Centennial Charmed

Season 5, Episode 12, Aired
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Episode Summary

In his twisted attempt to win Phoebe's heart back, Cole casts a spell that alters reality, which eliminates Paige as a Halliwell and destroys the Power of Three. Meanwhile, Paige suddenly finds that her sisters have no knowledge of her existence and that past villains have come back to haunt them.moreless
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Fan Episode Reviews (36)

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  • A Paige to the Past.

    8.5
    "Great"
    By MovieMark, Sep 09, 2011 Report Abuse
    Let it be known that this is the last really good episode of Charmed for quite some time. Celebrating 100 hours of witchly mayhem, and written by showrunner Brad Kern, ''Centennial Charmed'' is far from flawless, but given the sleuth of banal story-lines ahead of us, let's be thankful for small miracles, eh?
    It was a risky move planting such a huge storyline on Rose McGowan's shoulders; the rookie of our three leads, Rose may not have the acting chops of Holly or the deft comedic timing of Alyssa, but the gamble ultimately pays off.
    Paige is caught up in another one of Cole's attempts to win back Phoebe's affections, and is zapped to an alternate reality where Piper is less pregnant and more badass, Leo dresses like a homeless man for some odd reason (I guess no one was doing his washing, now that he and Piper had split) and Cole owns the Manner. Again. (That was sooo last week, you guys!)
    In various other shows, alternate reality episodes can come off as a hackneyed attempt to shake the status quo, but in Charmed's case, more often than not, they usually result in some of the strongest hours from this featherweight series. I guess it's because, generally, they're not standalone episodes, and usually interact with and affect the main arc (if we're lucky enough to get an arc, that is). The 100th outing is no exception, with production design having a blast tearing down the likes of P3 and defacing the manor (although they did get a bit lazy here); the crew do as much as possible to drag us away from our usual surroundings.
    I was a little confused on a few things, though (Leo's evident lack of hygiene being one of them). Why was Phoebe getting off with Demons? I presume that guy was a Demon she was fooling around with in bed. It just didn't make any sense. Sure, ok, she was a prisoner, and a gal has needs every now and then, so I guess she was making the best of a worst-case scenario, but did we really need another reason to accuse Phoebe of being a bit of a floozy? I mean, really? So didn't get it.
    There are plenty of throw-backs to past seasons, with breif mentions of Shax and Prue throughout. Charmed may not be the best when it comes to continuity (and quite a few other things, if I'm being honest), but during milestone episodes like this one, finales, and what have you, you can always expect some sort of blast from the past. We also get to see The Seer for the last time, which was a nice surprise too.
    It's not all puppies and rainbows, mind you. The script lacks the energy and freshness that could have made what was a very good episode, a brilliant one. The dialogue never really jumps out at you, with obvious pointers thrown in to highlight just how different everything is, in case we're slow on the uptake (''that's no way to speak to your husband'' -- *groan* they're obviously not together anymore, Paige, Leo looks like he smells like pee).
    And, as final appearances go (well, final-ish), Julian McMahon decides his last performance needed an extra slice of ham, with a bit of cheese on the side. Yes, his lines were often ridiculous here (I mean, could you pull off that ''you're going down with me'' crap? Thought as much) but even so, it was a disappointing performance from a usually bankable actor.
    And while I'm on a ranting spree right now, his vanquish here lacked the gravitas of the tear-driven explode-y goodness from last season. I also would have preferred it had Paige killed Cole instead of this random, alternate reality, sluts it up with demons, Phoebe. ''I do hate long goodbyes'' could have been an awesome last line for Paige, but no, cipher, chain-smoking Phoebe has to do it. Go figure!
    All in all, though, ''Centennial Charmed'' is a corker, especially by Charmed's standards. And especially by season 5's standards. Whenever we do get an episode as good as this one, I always have to raise the question why they can't offer up storytelling of the same calibre on a weekly basis.
    Like I said, let's be thankful for small miracles.moreless

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  • Happy Birthday, Cole (Charmed)...

    10
    "Perfect"
    By iltarion, Jul 29, 2011 Report Abuse
    This is the 100th episode of Charmed, and it is memorable for more than the number. It is Charmed at its darkest and most urgent. Essentially, it is a greek tragedy in sci-fi guise; Cole's obsession brings about his own death.

    Other than Just Harried, it seems like every great episode of Charmed involves either an alternate reality or an alternate time line. This episode ingeniously involves both after Cole uses his Avatar powers to alter the past while staying in the present. Not only is the idea of a timeline after Prue's death with no Paige fascinating, but it is also a brilliant way for the writers to get around Cole's invincibility and finally get rid of him.

    The alternate reality is really a pretty grim and pessimistic view of our characters. Piper's quest to destroy Shax is contrary to her character immediately after Prue's death, (in Charmed Again, Piper wanted no part of revenge on Shax). It is also strange that Piper and Leo's love couldn't survive in the new reality, considering everything it eventually overcomes. Their relationship is reminiscent of "Morality Bites" here. Regardless, I admit it was a joy to see the wrathful Piper and the bitter Leo. But, of course, Piper and Leo are great throughout; Paige again kind of stealing Leo away from Phoebe as her whitelighter who knows her secrets, and Piper's "going to the hospital" antics are hilarious in the early scene.

    Still, this is Paige and Cole's show, and they carry it all the way, same as they have much of this season. From the super cool practice vanquish on Leo in the opening scene to the final scene where she wishes Cole (and Charmed) a happy birthday, Paige shines perhaps brighter than any other time in the series. One of the best parts of this episode is just watching Paige, Piper and Leo reconnect. This was a very creative way to illustrate how close Paige has grown to both.

    Unfortunately for Cole, Phoebe, unlike Piper, has not really been altered at all by events; she's as bitter towards Cole as she ever was. Her first realization that Paige is her sister, and her wonderment at the reconstitution of the Power of 3, are her moments to shine.

    Julian McMahon, as one would expect, is at his best. The scene where he asks Phoebe what happened to their love is one final moment of brilliance between the two. Julian was just too good to get rid of for over 2 and a half seasons, but now is definitely the time.

    A huge added bonus is the return of the Seer, Debbi Morgan, for this last performance. Her and Cole are two of the greatest villians the show will ever see, and it was great to see them interact one last time. Yes, the final vanquish doesn't compare with Long Live the Queen, but we did get to see the Power of 3 constituted one last time. And the triumphant look that Paige gives Cole when she holds up the vanquishing potion is one of my favorite moments of the series. Yes, Cole's return took away from the climax of Long Live the Queen. However, for me, when I consider this great Season 5 run ending with this episode, to me, it completely paid off. Great, great episode. One that I can seemingly watch many times and never get bored of. That's about the best compliment I could give any show.moreless

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  • 100th Times The Charmed

    8.0
    "Great"
    By lenzinoH20, Jul 17, 2011 Report Abuse
    Centennial Charmed-In his twisted attempt to win Phoebe's heart back, Cole casts a spell that alters reality, which eliminates Paige as a Halliwell and destroys the Power of Three. Meanwhile, Paige suddenly finds that her sisters have no knowledge of her existence and that past villains have come back to haunt them.

    Considered to be a classic among the Charmed fandom, "Centennial Charmed" isn't really much of one after rewatching it. I remember first watching this episode back in '03 and falling in love with it. What a great episode for a monumental occassion but honestly, it's really just a good episode for Season 5's standards. The alternate reality plot has been done to death on sci-fi/supernatural shows and when Cole alters the world, it's not really "that" impressive. Yet as a celebration of the series' past 99 episodes, we get a slew of great references to past demons like Shax and the Lazzarus demon, not to mention Prue's demise and how it affected the family. Leo and Piper are divorced leaving Leo as a pathetic whitelighter and Phoebe is an unhappy queen to the Underworld at the Manor. With these alterations, it's Piper who has the most dreastic change becoming a demon hunter and sporting knives bigger than even Crocodile Dundee's ever seen. Holly definately kick a$$ in the role and I loved her torture scene with the Lazarus demon.

    Other great moments was seeing the Seer return! Being one of the many highlights of Season 4, Debbi Morgan brings such gravitas to the character and even if we only see the Seer briefly for only two scenes, she packs a punch no matter what. You can also tell the budget was used well here, especially during Cole's awesome vanquish. While it was a stunning visual, the vanquish was weak in terms of emotional investment. This is why Cole should have stayed dead after "Long Live the Queen", his vanquish during that episode was heartbreaking and a true exit to such a fan favorite. Here, Cole dies not by the combined power of the Charmed Ones or even the real Phoebe, Cole is killed by her alternate self, which is pretty weak plot point. If it was done by our Phoebe, maybe we wouldn have gotten an emotional pay off but like this whole Cole/Phoebe arc this season, it was disappointing. So now Cole is gone and instead of wishing he came back, it's a blessing. But thank you Julian McMahon for making Cole such an awesome character in Season 3 and 4, too bad the writers ruined him in Season 5. Ultimately, "Centennial Charmed" is a good hour of Charmed that reminds us why we're still watching despite the series' inconsistent writing at the moment and beyond.moreless

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  • Centennial Charmed is one of the best episodes in the series. Spoilers within.

    9.7
    "Superb"
    By colormyworld, Feb 18, 2011 Report Abuse
    Warning: Spoilers! Cole, Phoebe's lover and enemy, finally dies in a conclusion that could not possibly be better. This episode is epic.

    Paige, longtime hater of Cole, makes a risky attempt to vanquish the seemingly unvanquishable Cole (see previous episodes). When she fails, she enrages the now insane demon. It's interesting that Paige is the one who wants to move out and become independent, when Phoebe is the one to leave the manor first in Season 8. Back to the episode, Cole decides that Paige is the one responsible for his woes, and that without her he could still be happy with Phoebe. He accepts an Avatar's offer of power, and erases Paige's existence.

    Unfortunately...Paige is sneeze-orbing (from a cold, a consequence of her vanquish attempt) when Cole makes the change. She finds herself in a universe where she died before meeting the sisters.

    Piper is divoriced and vengeful, Phoebe is miserably married to Cole, previously vanquished demons are living in the mansion, and Paige has assumed the life of her powerless dead alternate. The sisters finally band together and defeat Cole once and for all. Phoebe is the one to kill him, and when he dies the universe is restored.

    Despite the loopholes, there is no denying the beauty at the end of the episode. The symbolism of the fight, the foreshadowing, the epic end of a battle that has lasted through many seasons.

    In this episode we saw Cole's insanity and love, we saw Paige's significance to her sisters, Piper's true abilities, and Phoebe's caring for others.

    Phoebe, distraught, turns to the elevator and hangs her head as she and her sisters leave Cole's empty apartment. Piper comforts her, and Paige moves to join them but stops. She turns to survey the apartment, and before walking into the elevator, says one of the best lines in the series.

    "Happy birthday, Cole."moreless

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    1 0

  • Cole Turner 1885 - 2003

    9.7
    "Superb"
    By Blinksterboy, Aug 11, 2008 Report Abuse
    Wow! What an exit for Cole. This is Brad Kern at his best: a dark and gripping hour with all the intensity of "All Hell Breaks Loose".

    In his last, desperate attempt to win back Phoebe, Cole becomes an Avatar and alters the past to prevent Paige becoming a Charmed One. The episode then plunges into a fascinating alternate reality in which the power of three no longer exists. Paige's struggle to win over her sisters makes for some excellent viewing.

    This is the first time they've done alternate reality on Charmed. We almost got there with "Morality Bites" but that, of course, was set in the future. It really is wonderfully plotted: all the strands are well thought out and everything fits with what we know of the characters: Piper still searching for Shax; Phoebe trapped in a loveless marriage.

    Totally loved Cole's demonic birthday party and top marks for bringing back Debbi Morgan as the Seer. The pivotal scene comes when Cole catches Phoebe in bed with another demon. Realising their love wasn't meant to be pushes him over the edge and leads to his (slightly disappointing) vanquish.

    So, for the second time, we bid farewell to one of the cast regulars. For me, Julian McMahon has been the outstanding talent on this show and Cole the most enthralling character.

    I wasn't sure whether bringing Cole back from the wasteland was the right thing to do at first but this latest run of episodes has been superb. Much as I wanted his good side to win, I have to admit the best stories have been when he is evil.

    Thanks to Brad Kern and Constance Burge for creating Cole Turner and thanks to Julian for some stunning performances. The last words go to our favourite demon.

    I was dead before I met you
    I was born the day you loved me
    And my love for you will keep me alive forever

    Rest in peace.moreless

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    3 0
 

Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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  • Trivia

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    • In the alternate reality Paige can't even orb, but we saw when she went back in time to find out she was not the reason her parents died, she orbed out of the car to survive and could always orb. Therefore, she should have been able to orb in this reality as well

      Edit
    • TRIVIA: Cole turns a year older in this episode. Edit
    • When Paige is at the cemetary with Leo she observes that all the demons that she and her sisters vanquished were still running around alive and in the manor. However, one demon, Darla (a.k.a. Succubus), shouldn't have been. Darla was vanquished by Prue, Piper and Phoebe at least two years before Paige met her sisters. Edit

  • Notes

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    • International Episode Titles: Czech Republic: Sté narozeniny (The Hundredth Birthday) Brazil: Charmed - Centésimo episódio (Charmed - 100th episode) French: Centenaire (Centennial) Spanish: Hechiceras Centenarias (Centennial Witches) Edit
    • Guest star Greg Provance (Demon Guard) has appeared previously on the show in the season 5 episode Siren Song as a darklighter that Paige vanquished in the attic. Edit

  • Quotes

    ADD QUOTES
    • Leo (after Paige orbs into him and blows him up to test her idea for vanquishing Cole): Damn it, Paige! I would appreciate it if you didn't practice on me. I may be dead, but it still hurts! Edit
    • Paige (about Cole): I'm telling you he's gone. For good. Phoebe: Yeah, that's what we thought last time. Piper: And the time before that. Paige: Cole's not coming back ...ever. Edit
    • Phoebe: The Power of Three. Paige: That's us. Edit

  • Allusions

    ADD ALLUSIONS
    • Title: Centennial Charmed
      This is the 100th episode of Charmed, and a centennial is the marking of 100 years or a 100th anniversary. Edit
    • Paige: And you, you're not La Femme Nikita! You're a Charmed One.
      La Femme Nikita is a TV series about a woman who is accused of a crime she did not commit. She must either join Section One, a government anti-terrorist agency, or be executed. Edit

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