If you thought last week’s episode was filled with trauma for Alice (Ali Ahn) and issues with her mother, get ready — Episode 5 takes these themes to a whole new level!
I knew I was in for an intense and emotionally draining experience the moment a flashback from WandaVision showed Agatha (Kathryn Hahn) facing her mother, Evanora (Kate Forbes), and her coven, who tried to burn her at the stake. Seeing that flashback before the “previously on Agatha All Along” titles appeared on screen? As Chappell Roan said, “Good luck, babe!”
Why Are the Salem Seven After Agatha in ‘Agatha All Along’ Episode 5?
You can run, but you can’t hide from the Salem Seven — not even on the Witches’ Road. They are back and angrier than ever, this time in their animal form, lurking around the dark forest and whispering Agatha’s name in a scary way.
The coven is asleep, which is not cool since it is a slumber party episode. Everyone knows you should not sleep during a sleepover.
Suddenly, Lilia (Patti LuPone) wakes up with a gasp and tells the group that they need to leave. They left the door open after doing a summoning spell, allowing the Salem Seven to enter the Road behind them. Oops!
The group asks Lilia what she sees. Rio (Aubrey Plaza) pushes Lilia to share this information. She loves to stir things up and would make an excellent Real Housewife of the Witches’ Road. Lilia explains that when Agatha killed her coven, she spared the young children.
That was kind of her! Unfortunately, those children have now turned into wild revenge seekers. Not so sweet! Agatha tells them that the lesson is to finish what you started and that mercy is not valued.
As usual, the coven gets into a fight. Jen (Sasheer Zamata) believes Agatha is terrible for killing her coven, but Rio defends her. After all, her own mother tried to have her killed. She feels that some murder is okay given that trauma.
They do not have much time to argue because the Salem Seven quickly surround them. Teen (Joe Locke) suggests that they try to escape using brooms.
However, the group turns their noses up at the idea. They think brooms are too basic and are a symbol of female domesticity, especially since they are often associated with holiday decorations.
But they do not have a choice. They all grab a broom and pass them around ceremonially (because they have to fly together or not at all) while the Salem Seven gets closer, and then they are on their way.
There is a beautiful scene of them flying against the glowing moon and having a great time, laughing and feeling free. Agatha seems to feel a sense of peace but cannot stop glancing at Rio. Teen wants to know why they have not been doing this all along.
They quickly learn the answer as they start falling, the Road pulling them down. They all panic except for Rio, who laughs maniacally. I love her personality! One of the Salem Seven tries to block their path by releasing a swarm of bees from her mouth, but they continue on.
What Is Agatha’s Trial in ‘Agatha All Along’ Episode 5?
The group makes it into a cabin that has a fantastic ‘80s slumber party theme. Another win for the production designers! Jen is still anxious about the entire Halloween aisle being outside, but Agatha tries to stay positive — it seems they cannot get in. Teen panics because he cannot find his spell book, but Agatha tells him it is time to stop relying on it so much.
Rio immediately understands that this is Agatha’s trial because of the blood moon decorations. This is when the barrier between the living and the dead is very thin. Teen wonders if this should be Lilia’s trial instead. That is a great question, Teen.
Lilia explains that she can read time and people, but talking to the dead is just a trick. Rio keeps pushing Agatha, saying she is perfect for this trial because she has put many people in the grave. Remember when Alice said the trials were not subtle in the last episode?
Yes. A Ouija board suddenly falls to the floor. Teen reads the rules: no using it alone, no talking over each other, no taunting the spirits, no asking about death, always end a session with goodbye, and do not take your hand off the board. If you do, a spirit will be freed.
Agatha is not too excited to discover who is waiting for her, though she tries to act calm. They all place their hands on the board, and the spirit of Mrs. Hart (Debra Jo Rupp) begins to communicate with them through Agatha. Just kidding!
But Agatha pretends that Mrs. Hart has taken control of her body in one of the funniest moments ever. Hahn perfectly mimics Rupp’s speech and mannerisms in an exaggerated way. Rio finds it funny at first but quickly calls Agatha out, saying she is just scared.
After that hilarious moment, Hahn switches to a more serious tone and sits back at the board to try to contact a spirit for real. The board indicates that death is coming for Agatha and wants to punish her.
The board starts moving quickly, repeating Agatha’s name and scaring her. She takes her hands off the board, and chaos breaks out. The lights flicker, and screams echo in the room.
Jen believes that the way to pass the trial is to kill Agatha, and soon Lilia and Alice agree. Rio suggests they should just slit her throat, while Teen is the only one against this plan. Unfortunately, familiars do not get a vote! Agatha disappears, and the lights go out completely.
When they come back on, Agatha is crawling on the ceiling, looking dead. She seems possessed. Jen thinks she is pretending, but when horrifying sounds come from her mouth and her body starts contorting unnaturally, she gives up that idea. Agatha terrifies Teen and tries to strangle Jen until Lilia manages to turn the lights back on.
The not-so-friendly ghost of Evanora appears (Rio hates ghosts, especially this one), and Agatha — now back to her normal self — has a conversation with her. Agatha jokes that it was nice having Evanora in her body since she had never felt so close to her before.
Evanora tells the coven they are foolish for joining Agatha after her coven risked everything to kill her. Lilia explains that emotions tie ghosts to this world because they have unfinished business, and Evanora’s has to do with Agatha. Evanora tells them they must finish the Witches’ Road — without Agatha.
Rio jumps to protect Agatha, refusing to give her up to Evanora. Just a moment ago, she was ready to slit Agatha’s throat, but now she cannot let her mother have her. Agatha asks Evanora why she still hates her, and Evanora claims Agatha was evil the moment she was born.
She should have killed Agatha when she left her body. Hearing this makes the coven feel some sympathy, but it is not enough to save her. Agatha begs them not to leave without her, pleading that she can be good, creating a heartbreaking parallel to that flashback!
Who Dies in ‘Agatha All Along’ Episode 5?
Alice saves Agatha by blasting her with magic and forcing Evanora out. Agatha starts to absorb Alice’s power, as she has always done, but Teen notices that the Ouija board is spelling out the name Nicholas Scratch. A boy’s voice tells Agatha to stop, and she does — but not before Alice’s life fades away.
A staircase descends as the final alarm of the trial sounds, but no one is eager to leave this time. Teen panics over Alice’s lifeless body, begging someone to help her, but they all gently inform him that it is too late. Teen is furious with Agatha, claiming Alice was trying to protect her, even though she did not deserve it.
Agatha, filled with shame, walks away. But when she realizes she now has Alice’s powers, a glimmer of excitement appears on her face. Her moment alone to reflect is interrupted when Teen storms out behind her, angrily confronting her.
Agatha tells him she could not control it, but Teen accuses her of lying. He believes this is all about power for her, right? Jen agrees angrily, stating that this is all about power for any of them. Lilia adds that death comes for everyone.
Who Is Teen in ‘Agatha All Along’ Episode 5?
Teen asserts that being a witch should not involve killing people for a purpose — not for him. This is when the story takes a significant turn, hinting that the dynamics of this coven might change forever.
Agatha laughs in his face, and they share a chilling stare. “Are you sure?” she whispers, touching his chin. “You’re so much like your mother,” she says with a wicked grin, inviting him to follow her.
Teen becomes angry, and blue magic starts crackling in his hands. He commands Lilia and Jen, whose eyes now flash blue, to push Agatha off the Road into the goo that devoured Sharon’s purse while she struggles and protests. She begs for help as she sinks, but they ignore her.
Moments later, they become part of the mud stew too, thanks to Teen. A crown appears on Teen’s head, Billie Eilish’s music plays, and I feel chills. Wiccan, aka Billy Maximoff, has arrived!
How Does ‘Agatha All Along’ Episode 5 Stack Up?
Placing Agatha’s trial in the middle of the season feels like a daring choice, similar to when Succession killed Logan Roy early in its final season. That decision ultimately paid off, and I have a good feeling it will in this case too. As someone who has long wanted more background on Agatha, this episode was a satisfying treat.
I am glad they did not shy away from how messed up Evanora’s story is and showed Rio as the soft and protective one. This makes me even more excited to see the Salem scenes teased in the trailers.
I am sad to see Alice go. She brought some heart to the story, but I feel she never really connected with the other characters or got enough chances to shine, even after her trial in the previous episode.
I’ve mentioned it before, and I’ll say it again — the short episode runtimes are not helping things. Episode 5 was the shortest we’ve had so far, and it shows. Alice deserved a more fitting farewell than what she received.
Hahn continues to impress each week, showcasing a wide range of emotions required for her character — not to mention the speed at which the show demands her to switch between them. It is a masterclass that feels consistent yet surprising every single week.
Additionally, seeing another side of Locke in this episode’s final moments truly excites me. I can’t wait to see him show this new direction. As entertaining as it has been to see Teen as a loyal fanboy, I suspect that witnessing him confront Agatha will be even more thrilling.
Themes of Trauma and Redemption
Episode 5 goes deep into the themes of trauma and redemption. Agatha’s struggle against her mother’s ghost symbolizes a battle against her past and the pain that comes with it.
She is caught between the desire to be accepted and the darkness that her mother represents. This conflict becomes a central point in the episode, showcasing how trauma can shape an individual’s identity and choices.
Alice’s sacrifice is another poignant moment that highlights the idea of redemption. By giving her life to save Agatha, Alice demonstrates that even in the darkest circumstances, there is a possibility for selflessness and love.
This act not only changes Agatha’s character arc but also redefines the dynamics within the coven. The emotional weight of Alice’s loss is felt deeply by the characters and the audience, making her departure a significant turning point in the story.
Character Development and Relationships
The relationships between the characters are shown in greater depth in this episode. Agatha’s bond with her coven becomes more complex, particularly her connection with Rio.
Their friendship is tested as they see their loyalties and moral dilemmas. Rio’s fierce protectiveness of Agatha adds layers to her character, showcasing the internal struggle between loyalty and the need for justice.
Teen’s transformation into a more powerful figure also shifts the group’s dynamics. His journey from being a supportive friend to a potential antagonist creates tension and excitement for future episodes. The way he confronts Agatha signifies a breaking point, not only for their relationship but for his character’s evolution as well.
The emotional stakes are raised even higher as the characters grapple with their actions and the consequences that follow. The episode does an excellent job of highlighting how trauma can manifest in various ways and how characters cope with their pain.
Visual and Auditory Elements
The visual and auditory elements of Episode 5 play a crucial role in enhancing the full atmosphere. The dark forest and eerie settings create a foreboding backdrop, emphasizing the themes of fear and uncertainty. The use of color, especially the blood moon, adds to the tension, representing the thin veil between life and death.
Additionally, the soundtrack complements the emotional weight of the episode. Billie Eilish’s music adds a haunting quality to Teen’s transformation, reinforcing the idea that change can come with both power and peril. The blend of visuals and sound elevates the storytelling, immersing the audience in the characters’ experiences.
Conclusion: A Turning Point in the Series
Episode 5 of Agatha All Along is undoubtedly a turning point in the series. It not only shows deep themes of trauma, redemption, and character dynamics but also sets the stage for exciting developments in future episodes. The episode masterfully blends humor, horror, and emotional depth, showcasing the talents of its cast and crew.
As the coven see their new reality, fans can expect intense confrontations, surprising alliances, and continued scheme of Agatha’s character. The impact of Alice’s sacrifice will resonate throughout the season, prompting characters to reevaluate their choices and relationships.
With new episodes dropping every Wednesday at 9 PM ET on Disney+, viewers are left eagerly anticipating what will happen next. The emotional rollercoaster of Episode 5 ensures that the journey ahead will be just as thrilling, and I can’t wait to see how these characters continue to grow and change.
