#then slow-burn Vlad redemption arc would have been right at the top

[kingdomoftyto]

[major A Glitch in Time spoilers!!]

Can we talk about this for a second

This scene is framed so ominously, with the extreme close-up of Phantom's eyes opening and Clockwork's implication of danger, but Vlad himself looks so small and vulnerable. Maybe even awestruck.

He's been driven by nothing but bitter loneliness for decades (and thank you Epstein for my life for canonizing this), and now twice in quick succession he's lost everything he's worked so hard to gain. And it's his own fault. He's the problem. He can't delude himself about that any longer.

And only by recognizing and owning up to his past mistakes is he finally, finally granted one of those precious things his money and influence couldn't buy: a family (maybe even a son?). One he feels a genuine kinship with and is committed to protecting.

He seems genuinely humbled by everything that's happened, and while I doubt it'll be a smooth transition, I believe he's sincere about trying to start fresh. If for no other reason, I hope there are more comics someday just so we can see Vlad's growth (and maybe healing?) over time.