I really don't get it when people say they hated that Sean didn't get the powers. I recently watched a video essay that claimed the powers were just shoehorned in to make Life Is Strange 2 deserving of its name (y'know, a story with some supernatural mumbo jumbo). I, for one, thought it was brilliant giving Daniel the abilities because it serves as a perfect metaphor for childhood potential and the importance of having an excellent role model.
You treat Daniel well, and he would use his powers with more gentleness.
You teach him to be more aggressive, and he would use his powers with greater force.
But what's good in gentleness if it means perpetuating an unjust system where people like them are screwed over?
What's good in agression if they'll have to spend their lives watching each other's back, possibly for the rest of their lives?
That, to me, is so compelling. It's one of the reasons why I prefer this game over any installments in the franchise, even the first game. Your choices as a parental figure has consequences on the bundle of joy and angst that is Daniel Diaz.
I am in love with how the first two episodes set this whole system up, with Ep1 leaning toward morality and Ep2 focusing more on power confidence. The former teaches us that whatever we do, Daniel will be influenced into either prioritizing the rules of society or doing what's best for his family---his pack. Meanwhile, the latter prioritizes the importance of control; Daniel, with all his latent potential, can be encouraged to abuse his powers at every opportunity, or be taught the value of restraint (but risks teaching him to be timid and inactive). And when Eps4 and 5 rolls around, the effects of your education of Daniel can be seen in full effect. Daniel has now seen how you acted throughout your adventure and has autonomy over how he uses his powers, while still turning to you for guidance. Like an adult asking their parent for help in something they're unfamiliar with.
I FRIGGIN LOVE IT.
I neglected to mention Ep3, mostly because the episode focuses on relationships, and not just Sean’s relationship with Finn or Cassidy. Really, Ep3 is all about Brotherhood and Family. Hannah really drilled that theme in the episode, didn't she? I think this episode is about maintaining trust between the brothers. If you constantly berate Daniel, he might disrespect Sean’s orders in the final choice of the episode, a foreshadowing for what's to come two eps later.
Anyway, those are my random, scattered thoughts.
WOLF BROTHERS FOREVER
