1-Know that Rashta is a complex and well-written character who was also a victim. Yes, despite some of her terrible actions, she truly deserved better. She was enslaved, raped, abused, beaten, and starved. Meanwhile, Navier is a bland Mary Sue rather than the "girlboss" many fans claim she is, especially considering that she defends slavery and is friends with a slave owner.
2-Recognize that some relationships are not romantic, but are actually examples of Stockholm syndrome or abusive victimâabuser dynamics.
3-Believe that both Eckles and Penelope are complex characters who were both at fault. Penelope manipulated and used Eckles for her own benefit, while Eckles betrayed and harmed his own people. You're free to love or hate either of them, but don't blame only Eckles while completely excusing Penelope.
4-Don't defend a female lead simply because the story is told from her point of view. Sometimes the protagonist is bland, poorly written, or makes mistakes while shifting the blame onto others instead of taking responsibility.
5-Don't defend a male lead just because he's kind to the female lead. Pay attention to how he treats other women as well, and recognize when his behavior is problematic.
6-Hold parents accountable instead of blaming their children for the adults' actions or failures.
7-Don't hate the first woman simply because the female lead or the new love interest entered the story.
8-Don't hate side female characters just because they "steal the spotlight" from the female lead. Instead, you try to understand their perspective and motivations.
9-You understand how problematic some manhwas are, despite their popularity.
I remember reading this on Webtoon, I still donât know its name, but the story started with a guy chatting online with a girl on his computer, but it turned out he was being catfished by two people. The story then shifted to the catfishers' perspective. One of them had red hair and was actually a girl, but she disguised herself as a man when she went out to take photos.
That's about all I can remember from it. I wonder if I can find it.
"But Stolass is facing the consequences of his actions now!" (c) the stans
No, he's not!
I remember the chaos "The Full Moon" caused. Oh boi! So many people were outraged, they called Stolass a hypocrite (which he is) and criticized him... What a wonderful time that was!
The situation became so serious that even Viv stood up for her precious owlboy by saying "GUYS, please listen!!! Blitzø and Stolass are BOTH in the wrong!" Remember that?
And what about now? Has Stolass come through his own Apology Tour? Is he facing the consequences of his own actions now?
Well, I don't think so. And today I'm going to prove my point.
<<< Long (and I mean, REALLY long) rant under the cut >>>
Starting point: Apology Tour
Since the stans and Vivziepop consider Stolass and Blitzø as equally wrong, I do believe it's necessary to glance at how the narrative portrays Blitzø's fault, so we'd have something to compare with later.
In the mentioned episode Stolass is allowed to:
say a few incriminating lines toward Blitzø ("...It's rather concerning you have an entire party devoted to hating you..." and "So you're used to being the one who crushed others' feelings, hm?");
get mad and ghost Blitzø (ignoring his messages);
tell Blitzø to get out;
sit on his rich ass chilling near the pool and not caring about where's Via and what's up with her whoops, sorry, this is discussion for another time!
claim he never looked down on Blitzø and was "supporting"' him;
equate Blitzø with Striker (who's named a supremacist for hating rich) and call him out for not saving his scrawny ass personally (while ignoring the fact Blitzø was taking his daughter to the hospital that day, so he has sent his employees to Stolass' rescue instead);
be an hypocritical jerk;
publicly sing his woes calling Blitzø a motherfucker;
receive Verosika's support, Blitzø's apology (after his realization moment) and hookup with a handsome incubus.
Is Blitzø allowed to object in response? Maybe express his own point of view? No! The most he's been given - a consolation cake for his intention to be a better person. But he's not allowed to be right in comparison to Stolass, not in the slightest. In fact, during their argument Blitzø digs his own grave by reminding about Striker's first assassination attempt from the S1. Suuure... Perhaps, somebody would like to remind us how "supportive" Stolass was when he covered his face in the Ozzie's? Or how he called Blitzø "[his] impish little plaything"? Or how he carelessly negotiated the deal hearing Blitzø being shot at? No?!? Wow, I wonder what's the reason behind this. These characters are both in the wrong, though they're recalling mistakes of the one, while diligently overlooking mistakes of the other.
The most interesting thing is Stolass being invited on the anti-Blitzø party as his "freshest ex". So basically the show reframes the whole arrangement as some kind of romance instead of... ya know, the arrangement it always has been!? And while Stolass suggests there might be his own fault and that Blitzø didn't mean to hurt him, this line: "...cause I don't think it meant a thing at all... to you," implies that the "break up" is principally Blitzø's guilt, since he couldn't recognize owl's fee fees. As if it meant so much to Stolass himself all along. Why, of course, if you wanted to start a genuine relationship, you'd sexually coerce somebody into monthly banging sessions too! (Nope, you wouldn't.) These characters are both in the wrong, though they're maintaining the delusions of one of them.
For the whole episode Blitzø has been apologizing to everyone he ever hurt. At the end of the day he appears on the event where a bunch of his exes are hating on him, burning the dummy of him, buying the "Blitzø KYS" merch... applauding Stolass who insults him right from the stage. After all, Blitzø is a stupid egoistical jerk who breaks everyone's heart, and Stolass is just another victim of his who deserves unconditional love and support. These characters are both in the wrong, by the way.
At a certain point Blitzø was attempting to justify himself:
And right in the next second Verosika did this:
Woah! I wonder if we'll see the same attitude toward the owlboy? How somebody harshly puts Stolass in his place (without being framed as an unreasonable/ bigoted / stupid / irredeemable jerk in the process)? Spoiler: nope. These characters are both in the wrong - I hope you haven't forgotten that!
In general, the entire Apology Tour is straight out scolding Blitzø and coddling Stolass. Nothing new, duh. Now, when we've established this, let's move on to the main topic.
The evidences of Stolass NOT facing the consequences
1. Blitzø is charged, not Stolass
Stolass was the one who offered the Full Moon deal. He knew it's illegal but offered it regardless. Himself. Willingly. So the prince shall appear before the court for that, right? RIGHT?!
Well, Vivziepop doesn't think so!
Initially, it wasn't about Stolass being accused for irresponsible lending the grimoire to Lucifer knows who. It was about Blitzø being accused for stealing the grimoire. This is illogical not only 1) in the narrative terms, but also 2) plotwise:
As I told, the writers should held Stolass accountable, but in fact they're doing this to Blitzø. AGAIN! Like, come on, the dude had the whole Apology Tour, could you give him a break and finally pay some attention to Stolass' misdeeds? HELLO?!?
Many critics have already said this, but I shall repeat their statements. Andre's plan... is a huge pile of horseshit! It's stupid, and precarious, and devoid of logic, and based on coincidence. Like, he craves Stolass' power and then accuses his booty call while doing everything possible to prevent the prince from finding out about the trial... Uh, if there was no plot armor, why this plan should've worked in the first place? Plus, Blitzø hasn't been holding the grimoire since the Full Moon deal ended. So it seems like you're accusing the imp for nothing.
The reason of this questionable writing decision is simple. We'll get to the bottom of it eventually, I promise.
Besides, Stolass' punishment is pure mercy - one hundred years without status and powers. One hundred years is literally nothing for an immortal demon. Somebody might argue the punishment being so lenient because classism. In my opinion, the fact Stolass wasn't executed for the exact same thing that an ordinary imp would've been - is a convincing manifestation of classism.
2. Stolass doesn't confess why exactly he did what he did
Stolass' about to start his another song, intending to explain everything. And the first half of it is a typical Disney villain dickriding themself (e.g., Dr.Facilier or Gaston). The glory, the lights, the dynamic poses, the epic soundtrack.
But the lyrics is just complete nonsense.
Where the fuck is your explanation, Stolass?!
What was your great, brilliant, super masterplan, huh, mastermind? Wasn't it about lending the grimoire to an imp as an exchange for the "night of passionate fornication" since nobody wants to fuck you willingly? You're about to DIE for Blitzø! So why wouldn't you stop lying and confess properly at the end? Satan has called you a disgrace (which was âjustified) anyway, so what is there to be ashamed of?
The stans keep saying that Stolass acted like a villain to convince the court about his blame... But shouldn't his confession leave even more questions for all those present? Like, he's the mastermind, he has plotted everything, he would escaped the punishment by simply staying quiet... So why is he confessing now? To make sure his "plot so sublime" wouldn't be attributed to an imp?! Does a bruised ego really worth taking a punishment that could've been avoided?? Frankly speaking, Stolass passed not as a villain but as a cheap attention whore. Sorry not sorry.
On the other hand, the second half of the song... oh...
3. "I have (no) regrets!"
When I watched the episode for the first time, this line caught me off guard...
Just to make my eyes rolling instantly.
Right, Stolass has regrets. Not because he has been using a valuable magical artifact irresponsibly. Not because he offered the deal and exploited Blitzø for his lustful deкsires. Not because he wasn't able to stop Andre and Stella. Not because he has let Octavia down. No!
Stolass has regrets because he's forced to throw his precious freedom away "for this idiot"! Yeah, bitch, ain't no way there might be some other things you should regret!
By the way, he insults Blitzø for the entire song. That wasn't the one and done case.
And then Vivienne tries to convince us of Stolass' self-esteem problems! I must agree, it's too high, lol.
4. Blitzø turns 180 degrees on Stolass
Do you remember how Blitzø had been furious with Stolass for mistreating him and messing with his feelings?
Well, now forget that! It's not important! It never has been, since Blitzø was just prejudiced against Stolass because Striker the Ultimate Supremacist got him brainwashed with his richphobic agenda.
A few episodes later Blitzø obediently and enthusiastically fulfills any needs of the prince, becomes his glorified butler + babysitter + cheerleader + knight in shining armor. Blitzø selflessly protects him from other imps, washes him in the bath, holds his hands, prepares a breakfast for him, hunts rats for him, steals expensive clothes for him, saves him from the icy twink, gives him a job, gives him the sofa, gives him a lovey-dovey eyes, kisses him, dances him, hugs him... Geez, that was so corny and tooth-rooting I almost puked!
Basically this guy has been coddling Stolass non-stop during the episode. I simply can't name a SINGLE moment when he hasn't.
Some stans would say that Blitzø is just grateful to Stolass for saving his life (we'll come back to this soon, we're halfway there), but let's be real: if you were used to think somebody mistreats you and then that somebody has done something very nice to you, would you just forget EVERYTHING?! Like, wouldn't you be left with any kind of awkwardness, or confusion, or... anything?
And considering Blitzø's character, that looks extremely ridiculous. I'm not saying Blitzø is incapable of love but the narrative had established that he has a certain problems with expressing it. And then all of this is straight out erased in the blink of an eye! Just because Vivziepop wants her yaoi and she wants it right fucking now!
5. "I'M POOR!" is the only lesson Stolass has learnt
Stolass' classist. This is bad. This should be fixed (if he claims to the "good guy" title). Now, when the prince has lost all of his powers, wealth and status, it's a perfect time to start self-reflection, asking right questions, breaking old patterns.
Imagine how great it would be if at some point Stolass asked Blitzø, "Why are these imps hating me so much? What harm have I done to them?" And then Blitzø hesitantly explained to him, thus the prince came to his big realization moment. Or if Stolass was surprised, "I never thought your life is so difficult!" and then felt bad for Blitzø and other imps.
But no! Stolass feels bad only for himself. Just as usual. He's poor now, so he's forced to eat cheap plebeian food, celebrate stupid plebeian holidays and - which is the worst - work!!! When a thousands of imps has been living in poverty for centuries, this is completely fine. However, when Stolass ended up here, this is the greatest tragedy!
Plus, the 'Stolass being selfish privileged prick' montage is framed as cute romcom shenanigans. Like "Awww, look! Stolass is unaware of social rules and proceeds treating imps like a trash. Isn't he an adorable quirky dork?"
Oh, by the way, he also crashed IMP's office! And nobody has ever called him out for that.
Wow, what an wholesome well-meaning character, I'm rooting for him so badly! /s
If any of the stans say that was an anxiety/panic attack... guys, just google what an anxiety/panic attack really is, or go watch "Inside Out 2" at least. Please stop throwing psychological terms around cluelessly!
If any of the stans say that Stolass just got too worried about his separation with Via... The thing he has never worried about nearly for the whole S2! Even after discovering Stella's malicious intentions! So his potential "worries" doesn't seems that believable nor impactful anyway.
6. Stolass gets what he wanted and not what he deserved
In the moral-driven stories we can see the simple pattern: when a character does something good/right, the narrative praises them and gives what they wanted; and when a character does something bad/wrong, the narrative punishes them.
And here's a thing: Stolass has been doing wrong things all along. However, the narrative praises him for that!!! I'm not joking, this is literally what's happening here!
Do you remember what Stolass had been craving all this damn time? What is almost every one of his songs about? About how badly he desires love and care from Blitzø! Sure, that's obvious. Guess what he's receiving during Sinsmas? Love and care from Blitzø!!!
This is not a punishment. This is a REWARD. And even the stans do understand this:
7. The endless woobification
This is the main point of his arc for now. Stolass' pity party has been a huge topic of Helluva Boss since the very start of S2. Mastermind and Sinsmas were no exceptions for this.
Maybe I should've got used to that and just closed my eyes long time ago. But you know, I can't do so when Octavia justifiably disowns her deadbeat father because of him breaking promises (not once), refusing to speak the truth about their family and neglecting her most of the time, and then we get a close-up of Stolass ugly crying for half a minute, while his tears dripping onto a jar of his antidepressants, Blitzø throwing his jacket over him in a comforting manner and the IMP employees watch all of this sympathetically.
The creators are so desperate to make us feel sorry for this bird. Even when this is done at the expense of his daughter. Even when this has little to no sense. I mean, if that was all about Stolass taking responsibility, then why should we even pity him in the first place? Why are we supposed to pity the dude who saw off the branch he was sitting on? Why??? I think we're getting close to the answer.
8. Blitzø THANKS (!) Stolass for RESCUING (!!!) him
Now here we are! The most doubtful thing about Stolass' "facing the consequences" is the fact Blitzø thanks the owl for saving his life. That has been said more than once. (This aspect is so significant, it literally was monumentalized by the official merch!)
And how does Stolass answer this? Do you think he objects Blitzø? Maybe says "I've simply taken responsibility for misdeeds of mine, that wasn't a feat," or something like this? Nope!
Stolass acknowledges that he has saved Blitzø indeed. Moreover, the knightly moment of our helluva boss was framed as some kind of justice, "a favor for a favor". As if Blitzø is obligated to repay Stolass for his "selfless sacrifice" (aka him being held accountable, if you haven't forgotten yet).
Why is this so important?
Because facing the consequences of your misdeeds and performing a heroic act are mutually exclusive concepts! They're opposite in the narrative terms. When a character faces the consequences, this is framed as a tough lesson, a character get called out for their mistakes, they finds themself at the very bottom, realizing they were wrong all along, the narrative criticizes their former beliefs/goals, etc. On the contrary, when a character performs a heroic act, the narrative glorifies them, praises and rewards for selflessness and courage - this is their triumph.
Granted, a flawed hero is capable of experiencing both of these, but that should happen at different times. At first, a protagonist faces the consequences, goes through a crisis, realizes their mistakes, tries to fix everything. Then, after all of that, they're allowed to save the day. There are good examples of this: Megamind, Ralph, Shrek (in the 4th movie)... damn, even Blitzø himself! I mean, his character arc isn't perfect (e.g., everyone forgives him too quickly) but at least the narrative isn't afraid of portraying him in the wrong.
Meanwhile Stolass' heroism literally PRECEDES the consequences! First he comes to Blitzø's rescue, and then everything is taken away from him. This changes the context completely and breaks our perception of the show in general.
Basically this is the root of evil everything:
Blitzø is accused instead of Stolass since the latter couldn't appear in a heroic light otherwise;
Shameful details of the deal are hushed up because it would paint Stolass in a very non-heroic light;
Stolass has no regrets outside of throwing his freedom away since this is the ONLY negative outcome of his heroic act (everything else is either Stella and Andre's schemes, or the famous MISUNDERSTANDING);
We don't go deep into reasons of imps hating Stolass because they're stupid haters who can't see that Stolass is a true hero;
Blitzø has turned 180 degrees on Stolass because the latter has saved him by sacrificing everything for him, so now Blitzø owes him a favor;
Stolass has gotten what he wanted because "saving [Blitzø] was the right thing to do", so the narrative rewards him;
the creators are trying to make us pity Stolass because he's a hero, hence he didn't deserve all those troubles.
However, as Mrs. Mayberry would say: "SHE'S NOT A HEROOO!" The standom won't hear these words though. At least you will, my dear followers!
Conclusion
Stolass isn't portrayed as a flawed character whose fatal mistakes lead him to his inevitable, expectable downfall. Instead, he's portrayed as a tragic hero, a pure victim of his own virtue, whose suffering is undeserved, so the viewers must pity him and protect at all costs.
Stolass didn't face the consequences of his own actions. He has sacrificed everything to save an "innocent" person. This context messes the narrative up to the degree where I doubt it could be fixed in the future. Any attempts would likely just increase the inconsistency that the show's already suffering from. The creators simply shall not have put themselves in such an awkward position in the first place. But they have. And this makes me sad.
PS/ Actually there were a few more telling moments in the final balcony dialogue. Backtracking, and pity party, and devaluing Octavia. Maybe, I should make a separate post dedicated to this. I think today I've said enough to get my point across.
PPS/ Also I'm planning to speak about how I'd rewrite this whole Stolass' arc. As they say, "If you criticize - offer an alternative".
Cael is protected because he's a man and Hestia's male lead. The story needs you to love him, so it refuses to seriously challenge him. If Cael is wrong, Hestia would have to be wrong for defending him. If Cael is held accountable, the romance falls apart even though it always sucked. And if Diana is treated like a human being instead of an obstacle, readers might sympathize with her instead of automatically siding with Hestia. So the story protects Cael by explaining him, and sacrifices Diana by flattening her into someone you're never supposed to understand over even sympathize with. A deliberate choice made by the author.
Certain media needs to come out and admit that they donât actually care about good writing. Just come out and tell me that thereâs no light at the end of this tunnel.
Voltage makes it clear that the MCâs personality to suit the LI more. Thatâs why Mamoru and Hikaruâs MCs are more bold and challenging while Eisukeâs MC is more submissive.
Mamoru says it himself in Unexpected Dalliances for Eisuke, Eisukeâs MC doesnât hold back with Mamoru, is more bold, and actually disagrees with him. Which is something I think that they shouldâve actually explored instead one-off comment.
Endeavor shouldn't be the benchmark for bad parents since he's literally an extreme case. I don't know why MHA fans use him whenever someone criticizes Bakugou's parents, as if every bad parent has to be as awful as Endeavor to deserve criticism.
Bakugou's parents are terrible parents for the simple fact of how bad he had become at the start of the story. You can blame society and the lack of proper guidance from adults, but guess what? He still had to go home to them at the end of the day. His parents were and should have been the adults guiding him.
Let's be haters for a day. What are some manhwas that you genuinely, wholeheartedly, and professionally hate? Like... absolute, batshit-level hatred. I'm curious to hear everyone's picks. đ
rashtaâs relationships with men is genuinely one of the most heartbreaking things in TRE. people hated rashta for knowing that she was beautiful and trying to use it to her advantage. people hated rashta for acting cute or being a âpick meâ towards men. she was a slave with nothing to her name; no education, no friends, no family. the only thing she had ever been desired for was her beauty. the only people who have ever treated her âkindlyâ was those men who desired her beauty. everyone else (with a few exceptions being people that sovieshu employed to serve her) pretty much treated her like shit. the only way life has ever taught her to survive or receive better treatment is by appealing to her predators.
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