Charmed
This article includes discussions of manipulation, gaslighting, and mental abuse.
From 1998 to 2006, the TV show Charmed captured the hearts of numerous fans, including me.
Althoughshows like Charmed exist, few have sucked me in quite like the story of the Halliwell sisters.
The most significant change is my view on a fan-favorite love interest.
That was obviously a turning point for the character.
He at least tried to resist his demonic side on and off before that.
Custom Image by Simone Ashmoore
However,his problematic behavior actually started from his initial introduction.
Cole still tries to kill the sisters and get power for the Source even after falling for her.
If his love for her were actually his motivation, his attempt to be good wouldve started sooner.
Instead, I fully believe he was motivated by selfishness and obsession.
He couldnt possess Phoebe unless he changed.
In addition to being a form of manipulation, this behavior furthers the idea that hes driven by possessiveness.
However, relationships are a two-way street, andColes effect on Phoebe cannot be ignored.
Her dedication to witchcraft helps her learn responsibility and priorities.
She still maintains her rebellious personality, but it doesnt drive all of her decisions.
Additionally,the once-strong-willed and free-spirited character becomes a hollow version of herselfwho submits to a half-demon.
However, the half-demons controlling and abusive behavior becomes overt in season 4.
Cole intentionally gaslights the Halliwell sisters so that Phoebe wont know that he reverted to his demonic ways.
To make matters worse,Cole also violates her consent on multiple instances.
By the end of their romantic relationship, he outright threatens to kill her sisters.
Its theRomeo and Julieteffect, which coincidentally is also a story that people misconstrue as romantic instead of tragic.
It takes away every ounce of goodwill I have towards him.
The fact is, Charmed already have a better star-crossed lovers couple that didnt include abuse Piper and Leo.
They frequently get tested by the Elders, who dont want them together.
The couple goes through periods of being apart and reconciling.
Despite the chaotic back and forth, neither of them ever resorts to abuse.
The bar might be in hell, but Cole couldnt rise above it.
This isnt to say Piper and Leo are the perfect couple.
Their relationship is incredibly realistic for existing in a show about magic.
Pipers inability to show vulnerability can make her seem harsh.
Leo can come across as judgy, and hes a pretty bad father.
Id also love to forget his Avatar character arc because it was wildly out of character for him.
They also consistently have bad communication that drives me up the wall.
However, they are both a better star-crossed lovers pairing and a better romantic paring than Cole and Phoebe.
He does a great job of manipulating his way into the Charmed Ones lives.
I wouldve preferred he stay dead at the end of Charmed season 4.
Still, if they had to bring him back, then I’m happy with how they did it.
These things are abusive.
They are the same kinds of things he was doing all along.
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