As someone whose been into BFU since it first came out and has followed everything for about 3 years now, it makes me so happy to see "Created By: Ryan Bergara" in the end credits of each episode. Like this is his creation, it started with a three minute video and is now BuzzFeed's most successful series, and I think that's absolutely amazing. He deserves it.
ryan wrote all kinds of incredibly sweet stuff on my mirror this weekend because i was feeling bad about myself. he also went to my former professor's house for dinner with her and her husband, despite being nervous about it. he also bought me food all weekend because of my financial situation. he also did amazing fuckin sex stuff that i specially asked for. he also went out to einstein on sunday morning and brought me back a bagel because he ate all the cheese i was going to eat and i was hungry.
I don't know what's more tiring to read. That EVERYONE is surprised that Zac Efron didn't sing in the first High School Musical. (His voice was blended with Drew Seeley's) I don't think it's more of a coincidence when Drew replaced Zac during that tour a few years back. Come on, you notice it isn't Zac on stage but you don't notice it sounds (almost) exactly the same?
Or (my main focus) that Ryan is thrown almost out of the window. I can go on with the lack of love for Martha, Jason (yes, he exists. He was 'Jay/J' in Getcha Head In The Game), Zeke, or Kelsi. But this is about Ryan.
What I probably hate more than anything, is the fact that Ryan is pinned as gay, solely because he dances, sings, and loves theatre. Who also dresses really well for his age. I have nothing against him being gay in general, fanon-wise, canon-wise, you name it. If it's your headcanon, cool. But if anyone thinks he's gay JUST because he does the aforementioned, makes me want to scream. (pun not intended)
First of all, why with all the stereotypes? Any of the main cast could be gay without doing any of that. But just because he does all of that, instantly casts him like that? Yes, there are ships and I fully understand and respect all of them. But you're labeling an entire good character just because of his likes. That's not fair, if you claim to be an open-minded person but instantly think someone is of a certain sexual orientation because of some silly stereotype, you need to reevaluate what it means to be open-minded.
However, that is that. If you ship him with anyone, you're more than free. But let's remember, you can be gay and play basketball. And you can be straight and love theatre.
There's probably a handful of people who actually love Ryan, who aren't overly obsessed with Troy or Chad. Let that sink in for a moment.
Ryan is probably the dorkiest thing you could ever put your eyes on. From his love of hats, that may or may not match his clothes. From his facial expressions and actions throughout all 3 movies, his mischievous personality, AN ACTUAL CHANGING AND SOMEWHAT WELL-ROUNDED CHARACTER, to the actual actor.
Most people pin Ryan, as he states in the second movie "Sharpay's pet poodle". This is fine and dandy, if you're still watching the very first movie. Where Ryan almost subservient work for Sharpay, just to get a main role.
This isn't to say, he isn't a rather petty character. Ryan in the first movie tries to change the audition date to make sure both Sharpay and him got the better role. To be fair, being upstaged by someone who's never done theatre is really disheartening. In the second movie, he went against Sharpay because she basically ditched him. Showing all of her affections to Troy, even letting him wear his lei and flower crown. (if you watch Humuhumu he's evidently unhappy) He only wanted to go against Sharpay. The third movie, he purposely ended Sharpay's "A Night To Remember" performance early BECAUSE, she showed no support in him during his own "I Want It All" performance. Only mentioning he was wearing nice pink pants.
On the other side, Ryan is the biggest person to be abused by Sharpay. Sharpay has an ice-queen exterior to everyone. She's rude to people. Ryan is her brother, and has been with her the entire time. Ryan is easily manipulated by her. But he basically has no way to escape her, because she's his twin and family. Ryan practically has no real friends. He's a follower to Sharpay, there's no one whom he really bonds with. Most of that is BECAUSE everyone thinks he's Sharpay's poodle. They don't think about him as a character, but just that he is someone associated to Sharpay. And to stay away. That's why he's completely dejected when he walks away from Sharpay.
When Ryan finally is accepted by the Wildcats in the 2nd movie, he is seen smiling, wearing East High colors, surrounded by friends. He feels as though he's not part of Sharpay's shadow. That none of the Wildcats are there to ruin a show of hers. They are there to have fun. Ryan has twin companionship with Sharpay, and even some love. But there is no love, where Ryan can be himself and not be judged from Sharpay.
From the course of the songs he duets with Sharpay show a lot of their relationship between them. "What I've Been Looking For" is very catchy, pop tune. They way they sing it, is as if they are a team. Who enjoy each other's company. From "Bop To The Top" it's about success. But even at the very end, Sharpay would only want to be the top. Even stepping down on Ryan if she had to. "Fabulous" is all about what Sharpay wants. "HumuHumu" is actually a kind of weird song. But the entire music video involves basically ordering/verbally abusing Ryan. While trying to trade off Ryan for Troy, essentially. "I Want It All" is a sort of trying to bring Ryan back in. To use him. But even then, Ryan isn't actually really into the idea of another backwards plan.
"I Just Want To Be With You" the little snippet he has with Kelsi, is more of a bond moment with Kelsi. Kelsi is the closest person in the world who fully supports Ryan. They both share a real love for theatre. He may have hurt her because of Sharpay. But they can enjoy each others' company. "Last Chance" the little duet with Kelsi, is the last chance to put on a stage together as friends. They both want to do something really well as a production, if they get the scholarship, great. But the fact that the production was amazing, is something they both held onto.
By the half way point for HSM3, Ryan isn't even entitled towards Sharpay. He's completely on his own. He wants to do good. This boy was extremely excited to hear some sort of praise from Sharpay that he asked Kelsi to prom, and she accepted. Ryan and Kelsi are both really awkward in their own light, which makes the match up rather cute. By then, he just wants a really great show. He co-produced it with one of his closest friends.
I could go on about how much Ryan is probably the best character in High School Musical, but I will end with some Lucas Grabeel, or the actor who plays him.
I believe it's fully intentional that when Lucas auditioned for Chad ended up with Ryan. In one of his lines in Halloweentown High as Ethan Dalloway goes as. "Well, I've always wanted to act." Guess what? He's acting.
A lot of people see "I Don't Dance" as a sexual-tension between Ryan and Chad. Fine, fair. Or make a point that Chad is dancing during the song, fair enough. But does anyone realize, that Lucas Grabeel had knee operation a few days before the shooting of that song. So the ENTIRE time Lucas is sprinting, dancing, playing baseball, AND singing on some bad knees? Uh-uh. Give that boy some props! Chad if you can't dance, I think a kick in the knee is all that does it.
If you have never seen some of the bloopers or things Lucas has done, it is best advised to look at some now.
