Everytime I rewatch the 2004 movie, there's something that I always feel justifies Alan's thoughts and actions when it comes to feeling like he's the black sheep of the family more than anything. Namely: this family portrait/mural.
It spans most of a wall and is, quite frankly, damn good. It's exactly the kind of dramatic, family photo you'd expect in a regular billionaire's home, let alone Jeff Tracy's. But take a closer look. This is a family painting. A FAMILY PAINTING that features a proud Father and his talented Sons:
Scott, Virgil, Jeff, Gordon & John
But where's Alan, you ask? Well, guess what? Once again: HE'S NOT THERE!
I've always found it pretty messed up that Alan isn't on it. There is plenty of room because it doesn't take up the entire wall, so that's not an excuse. But more importantly: this is the Command Centre. Also known as Jeff's Office. Where he goes everyday and sees everyday and spends more time in there than anyone else. So you can't tell me he just forgot to put Alan on it. No, of course it's on purpose. And whether he meant to or not, that's just another thing that's pushing Alan away from the family.
Like, fair enough, he doesn't have a portrait leading to the silos because he's not a Thunderbird yet. But the damn thing is what is hiding the silo portraits!
And everytime Jeff summons Alan to his Office to berate him, Alan has to walk past and look at that thing. The perfect picture of the perfect Father and the perfect Sons. And Alan isn't on it. And you (Jeff) wonder why he's always reckless and selfish and trying to prove himself! You haven't shown him he doesn't need to!
I wouldn't be surprised if he's already tried to explain why he doesn't like it and Jeff and his brothers just twisted it around to him being spiteful or something.
And those two family photos on his desk do not justify Alan not being on that version of the wall, Jeff Tracy! It doesn't matter if they're on your desk right in front of you two tiny pictures do not make up for an entire damn mural! And I'll die on that hill. It's messed up!
*Anyway, thanks for listening to my little rant lmao*
