|
|
Post by Scott on Aug 18, 2006 1:21:18 GMT -5
This is a truly fantastic episode. Bringing back Barbas always brings a smile. But, give Barbas Cole's phenomenal potpourri of powers gathered during his stay in the Wasteland, now that's an added treat. Blame Paige for being easily fooled into stripping Cole of his powers and all fear breaks loose in this spine-tingling episode.
|
|
|
|
Post by Scott on Sept 2, 2006 12:33:33 GMT -5
Once again, Barbas shows us why demons are demons. His myopic obsession with avenging his banishment by terrorizing the Charmed Ones distracts him from taking control of the Underworld. His lack of tolerance for dissenting points of view leads him to kill willing henchmen. His failure to see the big picture causes him to lose his recently gained powers, as he is blasted back somewhere in the demonic version of Hell.
|
|
|
|
Post by vandergraafk on Dec 9, 2006 3:14:07 GMT -5
Still, there are some problems with this episode that relate to the power-stripping potion. In Black as Cole, when Belthazor finally is stripped of his powers, the powers are stripped. Where do they go? Perhaps, "into the void," as the Seer might have suggested. Perhaps to the Wasteland? Who knows? Nowhere in Black as Cole is there the hint of a suggestion that stripped demonic powers will enter another demon. Yet, here in Sympathy for the Demon, it is strongly suggested that Cole's powers will enter another demon in order for the power-stripping potion to take effect. Indeed, perhaps it is this realization which leads Paige, as well as Phoebe and Piper, to conclude that nothing short of vanquishing Cole will succeed. Of course, in The Importance of Being Phoebe, the sisters learn that they cannot even manage that. Cole can't be vanquished; his powers can't be stripped cleanly.
Now, the inability of the power-stripping potion to work effectively without transferring Cole's powers to a nearby demon might be an overstatement. It could be that the powers could be transferred to anyone. In Charmed and Dangerous, after the Hollow is returned to the box and banished to the vault, all powers are returned. The Source's powers, however, cannot be returned since he has presumably been vanquished and sent to the Wasteland. His powers, though, do not, as Cole, a mortal, absorbs them unwittingly. Yet, this presents a problem for the demonic forces now inside Cole will assert control and eventually overcome the good inside Cole. Likewise, any mortal receiving Cole's demonic cornucopia of powers would soon be engulfed by their inherent evil. Better to live these powers inside Cole where at least Cole can try to contain their evil tendencies.
Another problem relates to the Astral Projection spell that Phoebe seeks to modify in order to lure Barbas into the Manor. What Astral Projection spell? Prue never used such a spell. Her astral projection was a natural extension of her telekinetic powers. When was this spell found in the Book of Shadows? Worse: why wasn't it there when the sisters needed it in Death Becomes Them (Episode 155). In Something Wicca (Episode 156), the sisters claim that they had to learn astral projection from Leo who had mastered the finer points from Prue's careful instructions. Good grief!
|
|
