot at the last minute, since everything he does could be done by someone else. But I am very, very glad that the show says its final farewell to him with Piper calling him "a good friend" -forgiving him, finally.
Okay, I have spent an awful lot of time on Cole... as usual... so I'll now be brief about the rest. I like the running joke of Piper being dead : "oh, not AGAIN!". Moreover, the test Leo has to undergo is a clever way of helping him "find his way" : even though Odin subtly cheats, you can easily see why Leo could unknowingly choose his vocation over his marriage. Still, it's nice to see him act as an individual, not as a Whitelighter or Piper's lover. Finally, his (amusnigly literal !) fall from grace is nicely done. The bridge has become the symbol of "Up there" over the years (and it's a much better setting than the fake heavens, if you want my opinion) so it's quite fitting that leaving it should be the symbol of Leo's "resignation".
Just for a final note, I am a bit disappointed that Phoebe accepts to lose Drake that easily. I will really miss that over-dramatic, hilarious and really kind demon, even though it was obvious that a huge guest-star such as Billy Zane couldn't stay long on the show.
Okay, I have spent an awful lot of time on Cole... as usual... so I'll now be brief about the rest. I like the running joke of Piper being dead : "oh, not AGAIN!". Moreover, the test Leo has to undergo is a clever way of helping him "find his way" : even though Odin subtly cheats, you can easily see why Leo could unknowingly choose his vocation over his marriage. Still, it's nice to see him act as an individual, not as a Whitelighter or Piper's lover. Finally, his (amusnigly literal !) fall from grace is nicely done. The bridge has become the symbol of "Up there" over the years (and it's a much better setting than the fake heavens, if you want my opinion) so it's quite fitting that leaving it should be the symbol of Leo's "resignation".
Just for a final note, I am a bit disappointed that Phoebe accepts to lose Drake that easily. I will really miss that over-dramatic, hilarious and really kind demon, even though it was obvious that a huge guest-star such as Billy Zane couldn't stay long on the show.
