TADC Movie experience for those who enjoy themes and such (episode 9 essay below)
Oh, Jax... Gooseworx is familiar with the type of fanbase TADC attracts and I think that is beautiful. "That's just what we need, another straight relationship!" "I can fix you!" Why do people hate Jax? Trust me, I'm not going to go all mra, but it's because she is, on the surface, the tumblr sexyman archetype that is easy to hate and virtue signal your amazing digital media literacy. If Jax presented as a girl people would go "ahahhahaha funnybunny toxic yuri 😳🥺." (Worst offender: If Jax is transfem, it makes funnybunny yuri!!!!!)
I think it's interesting that Jax and Caine basically switched places in the last episode. Both Caine and Jax feel like they cannot ever be understood, that they are inadequate, fundamentally wrong/ different. I thought Caine would be the one to die because of this and Jax to be the one accepted into the group. Instead it's like the buildup from Caine got "trans"posed into Jax.
When I first watched episode 8 I came out with the strong opinion that Caine needed to die FOREVER because that is where his character becomes meaningful. I fell in love with Caine because I related to the narrative that by virtue of my birth/circumstances I will be doomed to feeling disconnected from everyone around me. I didn't want him to come back and was disappointed when he was fixed by thinking about being killed and scrolling on the internet for two minutes. But that's cruel, to think that people like Caine are forever doomed. Gooseworx took my hand and said "Don't worry little neurodivergent tma, you don't have to die. You can also have close friendships if you have a little humility and find the right people." Unlike Jax.
I think it's genius that Gooseworx took that energy from Caine and used it to make Jax's story stronger. I was ambivalent to Jax at first yet I started tearing up when "Isn't she lovely" started playing. Caine's tragedy was Jax's all along, being unwilling to let your walls down and let other people in-- Caine was willing to give up his power, Jax wasn't. I know how it feels buddy.
I know this is childish but I really wanted to hear she/her Jax in the movie. It didn't happen, but now I realize maybe it's better this way? Gooseworx basically refuses to pander to general audiences in Episode 9 and even most of the fanbase by killing Jax offscreen and focusing on her for half the episode. Those who understand, who know, will feel more seen by Jax doing what she did onscreen than if she stared into the screen and said "I'm an amazing digital woman."
Thank you Goose, I'm going to buy more merch just to give you more money as payment for dealing with the fanbase.
THEY'RE DOWNVOTING ME ON REDDIT FOR HAVING AN AMAZING DIGITAL OPINION 😭
