#elder wisdom

[sunbookie]

Yesterday was spent on my elder's porch discussing books and listening to her run the turbulent '60s down to me as seen thru her eyes.

The book I'm holding is one that she's presently reading. I need this!

👑🧠📚💯🥰✊🏿❤️🖤💚☀️✨🔥🔥🔥🔥📸💪🏿

[yjwhatif]

I sorry for bothering you but I really needed to say this to someone and you are the only one that might listen to me. Remember in season three when the parents tried to pull them from the outsiders. cassie's mom always pissed me off I think I finally figured out why. "All this showboating can't you find other reason to get attention" the idea that her daughter wants to save people never crossed her mind. she could only assume the worst of her. that she was only a hero for attention. fuck her

Hey anon, it’s no bother at all - I love talking Young Justice!

And ye, she really doesn’t come across great in that episode; she very much falls into the 'unreasonable mother' trope that makes you want to yell at her in Cassie's defence. I've been watching W.I.T.C.H., and there are a few mothers in that show who are exactly the same.

Part of me wonders if the idea of them doing it for attention is even her own opinion at all, or if it's actually an opinion she’s heard others float as they spread their baseless judgments about her daughter. It’s not hard to get swayed when you’re already doubting your own judgment, and all of these adults are doubting their judgments in this episode.

It also makes you wonder if Cassie's being an unmasked hero and having her face broadcast all over tv networks and social media brings about anxieties for Helena surrounding how the consequences of her daughter’s actions might now directly affect her… It’s easier to separate yourself from a situation you’re not entirely comfortable with when it’s done outside of your periphery, i.e., the covert thing. However, as soon as it isn’t, there’s no escaping it, and something like an international incident is kind of a big deal to be implicated in.

Though I will say her case is not helped by this being her first and only (if I remember rightly) appearance in the show… Jay and Ed’s dad both have the benefit of previous appearances, so we know everything they’re saying is coming from a place of anxiety and worry for their respective teenager. Ed’s dad actually comes across in a similar way back in season 2 — with his whole, “you only have yourself to blame” thing, regarding Ed's being kidnapped, imprisoned and tortured by aliens — though again, he still gets a tad more development than Cassie's mum ever does to justify the harshness of the words stated.

Although the fact that we’ve never heard of any problems between Cassie and her mum before, for me at least, would suggest that their relationship can't be too bad… then again, Cassie's never really gotten that much exploration either, so who knows what her home life is actually like. However, for now, I will give her mum the benefit of the doubt until provided with more evidence of her character… I mean, she can’t be too terrible since she did agree to letting Cassie hero with the team for years… unless that was just because she didn’t have much interest in what her daughter gets up to in her free time... Then that wouldn’t be so great.

Anyway, this has ultimately got me thinking about how they really need to explore Cassie more when they next get the chance, because I was having a look at her wiki entry and was reminded that she is the daughter of ZEUS! How has that never come up in conversation before?!? Seriously, that's an insane nugget of information, and I'd love to know more about Cassie because she really is pretty cool!

Thanks for your message Anon 🫶

LB :)

[stolligaseptember]

me, three weeks later: i can't believe we got to see donna and cassie at the same place at the same time literally standing right next to each other wITHOUT THEM ACTUALLY INTERACTING, NOT TO MENTION DONNA HAVING DIANA ON A SKYPE CALL WITHOUT CASSIE GETTING TO TALK TO HER MENTOR TOO LIKE!!!! GRANDON YOU'VE FORSAKEN ME FOR THE LAST TIME, LET THE WONDERFAM THRIVE

[yjwhatif]

With the semi/cryptic confirmation of Ed and Barts relationship in the series I have a question:

Do you think everyone knows about them (in world) or do you think they’re keeping it secret from some?

It’s just a thought that’s been in my head recently. It is most likely fuelled by the whole drama of G&B not being able to depict a “specific character” (it’s definitely Bart) as gay. They’ve had to hide the relationship from their audience - because of ridiculous reasons - but there are still moments that bring up the question - Are they? Before the reveals from AskGreg, I kinda thought- well they are clearly not together yet, but perhaps they both have feelings for one another and are just waiting for the other to make the next move because they’re nervous idiots who don’t want to have read the situation wrong — all while their friends are like - seriously guys? just get together already. Kinda like they did in s1 with Wally and Artemis - and I guess early Supermartian as well - which I would have been okay with... though with the likelihood of there being at least another two year time skip you’d probably have missed the getting together moment - which would kinda suck. Anyway. With the information about the chances being they were supposed to clearly be in a relationship throughout S3 — which makes the whole structuring of ILLUSIONS just make sense — it’s got me viewing their moments with a whole new energy. Also, I saw this post by Greg —

And let me just clarify, I have no idea if this is actually referencing the Ed and Bart stuff, it might not be (probably isn't). This is purely me speculating.

My reading of this is they got told they couldn’t depict Bart as gay pretty late on and that specifically affected ILLUSIONS where they likely intended to confirm the relationship with that first shot - the kiss on the cheek moment. Even now that moment is just odd - because it’s there but it’s not - because technically there is no actual kiss… which I think is absolutely the point. It plants the seed without actually breaking any rules - all by keeping the momentum but removing the specific kiss frame. It’s the only moment that I feel is explicit in saying they are in a relationship - everything else you can just read into and imply there’s something - but they technically don’t confirm anything.

The whole thing is actually quite interesting - despite the reasoning for it being totally ridiculous. By keeping/showing what they did... People notice it. People talk about it. People reflect on it. More people talk about it. People writing. Make. Create. Discuss it. An entire audience is formed who want and support it. It’s a whole thing now because people noticed it and generated a positive response to it - and that was before all the AskGreg information. The whole reason YJ got a season 3 is because the fans fought to get it back. Enough people talked about it - and kept talking about it - to convince TPTB that the show should come back. Greg and Brandon know this. They know the power the fans have and maybe they hoped that power would help them again in freeing Bart from these ridiculous restrictions. #letbartoutofthecloset

Obviously, we can't know until S4 is released whether G&B got the permission to confirm Bart's sexuality the way they envisioned - but maybe the responses that came during the release of 3b were enough to convince TPTB that they were fighting a losing battle. But who knows, people in power can be very stubborn at times, so we will just have to see what we get. Fingers crossed they eased up though - and not just because of the Ed/Bart relationship (which I am obviously a fan of -- it's fine if not everyone is) - but because these restrictions on LGBTQ+ content shouldn't be a thing and need to stop -- there is just no validity in them.

Anyhow. despite their not being allowed to officially confirm the relationship, Greg's comment about Ed's having a boyfriend they can't name basically confirms the fact without technically breaking any rules again. Masterfully done Wiesman. With this, it implies the pair are in fact dating during S3 which brings us back to the original question... but who knows??

With the comments of Virgil during ILLUSIONS, it's easy to assume their friends do in fact know. They also seem to have no problem being close and interacting with one another whilst in the presence of others -- that is, except for one moment...

Ever since the first time I saw this episode (ELDER WISDOM) I have always found this moment strange - because Ed seems to get kinda awkward when Barry comes to check on Bart. (Or that's how I see it at least.) He realises Flash is standing there and immediately pulls his head down averting his gaze -- almost like he doesn't want to be seen by the elder. But why? Does Barry not know about the pair -- or maybe he doesn't know about Bart and Ed thinks their current closeness is too revealing -- who's to say Bart's even fully out to the world yet -- who's to say either of them are? We certainly don't since we weren't allowed to be shown. We can't know until we know - so until then we can play the speculation game while we wait.

Bart is certainly a bit of a secret keeper when it comes to being himself. I'm still convinced the Bart we see onscreen is merely his interpretation of what he thinks people expect from a speedster in this time. We saw 'real' Bart, he was snarky and cynical and nothing like the Bart we've had for the past two seasons. He said it himself - he's playing a character - and I don't think he knows how to break out of it - not while the possibility exists that it might hurt those he's grown to care about. Bart wants to be seen a certain way to avoid acknowledging the truth of the past - if people see him as happy and smiley, then no one will question him on things he doesn't want to talk about. The problem with that is you can't hide yourself forever - cracks begin to form and eventually, the truth comes out whether you want it to or not. So who knows how comfortable Bart is revealing any of his true self to those he cares about. Maybe his relationship with Ed will be the thing that finally helps him find comfort in being himself, whilst also trusting others to still accept him as himself... and maybe getting him that bit of therapy he really needs.

This brings us to Eduardo… First, can I just say it made me so happy to see Greg’s confirmation of Ed being gay - though it is slightly annoying that he was robbed of his explicit onscreen reveal in S3 thanks to the drama with Bart. His whole relationship to his powers in S2 to S3 fits the representation of coming to terms with your sexuality/identity from a very negative point of view. Feeling like it’s something that needs fixing or needs to be “cured” - to then finding the light and freedom in accepting yourself for you. His growth between seasons is brilliant. He understands the hate and insecurity the teens are feeling because he felt it himself. He does all he can to help them because he never felt he got that help when he needed it - and no one deserves to feel worse for being who they are. Obviously, the things he talks about are framed in the context of dealing with/accepting the meta-gene - yet there are certain moments where it seems he’s saying more than that…

All of which got me wondering - why did Ed originally runaway? It certainly wasn’t because of the meta-abilities he did not yet have. All he’s ever said on the subject was he thought he wanted to be with his father - the man it seems he barely had a relationship with. No, I think Ed has been running from himself for a long time and his dad just happened to be an actual direction for him to aim for. The way he speaks about his wanting to be “cured” and “praying to get rid of his powers” suggests an upbringing around religion and traditional ideas of there being a ‘normal/proper’ way to be — while anything that doesn’t fit that way is treated as other or something that needs to be changed or 'fixed'. Maybe he ran to avoid being found out and run the risk of being ostracised by those he loved. Or maybe he was found out and leaving wasn’t entirely his choice*. If this was the case, I can certainly imagine him not wanting to come out to his dad for fear of his reaction and completely losing all chance of that father-son relationship they’re both trying so hard to keep. It can seem easier to live in secret than risk the reality of loss. So while the meta-gene likely wasn’t the main thing he was angry about in S2, it was able to become a physical thing he could blame and focus his anger on - without having to think about where his issues truly lied… Though with a bit of time it also became the thing he was comfortable conveying his feelings through...

“I’ve learned to accept, even love my meta-abilities”

I love this line so much and it’s all because of the delivery by Freddy Rodrigues. There is the slightest hint of a pause before he says “meta-abilities”, which gives the impression he was about to say something else before then remembering himself and who he was talking to. Then there’s the small inflecion he put on “love”, which makes it sound like it’s the first time he’s heard himself say the words out loud. I don’t hear him talking about the gene - I hear him talking about finally accepting himself - all of himself - for the first time in maybe ever and finally feeling happy because of it. I hear growth... From being the angry 14-year-old skater who just wanted to run away and escape any way he could. To the 16-year-old councillor/Outsider jumping straight into the danger to protect and inspire those who need it. Both he and Bart are such strong characters with so much more to be seen - especially when it comes to the insecurities which lie behind their masks. They both compliment each other pretty perfectly - both powers-wise and personality-wise - meaning while they try to hide themself from others, I don't think it'll take long for them to realise they can't hide from each other.

Anywho, that’s all the speculatary nonsense I’ve got for today. This turned into such a patchwork of vaguely linkable thoughts I’ve had which barely relate to the one I started with - but that is usually how it goes. Take it as you will…

Also, completely unrelated to YJ, but Bi Tim Drake now exists in dc canon which is really cool - seeing all of the joy it’s sparked has really given me something to smile about this week… There is hope after all. 🌈

— LB ⚡️☀️

* OK so here’s a little random snapshot into the chaos of my mind— as I was writing the Ed stuff I had a scene pop into my head of Ed finally -for whatever reason- having to tell his dad that he didn’t leave his abuelo’s home - he got kicked out. His dads confused about this and asks Why? What did you do? And Ed’s like Nothing… I didn’t do anything wrong… he just… found out something. So Seniors like Found out what Eduardo? And Ed’s getting really nervous now because he doesn’t want to say it - That I, um… I’m… Senior step a fraction closer as he picks up on Ed’s anxiety but remains an appropriate distance - Son? Then after a tensening silence he finally says it - sounding the most vulnerable he has ever been - I’m gay… The silence is there again, heavy and unnerving, neither saying a word. Ed can’t move as he’s lock in his elders unreadable glare. Expecting the worse his head drops to take in the floor - anything that isn’t the disappointment ahead - he feels the urge to disappear burning up inside him - consuming him. Then just as he’s about to escape he’s suddenly grounded by a steadying hand rooting itself on his shoulder. Tentatively he lifts his gaze to witness his father, there, with nothing but love and support in his eyes - Mijo. The clamping in his chest dissipates as all the tension escapes at once, along with the breath he hadn’t realised he was holding. Ed embraces his dad and the elder embraces his son. Together. A family.

Anyway. That’s probably a load of rubbish but hey my minds full of it… but basically I really want to see a tender moment between Ed and his dad. For whatever reason. Something where Ed’s in a vulnerable state and in need of some emotional support from his father - and without hesitation his father steps up - because that’s what we haven’t seen from them yet. It would perfectly portray the strength of their relationship as father and son - despite their previous struggles - and prove that Senior is willing to support his son no matter the situation as the father - not just the scientist. Its the final step in their healing journey and I wanna see it so bad!!

[yjwhatif]

Outsiders in Turmoil - Part 6

Ed

Now I have my theories / speculations about Ed’s reaction to the pit itself - but I’m gonna look at that in a different post. Here I’m gonna point out the fact that Ed failed to save his friends - that has consequences. Obviously the team knows it wasn’t his fault that he couldn’t teleport out of the pit - but sometimes the mind can’t register that and can only feel the guilt of failure - we saw that with Dick after ‘Failsafe’.

This would be a really interesting development for the character, especially if there are any problems for the others who were in the pit - that would make his guilt worse - and we all know that abilities are controlled by emotions.

Also as someone who didn’t join to be a hero but to inspire the meta-teens, he is not going to like the fact that he couldn’t even protect his friends from harm. If he can’t even do that - hows he supposed to help the meta-teens?

Another thing is, after that moment I’m convinced Ed’s powers have gotten stronger, since he did teleport into another dimension, and I think / hope 🤞 they’re gonna keep getting stronger in S4 - which is gonna cause havoc for him. The combination of power development and difficulty focusing will not end well - especially with a power that could land you anywhere.

As well as possible emotional trauma and power changes, he also has his work as the youth centre - which sounds to be expanding, as well as his heroing and I presume school. That is A LOT of stress to deal with, and if you ask me, a recipe on how to lose control! Let’s not forget that Ed has quite the explosive temper, he may have found a sense of calm now, but that fire is still within him - we saw a glimpse of it in ‘Elder Wisdom’ when he had a go at his dad. It would be good to see a bit more of angry Ed again as he struggles to keep himself balanced under the stress.

Finally, Ed’s relationship with his power through the series has shown a compelling and natural development - in S2 he didn’t want it, in S3 he’s accepted it, so in S4 could he lose control of it? It would certainly fit well.

[stolligaseptember]

me, begging the yj writers for the last couple of weeks: please be kind to the aquafam, please be kind to the aquafam, please be kind to the aquafam, please be ki-

garth, the first minute of elder wisdom: *gets subjected to a fucking assassination attempt*

me, somehow: :O

[stolligaseptember]

i would. rather listen to the whole outsiders-parents conference than have to sit through whatever bullshit violet/brion/tara is going through

[stolligaseptember]

god i’m a CLOWN