Charmed is packed with relationships to cheer for, but it’s time we fans admit that one of the fan-favorite love interests is actually the worst. From 1998 to 2006, the TV show Charmed captured the hearts of numerous fans, including me. I watched Charmed when the series was released weekly on The WB and have watched it countless times since it became available on streaming. Although shows like Charmed exist, few have sucked me in quite like the story of the Halliwell sisters.

The show holds up surprisingly well for a fantasy show from the 1990s, but my opinions on Charmed storylines and characters have changed significantly since the first time I watched it. Prue used to get on my nerves, but I love her now. Wyatt Halliwell used to be my favorite next-generation Halliwell child, but Chris has taken that place. The most significant change is my view on a fan-favorite love interest. One couple that I was fully on board with at first is now at the very bottom of my list of the best Charmed couples.

Cole Manipulated Phoebe Even Before He Was The Source

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

To start with, I want to say that this is not an indictment of Julian McMahon or his acting – only Cole Turner. Additionally, I used to love Cole when I was younger, so I understand why viewers are drawn to him. That being said, I’m tired of fans acting like Cole wasn’t a bad person until he became (or became possessed by, depending on your perspective) the Source of all Evil. That was obviously a turning point for the character. He at least tried to resist his demonic side on and off before that. However, his problematic behavior actually started from his initial introduction.

Cole only came into the Halliwell sisters’ lives because of manipulation and gaslighting – terms that are generally overused but fit this situation in the most literal definition. He even researched the sisters beforehand and picked Phoebe as his target because he viewed her as the most vulnerable. If Cole targeting Phoebe for a romantic relationship because he sees her as weak doesn’t make him a walking red flag, I don’t know what does.

Moreover, he doesn’t try to change his behavior until it’s convenient for him, and it’s never done out of a true desire to be good. 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 would’ve started sooner. Instead, I fully believe he was motivated by selfishness and obsession. He couldn’t possess Phoebe unless he changed.

On top of that, Cole also keeps showing up and bothering Phoebe after she says she’s not interested in getting back together with him, chipping away at her boundaries until she changes her mind. In addition to being a form of manipulation, this behavior furthers the idea that he’s driven by possessiveness.

Cole Makes Phoebe The Worst Version Of Herself

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

Most of the time, when fans discuss the relationship between Cole and Phoebe, they focus on Phoebe’s positive impact on Cole. While I don’t fully agree that she made him better, there’s at least an argument to be made there. However, relationships are a two-way street, and Cole’s effect on Phoebe cannot be ignored.

When Charmed starts, Phoebe is selfish and immature, but she grows immensely leading up to meeting Cole in season 2. Her dedication to witchcraft helps her learn responsibility and priorities. She still maintains her rebellious personality, but it doesn’t drive all of her decisions. Unfortunately, she not only regresses during her relationship but becomes an even worse version of herself than when the show started.

Phoebe puts all other priorities, including her witchcraft, to the wayside once she starts her relationship with Cole. As the original Halliwell sister most dedicated to the craft, her decision to ignore her Power of Three responsibilities while she’s with Cole reverses her character growth. She also makes decisions she never would’ve made otherwise, such as abandoning her sisters after the Shax attack and willingly getting crowned the Queen of the Underworld. Additionally, the once-strong-willed and free-spirited character becomes a hollow version of herself who submits to a half-demon.

Cole Becomes Outright Abusive In Charmed Season 4

Cole’s Abuse Towards Phoebe Isn’t Always Subtle

Leading up to Charmed season 4, Cole’s mental abuse towards Phoebe is much subtler. However, the half-demon’s controlling and abusive behavior becomes overt in season 4. Cole intentionally gaslights the Halliwell sisters so that Phoebe won’t know that he reverted to his demonic ways. In a textbook abuse movie, he isolates her from her family, destroying her closest relationships so that she’ll only have him. He goes out of his way to implement rules about how, when, and where she can see her sisters.

To make matters worse, Cole also violates her consent on multiple instances. He tricks her into getting married in a dark wedding, making her consent to marry him null and void. Because he wants a demonic child, he tricks her into getting pregnant by giving her tonic-laced chocolate to make her fertile. Once again, he doesn’t honor her consent when ordering the Seer to give her the tonic meant to destroy her good side while strengthening the baby’s evil side.

By the end of their romantic relationship, he outright threatens to kill her sisters. Some might write off the behaviors in Charmed season 4 due to the influence of the Source and the Seer, but it feels more like an escalation from his actions before becoming the Source. Additionally, his degree of control over his actions during this time isn’t black or white, and he does have at least some culpability for his choices.

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 of the most appealing aspects of Phoebe and Cole is that they seems like star-crossed lovers who fight to be together no matter how doomed their relationship is. It’s the Romeo and Juliet effect, which coincidentally is also a story that people misconstrue as romantic instead of tragic. No matter how it looks at face value, Cole’s manipulation, control, and abuse makes Phoebe and Cole’s relationship no longer romantic. It takes away every ounce of goodwill I have towards him. The fact is, Charmed already have a better star-crossed lovers couple that didn’t include abuse – Piper and Leo.

Piper and Leo, who have been deemed one of the best TV couples of the 1990s, are constantly fighting for their love, trying to defy the rules that keep them apart. They feel the strain caused by Piper being a Charmed One and Leo being a whitelighter (and later Elder). They frequently get tested by the Elders, who don’t 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 couldn’t rise above it.

This isn’t to say Piper and Leo are the perfect couple. Their relationship is incredibly realistic for existing in a show about magic. Piper’s inability to show vulnerability can make her seem harsh. Leo can come across as judgy, and he’s a pretty bad father. I’d 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.

Cole Was A Better Villain Than He Was A Boyfriend

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

While Cole is a terrible love interest, I will be the first person to praise him as one of the best villains in Charmed. When the show isn’t trying to sell him as the great boyfriend for Phoebe, I fully invest in the character. He does a great job of manipulating his way into the Charmed Ones’ lives. Whether interacting with witches or demons, the half-demon calculates every word and decision to make others do what he wants. His human side gives Cole an advantage over other demons when it comes to subterfuge, as he understands what makes mortals tick.

Additionally, I love everything about Cole’s story after he and Phoebe break up in Charmed, though I know that’s a controversial opinion. I would’ve preferred he stay ᴅᴇᴀᴅ at the end of Charmed season 4. Still, if they had to bring him back, then I’m happy with how they did it. Once Phoebe fully turns against Cole, Charmed stops trying to paint him as the good guy demon, dissipating my frustration.

His efforts to get back with Phoebe at any cost include stalking her, taking demons’ powers, and becoming an Avatar to create a reality where she loves him. These things are abusive. They are controlling. They are the same kinds of things he was doing all along. However, because they aren’t supposed to be romantic, these horrible choices on the part of Cole are actually enjoyable to watch. I don’t need Cole to be a good person in Charmed for me to like him; I just need him to be a villain.