116 posts from 2007

RETROSPECT: “Pardon My Past"

”Pardon My Past” is an episode from Season Two of the TV series, ”CHARMED” (1998-2006). In it, one of the Charmed Ones – Phoebe Halliwell - is haunted by a spirit in her past life. The past life turned out to be one P. Russell, a first cousin of the sister’s great-grandmother.

To find out why she is being haunted by P. Russell’s spirit, Phoebe visits 1924 and diiscovers that P. Russell was a pyrokinetic witch who had been romanced by a warlock named Anton. While in the past, Phoebe also acquired a glimpse into the past lives of her sisters – Prue and Piper. She discovers that they were former relatives of P. Russell and out to destroy her and all the latter’s future lives before any of them can become completely evil. Prue and Piper must then stop their past lives' curse in the present before Phoebe falls victim to it and dies.

This episode was the second, following Season 1’s ”That 70s Episode” that revealed their family’s past history. And like many of these episode . . . it had a lot of flaws. Let us take a look at them, shall we?

Flaws in “Pardon My Past”

Ownership of the Manor – In this episode, it was revealed that the parents of the sisters’ grandmother – Penelope Johnson Halliwell – had been living in the manor in 1924. Yet, according to the Season 1 episode - ”Is There a Woogy in the House?” - the Halliwells (which happened to be Penny’s in-laws) who had purchased the manor following the San Francisco Earthquake in 1906.

The Ages of Phoebe Halliwell and P. Russell - While perusing the Warren family tree, Phoebe had this to say about her past life:

”I think that this one is me. (She points to P. Russell) She died February 17th, 1924. The same age I am also."

How was this possible? According to the family tree, P. Russell lived during the period July 1894-February 17, 1924. She was 29 years old when her cousins killed her. The episode ”Pardon My Past” occurred between February 16-18, 2000. Phoebe was born on November 2, 1975, making her 24 years old at the time, not 29 years old.

Past Life for Leo Wyatt? - According to Phoebe, she had spotted Leo’s past life in 1924 and he was P. Baxter’s (Past Piper) lover. I am curious. How is this possible? The series has claimed that Leo had been born in May 1924. But again, this is not possible. According to the Season 1 episode, ”Love Hurts”, Leo had been a medical student when he joined the Army in 1942:

”No. World War II. I left med school and enlisted as a medic. I wanted to help save people not shoot them. The last thing I remember, I was bandaging a soldier's head wound and I felt a sharp pain and the next thing I know I was floating surrounded by White Lighters."

If Leo had been at medical school at the time when the U.S. entered World War II, he should have at least older than 22 years old when he joined the Army. Which means that he should have been already alive at the time of P. Russell’s death in 1924.

Phoebe’s Theory - How did Phoebe get the idea that she was going to die within a day because of her encounter with her past spirit? From the moment she had encountered P. Russell’s spirit on the very anniversary that the latter was killed, Phoebe made this assumption:

”So, it doesn’t mean that I’m going to die today too, right?”

Even before she found out about the curse placed on P. Russell’s future selves, Phoebe came to the conclusion that she was doomed to die:

”Phoebe: Not much time. By midnight, I’ll be dead again.
Piper: By midnight? How do you know that?
Phoebe: Midnight, a full moon, what’s the difference? It’s always one or the other, right? I know I won’t make it to February 18th unless…
Leo: You go back to the past again and find some answers.

How on earth did she come to this conclusion without knowing the facts? Or was this another example of the Halliwells producing theories out from their respective asses?

Phoebe’s Ability - Phoebe had asked Leo why she did not have a power like P. Russell’s – pyrokinesis. This is what Leo had told her:

”Well, if you screw up your regrets. Your past self must have abused the power. That’s why it was taken away from you.”

What the hell? How did Leo come to this conclusion? Although Past Piper (P. Baxter)’s ability – slow down others – was a variation of Piper’s ability, Past Prue (P. Bowen)’s ability turned out to be cyrokinesis (freezing ability), which had nothing to do with Prue’s abilities of telekinesis or astral projection. Nor did P. Russell’s ability (pyrokinesis) have anything to do with Phoebe’s ability of precognition. And why is Phoebe’s precognition ability considered a REGRESSION of P. Russell’s fire ability? Phoebe is a seer. She has the ability to summon information on the past, the present and the future through visions. Information is power. Both of her parents have told Phoebe that many magic practitioners would kill to be a seer. Apparently, Phoebe never believed them. Even the Source did not want Phoebe’s precognition ability . . . despite the fact that he had depended upon two seers. Which only tells me that even intelligent individuals like Phoebe and the Source can be incredibly stupid.

The Warlock – Anton - So, Anton (who was P. Russell’s lover) was supposed to be a warlock? How is that possible? It is quite apparent that Anton had never aged in the 76 years between 1924 and 2000. It was established in the first episode that warlocks were merely witches who had gone bad:

”A bad witch or a warlock . . .”

Despite what Leo had believed, witches ARE mortals. If Piper could die from a bullet wound in an alternate timeline, then witches are mortals. And if witches are mortals, then warlocks should also be mortals. Which means that either Anton should have aged or he was something other than a warlock. Also . . . the sisters and Leo have declared many times that evil cannot love. Yet, Anton was in love with P. Russell and had remained in love with her for a long time.

Phoebe’s Warning in the Book of Shadows - Apparently, all of Phoebe's future lives are doomed to die in their early 20's unless they too can somehow stop P. Bowen and P. Baxter’s curse from affecting them. They end up saving present Phoebe by putting the necklace on her, but the rest of her lives are still doomed to die in their early 20's. Thus, Phoebe wrote a warning in the Book of Shadows to warn her future selves about this. What if Phoebe’s future selves do not end up as a member of the Warren family line? Had anyone stopped to think of this?

Gordon Johnson’s Piano Talent . . . or Lack Of - Greg Vaughn, as the Charmed Ones’ great-grandfather, Gordon Johnson, is shown playing the piano in 1924. Unfortunately, it appears that Vaughn lacked the talent to fake playing the piano. One can easily see that his fingers do not even reach the keys.

The Confusing Warren Family Tree - This episode marked the only appearance of the Warren family (which began with Charlotte and Melinda Warren) tree. I came across some interesting entries that seem contradictory:

-Grams’ age: According to the family tree, Penelope Johnson (the sisters’ grandmother) was born in 1937. She gave birth to her only daughter, Patricia Halliwell, in 1950. Are we expected to believe that Grams gave birth to Patty at the age of 13? I rather doubt it. The family tree also stated that Grams had died on March 3, 1968. Gee, they got the date of Grams' death wrong by 30 years.

-Piper’s birth year: According to the family tree, Piper was born in August 1973. Yet, in one S1 episode, Piper had identified herself as a Gemini. Also, in the S1 episode, ”Thank You For Not Morphing”, Victor clearly made it apparent that she was three years older than Phoebe, who was born in 1975. The S3 episode, ”Coyote Piper” supports Victor’s words with its revelation that Piper had graduated from Baker High in 1990, making her birth date of 1972 very plausible. And I doubt that young Piper was less than two years old in S1’s ”That 70s Episode”.

-The name of the Charmed Ones’ grandfather: According to the family tree, the name of the sisters’ maternal grandfather happened to be Jack Halliwell. Yet in the S6 episode, ”Witchstock”, he is renamed Allen. All I can say is . . . what happened to Jack?

I wish I could say that ”Pardon My Past”’s glimpse into the Warren family line was interesting. But it was filled with so many inconsistencies that I cannot help but harbor a little contempt for the writer who had penned this episode.

Below is a video clip from the "CHARMED" Season 2 episode called, "Pardon My Past" :

 

 

Here is a "CHARMED" fanfic I had written nearly five years ago. It is an Alternate Universe story set in Season 5:

---------

"TWO THUMBS UP!
RATING: [G]
SUMMARY: Old and new movies become a topic for Cole and the McNeills, and in turn, he rediscovers an old favorite movie series. Set three days after "Neighbors".
FEEDBACK: cancerjones1941@yahoo.com - Be my guest. But please, be kind.
DISCLAIMER: Cole Turner, the Charmed Ones, Leo and other characters related to Charmed belong to Spelling, Kern, Burge and WB. Dammit!

NOTE: I suggest that you read "Neighbors", to get an idea of how Cole became acquainted with Olivia McNeill and her family.

-------------

One stream of bright light flickered inside the wide room, located on the ground floor of the McNeill manor. The light came from a large television set, situated on one side of the room. It seemed almost as large as a movie screen. On the other side, the McNeill family and two guests occupied seats and the sofa, as they watched the movie being shown on the television screen. An old movie called SUNSET BOULEVARD.

Cole Turner held his breath, as he watched the final tragic moments of the movie played out before his eyes. Once it ended in its famous fade-out, he let out a gust of breath. Someone turned off the television and the CD player attached to it. Another switched on the lights.

A deep sigh escaped the mouth of 78 years-old Elise McNeill. "Great movie, wasn't it?" she said to no one in particular.

"Are you kidding?" Cole replied. "I've been a fan of SUNSET BOULEVARD, since I first saw it over fifty years ago." All eyes focused upon him. "What?" he demanded. "That's when I first saw the movie."

A cross between a smile and a smirk touched Olivia McNeill's lips. "I suppose that you also saw Gloria Swanson and Bill Holden at the premiere."

Cole rolled his eyes. "Of course not," he retorted. Then he paused dramatically. "But I did appear in a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movie. One of their early ones called THE GAY DIVORCEE."

The McNeills, much to Cole's amusement, stared at him in shock. Olivia's dad, Jack, was the first to recover. He added sarcastically, "Now that I have got to see. Who did you play? One of the background dancers?"

"No. Just a guest at the seaside resort, in the second half of the movie. You know, during 'The Continental' dance number."

Jack chuckled slightly. "Next thing you'll be telling us is that you were an extra in BEN-HUR - both the 1925 and the 1959 versions."

Cole smirked. "Sorry. I have never developed a taste for Biblical movies. Not quite my forte."

The McNeill matriarch looked upon her guest with envy. "Well, I'll be damned. An extra in an Astaire-Rogers movie. You lucky man." She sighed. "They certainly knew how to make movies, back then."

Groans from the other McNeills filled the room. Doubt creased Cole's forehead. "You think so? Hollywood movies haven't really changed much, as far as I'm concerned. Just the usual batch of good movies, along with the usual crap. Both then and now."

"Are you serious?" the elderly woman demanded. She stared at Cole, as if he had just committed sacrilege.

Cole opened his mouth to speak. Fortunately, the youngest McNeill sibling came to his defense. "Oh, c'mon Gran!" Harry cried. "You're not going to start that 'they don't make movies like they used to' stuff again, are you? I can think of plenty of old movies that you don't like!"

"Oh? Name one."

Harry replied, "I'll name more than one. GUNGA DIN, CIMARRON, STELLA DALLAS, BACK TO BATAAN, STRANGE CARGO . . ." A long list of movies continued to roll off his tongue. He added, "And I can think of many recent movies that you love. SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, BULLETS OVER BROADWAY, L.A. CONFIDENTIAL, all of the Indiana Jones movies, X-MEN . . ."

"Wait." Cole faced Mrs. McNeill. "You actually liked X-MEN? I didn't think it would be your type of movie."

Mrs. McNeill shot her younger grandson a dark look. "Actually, it's not bad. It could have been longer. I thought the theme of bigotry was interesting. And I found it interesting that the characters had powers similar to ours, while being called mutants."

Bruce McNeill, who was Olivia's older brother and a younger version of Jack McNeill, added, "Oh yeah. Olivia has red hair and telekinesis - like that Jean Grey character. Mystique is a shapeshifter, like Dad and me. Storm has electokinesis, like Mom. And like Gran and Harry, Professor Xavier is a telepath, who can control the minds of others. Come to think of it, you have that power, right?" he said to Cole.

The other man nodded. "But I can't read minds. Only send telepathic messages."

"And don't forget that you have a self-healing power as well," Olivia added. "Like Wolverine."

Bruce rolled his eyes in mild disgust. "Oh Lord! I wondered if you were going to bring up old Wolvie. I forgot that you're a big fan of his."

An indignant Olivia shot back, "I happen to be a fan of the actor who played him! Hugh Jackman."

"Who?" Cole asked. "Are you talking about the guy with the sideburns and claws, who dresses like trailer trash?"

Chortling, Harry replied, "That's him!"

Cole grunted. "Huh. If you ask me, I think they chose the wrong actor to play this Wolfman. In the comic books, he was at least 5'3" tall."

"His name is Wol-ver-ine!" an irritated Olivia retorted. "Not Wolfman!"

This time, Cole snorted. "Wolfman, Wol-ver-ine, what's the difference?"

"Has anyone ever told you that you might be perverse? The difference is that Wol-ver . . . I mean, Wolverine is not a character from a Universal horror movie!"

Cole rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Like I said, the guy in the comic books is at least 5'3". This Wol-ver-ine who's in the movie," he ignored Olivia's dark glance, "is at least six feet tall."

Olivia added with more enthusiasm than Cole cared for, "Six-feet-two-inches tall. Hugh Jackman is 6'2" and is from Australia."

"Really?" Cole replied with a small smirk. "I didn't realize you had a thing for 6'2" Australians. Since I'm the same height, would it help if I adapt an Australian accent?"

Staring pointedly at the half-daemon, Olivia shot back, "Unless you happened to be a shapeshifter and can morph into Hugh Jackman, you would be wasting your time."

Cole responded with another smirk.

"Maybe if Hugh Jackman had been in THE ENGLISH PATIENT," Harry added, "Olivia might have actually liked it."

Mrs. McNeill shook her head in disbelief. "I really don't understand you sometimes, Livy. You can't stand THE ENGLISH PATIENT, but you're crazy about LOVE STORY?"

Olivia retorted, "LOVE STORY doesn't put me to sleep. And THE ENGLISH PATIENT does. I mean, c'mon Gran! It's so damn long!"

"Long movies don't bother me," Gweneth McNeill commented, in her soft Welsh voice. "If it's done properly, that is. Like LORD OF THE RINGS. This first one - FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING." Sighs of deep satisfaction from the McNeills, filled the room. Joined by Cole's own contented sigh. The middle-aged version of Olivia stared at him. "Oh. I didn't realize you saw that movie."

Cole replied, "At least five times. I've also read the Tolkien novels, and once met the author at Oxford, back in the late 40s."

Bruce asked, "What about the others? Your in-laws? Did they liked it?"

Cole hesitated as he remembered. "Well, both Paige and Leo loved it. Especially Paige. She saw it seven times. Phoebe . . . like it a lot. At first. But after two times, she got tired of it. And as for Piper . . . well, I don't think she really cared for it. In fact, I don't think she liked fantasy movies that much."

"Rather odd for a woman who reads fairy tales to her unborn child," Olivia commented dryly. "At least according to Leo."

"Perhaps impending motherhood has made her changed her mind," Cole said with a shrug.

Bruce added, "Makes me wonder how Piper felt about the latest STAR WARS movie."

Surprise caused Cole's heart to leap. "New STAR WARS movie? I had heard about it, but I never got to see it." He added wryly, "Considering I was trapped in the Wasteland at the time."

"You're a STAR WARS fan?" Bruce stared at Cole.

Bruce's father nodded. "That's right! Now, I remember. When Gwen and I were trying to keep that amulet from Cole back in '77, we had a friend trail him all over London." Jack turned to Cole. "She told me that you saw the original STAR WARS four times."

"Wow!" The word came out of Harry's mouth like a gunshot.

Incredulity was stamped on Cole's face, as he stared at Jack McNeill. "You had me followed? How?"

"Oh, due to an associate of yours named Orobas. Of course, he was in human form at the time we had captured him." Jack continued. "Oddly enough, he didn't really put up a fight when we . . . uh, persuaded him to tell us about you. In fact, he didn't even bother to lie."

Cole rolled his eyes in disgust. "Damn Orobas. He always prided himself on being honest. That damn honesty of his nearly got me killed." Then he asked, "But how was your friend able to . . .?"

A knowing smile stretched Jack's lips. "Teleportation. Our friend possessed it. She blinked. Made it easy for her to track you. And no, she wasn't a warlock. There are a good number of witches who can blink. Like Olivia's friend, Nathalie Green."

"Unbelievable," Cole murmured with disbelief. "By the way, speaking of that new STAR WARS movie . . ."

Olivia spoke up, "ATTACK OF THE CLONES. It had been pulled out of the regular theaters, last August."

Disappointment reflected in Cole's voice. "Oh."

Olivia continued, "However, it has been re-released in the IMAX theaters. Just recently."

"Really?" Cole failed to repress the hope in his tone. "Is uh, is anyone in the mood for Jedi Knights and the Force, tomorrow night?"

* * * *

The last strains of John Williams' score filled the dark theater. Cole stared at screen, still in a trance over the movie he had just watched. After the last credits disappeared, the lights brightened the theater. Cole heaved a long sigh.

"What did you think?" Olivia asked. She, along with Bruce, Harry and Bruce's fiancée, Barbara Bowen, had accompanied Cole to the movies, tonight. The entire party of five stood to their feet and edged their way toward the aisle. "Did you like it?"

Another gust of breath left Cole's mouth. "Are you kidding? I loved it! How many time have all of you seen it?"

"Bruce and I saw it three times, before tonight," answered the blond and gregarious Barbara. She linked arms with her fiancé.

Harry added, "This is the sixth time I've seen it. And for Olivia," he nodded at his sister, "this would be her ninth time."

"Tonight would be my seventh time, moron." Olivia gave Harry a quick jab in the arm. "Learn to keep count." Then she turned to Cole. "As for you . . . Dad wasn't kidding. You really are a STAR WARS fan!"

Cole explained that the second movie in the series, THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, happened to be his favorite. "But this new one might turn out to be my second favorite. A very close second. I think for the very first time, I'm really beginning to see both trilogies as one continuing saga. And that actor who played Anakin Skywalker . . ." He shook his head. "Whew! That was some scene when he confessed to that massacre."

"Wasn't it marvelous?" Olivia cooed. "Hell, I didn't know whether to be frightened out of my wits or feel sorry for him. Maybe a little of both."

Barbara added, "I've heard that a lot of fans couldn't understand why Padme Amidala would marry Anakin after that confession."

"Maybe they can't understand that she loves him, no matter what," Olivia replied, drawing stares from the others. Especially Cole. The five people stepped out of the theater and into the night. "Padme seems like the type who's willing to accept others for themselves. And she's very compassionate and forgiving. There aren't many people like that in real life." Cole frowned, as he found himself musing over Olivia's words.

A wry smile touched Bruce's lips. "I forgot that Anakin Skywalker happens to be Livy's favorite character."

Olivia gave her older brother a knowing look. "Qui-Gon Jinn from THE PHANTOM MENACE is my favorite character." She paused. "Anakin happens to be my second favorite."

"Well, he happens to be my favorite," Cole interjected. He smiled mischievously. "Even when he was Darth Vader."

Cole, the McNeills and Barbara reached the theater's parking lot. They exchanged goodnights, before Bruce, Harry and Barbara entered the former's dark-blue Jaguar. Seconds later, Cole and Olivia climbed into his black Porsche convertible. As the Porsche sped along one of the streets, Olivia asked Cole how long since he had been back from the Wasteland.

"On a permanent basis? Since last September," Cole replied. "Why?"

The cool wind ruffled Olivia's red hair. "I don't know. I wondered how many summer movies you may have missed, this year. I mean, we had SPIDERMAN . . ."

"I saw it," Cole said, interrupting her. Olivia stared at him. "Right before I had been vanquished. Wasn't bad. The drama was better than the action."

A quirky smile stretched Olivia's lips. "It was also the number one movie, this year . . . believe it or not. And it's on video and DVD. So is that new Jack Ryan movie, THE SUM OF ALL FEARS. Now that's pretty good, although most critics had put it down."

"What else did I miss?" Cole asked.

"Well . . ." Olivia rambled off a list of movies, including SIGNS, and MEN IN BLACK II. So far, there have been two new spy movies - a new version of THE BOURNE IDENTITY and XXX. And a new James Bond movie is supposed to be released in about a week. DIE ANOTHER DAY, I think. And there was ROAD TO PERDITION." She heaved a heartfelt sigh.

As the Porsche reached an intersection, Cole eased it to a stop. He glanced at his companion. "I take it that you enjoyed that very much."

"Hell, it was great!" an enthusiastic Olivia crowed. "It's a gangster movie with Tom Hanks and Paul Newman. Set in the early 1930s."

Cole wondered if he had heard right. "Tom Hanks and Paul Newman in a gangster movie?"

"Yep. Hard to believe, isn't it? Hanks played a hitman for the mob. He turns against his boss, Newman, after his wife and younger son is murdered by Newman's son. Real nut case, by the way. I loved it! Very complex."

Cole murmured, "I've got to see this. Unless . . . it's out of the theaters by now. Right?"

"Well, I know it's still playing at this theater in Sausalito. We can go see it tomorrow, if you like."

For a moment, Cole hesitated. ROAD TO PERDITION sounded interesting, but he still had another movie in mind. "Sounds great," he said. "But can it wait until we see ATTACK OF THE CLONES again?" He stared at Olivia. Who stared right back. Then she smiled. "What?"

"You should see the look on your face right now. You look like a young and very eager Anakin Skywalker," Olivia replied, the smile still fixed on her face.

Cole grunted and the light turned green. He stepped on the gas and the Porsche shot forward. "Funny that you should say that. Because you also remind me of someone from the movie."

"Like who?"

"Padme."

From the corner of his eye, Cole saw Olivia frown. "Padme? Anakin's Padme? I don't see how. I'm not exactly the reserved type. In fact, I can barely keep my mouth shut."

Cole smiled. "Maybe. But like Padme, you've got a very big heart. What did you call her? Compassionate?"

The Porsche approached another intersection and stopped. Cole turned to face Olivia. Thanks to the street lamp above, he noticed that her face nearly matched the color of her hair. "Are you . . . blushing?" he asked.

Her eyes fixed on the street light, Olivia quickly shot back, "I'm not blushing! I'm . . ." She glared at Cole, who allowed himself another smile. A huff escaped her mouth. "Oooo! Never mind!"

"If you say so."

Seconds later, the light turned green. Cole allowed himself a private smile, as the Porsche quickly roared into the night.

THE END

”LICENSE TO KILL” Review

 

Most James Bond fans tend to use ”LICENSE TO KILL” as an example of why Timothy Dalton’s tenure as the British agent had failed.  Failed?  Hmm.  Granted, the Welsh-born actor had only starred in two Bond films, but chances are he would have starred in a third if EON Productions had not found itself mired in some lengthy legal battle that lasted throughout the early 1990s.  Although ”LICENSE TO KILL” never made as much money at the U.S. box office as its predecessor, ”THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS”, it proved to be an interesting addition to the Bond franchise. 

Now, when I had said that ”LICENSE TO KILL” was interesting, I was not kidding.  It turned out to be a rather unusual experience.  The movie turned out to be a revenge story that started with the capture of a drug czar named Franz Sanchez (Robert Davi), at the hands of Bond and Felix Leiter (David Hedison), now a DEA agent, on the latter’s wedding day.  Unfortunately for Leiter and his new bride (Priscilla Barnes), a fellow DEA agent named  Killifer (Everett McGill) helps Sanchez escape . . . an act that leads to Della Leiter’s death and Leiter’s mutilation.  Determined the avenge the fates of the Leiters, Bond decides to ignore his new assignment, disobey MI-6 and seek revenge against Sanchez.  With the help of former Army pilot/freelance CIA agent Pam Bouvier and Sanchez’s mistress Lupe Lamora, Bond manages to bring down Sanchez’s organization and the drug czar, himself.

Watching this movie made me realize that Timothy Dalton has become the most reserved Bond in the franchise’s history.  I could not say that he was the only reserved Bond on film.  Hollywood icon David Niven turned out to be the first actor to portray Bond as an introvert in 1967’s ”CASINO ROYALE”.  But Dalton became the only introverted Bond for EON Productions.  Personally, I have nothing against this.  One, I do not believe that the character of James Bond can only be portrayed in one style.  Two, I have always believed that any actor who portrays Bond, should do so in the style that suits him.  Which is what Dalton had done . . . thankfully.

In fact, Dalton took his angst-filled take on James Bond a step further in this tale about personal vengeance.  The emotions that Bond seemed reluctant to openly express are very obvious in Dalton’s intense green eyes (okay, fangirl moment).  What can one say about Dalton’s performance?  He was excellent, as usual.  The man managed to completely capture Ian Fleming’s literary counterpart.  Who could forget those moments when Bond stumbled across Della’s dead body spread across the bed?  Or his discovery of Leiter’s body . . . and the belief that the latter was dead?  Or his anger at M for ordering him to drop any concern regarding the Leiters?  By the way the latter scene – filmed at Ernest Hemingway’s Key West home – provided another delicious interaction between Dalton and Robert Brown, proving once again that the two actors had created one of the most interesting Bond/M relationships in the franchise.  But most of all, Dalton showed just how dangerous Bond could be in three particular scenes:

-Sending the traitorous Killifer to his death inside Milton Krest’s warehouse
-Threatening Lupe Lamora aboard Krest’s yacht
-Confronting Pam Bouvier about her meeting with one of Sanchez’s minions

Once again, Dalton was lucky enough to find himself with a worthy leading lady.  In "LICENSE TO KILL", she came in the form of former model-turned-actress, Carey Lowell (of "LAW AND ORDER" fame)who portrayed CIA contract pilot, Pam Bouvier.  Carey portrayed Pam as a tough, no-nonsense and gutsy young woman that manages to save Bond's ass on numerous occasions.  I could say that Lowell was great.  And she was.  I did not even mind an overwrought dramatic scene between her and Dalton, which seemed to be reminscent of an emotional scene from "THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS".  But I must admit that one of the problems I had with Pam's character was her tendency to be defensive about her "professionalism".  At one point, she seemed to have lost her sense of humor when Bond joked about her crashing Milton Krest's yacht into a pier.  Another problem I had turned out to be Pam's schoolgirl infatuation of Bond.  Quite frankly, it seemed out of sync with her personality.  I had no problems with her falling for the British agent.  But her passive attitude in dealing with it - aside from her jealous outburst over Bond's one-night stand with Lupe Lamora - seemed unreal and slightly theatrical.

The other Bond girl in the movie was portrayed by Talisa Soto, another former model-turned actress.  She portrayed Lupe Lamora, Franz Sanchez's long-suffering mistress.  Watching Lupe endure a beating by Sanchez in the beginning of the movie, one cannot help but wonder why she had even bothered to stay with a man she despised.  And then I remembered . . . Lupe's decision to leave Sanchez for another man had set the story in motion in the first place.  Judging from her role as the villain's mistress and second female lead, one would assume that Lupe eventually bites the dust.  Miraculously, she managed to survive a brief affair with Bond and the vicious Sanchez with a new benefactor at her side by the final reel.  Okay.  Time to stop dwaddling.  What did I really think about Talisa Soto's performance?  Well, back in 1988, it seemed obvious that she was not an experienced actress.  In fact, "LICENSE TO KILL" marked her second screen appearance.  There were moments when Soto managed to deliver her lines in a competent manner.  Unfortunately, these moments could not overcome her wooden acting.  However, Soto had the good fortune to possess the looks and screen presence to occasionally compensate for her lack of talent.

Robert Davi, who had portrayed Latin American drug czar Franz Sanchez, was 37 years old at the time of the movie's production - a good five to seven years younger than Dalton.  Yet, the American-born actor managed to create such a charasmatic and menacing character that managed to hold very well against the older Dalton.  In fact, Davi had infused his character with a charm and wit that made Sanchez one of the more subtle and effective villains in the Bond franchise.  I still found it amazing to watch how Davi transformed Sanchez from an intimidating and menacing villain into a charming man . . . and back again.  And he did this with no effort.  I can think of two particular scenes that showcased Davi's efforts in portraying the two sides (or should I say the "yin and yang") of Sanchez' personality:

-the drug lord's charm and wit seemed to be in full force during his meeting with the Hong Kong triad leaders;
-on the other hand, Milton Krest's death proved how brutal and ruthless Sanchez could be.

The only problem I had with the character of Franz Sanchez is that he would seemed to be more at home in an episode of MIAMI VICE or the movie version, than he would be in a Bond film.  But despite this setback, I must admit that he has become one of my favorite villains, along with the likes of Georgi Koskov, Ari Kristatos, Le Chiffre, Alex Trevaleyn, Emilio Largo and Kamal Khan.

"LICENSE TO KILL" is one movie that seemed to be endlessly filled with supporting character - in fact, more so than any other Bond movie I have ever come across.  The following happens to be a list of Franz Sanchez's minions, which is the biggest list of minor villains I have ever come across:

-Heller (Don Stroud)
-Dario (Bencio Del Toro)
-Milton Krest (Anthony Zerbe)
-Professor Joe Butcher (Wayne Newton)
-Ed Killifer (Everett McGill)
-Truman Lodge (Anthony Starke)
-Perez (Alejandro Bracho)
-Braun (Guy De Saint Cyr)

Damn, that is a lot!  Both Wayne Newton and Anthony Zerbe seemed wasted in this film.  Anthony Starke simply got on my nerves with his yuppie persona.  And I barely noticed Alejandro Bracho and Guy De Saint Cyr as Sanchez's nearly silent henchmen.  However, I was impressed by Don Stroud's cool performance as the very competent Heller.  Although Everett McGill has never been a personal favorite of mine, I must admit that I rather enjoyed his performance as the traitorous Ed Killifer.  And future Oscar winner, Bencio Del Toro proved that even at the tender age of 21, he could knew how to make his presence known on the silver screen.  Which he did with such panache in both the Barrelhead Club fight sequence and in Dario's final confrontation with Bond and Pam.

Speaking of minor characters, there are . . . the good guys.  I have already commented on how impressed I was by Robert Brown's interaction with Dalton featuring Bond and M's confrontation at Hemingway's Key West home.  I barely noticed Caroline Bliss as Moneypenny.  It was nice to see Desmond Llewellyn as Q in a larger role.  But to be honest, his character was as irrevelant to the story as Moneypenny's.  David Hedison returned to reprise the role of Felix Leiter.  Unlike his smooth and easy-going performance in "LIVE AND LET DIE", Hedison seemed over-the-top in this movie.  Unusually loud.  Perhaps he needed Roger Moore by his side, instead of the Shakespearian Dalton to keep his performance under control.  Priscilla Barnes ("THREE'S COMPANY")?  Barely noticed her.  I could say the same about Frank McRae (as the doomed Sharkey) and Grand L. Bush as DEA Agent Hawkins.  I would like to add that Bush had originally co-starred with Robert Davi a year earlier in the action hit, "DIE HARD".  They portrayed Special Agents Johnson and Johnson.  Pedro Armendariz Jr. (son of FRWL's Pedro Armendariz) portrayed Isthmus' President Lopez.  Hmmmm.  I barely noticed him.  However, one could not help but notice Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa ("NASH BRIDGES" and "PEARL HARBOR") as Hong Kong narcotics Agent Kwang.  The man had an intensity that matched both Dalton and Davi.  He made full use of his brief presence on the screen.

Despite the prevailing view, I do believe that "LICENSE TO KILL" is a first-class Bond movie that provided plenty of action, locations, humor, drama and excellent acting by Dalton and most of the leading cast members.  I feel that it is also one of the grittiest Bond movies in the franchise.  Was it the first Bond movie to feature gritty violence?  Personally, I do not think so.  I can think of at least three or four previous Bond movies that were just as violent, including 1981's "FOR YOUR EYES ONLY".  In my opinion, director John Glen and screenwriters Richard Maibaum and Michael G. Wilson created a pretty damn good story with LTK.  But it did have its faults. 

However, the movie's main fault - at least for me - seemed to be the story itself.  I had no problem with the idea of Bond seeking revenge against the person responsible for the maiming of old buddy Felix Leiter and the murder of the latter's bride.  I had a problem with the fact that the person responsible happened to be a drug czar with no real connections to the intelligence community.  I had a problem that Maibaum and Wilson decided to change Leiter from a CIA agent to a DEA agent in order to fit their story.  "LICENSE TO KILL"'s setting does not really seem to belong in the world of James Bond or any other spy thriller.  This story would have been a lot more revelant if Franz Sanchez had been a terrorist or an enemy agent, or if "LICENSE TO KILL" had starred characters similar to Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs of "MIAMI VICE".  James Bond battling a drug lord?  Were they kidding?  It seemed quite obvious that Cubby Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson wanted to exploit the popularity of the NBC television series.  Unfortunately, the LTK had been released in the U.S., two months after the "MIAMI VICE" TV series went off the air.  Talk about bad timing. 

Another problem I had with "LICENSE TO KILL" was the size of the cast.  Yes, Bond movies are known to have a "cast of thousands" so to speak.  Having a large cast of extras is one thing.  Having a large cast of characters allegedly revelant to the story is another.  Once again, the problem centered around the Sanchez character.  Quite frankly, he had too many minions.  I mean . . . eight?  Geez!  Personally, I could have rid the movie of at least half of them.  and finally, I wanted to point out the major action sequence featured in the movie's finale.  It seemed quite apparent that the producers wanted to repeat the success of the lengthy action sequence featured in "THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS".  I do not think that it quite worked in LTK.  Quite frankly, I found the action sequence leading up to Sanchez's death to be over-the-top.  It was simply too much.  Even worse, it lacked the stylish direction of TLD's action sequence.  As for the movie's theme song, performed by Gladys Knight . . . all I can say is "meh".  I have heard better.  Thankfully, I can say that I would never consider the song to be amongst the worst in the franchise.

But you know what?  Despite the ridiculously large cast and a story that could have easily been a three-part episode of "MIAMI VICE", I still like "LICENSE TO KILL" very much.  I feel that it was an entertaining, yet interesting story with a first-rate acting from Dalton and most of the cast.  And I feel that John Glen did a pretty good job, despite the overbearing action sequence in the finale.

Memorable Lines

Bond: This is no place for you, Q. Go home.
Q: Oh, don't be an idiot, 007. I know exactly what you're up to, and quite frankly, you're going to need my help. Remember, if it hadn't been for Q Branch, you'd have been dead long ago. [Opens case] Everything for a man on holiday. Explosive alarm clock - guaranteed never to wake up anyone who uses it. Dentonite toothpaste - to be used sparingly, the latest in plastic explosive...

President Lopez: There has been a mistake with my cheque. Look at it! It's *half* the usual amount.
Sanchez: You were very quiet when I was arrested. Remember, you're only president... for life.
[El Presidente take the cheque and leaves]

[Killifer is dangling on a rope over shark-infested water]
Killifer: There's $2 million in that suitcase. I'll split it with you.
Bond: [menacingly] You earned it. You keep it . . . Old Buddy!
[Throws the case at Killifer, knocking him into the water]
Sharkey: God, what a terrible waste. [Bond gives him a look] Of money.

Della: Oh, James, would you mind? Felix is still in the study and we've got to cut this cake.
Bond: I'll do anything for a woman with a knife.

M: This private vendetta of yours could easily compromise Her Majesty's
government. You have an assignment, and I expect you to carry it out
objectively and professionally.
Bond: Then you have my resignation, sir.
M: We're not a country club, 007! [pause] Effective immediately,
your licence to kill is revoked, and I require you to hand over your
weapon. Now. I need hardly remind you that you're still bound by
the Official Secrets Act.
Bond: I guess it's, uh... a farewell to arms.

Bond: In my business you prepare for the unexpected.
Sanchez: And what business is that?
Bond: I help people with problems.
Sanchez: Problem solver.
Bond: More of a problem eliminator.

Sanchez: In this business, there's a lot of cash. And a lot of people with their hands out.
Kwang: In a word... bribery.
Sanchez: Exactly. He took the words right out of my pocket.

[Sanchez has just blown up Milton Krest in a decompression chamber full of money, splattering blood all over it]
Perez: What about the money, patron?
Sanchez: Launder it.

Truman-Lodge: Brilliant! Well done, Franz! Another eighty-million dollar write-off!
Sanchez: Then I guess it's time to start cutting overhead.
[Shoots him]

Leiter: See you in hell!
Sanchez: No, no. Today is the first day of the rest of your life!

Leiter: [to Bond] Hey, observer! You trying to get yourself killed?
Bond: If I don't get you back in time for the wedding, I'm a dead man for sure!

“When it gets up to your ankles, you're going to beg to tell me everything. When it gets up to your knees, you'll kiss my ass to kill you.” – Sanchez

Bond: [Pam kisses Bond] Why don't you wait until you're asked?
Pam: Why don't you ask me?
[kisses Bond again]

Leiter: Where's my wife?
Dario: Don't worry. We gave her a nice Honeymooooon.

Della Leiter: Did I say something wrong?
Felix Leiter: He was married once. But it was a long time ago.

“Out of Gas. I haven't heard that one in a long time.” – Pam Bouvier

“Drug dealers of the world, unite!” – Sanchez

Q:  Look, don't judge him too harshly, my dear. Field operatives often
use...every means at their disposal to achieve their objectives.
Pam:  Bullshit!

Pam:  Well, what are you waiting for? Get in!
Bond:  Yes, sir.

7/10

"FAVORITE FILM NOIR MOVIES"

Below is a list of my favorite "Film Noir" movies of all times. Not all of them are liked by the critics. And some films that are highly regarded did not make my list. This list is about what I like . . . not what are allegedly the best in this genre:

 

L.A. CONFIDENTIAL (1997) – Based upon James Ellroy novel, this Oscar winner told the story about three police officers in 1953 Los Angeles and their involvement in what seemed like a simply robbery-murder . . . and cascaded into something more complex and sinister. It starred Kevin Spacey, Guy Pierce, Russell Crowe, James Cromwell and Oscar winner Kim Basinger. This is my favorite noir film.

 

 

SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950) – Billy Wilder’s classic about a down-on-his-luck Hollywood screenwriter who becomes ensnared in the clutches of a fading and slightly insane screen actress. One of the remarkable aspects of this film is that the story is told from the screenwriter’s point-of-view . . . after he had been killed. William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim and Nancy Olson were the stars. My second favorite noir film.

 

CHINATOWN (1974) – Directed by Roman Polanski and written by Oscar winner Robert Towne, this tale of greed and corruption in 1937 Los Angeles centered around a successful private investigator discovering a scandal involving the city’s water supply and a major real estate scam that would reverberate in the city’s history. It starred Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston and Perry Lopez. Third favorite.

 

 

DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944) – Another Billy Wilder classic that is based upon James Cain’s pulp novel. It is basically about a murder plot hatched by an insurance salesman and a femme fatale to kill her husband. It is filled with the usual snappy dialogue, sex, violence and backstabbing. A real gem. Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck and Edward G. Robinson starred.

 

DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS (1995) – Based upon Walter Mosley’s novel, the movie centers around a World War II veteran who finds himself out of a job. To earn extra money, he agrees to find a missing woman for a local politician running for mayor and finds himself ensnared in murder and corruption. Denzel Washington, Jennifer Beals, Tom Siezmore, Don Cheadle, Mel Winkler, Terry Kinney and Maury Chaykin.

 

THE BLACK DAHLIA (2006) – Although not a favorite with critics, I became a big fan of this murder mystery written by James Ellroy and centered around two L.A.P.D. detectives’ investigation of the real-life gruesome death of Hollywood wannabe Elizabeth Short. It starred Josh Harnett, Scarlett Johansson, Aaron Eckhart, Hillary Swank and Fiona Shaw.

 

AFTER THE THIN MAN (1936) – Centered around characters created by Dashiell Hammett, William Powell and Myrna Loy played Nick and Nora Charles for the second time, as they investigate the death of Nora’s cousin-in-law. The movie also starred Elissa Landi, Sam Levene, Jessie Ralph, James Stewart, Penny Singleton, Joseph Calleia and Alan Marshal.

 

WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT?(1988) – Robert Zemeckis directed this Disney noir spoof about a cartoon rabbit in 1947 Hollywood, framed for the murder of a local real estate mogul who happened to be owner of a piece of property called “Toon Town”. A Disney gem that starred Bob Hoskins, Joanna Cassidy, Christopher Lloyd, Stubby Kaye; and the voices of Charles Fleischer and Kathleen Turner.

 

HEAT (1995) – Michael Mann directed this saga about two men – an L.A.P.D. detective and the man he is trying to bring down, a successful and ruthless thief. Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Diane Verona, Ashley Judd, Tom Siezemore, Jon Voight, Mykelti Williamson, Natalie Portman, Wes Studi, Dennis Haysbert, Ted Levine, and Amy Brenneman.

THE THIN MAN (1934) – Based upon Dashiell Hammett’s novel, this is the first film featuring the sleuthing couple – Nick and Nora Charles. They investigate three deaths linked to a missing industrialist. Starred William Powell, Myrna Loy, Nat Pendleton, Maureen O’Sullivan, Minna Gombell and Porter Hall.

 

THE BIG HEAT (1953) – Directed by Fritz Lang, this movie is about a cop who takes on the crime syndicate that controls his city after the brutal murder of his beloved wife. It starred Glenn Ford, Gloria Grahamme, Lee Marvin, Jocelyn Brando, Jeanette Nolan and Alexander Scourby.

THE MALTESE FALCON (1941) – John Huston directed this third and best version of Dashiell Hammett’s novel about a San Francisco private eye hired to search for an artifact that his murdered partner had been searching. Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, Lee Patrick, Elisha Cook and Jerome Cowan starred.

 

COLLATERAL (2004) – Here is another film directed by Michael Mann about two men. Set during the space of a few hours, it is about a Los Angeles cab driver who discovers that he is acting as chauffer to a professional hit man who arrives in the city to carry out his assignment – a half dozen murders on behalf of a drug lord. The movie starred Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Mark Ruffalo and Jada Pinkett.

MURDER MY SWEET (1944) – Based upon the Raymond Chandler novel, “Farewell My Lovely”, this is the first movie to feature private-eye Philip Marlowe. In it, he is hired by a recent ex-convict to find his missing sweetheart. Dick Powell played the famous detective and is supported by Claire Trevor, Anne Shirley, Otto Kruger and Mike Mazurki. Robert Mitchum remade it in 1975 with the original title.

THE LONG GOODBYE (1973) – This is Robert Altman’s version of Raymond Chandler’s novel about detective Philip Marlowe’s investigation into the charges of a friend who is suspected of murder and later, suicide by the cops. Altman seemed to go out of his way to avoid the usual film noir clichés, making the movie an unusual entry of the genre. It starred Elliot Gould, Nina Van Pallandt, Sterling Hayden, Henry Gibson, Jim Bouton and Mark Rydell.

 

Here are some photos from the sequel to 2004's "NATIONAL TREASURE".  It is called "NATIONAL TREASURE 2 - The Book of Secrets" and like the first movie, it stars Nicholas Cage:

 

Here is the conclusion to "Neighbors":

--------------

"NEIGHBORS"

Part 11

"That was a delicious meal, Mrs. McNeill," Cole commented to Olivia's mother. "Especially the London Broil. I haven't had a meal like that since . . . well, in a long time." Over eight months ago, Cole privately calculated. Since the night before he and Phoebe had first moved into the penthouse.

The half-demon and the McNeills had gathered inside the large, well-furnished drawing of the McNeill manor. They just completed one of Gweneth McNeill's succulent meals.

The red-haired and still beautiful middle-aged woman flashed a bright smile at Cole. "I'm glad that you enjoyed it. And you might as well call me Gweneth. It's a shame that you didn't try a slice of my six-layer Eggnog cake."

"Yeah," Harry added, "it's one of her specialties. And it's a big seller at Morgan's bakery."

Cole promised to sample a slice of the cake before he left. "I noticed that Olivia didn't eat a slice, either." He gave his neighbor a sly smile. "On a diet?"

Olivia wrinkled her pert nose in protest. "You're a real sweetheart, aren't you, Turner? If you must know, I barely had any room in my stomach to finish dinner. It's what I get for not eating, today."

"Busy day?" her father asked.

A sigh left Olivia's mouth. "Are you kidding? Captain McPherson has started this major investigation on the Tower Bay Company. It seems no one can explain the sudden disappearance of the company's employees. Or the disturbance reported by some patrolman."

Jack McNeill's eyebrows quirked upward. "Really? Is it a bit premature to say that the Crozat Coven is gone for good?"

"I don't know," Olivia said with a shrug. "My friend in Seattle told me that the Malehex Corporation was in the process of moving its operation to San Francisco. And there is still that warlock whom Cole had turned into a pebble. I haven't been able to find him, today."

Cole spoke up. "The pebble . . . I mean, he's probably still there. I'll help you try to find him, tomorrow. However, I wouldn't dismiss the Crozats so easily, if I were you. Although much of the Source's old council had been destroyed during the last coronation . . . " Cole paused, as he realized that he had just referred to his unborn son. Then again . . . maybe not. He continued, "I suspect that several members might still be at large. And I've been keeping an eye out for any of them. And members of my old order, the Brotherhood of the Thorn."

Elise McNeill eyed the half-daemon with interest. "Now, I know that not all upper-level daemons were part of the Brotherhood." Cole stared at her, impressed that she knew that much about his former organization. "I'm simply curious as to how YOU became a member. How old are you, by the way?"

A hesitant Cole answered, "Uh, 117 years old."

The McNeill men whistled in appreciation. Olivia and Gweneth's eyes grew round. But the old lady did not seem that impressed. Interesting. "Really?" she said. "Not exactly old for a daemon. Most daemons join the Brotherhood at an older age. How did someone of your age managed to join?"

Again, Cole hesitated.

"You might as well tell her," Olivia told him. "You've told me."

Gweneth perked up. "Really? When did that happen?"

"Last Sunday," Olivia replied.

Cole added, "I suppose you want to hear the whole story."

In her blunt manner, Mrs. McNeill replied, "Dear boy, we've been dying to hear about your life story. Ever since Olivia first met you."

"Gran!"

"Well, it's the truth!" the elderly woman protested.

Cole could not help but smile at Elise McNeill's bluntness. She reminded him of Olivia. "That's okay. I don't mind," he said. "But it's a long story."

"Don't worry about that. Telepathy has a way of making a long story, short," Mrs. McNeill said with a smile.

His eyes widened immediately. "Telepathy?"

"Of course." Realization lit up the elderly woman's gray eyes. "Unless you have a problem with me reading your mind."

Cole's first instinct was to reject her offer. He valued his privacy too much, to expose his thoughts to a telepath. But he had been a lonely man for the past several months. Meeting Olivia and her family made him realize that his two years with the Halliwells have made him long for company. And the opportunity to tell someone about his problems. His revelations to Olivia had seemed like a relief. Maybe he would feel an even greater relief once the McNeills learned what led him to becoming the Source. And to his break-up with Phoebe. If there was anything Cole now longed for was the load off his shoulders.

"Okay," he finally relented. "I guess I wouldn't mind."

Mrs. McNeill nodded her head. "Good. Bruce honey, bring that chair over here so that Cole can sit in front of me." Olivia's older brother did as he was told. Once the chair was in place, Cole sat in it. "Now, just relax and allow your memories to be released," she added. "As they come to me, I'll project them to the others. If you don't mind."

"I don't."

"Good." Mrs. McNeill's hands hovered over Cole's temples. He took a deep breath and relaxed. The next thing Cole knew, his memories of the past two years rushed back to him. Everything. Well, except for those more intimate moments with Phoebe, thank goodness.

When it ended, Cole took another deep breath. The McNeills did the same. "Well, that was certainly interesting," Mrs. McNeill said in a breathless tone. "As Harry would say - wow!"

Jack McNeill added, "It would make quite an interesting story. A bestseller on the Wiccan literary underground."

His wife added, "Including what happened to Ed Miller." She gave Cole a pointed stare. "So you were the one responsible for his disappearance. I guess you paid for it."

A hot flush washed over Cole's face. Memories of Phoebe's reaction to that little incident returned to him in full force. "Not exactly one of my finest moments, I admit."

"Well, vanquishing him did seem a bit . . . drastic." Gweneth McNeill continued, "What you should have done is ask Leo to give him memory dust. Or turn him into a dog. And drop him in the middle of on-going traffic."

Olivia cried out in protest, "Mom!" Even Cole felt shocked by the older woman's remark.

Gweneth shrugged. "You all know how I felt about Mister Edward Miller. The man was a bloody rotten berk. Did you know that a young boy had died in one of his buildings, after being bitten by a rat? And that bloody . . . that bastard managed to avoid prosecution by blackmailing several city officials. Everyone knows it's true, even though no one would prosecute him."

"She has a point," Elise McNeill added. "What you did was wrong, Cole. And you paid for it in true Wiccan style, I gather. Considering what you endured afterward. But I must admit . . . what happened to Ed Miller was poetic justice, as well. He avoided responsibility of a death through blackmail. And because of blackmail, he was killed." She shook her head. "Karmic payback." When Cole saw that the other McNeills nodded in agreement, he realized that they possessed a moral code that would appall the Halliwells. Although it did suit him.

Bruce turned to Cole. "Uh, there is one other matter that I'm curious about."

Feeling somewhat uneasy, Cole asked, "Like what?"

"What in the hell made you think you could trust the Seer?" Bruce demanded in astonished tones. "Don't take this personal, but were you that stupid?"

Once again, Olivia defended her friend. "Okay, Bruce. That's enough!"

"What? Don't tell me that you didn't find what he did, stupid? I certainly did."

Jack McNeill piped up. "I have to admit, so did I."

An outraged Oliva continued, "Okay, so did I." Cole shot her an astonished look. "But he was in a desperate situation. Couldn't you see that?"

Sighing heavily, both Jack and Bruce admitted that they understood. The older man continued, "I probably would have done the same, to save all of you."

"Thanks," Cole murmured sarcastically. He turned to Olivia. "So, you believe I'm stupid?"

Green eyes radiated innocence. "Not really. Just . . . short-sighted. Rash. Besides, can you blame any of us for thinking that?"

Before Cole could answer, the McNeills' manservant entered the room and announced the arrival of new visitors. A minute later, Cole was surprised to find himself greeting the Charmed Ones and Leo. Who also seemed surprised by Cole's presence. It seemed like a miracle to Cole that he managed to remain calm. Especially with Phoebe only standing a few feet away.

"Well, look who's here," Elise McNeill greeted politely. Cole detected a touch of frost in her voice. Both Piper and Leo flinched. Much to his amusement.

Clearing her throat nervously, Piper stepped forward. "Sorry to interrupt. We, uh . . . well, my sisters and I wanted to say thanks to Olivia and Harry for saving our lives, yesterday." She shot a quick glance at the half-demon. "And Cole."

Mrs. McNeill's smile grew even more arch. "Well, that's nice of you, honey."

"And we also want to apologize," Phoebe added. "For lying to you, on Sunday. Piper, uh . . . made a cake for you."

Piper thrust the cake forward. "It's Coconut. From Grams' recipe."

Both Mrs. McNeills gasped with delight. "What do you know? Penny's famous Coconut cake!" the older one declared in breathless tones. "One of my favorites." Elise McNeill gave Piper a pointed stare. "May I assume that you followed your grandmother's recipe to the letter?" She took the cake and handed it to Davies.

"To the letter," Piper said with a smile. "I hope you like it."

"Oh, I'm sure I will. Gwen, is it okay if they each receive a piece of your cake?" The elderly woman turned to the Halliwells. "It's her six-layer Eggnog cake. One of Gwen's best."

Now, it was Paige's turn to squeal with delight. "Ooo! I used to buy a slice or a whole cake every time I went to Morgan's. Is it the same kind?"

"Of course, Paige," Gweneth replied, looking pleased. Then she ordered Davies to wrap four slices of the Eggnog cake. "Oh, I mean five. Wrap an extra slice for Mr. Turner as well, Davies."

At the mention of Cole's name, the Halliwells stared at him. The room fell into an uncomfortable silence. Then Olivia made an announcement. "Oh, I forgot to tell you all. Guess what happened this morning? Darryl and I became partners." She chuckled softly. "Poor Darryl. Can you imagine his expression when Captain Thompson told us the news? He always thought I was crazy. But now that he knows I'm a witch . . ." She broke off, chuckling again. Cole laughed softly to himself. He wished had been there to witness Darryl Morris' reaction.

Leo brought up the subject of the Crozat Coven. "The Elders heard what happened. You can't imagine how relieved they are. The Crozats were in a good position to take over the Underworld. Fortunately, it's still in chaos."

Elise McNeill grunted. "Hmmm! If I were the Elders, I'd be worried, instead of relieved."

The Halliwells and Leo frowned at the elderly woman's statement. "What are you saying?" Leo demanded. "With the Underworld in chaos, we don't have to worry about a new Source."

The old woman sighed. "Oh Leo! And I thought you would understand. Don't you get it? With the Unde. . . I mean, the Source's Realm in chaos, the balance between good and evil has been altered. It's out of whack. Surely you realize what that means?"

Paige replied with a frown, "I certainly don't."

"It means that sooner or later, the chaos in the Source's Realm will spread to other daemonic realms and dimensions . . . including the Whitelighters' Realm," Jack McNeill added. "And that can spell trouble for all of us. Unless the balance is restored."

Now the Halliwells stared at Olivia's father, as if he had lost his mind. "Wait a minute!" a shocked Phoebe declared. "Are you saying that it would be a good idea if a new Source emerged?"

"It's not something any of us relish," Gweneth McNeill calmly explained. "But with the daemonic world in chaos, all of us might find ourselves in serious trouble in the near future. Witches and whitelighters. It's important to maintain a positive and negative balance in everything. Why do you think the Hollow is traditionally guarded by two - one who chooses good and one who chooses evil?"

It seemed obvious to Cole that the McNeills' words had seriously disturbed the Charmed Ones and Leo. Cole, on the other hand, understood perfectly. He still recalled Phoebe telling him about a warlock's attempt to destroy the Elders. Such an act would have not only spelled disaster for witches and whitelighters, but trouble within the demonic world, as well. Demons, warlocks and many others would have surely fallen upon each other for control of the Whitelighters' Realm and other dimensions. And on a scale that would have meant trouble for the Source.

A troubled Leo quickly nay-sayed the idea of a new Source. "There won't be a new leader of the Underworld. Well, we almost had one," he shot a dark glance at Cole, who merely stared back, "but it didn't last. Besides, without the Grimoire, I doubt there will be a new Source. I destroyed the book, last spring."

"Are you sure that you destroyed it?" Mrs. McNeill asked in an ominous tone.

Leo firmly added, "Trust me, it's destroyed. And it's a good thing. With the Underworld in chaos, maybe evil will finally destroy itself."

Bruce frowned. "You don't really believe that, do you? C'mon Leo! You know that one cannot destroy evil. Maybe reject it or rise above it, but destroy it?"

Once again, the drawing room fell silent. The Halliwells remained rooted to floor, looking as if someone had kicked them in the teeth. And the McNeills seemed to regard them as specimen underneath a microscope.

Davies reappeared in the room and broke the uncomfortable silence. He held a cardboard box in his hands. Olivia let out a gust of breath. "Well, here's Davies with your cake. And just in time. It was about to get heavy in here with all that philosophical talk."

Piper took the box, with a polite smile on her lips. "Well, thanks for the cake. And I hope you enjoy our present."

Mrs. McNeill returned the smile. "I'm sure we will, honey. Thank you. By the way, will you be available for our next Sunday brunch?

The three sisters hesitated. Exchanged brief glances. Cole already knew their answers. No. And sure enough, Piper answered, "Uh, we're not sure. We've already made plans for Sunday. But if they fall through . . . we might be available."

"That's a no if I ever heard one," Olivia grumbled. Fortunately, only Cole overheard.

But judging from Mrs. McNeill's expression, she did not have to hear her granddaughter. The hesitation in Piper's voice and the Halliwells' expressions seemed to have made their feelings about another Sunday brunch quite clear. "Well, if you ever find the time," the elderly woman continued with a cool smile, "let us know."

The Halliwells said good-bye and immediately retreated to the door. Phoebe shot Cole a quick glance, before she followed the others out of the room. Once the door shut behind them, a sarcastic Bruce asked, "Any bets on whether or not we'll see them, next Sunday?"

Harry piped up, "I'll place twenty bucks on NOT."

Cole wondered if he should defend the Halliwells. He thought about it for a few seconds and realized it would be a waste of time. Especially since he doubted they would do the same for him.

"I think all this talk about a new Source may have scared them, Elise," Gweneth commented. "Leo too, I shouldn't wonder."

Elise McNeill snorted. "Well, they're not Jack and Penny Halliwell's granddaughters for nothing. I loved Penny like a sister, but she always did have this rigid sense of morality. Of course, in her case, she always had trouble practicing what she preached."

Cole struggled to suppress a smile. And failed.

* * * *

The black Porsche slowly eased into its familiar spot inside the underground parking lot. Cole leaned forward and switched off the engine.

"You know, you could have save some gas money by using your powers," Olivia commented laconically. "Instead of driving your car."

Cole turned to her and smiled. "You ever heard of the term - 'boys with toys'? I was in the mood to drive, tonight. Helps me relax." He opened the car door on his side and climbed out. Then he walked over to the passenger side and helped Olivia out of the car. He noticed an aluminum-wrapped container in her hands. "Is that a piece of your mother's cake?"

"Yep," Olivia replied. "Her six-layer Eggnog cake is my favorite. Although I wouldn't have minded a slice of Piper's cake." She stared at Cole's empty hands. "No cake for yourself?"

Cole coughed slightly. "I had a piece of Eggnog cake before we left. And to be honest, I never was crazy about Coconut cake. You don't know how many times I've had to keep from spitting it up whenever Piper made one."

The pair made their way across the parking lot and toward the elevator. "Then why didn't you just tell her?" Olivia asked.

"Are you kidding? The last time I criticized Piper's cooking, she gave me a look that told me I should be grateful that the family tolerated me. After that, no more complaints."

A knowing smile creased Olivia's lips. "In other words, you wimped out."

"Hey! I didn't wimp out!" Cole growled. His growl merely hinted annoyance, not menace. And it only widened Olivia's smile even further.

"Oh c'mon Cole! It's not like I don't know what I'm talking about. When Richard and I were dating, he used to tiptoe around the family, all the time. He was afraid they would reject him, because of his past." Olivia paused, shaking her head. "Poor Richard. He really had a fear of rejection. And he eventually got on Dad's nerves. I told him to stop trying to prove himself, but he wouldn't listen. At first."

A curious Cole asked, "Did he eventually stop?"

"Yeah, but only after I had another talk with him." The elevator doors slid open. Both Cole and Olivia entered. The doors closed. "When I first told Richard," Olivia continued, "I don't think he was really listening. In fact, it got so bad, Dad and Bruce started calling him Dudley Do Right, behind his back."

The nickname drew laughter from Cole.

Olivia joined in his laughter. "Yeah, I know. Can you imagine a warlock with a nickname like that?"

"No, I can't," Cole replied between guffaws.

After their laughter subsided, Olivia immediately sobered. "But after one of Richard's urges to play hero nearly ended in disaster for Bruce and Harry, I had enough."

Memories of his own decision to use the Hollow rushed back to Cole. He asked, "Did you break up with him? With Richard?"

"No," Olivia said, shaking her head. "But I told him that I wasn't interested in him playing Sir Galahad. That I only wanted him. I also told him that if he wanted to help other people, fine. But he should do it because he wanted to and not to please me."

The elevator reached Olivia's floor. Cole found himself brooding over her last words. Hell, he had been just as guilty of the same thing, as Richard Bannen. Fighting evil in order to save Phoebe and her sisters. And prove to them that he was no longer evil. He never realized how much he had grown weary of trying to be someone he was not.

"Cole?" Olivia's voice snapped him out of his reverie. "Is something wrong?"

He shook his head. "No, I was just thinking. Richard and I had a lot in common."

"Oh. You tried to pull the Dudley Do Right routine also, huh? To impress Phoebe?"

Cole sighed. "Yeah. And it worked for a while. Until I lost my powers. And the Source possessed me. It got even worse after I returned from the Wasteland. I guess the problem is being myself didn't seem to help. Phoebe and her sisters . . . well, they're a little uncomfortable with my dark side."

A frown creased Olivia's face, as she unlocked her apartment door. "They've got a lot more to worry about than your dark side. Like their own." The pair entered the apartment. Olivia placed her piece of cake on the kitchen table. Then she faced her neighbor. "Cole, may I ask you something?"

"Yeah?"

Olivia took a deep breath. "You're still in love with Phoebe, aren't you?"

Cole felt his face grow warm. "Well . . . yeah. Yeah, I'm still in love with her." He eyed Olivia warily. "Why?"

"Because I think she's still in love with you," Olivia continued. "I saw the way she kept looking at you."

Hope fluttered within Cole's heart. But only for a moment. For reasons he could not fathom, the love he felt toward Phoebe no longer burned brightly as it once did. He still loved her - somewhat - but his desperation for her love had dimmed. "I guess she does," he quietly replied.

"But you don't seem very . . . I don't know, hopeful."

Cole let out a gust of breath. "Look, don't get me wrong. I love Phoebe. I always will. But I can't be the man she wants. Not anymore. I guess after all that has happened, I'm tired of trying to live up to her ideals."

Olivia's face almost matched her hair coloring. "Oh. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought up the sub . . ."

"No. I don't mind. I guess it was time I told someone how I felt." Cole gave Olivia a warm smile.

A red brow cocked upward, as Olivia returned Cole's smile. "Glad to be of service." Then she glanced at the clock on the mantle. "Oh Lord! Look at the time! It's almost eleven-thirty."

"I better get home. I have an early appointment, tomorrow morning."

"Before you leave, I have something for you." Olivia raced back toward the kitchen. Seconds later, she returned to the living room, carrying a deep dish pan, covered by a sheet of foil.

Cole glanced at the pan. "What is it?"

"Floating Island." Olivia lifted the foil to reveal the dessert. "After what happened last Friday, I thought we should start all over again. So here, this is my 'thank you for saving my life' gift." She held out the pan.

Unlike the first time, Cole took the dessert without hesitation. "Thank you, Miss McNeill," he said with playful formality. "And I hope it will taste a lot better, eating it from a plate or bowl than it did from my face."

Hands on hips, Olivia shook her head as she smiled. "You know, you really are evil. Maybe that's why I like you so much."

Cole gave his neighbor a winning smile, before he disappeared from her sight.

THE END

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I realized that some of you wanted Cole to end up with Olivia McNeill or Phoebe. Since he and Phoebe became divorced in this story, I thought it was a bit too soon for him to end up in another romance. So I ended the story on a vague note. But don't worry. This is just the first of at least three stories featuring him, Olivia, the McNeills, Darryl Morris, Leo and the Halliwells. If you have any questions, please send me a message via rosiepowell2000@yahoo.com. Thanks.

Here is a music video clip featuring Chris Cornell singing the theme song from the Bond film, "CASINO ROYALE".  It is called, "You Know My Name":

With the sequel due to be released in theaters on December 21, I thought it would be nice to post photographs from the original 2004 movie, "NATIONAL TREASURE", starring Nicholas Cage:

 

 

"NEIGHBORS"

Part 10

The following morning saw Olivia among the first in her squad to report for work.  However, there seemed to be one person who had already arrived.  Namely Darryl Morris.   

"Good morning!" she greeted her colleague with a cheerful smile.  "You're bright and early, for once."  Olivia knew that Darryl had never been considered an early bird in their squad.  Which meant he wanted to speak with her.  She smirked.  "Oh, oh!  You must have been waiting for me."

Darryl placed a sheet of paper on Olivia's desk.  "That's right, I have."

"What's this?"  Olivia picked up the sheet of paper.

"A report from a patrolman.  I found it in Thompson's out-box before I went home, last night.  Apparently, he and his partner were driving along Bayshore Drive, when they saw unusual lights from the Tower Bay warehouse.  When they went to investigate, Thompson and his partner heard more sounds of explosions and a scream.  You know, that sort of thing."

Green eyes widened.  "Really?"

Darryl rolled his eyes.  "Yes, really.  When Thompson checked inside the warehouse, he and his partner found nothing."  He paused dramatically.  "Except for a scorch mark on the east wall."  A sigh left Darryl's mouth.  "Now, I'm glad that you're all safe.  Or else you wouldn't be here, smiling like a cat with canaries in her mouth.  I just . . ."  Both he and Olivia spotted a clerk entered the squad room.  "I just want to know what happened."

Olivia glanced at the newcomer.  She sat on the chair behind her desk.  "If you must know, we got rid of the warlocks."

"You and the Charmed Ones?"

A loud scoff escaped from Olivia's mouth.  "No, actually it was my brother Harry, Cole Turner, and me."

"What happened to . . .?"  A knowing look creased Darryl's face.  "Wait.  Don't tell me.  You had to rescue the Halliwells."

Olivia sighed.  "I'm afraid so.  It's a good thing that Harry was able to read Phoebe's premonition.  He's telepathic."

Darryl shook his head.  "Please.  Don't tell me.  I don't wanna know anymore than I do."

"But I thought you wanted to know everything."

Darryl shot back, "I wanted to know what happened inside that warehouse.  Not about your brother."

A tall figure strode into the squad room.  It belonged to their supervisor, Captain McPherson.  He glanced at the two inspectors.  "Morris, McNeill, I'm glad to see you both here.  See me in my office.  In five minutes."  The he continued on toward his office.

The two friends glanced at each other.  "What was that about?" Olivia asked.

"You got me," Darryl said as he shrugged.  "Getting back to the subject, you say that Cole helped you rescue the Halliwells?  I guess this will finally put him back in Phoebe's good graces."

Darryl's words hit Olivia like a punch in the gut.  "Oh.  I never thought about that."  Nor did she really want to.

* * * *

The telephone rang three times before a voice on the other end of the receiver announced, "Hello?"

Phoebe took a deep breath.  "Cole?"

A pause followed.  Then, "Phoebe?  Is that you?"

"Yeah."

Cole's voice hesitated.  "Uh, is there something wrong?  Why did you call?"

Now it was Phoebe's turn to hesitate.  Why could she say?  Cole called out her name again.  "Phoebe?  Are you there?"

She sighed.  "Yeah.  I . . . uh, I just wanted to thank you, again.  For saving us from those warlocks."

"You're welcome.  Although I wouldn't have been able to do it without Olivia or Harry's help."

Phoebe grunted.  "Yeah.  Well . . . with or without their help, thanks."

Silence greeted Phoebe's last words.  Then Cole said, "Was there any other reason why you called?"  Phoebe thought she heard hope in his voice.

Was there another reason?  Why was she calling him anyway?  To reunite with him?  It was the last thing she wanted.  After all of the trauma over the Source, Phoebe realized that she could not deal with the uncertainly of Cole turning evil again.  Not while he possessed those powers he had received from the Wasteland.  But she could not say so over the telephone.  Besides, Cole knew how she felt.

Phoebe took a deep breath.  "No.  I just wanted to say thanks.  Again."

"You're welcome."  Cole's voice now sounded flat.  "Good-bye Phoebe."

The telephone receiver went dead.  Phoebe whispered, "Good-bye."  And she hung up the telephone.

"Who was that?" a cheerful Paige asked, as she and Piper entered the Solarium.

Phoebe murmured, "Cole."

Her sisters' expressions sobered at the mention of her ex-husband.  Especially Paige's.  Piper's eyes also radiated concern.  "Oh?  What did he want?"  She sat down on the sofa, next to Phoebe.

"He didn't call.  I did."

Paige demanded, "And why did you do that?"

"This has nothing to do with yesterday, does it?" Piper asked, shooting the youngest with a quick glare.

Phoebe took a deep breath.  "Well, I figured that he deserved a thank you for saving us from those warlocks.  After all, we practically ignored him, yesterday."

The other two Halliwells looked slightly abashed.  Piper spoke up.  "Maybe we did seem a little ungrateful.  But Phoebe, are you sure there's nothing more to your phone call?"

"Like what?" Phoebe warily asked.

Piper glanced at Paige, who shrugged.  The former continued, "Like Cole . . . and Olivia McNeill."  Piper paused.  "And the way they sort of . . . well, smiled at each other.  Maybe you don't like the idea of Cole becoming close with another woman."

Paige added, "Yeah.  Especially with Olivia.  Heck, they almost seemed like kindred spirits."

"Paige!"  Piper's eyes flashed with irritation.  "Could you please not . . .?"

But the youngest Halliwell continued on with her usual bluntness.  "What?  I mean, we all noticed!  I know I did.  And Phoebe?  Don't take this the wrong way, but maybe this is a sign that you and Cole aren't simply made to be together.  Maybe it's time to move on, like you keep telling him."

Once more, Piper admonished Paige.  But the latter's words further twist the knife Phoebe has been feeling in her gut, since yesterday evening.  As she struggled to overcome her quixotic feelings about Cole, she asked in a trembling voice, "Where's Leo?  I haven't seen him since yesterday morning."

"Meeting with the bosses, I suppose," Piper muttered.  The moment she had spoken, her husband appeared in his familiar sea of blue lights.  "Oh!  Speak of the devil."

Leo planted a light kiss on Piper's forehead.  "I don't know if I like the idea of being referred to as a devil."

"Where have you been?" Piper demanded.

Leo replied, "Sorry, but I was with a charge in London."

"London?  Cool!"  Paige expressed excitement.

"Yeah.  And I was also with the Elders.  They're very relieved that the Crozat Coven was prevented from becoming the major power in the Underworld.  They were pretty powerful, you know.  And large."

Piper caustically remarked, "Shouldn't you be at Olivia McNeill's apartment, telling all her this?  After all, she was the one responsible for stopping them."

"Oh.  Well, yeah.  I had also heard about that," Leo added.  "That's why I plan to see her, this evening."

Ever since she saw the red-haired witch in action, Phoebe had a question in her mind.  "Speaking of Olivia, remember when you told us about her powers?  Well, exactly how strong is she?  I mean, you should have seen her, Leo.  Not even Prue's telekinesis was that strong."

"That's because Prue's power had not been fully developed when she died," Leo replied.  "And Olivia has been developing her power for a longer period of time.  Come to think of it, she still isn't fully developed yet.  The same goes for Bruce and Harry."

Piper stared at her husband in shock.  "You've got to be kidding!  Both she and Harry were like super witches!  Or something like that."

Leo gave his wife what looked like a chastising stare.  "That's because they both took the time to not only control their powers, but to also develop them."  Piper rolled her eyes.  "Besides, like I said before, all of you are only slightly more powerful than the McNeills.  And I do mean slightly."  Leo hesitated.  "Only as the Power of Three, I mean.  And there's also the prophecy."

Phoebe and the other Charmed Ones frowned at their whitelighter.  "Prophecy?  What are you talking about?" Phoebe asked.

The whitelighter paused.  He seemed very reluctant to continue.

"Come on, Leo!  Give," Phoebe argued.  "The genie is already out of the bottle."

After a heartfelt sigh, Leo finally continued, "There's a rumor about a prophecy that concerns both the Warren and McNeill lines.  It's rumored that both lines will eventually come together in marriage and produce the most powerful magical being ever."

"What are you talking about?" Paige demanded.  "I thought we were supposed to be the most powerful witches, ever."

"I said the most powerful magical being, not witch."

Leo's words reminded Phoebe of the Seer.  The former demon had once revealed that if she and Cole - when he was the Source - had been married by a regular priest or minister, their baby would have been a powerful force of good.  Phoebe still doubted the Seer's words.  She simply could not comprehend the idea of a witch and a demon producing such a child.  Not while there was the demonic element to consider.

"So, does anyone have an idea which one of us will help bring about this prophecy?" Paige asked, interrupting Phoebe's thoughts.

Leo shrugged.  "Who knows?"

"Speaking of the McNeills . . ."  Piper raced out of the room, perplexing her sisters and husband.  A few minutes later, she returned, holding a cake encased inside a plastic covering.  "This is Grams' famous Coconut cake.  Sort of a peace offering to old Mrs. McNeill for what happened on Sunday.  Since you'll be seeing Olivia, could you give it to her, so she can give it to her grandmother?"  Piper handed the cake to Leo.

Who handed the cake back to Piper.  "Why don't you give it to Mrs. McNeill, herself?  We can stop by the McNeill manor after we see Olivia.  Shouldn't you all present this cake to Mrs. McNeill?  In person?"

The three sisters exchanged long-suffering looks.  Eating crow has never been a Halliwell forte.

END OF PART 10