I know, I'm still backing up to read your latest chap in the ongoing fic you've updated. I go in reverse way too much. On with the show...
As much as I detested this storyline- and I truly did for countless reasons, starting with the awful cliches, trite stereotypes, and convenient way that none of the Newport kids- who actually were sexually active on a regular basis- faced no such consequences, and including all the issues this raised and huge holes this opened that were never given any attention even passing, I like how you approach and explore the subject. Most importantly, you focus on Ryan's thought process and his dynamic with the Cohens- especially Sandy. We never witnessed any meaningful exchanges of real significance, other than the very brief and glossed over one in the poolhouse. There was no follow through. TPTB handled it so poorly, but you could definitely educate them.
I never really understood how there seemed to be support for Theresa at Casa Cohen, but no one took the time to consider Ryan or his feelings. He was the one with no one to turn to, while Theresa- with the huge engagement party- had friends, family, and a large extended family (apparently, or extras), as a support system. She chose a different route. That's not to say she wasn't scared, but the truth was going to come out. She had options, a home, and a family. If the Cohens were helping Theresa because of Ryan, they needed to help him as well.
You do a very good job of incorporating Ryan's perceptions, both of self and others, and his perspective. That would be something that would require insight and a willingness to learn and understand from others, instead of making a sweeping assumption. For someone who had lived a lifetime of rejection, culminating in abandonment(s), Ryan's self-worth would be- and was/is neglible. He would be seeking meaning and value for himself, and would be desperate to make sure that no other child would share the experience of not being wanted and believe he or she didn't matter. You hit that target spot-on.
What's also significant is that Ryan, so often singled out and even chastised for being quiet, has never been given a voice. He's been manipulated and shut out, sidelined in his own life. He's never had choices or a say in the events of his life. Not having any control again would be part of the ongoing vicious cycle. He'd want to hope that the person who had been his closest friend, and the person whom he thought he idolized and could trust, wouldn't treat and hurt him the same way- and lie about it. At least the Atwoods and all the others had been up front.
The exchange at the end, with Sandy finally trying to consider Ryan's POV in the equation and making the effort to connect, is just the interaction and conversation that builds the bridge. It's exactly what we needed to witness in canon- on multiple occasions. That final scene on the beach is, as Goldilocks would say, "just right."
I hated the original storyline on the show, too. They always seemed to have everyone give more attention to the people other than Ryan. Theresa, Taylor, Frank and Julie. I liked Taylor at first. I thought she was quirky and I thought they might be cute together but then they deleved into her issues when there were so many left unexplored with Ryan.
At any rate, I'm glad you enjoyed my quick little fic. The funny thing is it was Brandy's other suggestion that really intrigued me but then I ended up writing this one.
Somehow this got a little lost in my abyss of email. However, you know you're so preaching to the choir. It was so frustrating and disappointing that someone- whoever it was, and I have my doubts that the Schwartz was capable- created certain characters and initial scenarios. Regardless, he set the standard as showrunner and first writer as someone who simply had no interest or ability when it came to exploring and developing characters that required, you know, thinking, work, insight and continuity- for starters. He- and his staff- went for the easy way out and glossed the surface with far less compelling, or even engaging secondary and tertiary characters. It was all about the one-liners and short-term payoff. The way they went for stereotypes and cliches was beyond annoying.
As for T.T., since you mention her, she was, obviously, a horrible caricature in S3. Since she was a female cast member in the right age group, she was miraculously reinvented for S4. Presto! She actually had potential for maybe 2 episodes, but then became as whiny, needy, melodramatic, selfish and self-centered... and self-destructive as "M" had been. Any glimmer of someone more balanced not solely focused on herself was gone by the middle of the season. I, for one, wasn't invested in her at all and didn't like being forced to focus on her. Just when it had looked like some attention, progress, and maybe closure would be put on the original main characters and family relationships, the tables were turned- again. So sad. What a waste to have had such compelling characters, especially with Ryan, and actors to do them/him justice, and never take advantage of such a rare opportunity.
And, again, of course I enjoyed your take on this. TPTB fell far short in their own sad attempt. The story itself was never thought through by any of them, since the premise presented so many loopholes, but it certainly wasn't handled realistically or professionally. Their result was sloppy and half-hearted at best. They could learn from you!
I haven't forgotten the two comments for your most recent updates for AU Cohen family saga and "A Beautiful Noise." They're on my list for today. Here's to progress for later on when I get home- hopefully.
As much as I detested this storyline- and I truly did for countless reasons, starting with the awful cliches, trite stereotypes, and convenient way that none of the Newport kids- who actually were sexually active on a regular basis- faced no such consequences, and including all the issues this raised and huge holes this opened that were never given any attention even passing, I like how you approach and explore the subject. Most importantly, you focus on Ryan's thought process and his dynamic with the Cohens- especially Sandy. We never witnessed any meaningful exchanges of real significance, other than the very brief and glossed over one in the poolhouse. There was no follow through. TPTB handled it so poorly, but you could definitely educate them.
I never really understood how there seemed to be support for Theresa at Casa Cohen, but no one took the time to consider Ryan or his feelings. He was the one with no one to turn to, while Theresa- with the huge engagement party- had friends, family, and a large extended family (apparently, or extras), as a support system. She chose a different route. That's not to say she wasn't scared, but the truth was going to come out. She had options, a home, and a family. If the Cohens were helping Theresa because of Ryan, they needed to help him as well.
You do a very good job of incorporating Ryan's perceptions, both of self and others, and his perspective. That would be something that would require insight and a willingness to learn and understand from others, instead of making a sweeping assumption. For someone who had lived a lifetime of rejection, culminating in abandonment(s), Ryan's self-worth would be- and was/is neglible. He would be seeking meaning and value for himself, and would be desperate to make sure that no other child would share the experience of not being wanted and believe he or she didn't matter. You hit that target spot-on.
What's also significant is that Ryan, so often singled out and even chastised for being quiet, has never been given a voice. He's been manipulated and shut out, sidelined in his own life. He's never had choices or a say in the events of his life. Not having any control again would be part of the ongoing vicious cycle. He'd want to hope that the person who had been his closest friend, and the person whom he thought he idolized and could trust, wouldn't treat and hurt him the same way- and lie about it. At least the Atwoods and all the others had been up front.
The exchange at the end, with Sandy finally trying to consider Ryan's POV in the equation and making the effort to connect, is just the interaction and conversation that builds the bridge. It's exactly what we needed to witness in canon- on multiple occasions. That final scene on the beach is, as Goldilocks would say, "just right."
And you dashed this all off today? Good going!
Still backing up...
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At any rate, I'm glad you enjoyed my quick little fic. The funny thing is it was Brandy's other suggestion that really intrigued me but then I ended up writing this one.
Reply
As for T.T., since you mention her, she was, obviously, a horrible caricature in S3. Since she was a female cast member in the right age group, she was miraculously reinvented for S4. Presto! She actually had potential for maybe 2 episodes, but then became as whiny, needy, melodramatic, selfish and self-centered... and self-destructive as "M" had been. Any glimmer of someone more balanced not solely focused on herself was gone by the middle of the season. I, for one, wasn't invested in her at all and didn't like being forced to focus on her. Just when it had looked like some attention, progress, and maybe closure would be put on the original main characters and family relationships, the tables were turned- again. So sad. What a waste to have had such compelling characters, especially with Ryan, and actors to do them/him justice, and never take advantage of such a rare opportunity.
And, again, of course I enjoyed your take on this. TPTB fell far short in their own sad attempt. The story itself was never thought through by any of them, since the premise presented so many loopholes, but it certainly wasn't handled realistically or professionally. Their result was sloppy and half-hearted at best. They could learn from you!
I haven't forgotten the two comments for your most recent updates for AU Cohen family saga and "A Beautiful Noise." They're on my list for today. Here's to progress for later on when I get home- hopefully.
Reply
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