TRIQUETRA

[vandergraafk]

This long awaited book has finally reached bookshelves. When my copy arrived, I quickly perused several sections to get an overview. The first seven seasons of Charmed are dissected according to consistently applied criteria. These criteria are explained in the preface and allow the reader to focus on those aspects of Charmed that are most important. If fashion is your focus, then each episode commentary has brief fashion comments. If you're looking for more detailed examination of the plot including links to previous episodes, then there is a specific section for that. Each section has quirky, yet appropriate titles to guide the reader.

Although this compendium has a rich variety of information, the reader needs to exercise caution. Some information is flat out wrong. That 70s Show was a program on FOX, not NBC. Dorian Gregory appeared in episode 156 (Something Wicca This Way Goes), even though at the beginning of the Season 7 he is not credited for appearing in this episode. How much of the remaining information is correct remains to be seen. Before accepting the information as correct it should be confirmed through other sources.

In addition, opinions are rendered throughout this book regarding the quality of episodes and the problems weighing down many an episode. Some of these opinions are no doubt warranted. Yet, there is little evidence provided in support of them. Caveat emptor!

[vandergraafk]

I gravitated almost immediately to Centennial Charmed mostly because this is one of my favorite episodes. But, I am almost aware that this episode has generated much debate about the logic of the plot and the devices used to convey that structure. Keith Topping makes an excellent point that Paige's power to orb preceded her ascension to Charmed status. From earlier episodes in Season 4, we learned that Paige orbed out of her parents' car just before the fatal collision that took the lives of Paige's foster parents. In Charmed Again, Part 1, we watched - along with a perplexed Phoebe and amused Cole - how Paige orbed her way to safety from Shax's concussion ball. Thus, it is quite right to argue, as Topping does, that there is no logical reason for Paige to be unable to orb in the alternate universe that Cole has created. True, she will not have her Charmed powers. But her orbing is innate.

Yet, I find I must disagree with Topping's discussion of the relationship between Cole and the Seer, as well as the implied problem that this poses for the Source. The argument has been made that the presence of the Seer in the manor is logically contradicted by previous episodes. Yet, I find this argument to be pretty baseless. First, it assumes a history that we do not have access to. Second, the seeming contradictions are partially explained in the episode itself and any remaining problems can be logically eliminated if some reasonable assumptions about the missing alternative past are made.

In Centennial Charmed itself, the Seer and shapeshifter are clearly spying on Cole. His odd behavior - his lack of understanding about Phoebe' s many affairs, his ignorance of Darryl's new role, etc. - raise suspicions for the Seer. She indicates that a report will have to be made (presumably to the Source).

Now, why on Earth would Cole enjoy such great acclaim and power in this alternative universe. If AHBL is taken as fact, then we know that Shax killed Prue. The Power of Three was broken. Yet, we also know that the oracle indicated that there was a fourth sister. The threat still remained. What if it was Cole who killed Paige in this alternative universe? Clearly, he knows that she is dead. He even knows where she is buried. And, he expresses to Paige that he knows where he can bury her after he finishes her off (again) in this alternative universe.

If, indeed, Cole was responsible for the power of three to remain permanently broken by the murder of Paige, then surely the Source would have rewarded him. That Cole could add insult to injury by taking residency of the manor and gaining access to the Nexus through his connection to Phoebe is even more of a reason for the Source to reward him. However, the Source is no fool. Throughout Season 3, there was enough doubt generated about Cole's ultimate loyalty that he was distrusted by all: the Triad, the Brotherhood and even the Source. Thus, it is perfectly reasonable for the Source to dispatch the Seer to watch over Cole.

The fact that the Seer is chosen for this task may be problematic. But, it was probably a concession to the viewers. We knew the Seer from previous episodes. We saw how she and Cole worked together. Of course, this was a world where the original Source had been vanquished by a non-existent (in this alternative universe) power of three. In that other world, Cole became the Source by virtue of acquiring the Source's powers via the Hollow (Charmed and Dangerous). Remember, too, that the Seer was called upon to replace the oracle who had proved less than adequate to the task of providing the Source with accurate information.

Triquetra is a good read. It is not, however, gospel. Carefully exam episode analyses and determine whether you agree.