The author's thesis is simple and direct. Those in the mixed methods qualitative inquiry community need a new story line, one that does not confuse pragmatism for triangulation, and triangulation for mixed methods research (MMR). A different third way is required, one that inspires generative politics and dialogic democracy and helps shape realistic utopian dreams. This is a third path based on interpretive methodologies that show citizens how to confront the obstacles to justice that shape their daily lives. Mixed methods can and should be used in the service of transformative social justice projects. Looking inward, the mixed methods discourse needs a narrative that does not stumble over words such as "politics," "pragmatism," "paradigm," "third moment," "methodology," and "triangulation." A way out of the present is needed. In this article, the author proposes a third way of conceptualizing MMR, one based on critical interpretive methodologies. (Contains 7 notes.)