#let adrien have a decent parent 2k21

[theluckiestlb]

A notable trend I’ve observed within the fandom is the tendency to demonize Emilie and assert that she’s responsible for the current state of affairs.

I’ve seen others quickly jump to the conclusion that she in fact is the mastermind behind everything—with Gabriel simply acting as a pawn on her behalf.

It just doesn’t…sit right with me.

The theory seemingly removes Gabriel’s agency and culpability (to an extent). It minimizes the harm he inflicts on others and the abuse suffered by Adrien—which is supported textually and something we actively witness within the show. 

Based on Adrien’s account, there’s little evidence of Emilie’s involvement in parenting-related transgressions.

“But, Adrien was isolated and barred from society long before Emilie disappeared! She has to be responsible for it too!”

This is indeed true—but have you considered the possibility that she had no say in the matter? That she herself could have been just as much of a victim?

There is a lot of textual evidence to support this theory.

Firstly, Adrien’s personal statements and recollection of her character negate the idea. Through photographs we see the deep love Emilie had for her son. It’s safe to assume they had a close bond and spent a lot of time together.

There is one glaring absence in these memories and images—prior to Emilie’s death/terminal illness. One looming presence within the Agreste household. Silent, but authoritative. 

Gabriel.

And that’s…so weird. Such a scarce relationship with Adrien.

We see one official portrait of them as a collective in the dining room. The only instance where we see Gabriel and Adrien together is in a depressing painting hanging in the foyer—a true symbol of their relationship and its tone. 

This is what he chooses to present to the world. The painting’s large stature dominates the room and starkly contrasts the white sterile environment.

Emilie and Adrien share many similarities— Gabriel himself draws direct parallels between them in season one.

Adrien’s melodrama is very in character—but never in the presence of Gabriel. There would be repercussions, so he submits and acts passive. 

This is a clear example of gaslighting.

It also clues the audience into his treatment and disposition towards Emilie. He compares her to a child—one who bends over backwards to appease him in fear of backlash. In any case, it’s not language used to describe a partner one mutually respects and treats as an equal.

Later on in the episode, we see Gabriel dismiss Chat Noir when he is given orders to take shelter. 

This resolute statement has been supported throughout the show. Undoubtedly, it would be applicable to Emilie as well, which contradicts the notion that she puppeteers Gabriel in any capacity. 

It further proves that Gabriel has the final say in all decisions—parenting included—insinuating Emilie would not be capable of swaying the decision to isolate Adrien.

When Adrien tries to push back (as Chat Noir), Gabriel appears amused.

His reply is an obvious reference to Emilie and yet another parallel drawn between her and Adrien. It comes across as patronizing—she evidently tried in the past to push back and stand her ground. 

An effort in vain, as Gabriel ultimately takes orders from nobody. gaslight, gatekeep, girl boss

Kelly ( @buggachat ) juxtaposed Emilie and her twin sister as foils in a recent post—symbolically seen through color palettes—and furthermore through their children. 

Félix shares many attributes with his mother. She condones and encourages his manipulative behavior (namely stealing one of the Graham de Vanily heirloom rings). The writers purposely mirror and contrast them to Adrien and Emilie, which cements the pair’s similarities. 

anyway kelly please don’t take this as a callout or a dig I admire you a lot and the post was interesting ono;;;

The parallel between Amélie and Gabriel losing their spouses is also very telling—and seems more than incidental.

The show provides more contextual clues to Emilie’s past dynamic with Gabriel and her place within the family unit. According to the wiki, she not only starred in Solitude, but wrote the film as well. The title in french can also be translated as “isolation” and “loneliness”. 

Why would Emilie write a film about isolation and cast herself as the lead? 

This writers have been very purposeful with their stylistic choices throughout the show. I believe this was meant to convey the isolation Emilie experienced herself within the Agreste mansion—similar to that of her son. 

Gabriel has been shown to be possessive of his wife and son. The collection of paintings and statues dedicated to Emilie conveys the depth of his obsession—the man is willing to destroy an entire city and mess with the equilibrium of nature to revive her. 

Do you know who else has a dedicated gallery?

Intentionally or not, he objectifies both of them. Both serve as muses and beautiful accessories to be adorned.

So why does the fandom have the tendency to veer in the opposite direction?

There is a subset that often struggles with internalized misogyny (which is occasionally exacerbated by the show itself). I’ve seen Kagami, Chloé, and Lila draw more criticism than Gabriel at times—despite the former being teenagers and the latter being a manipulative grown adult/part-time domestic terrorist. 

Yes, the actions of characters should not be excused of course—but internal biases should be examined at a certain point. As a result, I believe this issue extends to Emilie as well—a character we very little know little of—but is heavily criticized nevertheless.

In summation, this is my meta analysis of her character based on the textual evidence provided by the show. The future outcome is still unclear, but it’s important to be mindful.