Mirror Mirror on the Wall: Chapter 3 - On John the Father

[hearseeno]

Boundaries

Boundaries are those unwritten rules about who gets to do or know what. Who gets included and who doesn't.

In some families, the boundaries are permeable. You know those homes in the neighborhood in which all the kids of a certain age wander in and out kitchen, one of the son or daughter's close friends gets semi-adopted into the family

Comments

[blackcat333_99]

Okay, so now having finished reading the John sections -- I repeat: fascinating stuff. There is definitely more to John than mere vengeance, although that trait does get a lot of spotlight on the show and among the fans. You do a great job of delving into those other factors driving his motivations, making him more human and tragic when all is said and done. And yet, there is still that part that makes me kinda want to bash his brains in, despite my sympathy for his guilt and fear issues also at play, which you noted:

John's apparent preoccupation with Sam's safety always piqued my curiosity. It always seemed out of proportion with how John had treated Dean when he was younger and vulnerable, as well. When I look back on it and wonder how much John knew for Sam, I wonder how much of that directive's strength came from John's fears about what the Evil Thing that had killed Mary intended for his youngest son.

That double standard for his sons in how he treated them. Even with deeper understanding of WHY such a double standard in behavior might have come to be, it still kills me for Dean's sake. Because his choices of enmeshment of family unit, etc. all *appeared* to facilitate and accomodate as a priority only one family member: Sam. And.... I'll shut up now, because I have a feeling you'll be addressing some of these issues in your next meta posts. :)

[hearseeno]

Thanks Blackcat. :) I'm glad you're liking it.

more human and tragic when all is said and done. And yet, there is still that part that makes me kinda want to bash his brains in

*snork* Sounds 'bout right for John Winchester.

The tragedy of this unfolding cycle of self-destruction and sacrifice seems almost classical in nature. One generation to a next and fate weighing in with a heavy hand. Now that we know how it started the breadth of it is just coming into view. An advantage, I guess, of having a plan for the story to be told rather than just moving from one season to the next season and making it up along the way. It's looking freakin' epic. :D

it still kills me for Dean's sake.

Yeah, very true. I'm not sure it did anyone any favors, though. We'll get to that when it's Sam's turn.

[blackcat333_99]

Yeah, very true. I'm not sure it did anyone any favors, though. We'll get to that when it's Sam's turn.

Oh, I agree. In fact I think that set-up is directly contributing to where Sam is going off the rails right now, in particular... but shutting up. Dude, I could so go on and on and on. :) Will be patient, and wait for the future posts.