North
First, I can't believe I didn't write something yesterday. Must've been distracted by RL.
North.
North is one of those episodes that stick out mostly because none of it takes place in civilization. Possibly the only episode in S1&2 that took place out of Illinois. Even All the Queen's Horses (and was that ever one of the least liked episodes) ( Read more... )
North.
North is one of those episodes that stick out mostly because none of it takes place in civilization. Possibly the only episode in S1&2 that took place out of Illinois. Even All the Queen's Horses (and was that ever one of the least liked episodes) ( Read more... )
Moving on...
I agree I think North shows us two things - Ray's complete faith in Fraser and Fraser's need for Ray. I find it interesting that yeah the easy route for the writers would have been to simply turn the idea of dS around and flip it to Ray the fish out of water and Fraser the guide what I love is that they don't do that but make it more complex.
Fraser is more at home, he is able to lead himself and Ray to the river but he’s also wounded, he’s got a disadvantage still as he wanders and trips and falls through he forest. This time it’s a physical disability rather than the social/cultural one he has in Chicago.
Ray is a fish out of water and is relying on Fraser’s skills. He wouldn't know where the river is, wouldn't be able to make a bola etc. but he’s the one physically able to do things.
So yes culturally Fraser is stronger but he has a physical weakness. You could interpret the physical weakness as taking the place of the emotional/social weakness he has in Chicago and he needs Ray to compensate for that weakness, just as he needs Ray to compensate for his weakness in Chicago.
Again they fit together in this situation perfectly, Fraser with the knowledge, Ray with the physical strength and faith.
I love the idea that Fraser is a hero who needs because he does. It might be Fraser who is the obvious hero, the one on the magazine covers but it’s like behind a great Mountie is a great man and that man is Ray. Not only that it’s Ray who allows us to see the man under that red serge and we really see that in North.
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I find it interesting that yeah the easy route for the writers would have been to simply turn the idea of dS around and flip it to Ray the fish out of water and Fraser the guide what I love is that they don't do that but make it more complex.
Exactly. There could have been just as many gags with Ray being the fish out of water and in need of Fraser's protection, but the writers don't go with the easy way out. Disabling Fraser so that he is once again still in need of Ray, this time physically instead of socially, was, I think, a stroke of genius. The Fraser-Ray dynamic still hasn't changed despite the change in location, in situation and in the specifics of their strength and weaknesses. They are always interdependent to the point of transcending time and place.
Ray is a fish out of water and is relying on Fraser’s skills. He wouldn't know where the river is, wouldn't be able to make a bola etc. but he’s the one physically able to do things.
Also, Ray isn't just physically doing things, he's serving as a replacement for Fraser's eyes and legs. Fraser even goes as far as to tell Ray to be his eyes for aiming the bola, which shows the depth of their dependence. Fraser isn't trying to be superhero Mountie by himself, but wanting Ray's support in some of the most vital ways possible.
You could interpret the physical weakness as taking the place of the emotional/social weakness he has in Chicago and he needs Ray to compensate for that weakness, just as he needs Ray to compensate for his weakness in Chicago.
In a way, North does turn everything on its head. Usually it's Ray who's the physically weak one and Fraser is the one that isn't streetwise. But in North, Fraser is the one to be knowledgeable, while Ray gets to show off how buff he is. I mean, carrying Fraser across the hills is very reminiscent of Fraser carrying that unnamed criminal through the blizzard in Pilot. Which is why I don't get people who think Ray is physically weaker, when we've seen evidence of otherwise.
behind a great Mountie is a great man and that man is Ray.
Literally. Well, maybe only in fanfic.
Not only that it’s Ray who allows us to see the man under that red serge and we really see that in North.
Yes, I think that's one of the problems with the women of the show. They only see the serge and don't see the man beneath, which is why Fraser isn't at all interested. The whole "oh dear, I might wrinkle him" mentality that they have Fraser probably finds isolating. Which, of course, is probably why Fraser got attached to Ray so easily. Ray clearly shows no compunction about treating him as normal human being, calling him on his foolhardiness or criticizing him and not worrying about wrinkling him and touching him randomly.
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I agree I don't think PG really got Ray in any sense. In interviews when asked to describe Ray he always says - lazy, sloppy etc. Well he's the one missing out.
There could have been just as many gags with Ray being the fish out of water and in need of Fraser's protection, but the writers don't go with the easy way out. Disabling Fraser so that he is once again still in need of Ray, this time physically instead of socially, was, I think, a stroke of genius. The Fraser-Ray dynamic still hasn't changed despite the change in location, in situation and in the specifics of their strength and weaknesses. They are always interdependent to the point of transcending time and place.
I agree it was a great move on the part of the wroters to do that, to have that same dynamic even though they were in a different place. Yet the way they adapt their dynamic to that different situation is something new and interesting.
Also, Ray isn't just physically doing things, he's serving as a replacement for Fraser's eyes and legs. Fraser even goes as far as to tell Ray to be his eyes for aiming the bola, which shows the depth of their dependence. Fraser isn't trying to be superhero Mountie by himself, but wanting Ray's support in some of the most vital ways possible.
Yes Fraser is a very physical person by nature, leaping over rooftops, climbing up buildings so for him to trust Ray with his physcial wellbeing, his physical self almost is key. Ray is the one who is being the part of Fraser that is ususally strong and he shapes up admirably.
In a way, North does turn everything on its head. Usually it's Ray who's the physically weak one and Fraser is the one that isn't streetwise. But in North, Fraser is the one to be knowledgeable, while Ray gets to show off how buff he is. I mean, carrying Fraser across the hills is very reminiscent of Fraser carrying that unnamed criminal through the blizzard in Pilot. Which is why I don't get people who think Ray is physically weaker, when we've seen evidence of otherwise.
Ray as weaker seems to be more of a fanon thing than a cnoan one. I wonder is it;s partly related to the fact Ray gets out of breath when going up the stairs int eh pilot or falls over the fences in the wild bunch. North shows though that he can carry a grown man (and I don't think Benny is all that light) across miles of wilderness and rough terrain. That's strength.
Literally. Well, maybe only in fanfic.
Yay for fanfic ;-)
Yes, I think that's one of the problems with the women of the show. They only see the serge and don't see the man beneath, which is why Fraser isn't at all interested. The whole "oh dear, I might wrinkle him" mentality that they have Fraser probably finds isolating. Which, of course, is probably why Fraser got attached to Ray so easily. Ray clearly shows no compunction about treating him as normal human being, calling him on his foolhardiness or criticizing him and not worrying about wrinkling him and touching him randomly.
Yeah Ray sees Fraser not just as a goodlooking guy in a red uniform but as a man. I think Fraser actually likes the fact Ray calls him the most annoying man int he world becuase it shows Fraser that Ray is not seeing him as a perfect guy but another human being with flaws same as everybody. That must almost be liberating to Fraser.
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Yes, he is. It's sad that he didn't feel the chemistry between him and DM, although on screen there's quite a bit going on. I mean, their characters click so beautifully (or is that just because DM is pulling a lot of weight there?) yet PG seems completely lost when it comes to letting him figure out how the two of them should interact. Or maybe it's because PG didn't have the same vision of Fraser as Haggis did.
And it seemed that DM was the only one in the interviews who really gets the characters. He was the only one that saw through the stereotype.
Yes Fraser is a very physical person by nature, leaping over rooftops, climbing up buildings so for him to trust Ray with his physcial wellbeing, his physical self almost is key. Ray is the one who is being the part of Fraser that is ususally strong and he shapes up admirably.
Of course, Ray also lacks the same kind of training that Fraser does. Unlike Fraser, Ray's more brute strength and less technique in energy expenditure. Which makes sense, because we get the sense that Ray burns up energy like crazy. I mean, how else does he manage to eat so many donuts and stay trim? Energy is just practically leaking out of him, which is good considering his diet. But Fraser grew up in the North where recklessly wasting energy could mean death. Then, since he's a field officer, he probably built up a lot of techniques to maximize energy use. Yet now they're stuck in the wild and more or less have no food. I'm sure that somewhere on Fraser's list of survival guides there's heat retention and he's probably also freaking out over Ray's metabolism. And yet, Ray still managed.
I wonder is it;s partly related to the fact Ray gets out of breath when going up the stairs int eh pilot or falls over the fences in the wild bunch. North shows though that he can carry a grown man (and I don't think Benny is all that light) across miles of wilderness and rough terrain. That's strength.
I wonder if Ray isn't playing that up a bit. I mean, he wasn't panting two seconds after they climbed up to the top. But you would think that impression would've been balanced out when Ray climbed out of his death bed to chase down Fraser. Considering how much snow there was around Fraser's farther's cabin and the fact that the cabin was probably in the middle of nowhere, I'd guess Ray had to go over quite a bit of snowy terrain with a broken arm to get to Fraser. And North should've blown all of that fanon right out of the water. The man was singing (albeit off key - and the fact they're singing some weird remix of California Dreamin' and I Left My Heart in San Francisco is just so much subtext) while carrying Benny over who knows how long and was doing so practically the entire way. And not to mention the man hadn't had breakfast and the dinner before consisted of worms.
Yeah Ray sees Fraser not just as a goodlooking guy in a red uniform but as a man. I think Fraser actually likes the fact Ray calls him the most annoying man int he world becuase it shows Fraser that Ray is not seeing him as a perfect guy but another human being with flaws same as everybody. That must almost be liberating to Fraser.
I think so too. Fraser has so much that he has to live up to, his father's name, the RCMP ideology, Thatcher's impossible expectations, that it's probably almost a relief that Ray is telling him to stop living up to those standards and start living for himself. Then again, he does actively try to be less perfect around Ray so as not to annoy him.
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I agree. It's very clear and right from the pilot. There is an immediate click there but then DM seems to be able to have chemistry with quite a few people but PG not so much seemigly. But with each other it;s certianly there and it seems to be quite equal but DM could well be pulling more of the weight.
Or maybe it's because PG didn't have the same vision of Fraser as Haggis did.
He doesn't. He doesn't get Fraser and he can be quite disparaging to Fraser when he talks about him whihc may explain why Fraser ended up becoming more unlikeable in S3/4.
Unlike Fraser, Ray's more brute strength and less technique in energy expenditure. Which makes sense, because we get the sense that Ray burns up energy like crazy. I mean, how else does he manage to eat so many donuts and stay trim?I wonder if Ray isn't playing that up a bit. I mean, he wasn't panting two seconds after they climbed up to the top. But you would think that impression would've been balanced out when Ray climbed out of his death bed to chase down Fraser.
Yeah Ray might just be saying to Fraser - hey don't forget about me. And yeah it must have been really difficult for him to get to the cabin. I pwuld love to know how he did it, did he get a lift? Walk form the road?
The man was singing (albeit off key - and the fact they're singing some weird remix of California Dreamin' and I Left My Heart in San Francisco is just so much subtext) while carrying Benny over who knows how long and was doing so practically the entire way.
I love the singing ;-) But yeah he's not out of breath is he? In fine voice. And the choices of song were wonderful. I always get a smile listneing to California Dreaming.
I think so too. Fraser has so much that he has to live up to, his father's name, the RCMP ideology, Thatcher's impossible expectations, that it's probably almost a relief that Ray is telling him to stop living up to those standards and start living for himself. Then again, he does actively try to be less perfect around Ray so as not to annoy him.
I agree. Ray is perfect for Fraser becuase he has no expectations. He even tells Fraser at times not worry so much when he gets things wrong Ray is there to comfort him and tell him yes he's a human being and that's okay.
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Not speaking from personal experience, but I hear that good actors can bring lesser experienced actors to explore their hidden potential. Maybe that's the case with DM and PG. Maybe DM's efforts and his acting was bringing out the chemistry from PG's side.
He doesn't get Fraser and he can be quite disparaging to Fraser when he talks about him whihc may explain why Fraser ended up becoming more unlikeable in S3/4.
I remember PG saying about how the boom mike person was the one to think up a punch line for a scene and that just strikes me as a not very talented writer. It's like he's just going for the gags and the jokes but not paying attention to the bigger vision of due South.
And yeah it must have been really difficult for him to get to the cabin. I pwuld love to know how he did it, did he get a lift? Walk form the road?
I would imagine he'd have to walk. It's not like Fraser lives in the most accessible area in town or was planning to have anyone come visit him other than Gerard's people. And considering Fraser greeted Ray with a shotgun, I'd assume that the cabin doesn't get much or any random visitors. So, hitchhiking doesn't seem to be a viable option.
I love the singing ;-) But yeah he's not out of breath is he? In fine voice. And the choices of song were wonderful. I always get a smile listneing to California Dreaming.
The singing was the best part of the whole episode. I mean Ray was not just singing, he had enough energy to do a little jig. He was kind of enjoying himself as he lugged Fraser through the woods. Now that's some serious manpower we've going on there. And the song choices...makes me cackle every time. I love that kind of subtle humor.
Ray is perfect for Fraser becuase he has no expectations. He even tells Fraser at times not worry so much when he gets things wrong Ray is there to comfort him and tell him yes he's a human being and that's okay.
I love that Ray is prefect for Fraser due to is lack of expectations and Fraser is perfect for Ray because of his high expectations. Equal and opposite, different but complimentary. That's Ray and Benny.
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I think that could well be the case. DM is a giving actor is that makes sense and could have chemistry with a box of hammers and make it work.
I remember PG saying about how the boom mike person was the one to think up a punch line for a scene and that just strikes me as a not very talented writer. It's like he's just going for the gags and the jokes but not paying attention to the bigger vision of due South.
That's really rather sloppy writing not to mention a bit unprofessional. You hear thata lot on how the cast and crew of S3 was one big happy family and they had a great time but the quality seemed to decrease as time went on. But yeah the word why? springs to mind.
I would imagine he'd have to walk. It's not like Fraser lives in the most accessible area in town or was planning to have anyone come visit him other than Gerard's people. And considering Fraser greeted Ray with a shotgun, I'd assume that the cabin doesn't get much or any random visitors. So, hitchhiking doesn't seem to be a viable option.
That's true the road is quite away away and Ra doesn't know anybody loval to lend him a snowmobile (and we see no signs of transport outside). So yeah he would have walked it, all so he could see Fraser. Wow the guy was smitten.
The singing was the best part of the whole episode. I mean Ray was not just singing, he had enough energy to do a little jig. He was kind of enjoying himself as he lugged Fraser through the woods. Now that's some serious manpower we've going on there. And the song choices...makes me cackle every time. I love that kind of subtle humor.
It was the best part. And I do love Ray's little jig as he sings. I agree it's nice subtle humour devoid of silly fart jokes it's dS at it;s best.
I love that Ray is prefect for Fraser due to is lack of expectations and Fraser is perfect for Ray because of his high expectations. Equal and opposite, different but complimentary. That's Ray and Benny.
Yin and Yang ;-) It;s very true it's hard to imagine a more perfect combination really.
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*spits rice over computer* *wipes*
Very true. DM is an extremely exceptional actor and he really gives it his all. I mean, turkey on the face? Serious dedication there. I mean, look at how he managed to work the scene when it's just him and the phone? So much emotion. I hate to say it but even without Fraser's half of the conversation that scene would've worked. So, so beautiful.
That's really rather sloppy writing not to mention a bit unprofessional. You hear thata lot on how the cast and crew of S3 was one big happy family and they had a great time but the quality seemed to decrease as time went on.
I've never liked writer-director-actor combos. They're always taking too much on and spreading their talent thin. I can see occasionally letting the actor write something because of how well they've started knowing their character (which clearly isn't the case with PG), but for the most part, actors should focus on acting and writers focus on making the writing good and the director focus on putting the two together in a way that makes the most impact.
So yeah he would have walked it, all so he could see Fraser. Wow the guy was smitten.
Yup, head over heels. And you could see Fraser trying to work out what the hell was going on. And then he's staring at Ray all googly eyed because this man came through the snow just for him.
It was the best part. And I do love Ray's little jig as he sings. I agree it's nice subtle humour devoid of silly fart jokes it's dS at it;s best.
That jig was definitely one of the most typical Ray moments. No wonder it was selected for the S2 opening. And subtle humor, sarcastic with a little political commentary, are always the best.
Yin and Yang ;-) It;s very true it's hard to imagine a more perfect combination really.
Ahahah, I need to get working on that essay. But the black document. She mocks me so! But it's true. So much so that Ray and Benny are a metaphor for Yin and Yang.
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I do agree. and yeah he managed to put so much into that phonecall scene. I don't think The Deal would be the same without the acting he did in that one. Really good stuff and he manages to amke it look so easy and natural.
've never liked writer-director-actor combos. They're always taking too much on and spreading their talent thin.
It ususally ends is disaster. I do wonder if PG asked to be allowed to write or if they approached him. I mean he can write but he can't write Fraser, Ray or dS because I don't think he got it. I think S3/4 suffered because he couldn't be on thing or the other - writer, actor, executive producer etc.
Yup, head over heels. And you could see Fraser trying to work out what the hell was going on. And then he's staring at Ray all googly eyed because this man came through the snow just for him.
I love the shock on Benny's face lie - you signed yourself out of the hospital and wlakd through now for me? No-one has done anything like that for him before.
That jig was definitely one of the most typical Ray moments. No wonder it was selected for the S2 opening. And subtle humor, sarcastic with a little political commentary, are always the best.
Indeed. The jig fits in so well to the title music too.
Ahahah, I need to get working on that essay. But the black document. She mocks me so! But it's true. So much so that Ray and Benny are a metaphor for Yin and Yang.
You should. It's scary how much a metaphor they are.
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