Charmed’s Biggest Romance Mistake: Why Cole Was Actually the Worst Love Interest

In the beloved TV show “Charmed,” which aired from 1998 to 2006, many fans, including myself, developed a strong connection with the series. I eagerly awaited each new episode on The WB and have re-watched it numerous times since its availability on streaming platforms. Among shows of this kind, “Charmed” stands out as one that has captivated me deeply due to the compelling storyline of the Halliwell sisters. However, despite the numerous relationships in the show that we fans adore, it’s high time we acknowledge that one of the much-loved love interests is, in fact, far from perfect.

For a ’90s fantasy series, the show still manages to impress, yet my feelings towards Charmed’s plots and characters have undergone major transformations since my initial viewing. Back then, Prue grated on my nerves, but now I find myself drawn to her character. In contrast, Wyatt Halliwell was once my favorite of the next-gen Halliwell kids, but Chris has captured that spot. The most dramatic shift in opinion concerns a beloved fan pairing – a duo that initially resonated with me strongly is now languishing at the bottom of my list of top Charmed romantic couples.

Cole Manipulated Phoebe Even Before He Was The Source

Cole’s Bad Behavior Can’t Be Written Off So Easily

Initially, let me make it clear that this isn’t intended as criticism of Julian McMahon or his acting abilities; rather, it’s about the character of Cole Turner. In my younger years, I was quite fond of Cole, so I can understand why people are attracted to him. Nevertheless, it seems fans often overlook the fact that Cole wasn’t a saint even before he transformed into (or was possessed by, depending on your view) the Source of All Evil. Many viewers seem to think that he was a good person until then, but in reality, Cole’s problematic behavior had begun right from his initial introduction.

In the Halliwell sisters’ lives, Cole appeared due to strategic manipulation and psychological control – terms often misused but perfectly applicable here in their literal sense. He had previously researched the sisters and deliberately chose Phoebe as his focus, perceiving her as the most susceptible. If it isn’t already evident that Cole is a warning sign for potential romantic partners due to his targeting of Phoebe because he believes she is weak, I’m at a loss for what would be considered a clearer red flag.

Additionally, it appears that he doesn’t make efforts to alter his actions until it suits him, and these changes aren’t driven by a genuine desire to do good. Cole continues to attempt to harm the sisters and seek power for the Source despite developing feelings for her. If his love for her were sincere, his efforts to be good should have started earlier. Instead, I am convinced that he was driven by selfishness and obsession. He couldn’t attain Phoebe unless he transformed first.

Beyond that, Cole persistently appears and pesters Phoebe even after she’s made clear she doesn’t want to reconcile with him. Gradually eroding her personal space, his actions seem designed to wear Phoebe down until she reconsiders. This conduct not only suggests manipulative tactics but also reinforces the notion that he’s motivated by a possessive nature.

Cole Makes Phoebe The Worst Version Of Herself

Phoebe Becomes A Much Worse Person When She’s With Cole

In the majority of conversations about Cole and Phoebe’s relationship, people often emphasize how Phoebe positively influenced Cole. While I’m not entirely convinced that she improved him, there is certainly a case to be made. But it’s important to remember that relationships involve give and take. So, it’s also crucial to consider the impact Cole had on Phoebe, as well.

In the beginning of Charmed, Phoebe exhibits self-centered and juvenile behavior, however, she undergoes significant growth by the time she meets Cole in season 2. Her passion for witchcraft aids her in developing a sense of responsibility and understanding priorities. Yet, she continues to embody her rebellious spirit, though it no longer dictates every aspect of her choices. Regrettably, during her relationship, Phoebe not only reverts to her initial state but becomes an even more problematic character than when the series initially began.

In her romantic involvement with Cole, Phoebe temporarily sets aside all other commitments, even her witchcraft, which was her primary focus as the eldest Halliwell sister. This choice to disregard her Power of Three obligations while she’s with Cole contrasts sharply with the character development she had achieved up until then. She takes actions that she would never have contemplated before, such as deserting her sisters after the Shax attack and willingly accepting the crown as Queen of the Underworld. Furthermore, the once independent and spirited Phoebe transforms into a weaker version of herself, willingly submitting to a half-demon.

Cole Becomes Outright Abusive In Charmed Season 4

Cole’s Abuse Towards Phoebe Isn’t Always Subtle

As Charmed season 4 approaches, Cole’s psychological manipulation towards Phoebe becomes more subtle but insidious. However, his half-demon nature fully reveals its controlling and abusive side in this season. Cole deliberately makes Phoebe doubt herself by gaslighting the Halliwell sisters, ensuring she remains unaware of his return to demonic behavior. In a classic abusive scenario, he gradually alienates her from her family, damaging her most precious relationships to leave her dependent only on him. He sets strict rules about when, where, and how Phoebe can interact with her sisters, subtly exerting control over her life.

It should be noted that Cole repeatedly disregards her consent in several situations. He deceives her into a secret wedding under mysterious circumstances, which renders her agreement to marry him invalid. As he yearns for a child tainted by darkness, he manipulates her into becoming pregnant by slipping a potion into chocolate, thereby making her more fertile. Moreover, when instructing the Seer, he does not respect her consent by ordering the administration of a potion intended to annihilate her virtuous nature while enhancing the baby’s malevolent traits instead.

In the final stages of their romantic relationship, he makes a direct threat to harm her sisters. Some viewers might excuse his behavior in Charmed season 4 by attributing it to the influence of the Source and the Seer, but his actions seem to be more of an escalation from what occurred prior to him becoming the Source. Furthermore, during this period, the control he had over his actions wasn’t entirely clear-cut, and he bears at least some responsibility for the choices he made.

Piper And Leo Were Better Star-Crossed Lovers Than Phoebe And Cole

Phoebe And Cole Aren’t The Only Star-Crossed Lovers In Charmed

One captivating feature of Phoebe and Cole is their portrayal as seemingly destined lovers who persist in being together despite the bleak outlook of their relationship. This resembles the Romeo and Juliet dynamic, ironically a tale often misunderstood as romantic rather than tragic. However, when you scratch the surface, Cole’s manipulation, control, and abuse make Phoebe and Cole’s relationship no longer romantic. It strips away all positive feelings I have for him. In contrast, Charmed features a more appealing star-crossed lovers pair – Piper and Leo – who didn’t involve abuse.

In the ’90s, Piper and Leo, often recognized as one of television’s most memorable couples, are perpetually battling against the obstacles that keep them apart due to their unusual circumstances. With Piper possessing Charmed powers and Leo being a whitelighter (later an Elder), they face numerous challenges set by the Elders who disapprove of their relationship. Their union is put to the test, with periods of separation followed by reconciliations. However, neither of them ever resort to abusive behavior, even amidst the tumultuous back-and-forth. Unfortunately, even in hell’s bar, Cole seemed unable to rise above certain challenges.

Piper and Leo, despite their flaws, make a more convincing romantic couple in the magical world of the show compared to Cole and Phoebe. Piper sometimes appears harsh due to her difficulty expressing vulnerability, while Leo can seem judgmental. As a father, Leo falls short, and his Avatar character arc seems out of character for him. Their communication is often poor, which is frustrating. Nevertheless, they are a more compelling star-crossed love story and romantic pairing than Cole and Phoebe.

Cole Was A Better Villain Than He Was A Boyfriend

I Love Cole As A Character When He’s A Villain

Although Cole may not be a good romantic character for Phoebe, I’m more than happy to commend him as one of the most compelling villains in Charmed. It’s only when the show tries to portray him as an ideal boyfriend that I find myself hesitant. However, when it comes to playing a manipulative role and insinuating himself into the lives of the Charmed Ones, he truly excels. Whether dealing with witches or demons, Cole’s half-demon nature allows him to carefully choose his words and actions to control the situation. His human side gives him an edge over other demons in terms of deception, as he has a keen understanding of what drives humans.

Beyond that, I find myself captivated by Cole’s narrative following his split from Phoebe in Charmed, even though I acknowledge this viewpoint might be contentious. Ideally, I would have liked for him to remain deceased at the end of Charmed season 4. However, should they need to resurrect the character, I am satisfied with the way it was executed. As Phoebe gradually becomes more antagonistic towards Cole, the series seems to abandon its attempts to portray him as a virtuous demon, alleviating my annoyance.

Cole’s relentless pursuit of Phoebe, even if it involves questionable methods such as stalking, assuming demonic powers, and manipulating reality to make her love him, is clearly abusive and controlling. Yet, despite these actions being morally reprehensible, they make for an engaging watch in the series Charmed. For me, I don’t necessarily need Cole to be a good character for enjoyment; instead, his role as a villain is sufficient enough to keep my interest.

2025-04-23 05:19