It all starts off well enough with a silly gross-out cold open, but 'Tricks and Treats' is bittersweet to its core. This Halloween is no fun for the Weir family, with Lindsay going all-in with her rebellious side, souring Sam's evening in the process. Even Mom's fun goes down the drain.
It's got its fair share of humor (Bill, primarily, in the worst Bionic Woman costume) and that mix helps balance things out. It's heartbreaking to see Sam lash out at his sister ("Nobody thinks you're cool, you know!" . . . "Trust me, I know") but then, the payoff is a tonic all its own.
The mix is what counts; it's a funny, painful and satisfying witch's brew.
9/10