#2 dimensional writing

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

We could have had it all...

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[mostlyvoid-partiallyflowers]

The most recent episode of Interview with a Vampire let's us see Lestat's side of the story and see how it compares to Louis' accounting of their relationship. As a result, it reaffirms just how unreliable of a narrator Louis is, but it also further illuminates elements of his character that the director and writers have been playing with since the beginning of the show.

There's this part in the episode where Lestat turns to Louis and apologizes and it's framed with Lestat turned to Louis on one side and Claudia on his other side. They're the angel and devil on Louis' shoulders, but who is the angel and who is the devil? And as my friend said, Armand and Daniel are placed into that same dynamic with Louis later on. We are being asked to decide who to trust, who's telling the truth, who's the good guy, but the fact of unreliability robs us of that decision.

This whole story is about Louis, he's the protagonist, though not the narrator, and he is constantly being pulled in two directions, no matter when or where he is in his story. He's a mind split in two, divided by nature and circumstance. He's vampire and human, owner and owned, father and child, angel and devil. He's both telling the story and being told the story. His history is a story he tells himself, and as we've seen, sometimes that story is not whole.

Louis is the angel who saved Claudia from the fire but he's also the devil who sentenced her to an life of endless torment, the adult trapped in the body of a child. He's the angel who rescued Lestat from his grief and also the devil who abandoned him, who couldn't love him, could only kill and leave him.

He's pulled in two directions, internally and externally at all times and so it's no wonder that he feels the need to confess, first to the priest, then Daniel, and then Daniel again.

He's desperate to be heard, a Black man with power in Jim Crow America who's controlled by his position as someone with a seat at the table but one who will never be considered equal. He doesn't belong to the Black community or the white community, he can't. He acts as a go-between, a bridge, one who is pushed and pulled until he can't take it anymore. He's a fledgling child to an undead father, he's a young queer man discovering his sexual identity with an infinitely experienced partner. He's confessing because he wants to be absolved, that human part of him that was raised Catholic, that child who believed, he wants to be saved. He wants to be seen.

Louis wants to attain a forever life that is morally pure, but he can't. He's been soiled by sin, by "the devil," as he calls Lestat, and he can never be clean again. Deep down, I think he knows this, but he can't stop trying to repent. He tries to self-flagellate by staying with Lestat and then tries to repent by killing him, but can't actually follow through. He follows Claudia to Europe to try and assuage his guilt. He sets himself on fire, attempts to burn himself at the stake, to purify his body, rid himself of the dark gift.

Louis is a man endlessly trying to account for the pain he has caused and he ultimately fails, over and over again, because he can't get rid of what he is. A monster. He's an endlessly hungry monster. He's hungry for love, for respect, for power, for forgiveness, for death. He's a hole that can never be filled. He can never truly acquire any of those things because he will always be punishing himself for wanting and needing them in the first place. He will never truly believe he deserves them and as a result, can't accept them if they are ever offered. He can never be absolved for he has damned himself by accepting the dark gift and thus has tainted himself past the point of saving.

[gossippool]

just a thing but i think it's... interesting... how people are so quick to assume that characters have nothing below the surface. this is about fictional characters in general but also kind of about wade specifically because like is this how some of y'all consume media?? is the default not to always assume some sort of depth/anticipate a character arc or reveal that shows there's more to them than what is initially presented??? like if it was a side character meant for comedic relief then okay maybe the writers don't care enough to develop them (but even then there's usually always something). but for a comic book character that has existed for decades with three solo movies i don't get how people think that just because he's marketed as a comedic character that that's all there is to him

[cluescorner]

I cannot imagine being a Damian stan right now. You've got both Zdarsky's bullshit (where he clearly doesn't give a shit about your boy) and The Boy Wonder (where Juni Ba clearly gives so many shits about your boy) coming out on the same day. The whiplash must be insane. I hope y'all get some nice warm soup for your efforts jfc

[aristaspark]

Shipping discourse (Kenlynn/Dinostar)

Ok, so two days ago I commented under a youtube video the reasons that shows, at least to me, why I think Kenlynn still has very high chances of being endgame (I might post my reasoning later).

I was happy because a dinostar shipper even replied to me, agreeing with a lot of my points (love that kind of interaction).

And then another person replied, saying that they doubted I was right and that there was no way they would have made Darius fall in love with Brooklynn for nothing or throw him under the bus like that.

I'm talking about this because, replying to them, I was finally able to put into words what the problem in the reasoning of a lot of people who are sure Dinostar would be canon for the simple fact that the writers had introduced the storyline was. In the end, I'm thankfull for that comment. So here's what I answered to them:

What I meant is that it's possible they will go with Dinostar, although what I have observed tells me it's very unlikely, but it's also largely possible they will go with Kenlynn, and broke them up to better bring them back together (that's the conclusion my observations have led me to), or even that she'll end up alone, idk. I try not to look at this from a shipping standpoint, but from a story standpoint, because I think that's what the writers are doing with the characters. The ships and how popular they are isn't their focus (Or we would have gotten Dinostar a long time ago and Benji back in camp cretaceous), it's clear what's more important to them is to tell an interesting story. I don't think they see Darius having an unrequited love as "throwing him under the bus", but as something that can happen, even to the most deserving of love people. In Chaos Theory, they are clearly tackling very mature and human themes and are putting the characters in very uncomfortable situations, (death wish, amputation, family death, paranoia, attempted murder, conspirations, depression...), so I don't see why they would stop at showing what happens when you fall in love with one of your best friends, but as much as they love you, they just can't ever love you that way. It's totally on par with what the show is, so it wouldn't have been "for nothing", actually I think it's a lot more probable than Brooklynn getting with Darius. Although I'm a Kenlynn shipper, I think I only pointed out what was in the show in my reasoning, what made me think they're going for Kenlynn. What I meant by that is that, unlike what you said, "there's way", at least when you look at what's in the show (and the promotional material, to me that letter is one of the most compelling piece of evidence, because like... why did they do that?) That's not to say I'm not biased, I totally am, but what I don't do is think they wouldn't write a storyline just because it's not satisfying for the character. Brooklynn lost her arm, Kenji thought his girlfriend of six years died and saw his father get killed and is now very unstable, Ben is paranoid... but Darius having to come to terms with his romantic feelings not being reciprocated is unimaginable? I think that's where I'm coming from.

[twisted-wonderland-but-gayer]

I should ss all of grims dialouge in this new event and see just how many lines are abt food. I have already counted like 7 times in the first two books

[kaythefloppa]

Enough time has passed to where I think we can openly admit how WK has gone through seasonal rot within its previous 2 seasons and how the hype of Season 7 along with the generally positive reception is a really green flag for the show's quality.

[rdwarfiverse]

Quiz time for dwarfers

Who is the most underrated main crew that the writers (mainly Doug) had an afterthought within the plot.

A. Holly

B. Kryten

C. Cat

[bearenjoyers]

sorry im just thinking about bcs but like. why not add a few smaller scenes of gus interacting with his own men? why does it seem like, in comparison, mike is almost immediately elevated to a higher status than those two in bcs purely because we actually get to see him having normal conversations with gus? like i understand they might not keep the plot moving as well because of the fact obviously if victor is currently doing something it’s because gus told him to etc. but for the most part all of the smaller interactions gus does have with those two ends up being in a somewhat high stress situation where it feels very tense between everyone. and it’s just like damn! is it always like that?? why do those two even care that much about their jobs if their boss is a bit of a dick? etc. i think even an additional scene or two with those guys (either alone or the both of them) talking with gus in a more normal situation could’ve both added a bit more depth into how gus treats his employees (we got a lot with how he treats lyle and co., but not a whole lot with the illegal side of things), how comfortable vic and tyrus feel around him in a calmer setting, and exactly why they both feel the need to be as loyal as they are to the guy.

and also on the other side of this i don't think it'd hurt to maybe elaborate on their pay just a bit..? i'm not saying to randomly put a number out into the atmosphere but i just mean some smaller things like. do they buy nicer things for themselves? what's their housing situation? what's their car situation? are the escalade / yukon their own vehicles or does gus just use those two for business situations? do they use them when they're doing their own stuff off the clock or do they have their own cars? etc. that can also help with understanding their motivations a bit. don't get me wrong i don't think they should be visibly rich or something because that's not what gus would want but just smaller things! cause it's easy to write their loyalty off as Well they probably get paid super well, which i'm sure is true, but if they don't show a single hint of that then what's the point. even something as simple as giving tyrus a nice watch, or maybe victor having a nicer looking gun, etc. something small like that. because as it stands right now the average 41 year old viewer who watched the show once only knows and will only ever know victor and tyrus as those two guys in the background who do random stuff for gus with no clear motivation. just the personification of "On it boss (salute emoji)". and to be honest this is true for a whole lot of fans who do watch the show multiple times and enjoy thinking about it more in depth, because on screen we barely have anything about the two.

and to be clear i'm not trying to say we should have an episode just for them or something like no i understand they're side characters. i understand we don't need all that. and i understand this is also primarily Jimmy's show. but it's not like these two are on the same level as like, arlo or paige and kevin etc. these guys have been around since brba. victor was literally introduced in the same episode gus was. and they are a huge part of gus's story, especially in brba. s4 wouldn't have been what it was without victor and tyrus. and in bcs, ignacio's situation wouldn't have been the same if it weren't for victor and tyrus as well. and i just personally believe that if their goal with gus in bcs was to go back and elaborate on how everything came to be and show what he was like a few years younger, they could've dragged victor and tyrus into that. and i think his character would've benefited from taking that extra step with those two.

[lilacerull0]

i can't get over this expression...

[futurefreedomau]

Given the many hurdles in keeping your relationship afloat such as hiding it from Blaze’s subjects, Sonic’s job as a Freedom Fighter, and not staying together for too long otherwise the universe will crumble, why run the risk of having kids?

Like, how does the universe not completely implode in on itself due to their mere existence considering that they’re children of two people from opposite dimensions? Can they just exist in either dimension for as long as they want? Do they draw the power from Chaos Emeralds, the Sol Emeralds, or both?

What about the Sol Empire? How do they not know who the father is? Who do they think IS the father? How did they not get suspicious when your children turn out to be half-hedgehog and knowing about your history with Sonic? What happens if they find out that you’ve been lying to them the entire time?

Sorry for asking so many questions about your kids. It’s just that I find their existence baffling and you barely mentioned them at all in this entire thing. In my opinion, this was a widely irresponsible decision for both of you to make not only once but three times. You should be grateful that things are turning out as well as they are for all parties involved even if it means constant secrecy and separation.

[francy-sketches]

I'm gonna have to work on my final project non stop for like a month straight bc I procrastinated on it too much fuck my stupid baka life

[eileennatural]

this might sound like a weird thing to say but it's a little bit strange how many people love writing abt dick grayson's trauma but totally ignore blockbuster's literal campaign of terror in favor of focusing completely on catalina and his being sexually assaulted by her. i get that its probably just bc thats a much more relatable (and easier to project on) experience than losing your home, being stalked and terrorized, having your friends and family murdered and grievously injured, not to mention being pushed to your literal breaking point and having to betray your most firmly held values to protect yourself and your loved ones. like, everything having to do with blockbuster AND catalina are inextricably linked and it's a little weird to focus all of your attention on just one of the many many terrible things that happened in nightwing 1996

[t-n-c]

The sexual/sensual coding in Aaravos and Viren's interactions: The Sequel

Also known as "Why I don't like the revelation in s5."

Trigger warning--This discussion is going to mention manipulation/coercion, homophobic stereotypes, and sexually-charged abusive/invasive behavior under the read more so please proceed with caution.

Alrighty so before I start talking about tdp s5's major reveal in the Viren + Aaravos relationship I'd like to discuss the interactions they had with each other before and after the reveal and my thoughts on them. Here we go:

First thing I'd like to note is that Aaravos is still showing the creepy, invasive behavior that concerned me in my original post. Throughout the scene he and Viren share he:

Touches Viren

Invades Viren's space

And manipulates/controls Viren's body

And in addition to controlling Viren's body, we've also find out that Aaravos can straight up move Viren's very soul if he wants.

And like I addressed in my previous post, he does all of this without asking for Viren's permission and/or showing any care for Viren's wishes--hell, he explicitly ignores Viren when the latter says he doesn't want to be in the prison with him.

That being said, these actions alone aren't the most concerning issue for me; that isn't to say that they're not concerning to me all, but it's nothing that hasn't been done before in their relationship--it's nothing new is what I'm trying to say.

However, the revelation about Sir Sparklepuff being their child is new--and imo it adds a whole new level of creepiness to the relationship.

Allow me to rehash what went down a bit:

Aaravos reveals to Viren that in order for his resurrection to be permanent, he needs to preform a spell that requires the "blood of his child"--Viren protests and claims that he'd never sacrifice his children.

Aaravos responds that he never expected him to hurt Claudia or Soren and reveals that he has a third child he can use--

Viren is confused and claims he doesn't have any other children--then Aaravos reveals that Sir Sparklepuff is his and Aaravos' child

He tells Viren that Sir Sparklepuff is there for him to use for the spell and that he will teach Viren how to use his "living essence" to reclaim both his life and his "future."

There's a lot (and I mean A LOT) of things about this scene/reveal that worry me; I'll try to sum it up neatly, but it's probably going to be pretty lengthy regardless. Here we go:

Concern 1) Viren had no idea that Sir Sparklepuff with his child, but Aaravos did

No matter how many angles I try to see it from, this feels violating to me; considering how Viren didn't know what the spell would do and how desperate he was at the time, his willingness to perform the original spell is dubious enough already--to then have it revealed that the spell produced a child that's biologically his really disturbs me. It might just be my opinion, but I feel that it adds a level of predatory to Aaravos that's unnecessary at best and horrifying at worst.

Concern 2) The lengths Aaravos has gone to keep Viren alive (and presumedly on his side).

This includes:

a) Telling Claudia the spell that would resurrect Viren.

b) Preserving Viren's body for 2 years while Claudia gathered everything necessary

c) When they first met, he chose a spell that would create a being that would not only allow them to communicate, but could also be used to resurrect Viren if the need arose.

Now assuming the writers planned this all from the beginning (I have my doubts, ngl) this shows a great deal of effort and premeditation on Aaravos's part to make sure Viren sticks around--whatever his plans may be, Viren must play a pretty big role in them or else he would have just moved on when Viren died the first time. (It's either that or he has some strange sort of fondness for Viren, which leads me to Concern # 3)

Concern 3) As of now, we have absolutely no info about how their relationship is going to be portrayed going forward

While Viren's fate is a bit ambiguous at the end of s5, I'm 90% confident that he's going to live through s6 in one way or another and assuming I'm right and that happens, there are a few paths the writers could take in how they depict the relationship

Option A) They sweep everything under the rug and pretend the sexual coding in the relationship never existed.

Option B) They portray Aaravos as a complete monster who was just using Viren for one thing or another and has now discarded him since he got what he wanted from him.

Option C) They portray Aaravos as having some dark sort of attachment to Viren--one that won't allow him to let Viren "leave him"

All these possibilities are iffy imho, but I'm honestly not sure which would be worse.

Going with Option A feels lazy--like the writers don't want to deal with the dark themes they chose to put in and decided to take the easy out.

(Granted, it wouldn't be the first time the show has dropped important plot points/developments--no one seems to have found out that Viren and Aaravos sent the assassins at the end of s2, for example--but it would still feel cowardly to me)

Going with Options B or C both feel gross--with Option B it feels like Aaravos would be the epitome of the Predatory Queer-Coded Villain--he would have effectively used and abused Viren in a violating way (i.e coerced/forced him to bear their child) and abandoned him once he was done with him. It would be pretty hard to make a case for him having a "kind side" after that.

That being said, Option C isn't really any better--Aarvos would still be following the "Predatory Villain" stereotype, the only difference would be that he'd fall more into the role of an abusive partner than the "pure evil" role that some older queer-coded villains were placed in.

TLDR: I don't like the revelation of Sir Sparklepuff being Viren and Aaravos' child because I feel it follows the reoccurring theme of possessive/violating actions from Aaravos toward Viren that I've worried about all the way back in s3.

[thebibblebobb]

It's interesting seeing how attitudes towards female characters in the merlin fandom has evolved.

From what I've seen, back in the day people mainly seemed to say stuff like"morganas such a hysterical irrational evil bitch I hate her" and "idk i just think gwens really dull and uninteresting I hate her"

Thankfully nowadays people instead say "morgana's a hysterical irrational evil bitch, oh but i definitely love her character btw. The character where i think she's a bastard who deserves bad things i mean" and "wow it sure sucks that they made gwen so dull and uninteresting, because i definitely really want to like her, alas i cannot. Also leons my favourite knight".

which is ofc so much better!

[clowndensation]

99% of the time if you have to ask the question "wait is this a compliment or an insult" about how someone talks about a character, that means they're complimenting them. people who are genuinely insulting a character aren't coy about it.