Charmed Role Reversal, to borrow an overused phrase, which by now may well have become a cliché, has been an "emotional outlet", a chance to do something I've wanted to do for some time, something I felt I would enjoy but have never done (at least not on this scale). Something that is largely different from what I do everyday (but which I also enjoy). For eight years, the Halliwells, and the actresses who portray them, have had a small corner in my world.

Whoa! Has it really been eight years? It doesn’t seem to have been so long. I well remember the publicity photograph of Shannen that, just recently it seems, graced the television page of the newspaper when Charmed debuted. And it seems as if it was just a short while ago that Prue, Piper and Phoebe were learning about their powers - and about themselves.

Charmed has grown to become a significant social phenomenon. Oops...there goes another cliché. Never getting the proper promotion by the WB network, nor the appropriate coverage by the press, nor the slightest recognition at Emmy time, Charmed nevertheless developed a substantial, loyal and enthusiastic following. People who recognized Charmed’s qualities: initially of its concept, often of its writing, always of its acting. People who recognized the qualities of its characters, who underneath it all, were really normal, everyday people trying to lead normal lives. Normal people just like us. Which made them realistic and believable. And that, in turn, allowed us to recognize, relate to and accept the relationships and events portrayed that regularly touched our emotions.

Not only did Charmed become part of our lives but we became part of its. In a number of ways, not the least of which was the feedback and suggestions that were received by Charmed’s producers through various venues, including important and influential web sites.

Though Charmed is out of production, it is neither gone nor even stagnant. Not as long as there are episodes to watch again and enjoy, stories continuing to be written, and a following that will keep Charmed a part of their lives, thereby keeping the four Halliwell sisters vibrant and thus viable.
Role Reversal will help to do that for me and I hope it does that for you, as well.

I would be remiss if I did not thank, and acknowledge the contributions of, a dear friend, 
Andrea Haag, the Webmaster and Editor of TheCharmedOnes.com website. Her encouragement and suggestions for, and insightful critiques of, Role Reversal through the stages of its writing were invaluable.

July, 2008