I will freely admit that I may just be reaching here but I was talking about pentecostal holiness this evening with my wife. For those who don't know, they're a strict conservative sect of Christianity and we were talking about the way some of the women wear their hair.
The style?
Hair poof.
Now this may just be in my neck of the woods but it's a pretty reliable indicator of the faith around me and I know I've seen it elsewhere so I couldn't help but connect it to Adora's hair poof. Is this intentional with the whole subtext with the Horde? I have no clue but I couldn't help but think about it and put it out into the world.
To me, the Sith have always been about power, about manipulation, about abuse. They offer false hope as a lure to ensnare people when they are at their most vulnerable. They offer you what you think you need while gutting your support system, isolating you from those who could pull you back above water. Before you know it, the decisions you say you are making are no longer your own. And so, the visually brightest scene of the episode becomes its darkest moment thematically.
I am amazed that Star Wars continues to tell meaningful, complex stories about survivors, those who are able to liberate themselves from the confines of interpersonal and systemic abuse, as well as those who are unable to break free... yet.
This is why hope is so fundamentally important, not just in Star Wars or in storytelling, but in the real lives we lead. There is always, ALWAYS hope.
This chapter too sheds some light on Touya's warped perception of the Todoroki family.
To him, this family is a monolith, with Enji leading it. To a person who had internalised the worst and most toxic of Enji's outlook of things and the family hierarchy, thinking of the family as such - a unit domineered and commanded by the one man who dictated everything about it from conception, is not far-fetched. He knows that the members of the family are not happy with the circumstances, not happy with Enji - but ultimately, they do as they are told, and subdue their own voices and bend to the whim of their abuser - that is his experience.
So when he sees that lone altar in the dark and the exact same scene when he returns home, it means two things - first, this is the direction Enji took and secondly, since the direction Enji takes is what the family follows, seeing things unchanged means that yet again, his family has submitted to him - that they have, however reluctantly, put him in the past and will or have already moved on from him, as that is what Enji must have dictated, and for the Todoroki family, Enji's word cannot be overruled. He sees that Enji's goal was always what was most dear to him, even more than even his own children. It appears that he never reflected on his actions since he never changed even to honour his son's memory, and that his family couldn't find it in themselves to try and overcome their fear to push for change, not even after losing Touya.
This perception carries over even to present times. Note that while he identifies Enji as the perpretator and his mother and siblings as victims in his reveal, he says these are the truths of the entire Todoroki family's past- implying that the unsavoury secrets behind closed doors become theirs to bear as well, because they chose to hold their silence, and from his outside perspective let Enji's sins - and thus Touya's existence - remain in the past.
While Enji is primarily whom he addresses most times, he is not the only one he asks to watch him -
- implying that he carried the feeling of being overlooked by his entire family in one way or the other.
However, now is when this perception of his family as simply passive pieces that are at his father's direction is going to be shaken.
Shouto points out that if he were merely a pawn, he would have kept himself out of the emotionally challenging fight with a brother and gone to be a hero elsewhere, as Endeavour would have preferred.
Touya also doesn't know that the family has started confronting Endeavour with his deeds, and refused to let him run away from the past.
Albeit late, the change he wanted to see all the way back then is happening.
I like parallels in movies and shows. I don't like them overly done, but the sneaky ones that happen with lots of time between are my jam.
The first to die was Athelstan. And he did not just die, no. He was killed by a close friend of Ragnar's- Floki. And Floki liked killing Athelstan. He had thought about it a long time- ever since Athelstan appeared on Ragnar's side.
Then, we have the location- Kattegat in Norway. On pagan grounds, at the hand of a pagan, a true believer.
Athelstan had struggled with his belief since meeting Ragnar and he had tried the pagan life, but it never really fit him and he knew that as well as Ragnar did. But the moment before he did die, Athelstan found his way back to his Christian God, though now he knew there wasn't just one God for everyone, but it was only one for him that he felt was right.
Then we have Ragnar, who- probably more out of spite and a lot of curiosity- converted to the Christian God and wore Athelstan's cross ever since his friend had died.
Ragnar is seen struggling with with life as a whole and not really able to find his way, up until he decided to go and die in England. Because that was what he knew would happen when he went there.
He died on Christian ground, at the hands of a men who had waited years to kill him and who enjoyed it to the last second, who is shown as a very faithful Christian, a true believer. Someone who might not be close to Athelstan, but had been an ally to Ecbert for years. And in the end it had been Ecbert who send Ragnar off to Aelle to die.
Then we see Ragnar handing Alfred the cross Athelstan used to wear and that gave him some sort of consolation for a while- giving him the feeling to be closer to Athelstan. It is somewhat the moment Ragnar accepts that he wouldn't see Athelstan again in the afterlife.
Because, before Ragnar did die, he was a pagan, who spoke of Odin and entering Valhalla and he meant those words, regardless of what he'd told Ecbert before. He accepted that there was one God who had Athelstan in heaven with him and that he- Ragnar Lothbrok- would not enter that place, if everyone was right.
To be honest, if compared, Floki was merciful when killing Athelstan instantly with his ax, while Ragnar was held in a cage for days, tortured and then left in a hole with snakes that he had previously fallen into from a not unsignificant height.
-
My HC is that their Gods let them meet up in the Afterlife, because their love and curiosity for each others life and culture was so pure even they can't deny Ragnar and Athelstan to be together again. And I kind of want them to watch over their loved ones on Earth and exchange theories who might die next.
Your analysis on TK and Owen's relationship was honestly such an interesting read, it was so well-structured! I was rewatching 1x01, and I can't place what it is about it, but something about Owen saying they'll rule it an accidental overdose really hurts? Like I don't know what he thought that would achieve and I don't really understand why he did it because surely he must know that TK may hate him in the moment, but if he really loved his son, he'd try and help him get help? Idk, this is messy
wow thank you! I noticed that that was making the rounds this week, I think I still agree with most of it but it probably needs an update at some point! im glad you found it interesting.
as for Owen's comment about the accidental overdose - I have to say I disagree with you. that's not Owen saying TK shouldn't get help. that's Owen using what power he can to reduce the professional repercussions that TK would feel if Owen had reported it factually. the rest of 1x01 shows that Owen does help TK get help, the entire move to Austin is ultimately built on that - and he follows up with TK, makes sure he's found an AA group to go to, and that he likes them, checks in with how he's feeling, makes sure he's living with Owen so that he's in a stable and observable living environment. as I mentioned in the analysis, I have conflicted feelings about the intentions and implications of that particular action, but it does all contribute to Owen's drive to help TK.
by reporting TK's overdose as an accidental one, it prevents TK from facing professional consequences, as he'd go under medical review and be likely barred from work. firefighters deal with life or death situations every day, and if someone is understood to be suicidal they become a potential risk to themselves, their team and anyone they may be rescuing. Owen understands that TK needs to be busy, he needs to feel useful, especially as everything else in his life just blew up around him, and losing his job would only further his downward spiral. so that moment is actually part of Owen's help, and I think is what TK wanted and needed at the time. it was the best case scenario considering what the rest of the firefighters in New York would have seen from TK's call.
So, after a long day at work, I'm in a "post about an SWR au" mood. So here's the au that no one (except @accidental-spice) asked for--
The College Au! Also known as the crossover event of the century, or at least the week. For you see, it has not only SWR and TCW characters in it, but LOK, KOTLC and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. The amount of content on the last three fandoms will vary, depending on if anyone wants to hear about those. Mostly, I'm here to post about Kanera.
As usual. So let's get started with the basics:
-Hera Syndulla is a new student in Capital City University, here to study and make a few friends. Absolutely NO time for romance in this woman's mind. Her parents are disapproving enough of her career choice-- pilot-- and the last thing she needs is to give them something else to complain about
-Kanan Jarrus left home when he was young and hasn't been back since. He's currently working at least five different part-time jobs, two of which are for his favorite boss, Okadiah Garson, an older man who owns a bar, a diner called Penny Lane, and also works as a professor at Capital City U
-(we'll get more into what his class is and isn't later, I promise it'll be fun)
-He's in his twenties and very definitely not a college student. However, the amount of time he spends on campus would suggest evidence to the contrary.
-Kanan maybe, perhaps, slightly, sneaks into a few classes. Mainly Okadiah's, because it's interesting (I SWEAR it's getting it's own post)
-Anyways, he's on campus one day when he hears it. It's just an off-hand comment, someone talking to a friend or something. It's the voice that catches his attention-- smooth as satin, warm as hot chocolate, rich as molasses
-Kanan instantly turns around to see if he can find the source of the voice, but any sign is quickly swallowed by the crowd of students moving to their next class
-(he looks for a solid twenty, thirty minutes anyways, because it's Kanan come on what were you expecting?)
-But eventually he gets going
-Fast forward to the next day, Kanan's working a morning shift at Penny Lane-- a lot of students have breakfast there some days. He's going about his business, when he hears the voice again.
-He looks around, spots Hera with her roommate, and promptly runs into one of the other servers. Plates and meals. Fly. Everywhere.
-This, along with the chewing out he gets from his manager, does not stop Kanan from convincing one of his coworkers to let him serve Hera
-(does he pay them fifty bucks? Perhaps, perhaps not. But probably)
-And so he goes up to Hera to be his charming self (A New Dawn style, alas for him)
-This does not go well for him. Hera, in her polite, dry way, shoots him down at every turn. But she won't lie, she's mildly intrigued by this surprisingly smart, handsome server who thinks he's very charming. And it only gets more intriguing the next few times she bumps into him
-After their first encounter, she sees him at one of his other jobs at a grocery store, then in Okadiah's class. He manages to catch her for a few moments of conversation both times, playing Mr. Charmer as always. Hera allows it. She's busy trying to figure him out anyways-- how he can be flippant and dry-humored one moment, then surprisingly kind the next. She sees pretty good examples of this during Okadiah's class. And it interests her
-So she decided to befriend Kanan Jarrus, and see what happens. Although it definitely won't go the way he wants it to-- she's far too busy for any kind of romance
I don't know how to begin to describe the function of the Pillager arc... Like I can but it's nastier than I want to admit to. Like there's greater story themes about power and control and insularity and probably self-expression but it's also about Jericho being massively feminized by a group of men who can't really grasp what he is, and discovering his identity and interests through that unpleasant and manipulative experience.
Like some background: the Pillager encampments are culturally interchangeable and ultra ultra masculine. Literally everything they hold to any worth is earned by strength. You get to the top by biting and kicking and clawing your way up. Everything is communal and rough and raw. These are angry, violent men. To them, nothing feminine is good and nothing good can be feminine.
Pillager culture eschews all subtlety and beauty in favor of something like practicality. They do not bargain or "talk things out" and do not understand attempts by others to do so. There is little concept of medicine. If you are wounded in battle, you fall. There is no Pillager concept of the afterlife. There is no respawn.
The one form of magic a pillager might have is the process by which one becomes a pillager. I'm not sure exactly what this looks like yet, but it involves bloodshed and results in the obvious physical changes as well as strength, stamina, and virility.
I don't know where else to include this tidbit but it's very important to understand. Pillagers are violently, vehemently misogynistic, but the associated physical changes make it a (dangerous) option for ftm transition. It's important to note that pillagers can recognize inherent maleness, immutable physical traits aside.
I've talked wayyy too long about this already, so ill add onto this post later, about what leads Jericho to join up with the Pillagers to begin with, and what his stay with them is like (nota bene: Not Good in almost every way)
// Still thinking about Veld. Again. I’ve regurgitated BC countless times on this blog but what gets me each time is how understated their relationship is.
It could almost be called cloak and dagger with how little they let on. They say nothing until it’s warranted. And even then they drop it in so goddamn nonchalantly or deliberately vague.
Player Turk
The Head of Urban Development's Reeve, right? I wonder if he'll really cooperate with us.
Tseng
That's what Veld said. We'll have to trust him.
There is next to no fanfare and certainly no detail given about how they know each other, or why trust should be afforded. It is all implicit. They already have an understanding between them and they hardly ever share that with others. Even though it raises questions.
Reeve
You don't have to worry about that. If you sneak on board, by the time you're out of the harbour it'll be too late for them to do a thing. Say you're acting on my orders. I'll take responsibility for everything.
Player
All right…
(Thought) Why is he being so cooperative?
They are protecting others by downplaying this curious connection. One that could never be predicted looking at the surface. We all know Veld is protective of his Turks, and that it is why he doesn’t let on his whereabouts in exile until potentially much later on.
Yet Reeve is granted this knowledge at some point.
Little ol’ Reeve, that no one ever suspects, has been given this level of responsibility. I mean, he’s used to shouldering responsibilities and keeping hush hush but that level of assuredness, of trust, dare I say faith between the two men is stunning.
And it never seems to get betrayed.
Whilst I headcanon that the bombing of Kalm was a particularly strained point for their relationship, they are clearly reconciled by the time of BC events.
Player
?!
You knew we were working under Veld's orders?!
Cait Sith
It said so in the fortune, it did**
Player
(Thought) This is bad. That means everybody knows about our betrayal. What am I going to…?
Cait Sith
Don't you worry none. I won't be telling any of this to the President.
Player
Huh?!
Cait Sith
I told you, we go back a ways. How is Veld? I thought you could only leave the Turks when you're dead.**
Player
I'm sorry. That's… classified information…
Cait Sith
Is that so…** I guess you're right.
Player
I'm really sorry…
Cait Sith
Ah, nothing to be sorry for! Just tell him I'm rootin' for him!** Now, let's get a move on, shall we?
**A large part of me thinks this is Reeve toying with the Player Turk here, deliberately obfuscating their relationship and dropping in nuggets of Turk lore that comes across as concealed concern cos he’s a canny cat and a little manipulative shit when he wants to be.
I mean how else would he have known about this act of treason - one that he has decided to very much get involved with despite the risks - if he were not in contact with Veld?
I guess the argument could be made for Tseng or possibly Rufus. Or Cait Sith truly is a fortune telling robot at this point and a highly specific one at that. Regardless, by the time OGC comes around he can clearly contact Veld himself.
Three men carried Tseng onto a boat. The men were his former superior and his subordinates. Why had Reeve contacted them and not the company directly? Had he been in constant contact with them? (OTWTAS: Case of Shinra)
Why indeed? And had he been? Who knows! Even canon writers vague their relationship status.
“What do you plan to do now, Sir?” Tseng asked as he made his way to the door to follow his subordinates.
“I’ll head back to Junon. Reeve should be on his way there now. ”
“That is curious.”
“Yes. And Reeve is not the only one you should keep in mind.”
