#They didn't even frame his leaving ThunderClan in TBC as a super horrible thing

[bonefall]

GRAYSTRIPE TIME! YES! I LOVE THE GUY!

Honestly one thing about TPB cast of apprentices that always sticks out to me is how they conform under the code. Dustpelt and Sandstorm are the conventional warriors while Fireheart, Graystripe and Ravenpaw are not. Ravenpaw has to flee the clans but even when it's safe to return he finds peace outside of the system.

But back to Graystripe specifically, his relationship with his two litters are wasted by the Erin's and in the case of his second it feels like they completely forgot being a father was important to him in the first arc? Like in the first arc it's implied fathers aren't involved with plenty of queens simply not stating a mate. Crookedstar and Graystripe are made out to be exceptions to the rule. Going with his kids to Riverclan is not even considered an option as its so unheard of. Then he starts a new family within the clan that he can be openly loving with and just... isn't? TPB Graystripe would NEVER.

There was so much potential. With Blossomfall specifically I wish she would keep her insecurity with both parents. What if SHE thought that Graystripe greived Feathertail more than he cared for her alive and in the same clan? That her and her siblings were second fiddle to his first litter?

TPB Graystripe's fatherhood was actually very present and special! It really is a shame that they shove him into the background of his second litter's personal struggles

And I really, really think it's because the Erins are both incapable of 'killing their darlings', AND will usually reach for a mother to be the problem in a relationship.

Rainflower, Lizardstripe, Millie, Cinders, Nightcloud, Sparkpelt*... even Palebird and Daisy get more scrutiny than their husbands, with Tallstar vowing to get revenge for his dad and feeling pushed aside by his mother getting a new mate, and Daisy having to feel guilty that SHE didn't make an effort to let Smoky feel like a dad.

*= ive written at length about how I like Sparkpelt's actions in ASC, but that doesn't mean she isn't part of a problematic trend, like Bristlefrost's death in TBC

When dads have problems in WC, they're generally framed as being more reasonable or sympathetic, like they were too permissive, or being undermined by their mate, or just... aren't blamed for being utterly absent.

So if Graystripe's kittens are having emotional problems? They just can't have Graystripe present because then, well, he might be somewhat responsible! So they just barely mention him, using Millie as the basis for Blossomfall's problems.

It reminds me so, so much of PO3 and how the minute Squirrelflight's Secret was out, Brambleclaw basically disowns his children, and that just never gets reckoned with. Because the narrative decides that he's right to be hurt, it decides that he's also totally right to treat every single person in his life the way that he does.

And it sucks! It sucks because there's SO MUCH you could do with this stuff! Graystripe having problems with his second litter because of his unresolved trauma surrounding Silverstream is INTERESTING. I WANT to see what he's thinking and feeling. I WANT to see him have issues with his kids, be conflicted between standing up for them or alienating Millie.

It's such a waste.