Charmed | Anatomy of an Episode | Charmed & Dangerous

[@christiancampbell895]

Debbi Morgan as the Seer was everything ❤️

[@BetterWithBob]

She COMMITTED to it lol. One of my friends refers to her as 'Black Acting Royalty'

[@lukegvideos]

For me, Charmed & Dangerous is one of the best episodes of the series. Great suspense, solid action, and it still manages to set up multiple arcs for the rest of the season. It's Charmed at its peak.

[@BetterWithBob]

Agreed!

[@rtozier2011]

@@BetterWithBob In many ways I feel that this episode serves as the natural conclusion to the first era of Charmed. They've inherited a dangerous destiny, they've grappled with it emotionally, their powers have advanced, they've confronted the top evil, one of them has lost her life, and by rebuilding their lives and welcoming the one family member they never knew was missing, they defeat the top evil, with the help of someone who went on his own journey and became part of the family along the way. Without the last shot of this episode, it's possible to end the show here, or at least declare it End of Part One, like the 5th season finale of a later supernatural show (it's also possible to declare this with all but the last 5 seconds of Womb Raider). What follows from here is what might be called the Tragedy of Cole and How It Messed With the Sisters, which kind of lasts until Chris, arguably until 6x14 or at least 6x10. Then the third and final part is about the building of a family legacy.

[@lukegvideos]

@@rtozier2011 It definitely does. Stopping the Source was such a big part of their identities, slowing building up and then going into overdrive after Prue's death. The Angel of Destiny even confirms it's the end of an era by telling them they've fulfilled their destiny in Season 4's last episode. In my opinion, once the Source was gone by the season's end, it created a villain void that the writers struggled to fill. Cole steps into that role as a tragic figure like you said, but it's not for long. I did like the introduction of Chris and how the show explored the complicated family dynamics there, but with a few exceptions, I never felt Piper, Phoebe, and Paige ever had the shadow of a Big Bad hanging over them again like they had with the Source. He haunted them for years (minus Paige). He killed their sister. And when they thought he was dead, he took over another sister's husband, poisoned their marriage, and impregnated Phoebe with literal evil. Such a dark storyline. The show did introduce other Big Bads, but with a few exceptions, they weren't very threatening for me at least, and what they brought to the table in terms of long-term consequences felt nearly non-existent.

[@zerothehero4381]

Hey love the channel! Just wondering if you have done the episode when piper and phoebe compare Paige to prue the whole episode… don’t know the name I just remember that Paige couldn’t do something prue could in the beginning but by the end she could… thanks 😊

[@D0ubledoublechexchex]

when the seer says "into the void" i thought that was one of the most clever winks in a line to the audience ive ever seen.

[@BetterWithBob]

Yes absolutely. I can remember when I first saw it and I went "wait what?"

[@ClairesUniverse]

It's a shame that they had to ruin Cole after this episode. I think even having Cole die in this episode as a hero would have been a better ending for him. His storyline moving forward really produced some of the shows worst episodes. He was so important to Phoebe's development and the writers stunted her growth as well with where they took his character.

[@phillipleecurtis7204]

Love that you cover Phoebe's moments here, she was constantly underestimated, often by her own sisters (even as far in as Season 6) and yet it was often her power or her creative thinking that saved the day. She was also the only sister to stand toe to toe with The Source (not counting times when he was disguised), and even though seasons 5 and 6 made her a bit of a mess, I always felt that actually makes a lot of sense. Seasons 3 and 4 were huge and devastating for Phoebe, she falls in love, he turns out to be evil, she betrays her sisters, then Prue dies, she finds a new sister while propping up Piper, then her boyfriend becomes possessed, he marries and impregnates her with evil, she becomes queen of the underworld, then has to chose between her sisters and her husband, kills her husband, has her baby stolen, then technically kills the baby, before hubby comes back for one last round of emotional pingpong. It's never acknowledged but she had the most trauma of all of the characters and handled it the way many of us do, by repressing it and running away. It makes sense that she'd be a mess in 5 & 6, making terrible decisions, becoming selfish, obsessed with finding love (because Phoebe would have some hectic abandonment issues). To top it off, a moment in Hell Hath No Fury that is often skated over is that Phoebe thinks Piper blames her for Prue's death, and while we find out Piper was really mad at Prue, there's no acknowledgement of it afterwards. Even if Phoebe is projecting, it still shows that the thought has crossed her mind, would Prue be alive if she hadn't gone to the underworld? What is also often skated over is that Phoebe sacrificed herself to save Piper while she was down there. For these reasons and more I always thought Phoebe's characterisation was the most realistic, we're not always likable all the time, and in many cases our traumas can inform out behaviour. As time goes on Phoebe does return to herself, and it's not shoved down our throats, it happens over time as she painfully learns lessons over and over. Side-note: Phoebe's bad luck ends around season 8, 7 years after she broke the mirror to vanquish Kali. Obviously not planned, but it's fun to think about. Anyway, enjoy my rant!

[@BetterWithBob]

I saw someone else point out that Phoebe's fussing over Wyatt when he was first born, even wanting to take time off to be at home with him, could be a residual effect of the fact that she was pregnant for a while and lost her baby. In hindsight, Phoebe being a doting aunt and wanting to make her vision of a future child come true is all the more heartbreaking.

[@TCt83067695]

That's a refreshing perspective. Makes me reconsider if I've been too harsh in my criticisms of her in later years. Also sorry, what episode did she break a mirror in S8?

[@phillipleecurtis7204]

Yes I saw that too! I think much of it is incidental but actually really lines up with the psychology of trauma. Phoebe also never had her parents or any memory of them, so the whole series she yearns for connection, even when it's unhealthy, and she dives in head first every time. To then have your first love turn out to be several forms of evil would only add to all that. So I've always thought the narrative from not just the demons, but the audience, that Phoebe was the weakest was unfair and incorrect, I think she's the strongest because she had to be, she had to fight the same evils as her sisters, deal with the same losses and then some, with no defensive powers, at some points with no powers at all, while also having the strongest lean towards evil. Iconic!

[@phillipleecurtis7204]

@TCt83067695 she breaks the mirror in season 1 episode 7 (the fourth sister) and 7 years later (S8 Ep7 The Lost Picture Show) she finally stops trying to force finding love and kids (when the woman at the sperm bank gives her some home truths). From then on her search becomes less forced, she is able to move out of the manor and be open to love again, leading her to Coop and her future kids. It's totally not planned, but it's a fun coincidence

[@TCt83067695]

@@phillipleecurtis7204 it's so weird I feel I must have memory holed that part of the The Lost Picture Show. I was just really excited that Sam was back and Brian did such a great job with Piper's mannerisms. So I feel like I remember the episode intimately but I can't even remember Phoebe's storyline in that episode. Which just goes to show how much I didn't care for her character arc in that entire season. (Hulkus Pocus - 8x09 was the only one where I liked her in the entire season) I need to start reassessing her character in light of the points you made here so thanks.

[@mrbear1302]

I always thought the Source saying that Phoebe's power was always the weakest was strange, when he had an Oracle and Seer himself?

[@monica012077]

He underestimated her clairvoyance because it was used to save innocents. While the Seer could run multiple scenarios with her powers, and the Oracle wasn't too bad at it. Definitely more powerful and for personal gain. He wouldn't be able to do that with Phoebe's power and he probably doesn't need to levitate. Which is bad on him because Phoebe's premonitions would have saved him. He would have realized the Seer double crossed him, killed her and took the Hollow from Cole. Then killed him, the sisters and then watch the Hollow absorb all things. 😂

[@BetterWithBob]

He probably meant least offensive, since Piper and Paige could do more obvious damage in fights. He might have thought 'I have a Seer, what do I need premonitions for?'

[@mykoniichistorychannel]

Holly Marie Combs made this season, just like Shannen’s acting and directing made season 3. This episode was giving All Hell Breaks Loose vibes.

[@BetterWithBob]

Very true

[@COSMICCFREQUENCY144]

Prue was the strongest but Phoebe was the bravest. She was the one who discovered the book and the only one who actually embraced being a witch, like you said. She was the first one to march at a demon, even with a less active power. Also the seer being the puppet master is one the strongest plot twist on this show!!!!

[@BetterWithBob]

It's interesting that the bravest sister is given the least offensive power. Almost as though the Charmed powers are compensating for the sisters' flaws and balancing out their strengths - if Phoebe had telekinesis she'd probably be far too reckless in going after demons at first and if Prue had premonitions she'd probably try to just avoid whatever was happening at first.

[@COSMICCFREQUENCY144]

Yes yes yes for this, I agree that the powers suit and fit the characters personality. Piper was a little frantic throughout the earlier seasons, and the freezing power played into her role, before becoming the bad ass snarky lead sister. Then we need to remember Phoebe and Paige are the only ones with a evil past life, but Phoebe was born under the nexus like Wyatt making her more prone to shifting to both evil or good. Maybe another reason she didn’t have as many advance powers is because of the elders awareness of her personality as person with a desire to get justice, sometimes at any cost, too many active powers would have made Phoebe a super witch. She knew the book before all her sisters, was the only one accepting of the gifts for the first season, wrote the first spell. Good point and another good video.

[@kristinesharp6286]

I loved that Holly was able to be on the show and they accommodated her real life pregnancies.

[@BetterWithBob]

I only recently found out that she suffered at least one miscarriage on set as well. She didn't say during which season though.

[@kristinesharp6286]

@@BetterWithBob So sad. Alyssa claimed she needed to have abortions to further her career. Just glad from Holly that the industry works around it. People should be able to have kids whenever they want.

[@DTT240991]

The Cole/Source twist could’ve worked brilliantly, if the sisters ended up recognising that Cole himself was ultimately being manipulated. Then for him to be redeemed rather than vilified in Season 5. The way they went in season five ultimately damaged Phoebe’s character, and ruined Coles legacy. But the actual run of episodes in the back end of season four were some of the shows best and Julian McMahon was fantastic in those episodes. However, the storyline became tainted by what followed.

[@BetterWithBob]

I may have made a video on that lol kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6S3c4yvr6t7fLs

[@gg454lune]

I agree. But season 4 is my favorite and I don't give much thought to season 5 so I manage not to rage.

[@whats_left1789]

As someone who watched the series since the first episode, I also find it bittersweet that this was the start of Cole turning to evil ultimately. I liked Phoebe and Cole's dynamic over Piper and Leo's though there was drama in both. I liked your connection to Phoebe being the glue for the sisters and didn't remember she was the one to read the incantation with the Seer(who truly is a great villain). Great video!

[@BetterWithBob]

I only noticed her reading with the Seer on my most recent rewatch and I was like 'aha' lol. Thank you for watching :)

[@LovedayJourno]

When they're talking about the Hollow, Phoebe asks "if Good and Evil are seeing eye to eye on this (keeping it contained) who let it out?" I like this detail and the fact that (I think) it was the first time in the show's run where Good and Evil did see eye to eye on keeping something more powerful than them contained, which was another way of showing how bad and hopeless the whole situation was becoming, as the episode progressed.

[@BetterWithBob]

And even though some beings are still on the side of Evil, they still have standards and some morals, kind of like how Evil would still like to preserve The Masquerade.

[@LovedayJourno]

@@BetterWithBob Exactly, I was just thinking the exposure risk was another example I could think of where both sides agree on something.

[@fitzytail896]

I really appreciate they let Paige use the Vanishing Spell as it's the first spell she used to help her friend and the supposed last one she does if she doesn't make it out (but we all know she does). Also I like how the Source of all evil keeps underestimating Phoebe and her powers despite it being the reason most of his "Major" plans have gone awry (like Tempus in season 1, Season 2 with the Geinie and you could credit her for "finding" Paige too) and that Levitation Kick was so Peak Phoebe and sadly her Character and Hair started going downhill (although I do like her hair from season 7 onwards and they did try to make her Character a tiny better in some selected episodes but it wasn't enough to revive the real Phoebe). I do have this Baseless theory that whenever Phoebe "died"( like 9x) a part of her self dies with it. Just me.

[@BetterWithBob]

Ah a very good point about the vanishing spell being one of the first that Paige uses, and therefore the last one she'll use just in case she dies.

[@TCt83067695]

No one: Me: JUSTICE FOR S5 HAIR PHOEBE!!! 😤 Some (emphasis on some) of all 4 sisters' best looks came when they had like partial bangs thing going in Piper and Prue - S2 Phoebe - S5 Paige - S8 (esp that Zodiac episode)

[@billcorn2]

I love the amount of times Phoebes hair was mentioned 😂😂

[@BetterWithBob]

It's a bone I've had to pick ever since my first watch lol

[@GrecianWarlock]

Morgan deserved a full season villain arch. Also could've been a great way to progress Phoebe's vision powers

[@BetterWithBob]

I'm in two minds. She did run her course but it could have been interesting to see her return

[@TCt83067695]

But she did. For Cole's ultimate vanquish. His 100th birthday...allegedly...

[@raspyswirly]

Truly! I don't know if it's just me getting older but the subsequent episodes where she helps get Phoebe become fertile and pregnant to basically steal her baby gives me the jeebies (the Phoebe-jeebies?).

[@utkarshgaur1942]

That moment you mentioned when everything starts to get hopeless (Leo attacked and Paige's powers stolen) is also when the episode cleverly transitions to night time. If you are watching without ad breaks, the shift might be a bit jarring, but overall it really works to go from "oh, I guess this week's demon is here" to "dear god, we are all going to die!".

[@BetterWithBob]

Ooh good spot. I did first watch this one on TV with the breaks so that must have added to it

[@lonerEmpath]

One of the best episodes and kinda of a farewell to prue character completely.

[@andreasa8486]

Holly Marie Combs is THE MOST UNDERRATED actor! Where is her Emmy? Her Golden Globe?

[@kotravels2702]

Charmed and Dangerous is one of the best episodes. I remember seeing the sneak peek of this episode and I just couldn’t wait to watch it. It was like watching a movie. 😊 It’s not like of those filler episodes.

[@chrise.6667]

I can say millions of words about what this show means to me and how much I adore it and I'll probably cry at the end of my speech from appreciation for this lovely creation of a tv series but I will just say - I will always and forever love Charmed ❤️❤️❤️

[@koreyr494]

I think that the “evil” baby The Seer was in her visions was Wyatt. The future changed with every move they make; so that means at that point in the series Wyatt would technically be evil in the future. I think The Seer read her visions wrong and tried to create her own baby through Phoebe and Cole and it backfired. Their is a point where she tells Cole “he wont be your baby he will be theirs, the most powerful baby the magical world has ever seen”. Technically that baby is Wyatt. I think the seer got ahead of herself and got herself vanquished in the end.

[@BetterWithBob]

That's actually really interesting. And how appropriate that Piper discovers she's pregnant right after the Seer is vanquished.

[@koreyr494]

@@BetterWithBob Yep! Everything The Seer said about Phoebe and Coles baby was correct according to Chris when he came back from the future. Wyatt grew up to terrorize people with his powers and become the future of all evil and become the most powerful being to ever walk the earth. I think the Seer definately read her visions wrong and caused her own demise. I think she saw A baby in the future but assumed it was Phoebes but it was really Pipers. But thankfully our girls changed the future and turned Wyatt good . ❤

[@Mr4everzay]

I always liked the idea of Wyatt being evil coming from piper eating the chocolate the seer made for phoebe and them not knowing it was poison come to think of it they never discussed it since it happened.

[@TheGabygael]

as a kid i loe paige because she was "yOunG and pRetTy" but now i'm rewatching the show after a few years of letting it brewing in the back of my mind for a few years and havinng evolved in the way i consume stories, i love paige because she acts in stressful and new situations the same way i do : she tries to rationalize what is happening because it's easier to confront data than situations and getting swept up by one's own feeling can prove itself fatal in such situations, and she tries to think outside the box trying to put her own spin on witchcraft and is curious to see how it fits within herself and how she fits in this new world

[@BetterWithBob]

Ooh that's a really interesting insight. And that probably comes from her experience as an assistant social worker.

[@TheGabygael]

@@BetterWithBob as well as having lost her parents as such a young age (and being an only child) the way she talked to Piper in hell has no fury reminded me a lot of Tara in Buffy 's season 5 episode "the Body" And it's a nice nod to her artistic personality, she like to play the game of life from her own perspective because she knows it's hers to live and doesn't bother with what is usually done unless it helps her learn more I'm kinda craving of a version of the show where Piper is a goody two shoes catholic mom (going on her fear of being evil in the second episode of season 1) Prue is reckless and full of pride, like they were aiming for in season 3, Phoebe is tomboyish and good with handiwork like it's mentioned in the first episode and Paige is a nerd trying to learn everything she can on everything (that would have made a great transition to her running the magic school and we could've had a lot of lore thrown in a bit more naturally, maybe making her a teacher of some branch of anthropology that focuses on religious and spiritual practices, she would have had the intellectual baggage and inclination to learn and a good excuse for her to learn about magical practices outside of the San Francisco area) I think I'm on the verge of writing a fanfiction I guess x)

[@TCt83067695]

I will read it!

[@bookardtdb]

Prudence Penelope Patricia Melinda Alice Helena Lura and Grace, Halliwell witches stand strong beside us, vanquish this evil from time and space

[@BetterWithBob]

Boom! Source killed! Or is he?

[@Saraht4]

Make more CHARMED videos please! I am re-watching right now, on season 4 right now. I love this show

[@MikelAlps]

Thank you for analysing all these great episodes of Charmed. I love to hear you talking about this series. Maybe you will make a video about season 5 The eyes have it.

[@BetterWithBob]

I love that one 😊

[@angelaholmes8888]

This episode is really great debbie Morgan was brilliant as the seer season 4 was one of the best seasons in the series

[@KalokerinesDiakopes1]

Charmed & Dangerous would have been an amazing season finale episode!

[@BetterWithBob]

On my first watch I assumed it was the finale and was surprised when Season 4 had a whole other half following it

[@KalokerinesDiakopes1]

@@BetterWithBob me too!

[@WanderingSorceress]

I remember feeling dread when Cole became the new Source. I liked his & Pheobe's relationship, & hoped that things would work out in the end, but also had a feeling that things might not go well... Honestly, for some reason, Spin City was my favorite episode for a while. I know a lot of people are divided on Chris, but I thought that this was one of the episodes where we got to see the real him.

[@BetterWithBob]

and the Spider Demon was a fun villain :)

[@WanderingSorceress]

@@BetterWithBob Oh absolutely. I liked how she was designed, & she was fairly witty.

[@michaelram4276]

I remember something that Piper ate from the chocolate made by the seer which was given by Cole as a gift to Phoebe so that she can conceive the source of all evil. And then the baby was vanquished and then piper get pregnant afterwards, well in the alternate future the baby of piper first born was/will be a girl but here it is a boy also Grams wondered since they are all female blood lines.... I think Wyatt was the reincarnation/cleansed spirit and soul of the source that was reborn to Phoebe's womb. 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@natyc19]

I loved this episode. It showed their bond and how they can't be prepared for everything

[@BetterWithBob]

Oh good point

[@Squrtile101]

Phoebe’s kick was my favorite moment of the episode.

[@BetterWithBob]

So cool

[@Silverrsprings]

You have to do the one when Paige became suspicious of Cole. I think that's the Vampire one.

[@BetterWithBob]

Yeah it was a slow climb for her. She started getting suspicious in The Fifth Halliwheel but Bite Me confirmed it for her

[@skurinski]

@@BetterWithBob Fifth Halliwheel was hard to watch as Piper and Phoebe abandon Paige

[@Saraht4]

I really loved Marry Go Round and The Fifth Halliwell! The way Cole tortured Paige psychologically was sooooo good and interesting to watch.

[@Horizon99100]

This was actually the first episode of Charmed I ever saw. In hindsight maybe not the best episode to start off on as at least the Source storyline was spoiled for me when I eventually watched all of Charmed in order. On the other hand it is such a great episode and had me completely hooked and wanting for more! I completely agree with you on this cast of characters being my favourite. Piper, Phoebe and Paige (after Paige has integrated into the sisterhood), Leo and Cole being a bit of a bad boy, but still ultimately good. Also wanted to say I love your charmed videos, have been binging them a bit since I discovered your channel. I love the way you deconstruct the episodes, highlighting both the strong and weaker points. You manage to acknowledge the flaws without losing sight of the fact that this is a series you love. I've at times struggled with feeling like I need to defend my love of the series when talking about it with other people, being aware of the weaker parts, which then sometimes lead to me feeling like my love for Charmed was somehow unwarranted? But you manage to balance criticism and love so beautifully.

[@BetterWithBob]

Thank you so much :) I might have to call you Dirty Harry cos you just made my day

[@Horizon99100]

@@BetterWithBob I was not familiar with that reference, but looked it up. Learned something new today :) Thanks!

[@xarenanotmyrealname4134]

I never understood why they treated Cole so horribly after the source thing I mean did they really think he chose to be the source and that he happily and willingly did all those awful things?

[@BetterWithBob]

Brad Kern supposedly saw him as inherently evil and wanted to show that that's what he always would be

[@xarenanotmyrealname4134]

@@BetterWithBob Seriously? 🤨 I'm just going to say it dude that's dumb on his part like if he wanted to make Cole inheritly evil than you know... Maybe make him inherently evil! Not tricked and possessed than driven to madness by being overpowered and treated like shit all the time that would cause anyone to snap.

[@ManuelCastilloVerano]

I totally agree with you about Cole, it's frustraiting. By the way, you have said plenty of time Paige is your favorite sister, and I heared at least once that Phoebe is your second favorite. That leaves Piper down there together with Prue. Are you maybe going to do a video about Charmed & its Piper Problem? I'm here hoping you do.

[@BetterWithBob]

I actually don't think there is much of a Piper problem. Her character development made sense, and while she occasionally frustrated me, it was clear that she was meant to in the narrative

Dude I how phoebe's power was constantly touted as the weakest.. even by the source who's supposed to he smart and forward thinking... she can literally see events before they happen... that's literally knowing exactly when and how to strike so that event roll out in your favor... call me stupid but I don't think having a power to foresee future is a weak power... especially if you're a tactical person...

[@BetterWithBob]

I suppose the Source must have felt that he already had the Seer or the Oracle, so he would otherwise have no use for Phoebe's power

@@BetterWithBob ofcourse...but I meant in general how less offensive powers are treated...but you're probably right in that example 😁

[@MandiaM27]

The comment about Phoebe's hair going downhill after that was spot on. If I could only ask one question to Alyssa it would be "Why did you keep ruining your hair like that??" After Charmed her hair were perfectly fine but for the seasons seasons 4 1/2 to 6. ohhhh noooo

[@monica012077]

I think she fried it from all the dye jobs and ended up having to cut it. I actually like her shorter hair over the other crazier styles.

[@BetterWithBob]

She did say the pixie was just something to celebrate turning 30 but it could have been a combo of both

[@malcolmhillocks595]

came to your channel last night hoping a new charmed video was out just to wake up to a new charmed video keep up the work love the content

[@BetterWithBob]

Why thank you :) I'm a bit delayed cos I got Covid right before Christmas but finally got this one finished

[@rossy9095]

Charmed and dangerous is a great episode and is a great end to the first part of season 4. I think they were able to ramp up the tension really well after spending some time in the early season 4 developing Paige’s character. The only thing that draws me off of it is the set up for the next part… because I still regard that as a mess after all these years 🤣

[@TCt83067695]

10:06 it's the blatant shade for me 😂

[@BetterWithBob]

Shading of the eyes?

[@TCt83067695]

@@BetterWithBob Lol what? No. I meant you were throwing shade at S6 and the fact that the writers of Charmed were not as good as the ones on Buffy. "Throwing shade" is basically making snide comments that can be easily disguised as innocuous because of their factual nature. So shade is basically snide comments with plausible deniability 😊

[@Mr4everzay]

Glad I found this page I love charmed and dangerous and love your review of it

[@gerardomosquedagallardo1844]

Hello Bob! i'm from Mexico and i love yuour videos! the analysis and perspectives that you give in each of the episodes is unique! Hopefully you can do an Anatomy of an Episode os the 4th Season Premiere, "Charmed Again", a pivotal episode in the show's story narrative.

[@BetterWithBob]

I probably will do that one day in the near future ;)

[@goddessofanguish]

I'm in my re-watch of Charmed and have been watching your Anatomy videos as I rewatch the episodes, so I've just watched Charmed and Dangerous (obvs). Everything you said was great but I did want to mention a few things regarding Cole; as I've been rewatching I did notice a few 'foreshadow-y' bits in regards to Cole's return to evil in first half of S4. Obviously as a demon he struggled with his dual sides, and even nearly lost himself in his powers in 'Black as Cole', to the point where he had to be stripped of powers. But even as a human, he did have some of his darker sides come though that proves he's not fully good...yet. In Muse to My Ears, where he enters the underworld as an uncover demon, and ends up killing a former friend, when Leo questions if it feels different to kill as a human, Cole noticably doesn't answer or even seem phased by it. In Paige from the Past the ghost who possess' him says Cole enjoys the thrill of the violence (holding a gun and stealing etc). Then there's Lost and Bound where he shows his short temper as a lawyer in violent ways. All those by themselves would be things he could (and probably would have) be worked on by Cole to his full turn to light, as he was being a supportive partner to Phoebe, and developed relationships with Leo and Piper (the former being a really nice male dynamic we rarely get in Charmed). But what got me was one of the last lines in Lost and Bound (just before this episode) where Phoebe vows to them 'never lose sight of their identities' or something like that. In content she's refering to the ring curse, and how Gram's thought marriage meant losing themselves in their marriage. But upon rewatch its a heart breaking line cos that's what exactly happens in the show; Cole slowly loses himself to the Source, via Seer's evil plan, and Phoebe slowly loses herself with the pregnancy to the Souce, and they loose their relationship forever. Obviously what happens in S5 is poor writing after the fact (haven't got there yet, but will be fun to rediscover) but I think in S4 by itself IS part of a tragedy, where Cole's slow redemption was robbed from him because of an underworld power play, and only Phoebe managed to get out of it and back to herself/her sisters. Whilst Cole ended up lost forever, 'cos he was never given the chance to really show he can be good, cos' everyone only saw him as Belthazar, even after he was stripped of his powers. Sorry this was waaaay too long! I hope you're well and have a good day 🙂

[@PittsburghSportsFan43]

You're really reaching with the "Phoebe is the one who holds them together" thing. She left when Grams died, was the first one to move out of the manor after she and Cole got married, and later in season 8 moves out again, one week after Leo was taken by the Angel of Destiny. She's also always been the easiest to corrupt with evil, turning her against her sisters. That and her constant complaining about having to do her column when one or both of the others are off fighting a demon. She wasn't as bad in the first half of season 4, which is when this episode came around but later, yeah. And as far as the whole Cole thing goes, her finding out he was trying to murder her and her sisters should have been the end of that.

[@ReviewsWithAL_]

My bro absolutely killing the KZbin game! Love to see it!

[@poslednisoud]

They really did Cole dirty. As Belthazor he was as cool as the budget allowed and while I like the sisters more he was certainly the most interesting character. With the struggle against his nature, powerful but not too powerful set o abilities and the charisma to prop it all up. They should have give him mortal ending like they did with Leo or just kill him off in this episode, which would make him just another Andy but that's still better than the hole they dug for him instead.

[@kylewilkins6149]

Phoebe was always the heart of the Charmed Ones. Her premonitions always maintained their compass and focus, her passion for saving innocents and battling evil, and her vulnerability made her both underestimated and lovable. If Cole didn’t completely lose himself to Phoebe, he or the Source would have successfully killed them.

[@filipecardeirasantos]

Awesome review of Charmed & Dangerous! It's one of my favorite episodes! You should also review Brain Drain :)

[@BetterWithBob]

I love that one so definitely :)

[@ryandegracia6689]

I miss them

[@keishie23]

Beautifully done.❤❤❤❤

[@BetterWithBob]

Thank you ^_^

[@MikeJupiter66]

My only issue with this episode is that the Satan-like figure of _Charmed_ shouldn't have been defeated in just one episode. They should have spent at least 2-3 episodes building up this battle.

[@invadertifxiii]

i think brian kraus acting was great in all hell breaks loose

[@BetterWithBob]

I think he's okay but doesn't feel too authentic. Like he goes straight to crying dramatically and doesn't hit the beats in between to make it convincing for me.

[@littlemonster43ver]

cole risks everything for them, he literally sacrifice himself in order to save them but later on phoebe gets so selfish that she doesn't even realized it, i remember when he was going to give away the source's power later that season but phoebe stopped him and decided that she wanted to become queen, that also kinda happens in season 3 when he was going to drink the potion to become human phoebe threw it away.

[@brandyloutherback9288]

RIP To the Good Writing of Cole!

[@Domihork]

Throughout the first 3 seasons, I kept thinking "Why doesn't the Source just randomly show up one day and kill them? He clearly thinks they're dangerous enough to spend time sending assassins after them" and then he just randomly shows up in the middle of a season and tries to do just that. After waiting for so long, I expected him to be a season-finale thing. I would actually maybe prefer if season 4 dealt with the original Source and season 5 was about Phoebe and Cole being evil together. Although I loved this episode, I feel like the rest of the season was kind of rushed. Phoebe becomes the Queen and gets pregnant, changes her mind, loses her baby, the end.

[@BetterWithBob]

Hmm you do have a point there. I always chalked it up to the Source getting more unhinged by nearly winning in All Hell Breaks Loose. He thinks he's successfully broken the Power of Three with Prue's death...and then that victory is snatched away from him with the arrival of Paige. Then the Seer has a vision showing him fighting the sisters and losing, which just makes him go even madder

[@KevenTalks]

This episode highlights why the Seer is arguably the best "sleeper hit" villain of the whole series. I love your analysis videos, Bob! This is how the House of Halliwell podcast should've been, lol. It's so amazing how you find these HQ clips of the show to embed in your commentary. Do you have an all-time favorite episode of Charmed?

[@rebachick94]

What’s so interesting about Darryl’s I’ve known you from a long time line is that Darryl hadn’t even know Paige for that long.

[@BetterWithBob]

I suppose he meant all three (or I suppose four) of the sisters in general but you're right

[@intotheunknown6736]

Could you do Charmed Again PT1/2 their some of my favourite episodes.

[@amyoutube494]

Yeeey a fellow Paige stan!!

[@BetterWithBob]

There's a video on another channel titled 'Why We Love Paige Matthews' and I felt so validated when I saw it lol

[@L31600]

I really liked simple half demon Cole and then they ruined him after his redemption. I love the poetry of having Phoebe end with a cupid since love is her prominent point. But I think having Cole die and come back as a cupid would have been better than what they did to him. I will say my pet peeve (aside from his whole character getting ruined) is that the actor while I love Julian and his portrayal of Cole, I never liked his facial expressions. Also you said you didn't mind Chris, I was wondering if you would do a video on him. He has been one of my favorite characters so I'd love to hear what your thoughts on him are. Was he poorly written/used or did you just not favor his character? I found his banter/comebacks/commentary absolutely hilarious and I realize looking back, he gets it from Piper. And I was wondering if there will be a part 2 to your first charmed video? I wonder if some videos are missing b/c I have been binge watching your charmed videos in order. Glad to know that we have the same viewpoints on Paige and changing view points on Prue. I used to dislike Prue, but as I rewatched the show as an adult and not a 4 year old who binged the series after school over and over again well into her teens, I see the show and characters so differently than before. Oh and I'm glad you think Holly did great as Piper. My mom used to tell me how bad of an actress she was in this role, which I thought was insane!

[@andreasa8486]

Leave it to Charmed to have one of their BEST seasons in the middle of the show, right after a major cast change!

[@mariaheart8259]

thanks for mentioning her catastrophic hairdos 😢

[@BetterWithBob]

I weep for the poor hairdresser who had to be like "you want me to do THAT to you!?"

[@kristinesharp6286]

I never understood why Paige could not heal for so long.

[@BetterWithBob]

I assume that the out of universe reason was to stop Leo from being redundant since if Paige could heal as well, he'd serve very little purpose other than guiding. In-universe, Chris says that healing is difficult, since the trigger is a pretty strong love. Leo had to be near death for Piper to do it. So with Leo being the regular healer, Paige might not have felt as much incentive to learn how to do it. And she never had the best experiences with guys until Henry, so it's possible she didn't love anyone until he came along

[@kristinesharp6286]

@@BetterWithBob But baby Wyatt in the womb and as a baby was healing. In the end Leo gained new powers and then lost all powers. Harry wasn’t magical. Victor wasn’t magical. It was not a power Piper had. Even Leo had trouble with her power when they switched powers. Each charmed one switching powers also had trouble using their borrowed power.

[@mrsBurchett22]

I always think if sleepwalkers when I see Brian Kraus no matter how many times I've watched charmed lol.

[@gg454lune]

The Source was a victim of good old self-fulfilling prophecy.

[@MadameAsh]

She was my favorite villian

[@BetterWithBob]

Ah good choice

[@skurinski]

you havent done a Charmed episode review in a while, any one coming up soon?

[@Digimonisbetterthanpokemon]

So something I've always wondered: while the girls are battling The Source, was Leo asleep on the couch the whole time?

[@BetterWithBob]

Oh good lord he probably was 🤣🤣🤣

[@susanstorm7910]

Debbie Morgan was my favorite baddie

[@jontejordan8196]

Next episode should be something Wicca this way goes the true series finale of charmed

[@katryna192]

Loved cole

[@tigerlillysbookcorner4492]

Charmed & dangerous is definitely a top 5 episode in my opinion but yes it is bittersweet when comes to Cole’s arc. Every time I see phoebe to that levitation kick to the source, I feel like I’m 5 all over again wishing to be phoebe because I thought she was a bad ass. Also the hair jokes were funny because that her hair in the second half of season 4 is...bad. Season 5 was better hair wise in my opinion

[@BetterWithBob]

Ah yeah there were some episodes in Season 5 where it looked really lovely

[@kristinesharp6286]

Why couldn’t Brody see Paige after he died both being white lighters? I did prefer Harry.

[@BetterWithBob]

She probably made her peace with the fact that he wasn't a good match for her and thought it best to move on

[@jojo231ful]

The best sister dynamic was with prue! It actually felt like they were sisters and it’s funny how you say phobebe was the glue of the sisters but she’s the reason we will never get a real reunion with them

[@rossjones8426]

Kinda wonder they didn't use the power binding potion on him they used a power stripping potion on Cole in season 5 it removed the powers he gained in the underworld afterlife and clearly he was more powerful than the Source at the time since Barabus who took his powers wasn't affected by the spell of the Ancestors spell.

[@BetterWithBob]

Out of universe because Brad Kern wanted Cole to go evil and die lol. In-universe, I don't know

[@rossjones8426]

@@BetterWithBob according to his filmography Julian McMahon had Kern kill him off to free him for the role on NipTuck.

[@irvinmaddox4192]

Im glad you acknowledged how bad her hair is going to be for the next season and a half lol.

[@boumedienebrikci-sid8478]

What I don't get is why the force never went against the Charmed grand mother ?

[@toddbeaton1512]

it great episode

[@WilliamJulienNkogheOlympio]

Paige?! For reals?? Nah. My favorite is Piper, for obvious reasons. But yes, I do love love Phoebe

[@skurinski]

Piper is whiny

[@BetterWithBob]

Yeah I only realised last year when properly rewatching the series that I connected with Paige the most

[@antheathetiefling8581]

It is this episode that made me think that Paige should have been given the power of empathy.

[@BetterWithBob]

Oh how so?

[@antheathetiefling8581]

Well, Pagie is both a white lighter and a former social worker, empathy is already a core part of her. Having that power could give her greater insight into both her charges and her clients. Also, from a writing perspective, Pagie only really has one witch power (telekinesis) while most of her other powers are white lighter based. (Teleportation and shapeshifting) giving her empathy would balance it out. You can also create interesting story lines about Pagie trying separate her feelings, from the feelings of others. While they tried this Phoebe, but Imo, it only made her very noisy and a bit infuriating. Which I get is the point. But she also never uses this power to help innocents (aside from channeling powers). Just to explain how others are feeling and using it to justify interfering with her sister's lives. Or a storyline where Pagie spreads herself too thin because this new power is driving herself to help more people than she can.

[@susanstorm7910]

I wanna be like Phoebe

[@kristinesharp6286]

Seer was great.

[@LelandMcKinney_]

“Didn’t mind Chris” Chris s the best character to have ever been on the show. Your opinions are a joke.

[@kristinesharp6286]

And Phoebe all lady Godiva, she is the writer in a paper giving advice. She doesn’t have to take off her clothes to be heard. She also sexually harassed a few people at work herself. Once Cup came into the picture she calmed down. And why were the kids not in magic school all the time? Especially after the Cleaner episode. I never understood why a white lighter was fine for Leo but an Elder would not let him be a husband and father. And why did they have Piper and Leo having marital problems. Unnecessary side storyline.

[@keisha_james]

The Elder thing was at least actually partially explained, they kept mentioning that it was too great a responsibility to just have full elders walking around on Earth. They have to guide things on a higher level, and human connections are distracting to that. Not to mention them being vulnerable to attacks harms the collective (imagine if a demon managed to absorb an Elder's power). They kinda hinted at that with the teenage Elder in Season 5 when they're surprised, and Leo mentions Elders are like kings so they can be any age and that the teen will now be commanding respect from people (and implying he won't be living on Earth anymore, is what I got from that episode)

[@kristinesharp6286]

Yet he didn’t go up right away. Then there was a time he was down on earth anyway before the avatars. It was forbidden to be a white lighter on earth full time just three years before. Similar reasons. He could always have been demoted to white lighter powers and go back home. It’s like that watching over and over. Like the wizard of oz. And one point you start to wonder why the person praised for killing your sister gets her shoes after death and not you. And if she was unable to get revenge in munchkin land why would Glinda send her outside of the place? And why is it okay for a dog to bite people on the victims property? Why is she called the witch for not wanting to get bit again. @@keisha_james

[@katryna192]

Sorry I'm 66 will have Cole or phobias new husband cup lol

[@kristinesharp6286]

The entire Billie and christy must kill the charmed ones cause they are too wrapped up in themselves made no sense. If so disinterested they would not notice a thing. Did like the last episode will all the characters assembled. Would have liked Victor getting an apology for being run out of his kids lives when they grew up. Why wasn’t Patty at Wyatt’s blessing?

[@BetterWithBob]

Cos Finola Hughes was on General Hospital around that time. It's why Patty isn't in most of Season 5 and none of 6 (Witchstock was originally supposed to be a Patty episode). She finished up on there before Season 7, so she was able to make Cheaper By the Coven

[@kristinesharp6286]

@@BetterWithBob That was very informative. Glad both grams and patty made it for the final.

[@kristinesharp6286]

Why on an earth would a battered woman loose custody of her child? And why if they needed to explain she was the victim of a crime reason for being late would removing traces of the crime be helpful? Some episodes needed more explanation.

[@BetterWithBob]

Unfortunately a lot of victim blaming would happen in that situation. Carolyn showing up to the hearing injured like that would give the impression that her home life is unstable or that she hangs around with a bad crowd - especially since she had an addiction problem and went to rehab over it. American courts have always been particularly prejudiced towards addicts, even recovered ones. A conservative judge might decide that the home environment doesn't seem safe - or more charitably, think that if there's an abusive ex floating around, that could put the child in danger if he's returned to her.

[@kristinesharp6286]

@@BetterWithBob I’m a conservative and I don’t think that is how conservatives think at all. She had a restraining order against the guy. Being a no show at a court hearing is actually a more serious problem. Shows irresponsibility. Shows she doesn’t really care. If she really in in constant danger and not calling police when her ex violates the restraining order letting him back into the household then what social worker in America would want the kid in the home? Clearly Paige would be routing for her cause she is doing all things legally to keep herself safe and not letting the guy back in.

[@keisha_james]

Because sometimes family court is ridiculously unfair like that. I know this is an older comment but for some personal experience - my dad was abusive to my mom, including that his own dad didn't side with him, and even with police documentation and testimony the only reason he didn't get split custody is because *he* was a no show one day and never appealed. The courts were willing to have me and my sister in even the partial care of our volatile father who didn't have a job or his own place (and even though he no showed they *still* encouraged visitation). And there are many cases like this you can look up examples where battered spouses (usually mothers but sometimes fathers as well), are almost punished by the law for being abused even when they're doing everything to fight their abuser. Justice is not always served.

[@triforcehero9353]

I dislike it. It ruined Cole with him being possessed by the Source. Ruined the Source by vanquishing the show's main antagonist in the middle of S4 rather than the end. Also turned the Source into a retard. Even if he was desperate, him jumping to destroying reality just to kill the sisters was stupid. Beforehand, he was cunning, mysterious and badass, despite his defeats. Didn't put reality at risk. They should never have shown his face either.

[@notgonnalie5963]

That was the Finale of good charmed. After that it was enjoyable at times, but definitely not iconic.

[@rtozier2011]

I'd extend that as far as Womb Raider. Sometimes the combined presences of Chris, the Avatars and Zankou feel like a 5th 'good' season that's spread out amongst a substantial chunk of meh. With the finale as the capper.

[@BetterWithBob]

Constance M Burge left the show for good after Season 4. Although she stepped down as showrunner in Season 3, she was still on as Executive Consultant until the fifth season.

[@rtozier2011]

@@BetterWithBob Her influence over the first four seasons is palpable. I also feel like the best parts of 5-8 were when the writers emulated that vibe, such as with Chris and the later down to earth Phoebe. Plus family-oriented plots.

[@notgonnalie5963]

@@rtozier2011 I actually didn't like Chris and I'd rank Season 6 as my least favorite,which is sad because Phoebe had 3 powers by that point. Also, it didn't help that Piper became insufferable as the show progressed. Oh, how I loved early season Piper

[@rtozier2011]

@@notgonnalie5963 I guess I'm lucky in that I love both early and late seasons Piper.

[@ThatRandomChannelTRC]

worst voice for the source…. The source taking the hollow was lame - the source is to be the worst demon of them all. ….Season 8 finale - let’s bring back the hollow

[@BetterWithBob]

I liked Ben Guillory best I think

[@spaceidiot200]

there were good episodes of Charmed? Only watched it as a kid due to hornyness

[@sunnymane]

I started watching Charmed in Season 4 as well lol!

[@CausticCalamityy]

please analyze “the eyes have it” 🥹

[@BetterWithBob]

Love that one XD

[@andreasa8486]

I was always annoyed by Phoebe's Empath power. It was such a cool power and an actual active power and as soon as she learned how to use it she lost it at the trial episode and their lazy writing in later seasons, completely left that out. I know she gets it back in the comics but not the tv show. Untapped potential! Imagine having an entire episode of season 7 or even 8 with Phoebe having something major happening to her that awakes her empath power just in time to save everyone. 🥲

[@1tiffanyjade]

This is going to sound super weird and lame. But I feel so at home with this channel, I’ve only just found it but I feel like I found my people 🥹

[@BetterWithBob]

Not at all 😊