The reason I really like this episode is because it is about Richard’s character development. We see his worst fears displayed, which makes him very vulnerable and human, and we also see him break through the perdition spell purely because of his character and his bond with Kahlan. Imo this touches the core of the books. In general about the series, I love how all the characters have a mix of positive characteristics (contributing to the quest) and flaws. It makes them human and provides great character development and story telling.
I think it is very significant that Richard breaks through the spell without any kind of power. As I already posted in another thread (yes I am full of it

) his personal characteristics are what make him qualify to be the seeker, not the other way around. He is not any regular guy, but he is “Richard”, who is deeply in love with an extraordinary woman, who is chosen to be the Seeker and to pursue the quest, and he will always look for the truth and reality behind things from his (sometimes completely different/unexpected) perspective and act according his own instincts … neglecting traditions, conventions and prophecies. It also makes him kind of a rebel and I dig it. This attitude is what makes Richard “Richard”, and it is why he qualifies to be the seeker, and not the other way around (he doesn’t have these qualities because he is the seeker, but because he is Richard). So I am not surprised he is the first person in 3000 years to break out of the perdition spell.
Also, I am no too worried about him not having his powers back yet. I am sure that at some point in the future he will get them back. But I believe it serves much better story telling for him not to have his powers or not being able to use them because of circumstances … . I won’t go into detail, but in the books TG makes a big effort to make sure that Richard’s ability to use his powers is limited (by all kind of means). If not, the story would be reduced to “Hi, I am the greatest wizard ever, I can beat everybody. Nice to meet you. The end.” (I know I am exaggerating, but I am doing it to make a point.)