More Meme Responses! (Also, Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!)
What you like most about your favorite ships and if there are any common threads.
Get comfortable, this is probably going to take a while...
This was actually kind of hard to narrow down, because I love ships in general so much, but I can at least try. Also, fair warning: I ramble. I ramble a lot. Hope you don't mind it.
Anakin/Padme -- I think what really drew me to this ship was the matter of forbidden love, and the tragic element of it, which I think was handled very well (I think in general, the matter of Anakin's fall was very well-handled; the fact that I could feel for someone like Anakin speaks volumes in and of itself. People just didn't do it that often back in the day, which I think makes it all the more remarkable. And shows how much of a trendsetter Star Wars really is). That and I loved their interactions, like the meadow picnic scene, the talk about the matter of compassion, the balcony scene, Anakin's joy over finding out she's pregnant, and scenes that were sadly cut from the movie but you can find in the novelization, in terms of Anakin and Padme talking about their child(ren). It was one of my first ships, and one that left a very lasting impression on me.
Doctor/Rose -- Though I love Anakin/Padme, this is seriously giving it some competition in that area. I just love how they interacted together; I loved their banter, I loved how even in the worst of situations they could make a joke (some people have criticized that, but me? Personally, I love it. I think it's pretty endearing), I loved how much fun they had traveling together (stuff like Rose's reaction to seeing New Earth for the first time. I mean, dear God, it's just adorable. <3), I loved their devotion to one another, I loved how Rose made him better (and I think one pretty crucial element of a redemptive ship is to make both halves of the ship likable. In the case of the redeem-ee, you have to make them so you want to see them redeemed, and in the case of the redeemer, they have to be likable and a character in and of themselves, not just a vessel for a transformation. And the Doctor and Rose's relationship did it beautifully), I love how it worked with her as well in terms of teaching her to become stronger, I love how they both rubbed off on the other, in a way (I think that's another great element of a redemptive ship: have it go both ways), I love the sheer amount of emotion packed into the ship (see also the beach scene in "Doomsday". I think it helps that it's incredibly, viscerally human, and how anyone would react separated from someone they love), I love their playfulness, I love how *happy* they were together, I love how Rose was willing to cross the dimensions to get back to him...honestly, it's just an amazing ship.
Aragorn/Arwen -- I think it's definitely the poetic nature of this ship, how much they were willing to endure for one another, how devoted they were to one another...really, my description can't do it justice. You're going to have to read "The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen" in the ROTK appendices. And watch the movies, because, YMMV naturally, but I think they incorporated the matter of Aragorn and Arwen's relationship beautifully and gave them really touching, beautiful scenes (it definitely hells that Viggo Mortensen and Liv Tyler work amazingly together).
Beren/Luthien -- Same with Aragorn and Arwen. The devotion they had to one another, the sense that in a way, Luthien made him better after everything that he endured, and was even willing to appeal to Mandos himself to let him go -- that's a damn beautiful ship right there. I know it's a ship that made a heavy impact on me when I first read it...I believe in middle school. It was at the time I was at the height of my Tolkien buff-ery (seriously, I loved that verse so much that I actually went out and bought a lot of Tolkien books. Sadly yet to read Children of Hurin ), which...yeah, that was a fun time. One of my favorites of my childhood. And Beren and Luthien became one of my favorites from the Silmarillion , also known as one of my favorite Tolkien books.
Nancy/Quentin (NOES 2010) -- Yeah, I know the NOES remake gets a lot of flak, and it does have its faults (some of the dialogue is really clunky, for one thing), but I think all in all, it's not a bad remake (*ducks*). I mean, it has some really damn good ideas in there, really creepy and haunting imagery, Jackie Earle Haley makes a fantastic Freddy (and really terrifying -- and considering Robert Englund's Freddy actually made me afraid to go to sleep first time I saw him, that's quite an accomplishment. Personally, I love both Freddys; I think both actors brought something unique to the part), and then there's the relationship between Nancy and Quentin. I love how well the actors worked together, I love their interactions (such as their talk in the car on the way to the preschool; I love how Quentin gets Nancy to crack a smile there. It helps that Rooney Mara has a genuinely pretty smile. And considering that Nancy's quite the Woobie -- IMHO -- in this version, it really makes the times she's happy all the more "d'awwww". *), I love how they bonded under pressure, I love how they decided to team up to stop Freddy...I'm definitely a sucker for stuff like that, I really am. So yeah, it was definitely a ship that pushed my buttons in the right way.
Doctor/Master -- I just really love their dynamic. I have yet to get into old Who (I should really download more of the old episodes off iTunes; I swear "The Deadly Assassin" is the only one I've actually seen, as well as "Logopolis" and "Genesis of the Daleks" on audiobook), but their dynamic in the new series is just fantastic, such as the phone conversation in "Sound of Drums", the Master keeping the Doctor prisoner on the Valiant , the Doctor forgiving the Master (it's a genuinely moving moment, it really is), the Doctor mourning his death (it's really made even more heartbreaking not just by the Master's refusal to regenerate, but also that moment of vulnerability from him when he asks the Doctor if the drumming will stop, as well as the slow pan-out showing the Doctor cradling the Master's body in his arms, weeping, all while the others are watching, still recovering from everything that happened. It's one of those instances that's really emotionally effective because even after everything that happened, the Doctor cares about him and forgives him still. And no one else really knows why -- although all things considered, it's understandable), trying to save the Master in "The End of Time", the moment in the alley when the Master saves the Doctor after hitting him with his lightning powers (before tossing him aside), when he reminisces about what it was like for them back on Gallifrey, when they touch foreheads so the Master can show the Doctor exactly what he's going through (because for all he likes to pretend otherwise, in many ways, the Master is quite a vulnerable character, at least in this incarnation. And he really wants the Doctor to listen. I think another factor in this is that in a way, the Doctor really is the only one the Master's got, and vice versa. They're both incredibly lonely, although the Master would never admit it. He's got a reputation to maintain, after all. /half-joking), when the Doctor tries to save the Master (complete with the Master wondering what he would be without the drums in his head, and the Doctor wondering what he'd be without the Master...which the Master seems to agree with if his response indicates everything. It's, again, a very poignant scene, it says a lot about both characters, it's well-acted -- then again, Doctor Who is just incredibly well-acted -- it plays with a familiar trope in regards to the hero/villain rivalry, there's character development, the lines are fantastically written...it's just a perfect scene), and when the Master saves the Doctor (I think Russell T. Davies' answer in regards to why the Master did it, "Because he loves [the Doctor]. Honestly, I think he does." definitely makes it all the more touching, however you interpret it.). TL;DR, it's a very unique, funny, intriguing, and oddly poignant dynamic, and that's why I love it.
Kili/Tauriel -- I was actually kind of hesitant about the idea at first considering Tauriel's technically not in the books (and this isn't like adding in characters like Lurtz or Gothmog; this is actually a pretty massive change), but I grew to love Tauriel (it helps that she's a genuinely endearing, admirable character), and I loved her relationship with Kili. When they first met, for one thing, as well as her healing him after he's been poisoned, as well as Kili's unwitting love confession to Tauriel (which is a very genuinely moving scene, and actually one of my favorites in the film for how poignant it is). It's a ship I didn't really expect to love, but goddamn do I love it now.
Gandalf/Galadriel -- It's something that wasn't in the books (and probably something of a problem considering that Galadriel's married), but nonetheless, I can't help but love this ship. It's a very short scene in An Unexpected Journey , but stuff like Gandalf complimenting Galadriel's beauty when they meet again (also really funny considering Elrond's little smirk in the background, as well as Galadriel's smile like, "Oh Gandalf, you charmer". It's one of those little details that's incredibly funny), Galadriel supporting Gandalf during the meeting when Elrond and Saruman doubt him, Galadriel's little conspiratorial smile when she learns of Gandalf's plan, Gandalf and Galadriel's talk long after the meeting including Galadriel reassuring Gandalf that if he ever needs her, she'll come to him...it's a very sweet, touching series of scenes, and it's really watching An Unexpected Journey that I realized the more shippy undertones of it, but I think it could work as much for dear friends as much as...well, a ship.
Katniss/Peeta -- Another dynamic that I just love. I love their quieter scenes in both the books and movies, I love how they bond over the course of the series, I love how they support one another...it's just an awesome ship.
Bilbo/Thorin -- Another movieverse ship; I think it's the development of their relationship that I love, from Thorin doubting Bilbo to ultimately accepting him by the end of An Unexpected Journey . I think it's mostly in An Unexpected Journey where I shipped them most; I remember just sort of watching and thinking, "This is pretty damn shippy, isn't it?" I think it's definitely the hug near the end, and earlier, Thorin being relieved that Bilbo was okay while also being furious at Bilbo for putting himself in danger if only to save Thorin, and worrying about where Bilbo is...those were very sweet, moving scenes. That and I like the idea of them: the sweet, empathetic, innocent yet brave Hobbit, and the Dwarf who seems rough at first, but is fundamentally one of the kindest men out there.
Anna/Kristoff -- I loved their bonding, I loved their banter, I loved how they saved one another's lives, I loved how they gradually grew to care for one another on the journey...it's just a very lovely, wonderful ship. Disney's definitely good at ships like these, and this is no exception.
Jedi Exile/Atton -- I think it was definitely Peragus where I started shipping them heavily (I was playing a female Exile), mostly with their banter, them coming together under pressure, Atton trying to protect the Exile (and with the reveal of his past, it becomes a strange case of being Harsher in Hindsight and Heartwarming in Hindsight at the same time) -- even though I loathed the Peragus level (mostly because I sucked at it. XD), I really loved those interactions. And I also loved the moment on Nar Shaddaa where, if you have enough influence with Atton, he can tell you about his past, and why he wants to protect you (basically, it's to atone for what he did in the past, and as a sort of favor, in a sense, to a Jedi who saved him), and it's a very effective, lovely scene, and gives Atton a lot of depth. (I think it's why I love this character; he's a very complex, compelling character. Then again, a lot of the KOTOR characters are. It's one of those things that makes me love the games) And whatever side you're on, his loyalty to the Player Character is very touching -- with the light side, it allows him to become a better person and make peace with himself, and the dark side...well, it's more heartbreaking because in a sense, you're kind of manipulating him and breaking him, but there is something about his promise to follow the Exile to hell and back that's oddly lovely (and it's something one wouldn't expect from a Sith/Dark Jedi Master/Apprentice sort of thing, but then again, that's Atton. He's a very loyal person, which can be a blessing and a curse all in one).
Revan/Bastila -- I love their banter, I love Bastila warming up to Revan, I love their dynamic, and I love the double-duty Love Redeems it has; Bastila saves Revan, in a sense, and later, Revan saves Bastila.
Revan/Malak -- I dunno; I just find it a very interesting idea. Sort of the both of them starting off as buddies, then becoming lovers, then Master and Apprentice, then enemies -- I think it's an interesting sort of idea.
Revan/Carth -- While overexposure on KFM did temporarily sour me to this pairing, it's still a very adorable ship. I love their dynamic, I love their banter (it's hilarious, and I have very fond memories of it playing as FemRevan, even though Taris gave me fits), I love the double-duty sort of Love Redeems aspect of it, with you helping Carth with his trust issues and him sort of redeeming you as well.
So there we are. I think in terms of my favorite ships...well, a lot of them tend to be het. I should work on that. Then there's the idea of an intriguing dynamic, poignancy, a sort of complexity, friendship of some sorts, character development, some sort of adventure, some sort of redemption, some tragedy in there, some interesting interaction -- though my ships really run the gamut, I think, there are some common threads. The main thread, though, is basically, just being well-written. As long as there's that...I'm in.
Anyway...hope you enjoyed. Even if you might not agree with all my choices, I hope you found it entertaining.
* And I love both Nancys. I love Nancy Thompson for her humor, her steeliness -- seriously, she's a BAMF -- her likability, and a lot more, and I love Nancy Holbrook if only for her character arc. That and I think both Heather Langenkamp (if you've seen Heather in interviews, it's really endearing and lovely about how much passion she has for her character) and Rooney Mara brought something unique to the part.
Get comfortable, this is probably going to take a while...
This was actually kind of hard to narrow down, because I love ships in general so much, but I can at least try. Also, fair warning: I ramble. I ramble a lot. Hope you don't mind it.
Anakin/Padme -- I think what really drew me to this ship was the matter of forbidden love, and the tragic element of it, which I think was handled very well (I think in general, the matter of Anakin's fall was very well-handled; the fact that I could feel for someone like Anakin speaks volumes in and of itself. People just didn't do it that often back in the day, which I think makes it all the more remarkable. And shows how much of a trendsetter Star Wars really is). That and I loved their interactions, like the meadow picnic scene, the talk about the matter of compassion, the balcony scene, Anakin's joy over finding out she's pregnant, and scenes that were sadly cut from the movie but you can find in the novelization, in terms of Anakin and Padme talking about their child(ren). It was one of my first ships, and one that left a very lasting impression on me.
Doctor/Rose -- Though I love Anakin/Padme, this is seriously giving it some competition in that area. I just love how they interacted together; I loved their banter, I loved how even in the worst of situations they could make a joke (some people have criticized that, but me? Personally, I love it. I think it's pretty endearing), I loved how much fun they had traveling together (stuff like Rose's reaction to seeing New Earth for the first time. I mean, dear God, it's just adorable. <3), I loved their devotion to one another, I loved how Rose made him better (and I think one pretty crucial element of a redemptive ship is to make both halves of the ship likable. In the case of the redeem-ee, you have to make them so you want to see them redeemed, and in the case of the redeemer, they have to be likable and a character in and of themselves, not just a vessel for a transformation. And the Doctor and Rose's relationship did it beautifully), I love how it worked with her as well in terms of teaching her to become stronger, I love how they both rubbed off on the other, in a way (I think that's another great element of a redemptive ship: have it go both ways), I love the sheer amount of emotion packed into the ship (see also the beach scene in "Doomsday". I think it helps that it's incredibly, viscerally human, and how anyone would react separated from someone they love), I love their playfulness, I love how *happy* they were together, I love how Rose was willing to cross the dimensions to get back to him...honestly, it's just an amazing ship.
Aragorn/Arwen -- I think it's definitely the poetic nature of this ship, how much they were willing to endure for one another, how devoted they were to one another...really, my description can't do it justice. You're going to have to read "The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen" in the ROTK appendices. And watch the movies, because, YMMV naturally, but I think they incorporated the matter of Aragorn and Arwen's relationship beautifully and gave them really touching, beautiful scenes (it definitely hells that Viggo Mortensen and Liv Tyler work amazingly together).
Beren/Luthien -- Same with Aragorn and Arwen. The devotion they had to one another, the sense that in a way, Luthien made him better after everything that he endured, and was even willing to appeal to Mandos himself to let him go -- that's a damn beautiful ship right there. I know it's a ship that made a heavy impact on me when I first read it...I believe in middle school. It was at the time I was at the height of my Tolkien buff-ery (seriously, I loved that verse so much that I actually went out and bought a lot of Tolkien books. Sadly yet to read Children of Hurin ), which...yeah, that was a fun time. One of my favorites of my childhood. And Beren and Luthien became one of my favorites from the Silmarillion , also known as one of my favorite Tolkien books.
Nancy/Quentin (NOES 2010) -- Yeah, I know the NOES remake gets a lot of flak, and it does have its faults (some of the dialogue is really clunky, for one thing), but I think all in all, it's not a bad remake (*ducks*). I mean, it has some really damn good ideas in there, really creepy and haunting imagery, Jackie Earle Haley makes a fantastic Freddy (and really terrifying -- and considering Robert Englund's Freddy actually made me afraid to go to sleep first time I saw him, that's quite an accomplishment. Personally, I love both Freddys; I think both actors brought something unique to the part), and then there's the relationship between Nancy and Quentin. I love how well the actors worked together, I love their interactions (such as their talk in the car on the way to the preschool; I love how Quentin gets Nancy to crack a smile there. It helps that Rooney Mara has a genuinely pretty smile. And considering that Nancy's quite the Woobie -- IMHO -- in this version, it really makes the times she's happy all the more "d'awwww". *), I love how they bonded under pressure, I love how they decided to team up to stop Freddy...I'm definitely a sucker for stuff like that, I really am. So yeah, it was definitely a ship that pushed my buttons in the right way.
Doctor/Master -- I just really love their dynamic. I have yet to get into old Who (I should really download more of the old episodes off iTunes; I swear "The Deadly Assassin" is the only one I've actually seen, as well as "Logopolis" and "Genesis of the Daleks" on audiobook), but their dynamic in the new series is just fantastic, such as the phone conversation in "Sound of Drums", the Master keeping the Doctor prisoner on the Valiant , the Doctor forgiving the Master (it's a genuinely moving moment, it really is), the Doctor mourning his death (it's really made even more heartbreaking not just by the Master's refusal to regenerate, but also that moment of vulnerability from him when he asks the Doctor if the drumming will stop, as well as the slow pan-out showing the Doctor cradling the Master's body in his arms, weeping, all while the others are watching, still recovering from everything that happened. It's one of those instances that's really emotionally effective because even after everything that happened, the Doctor cares about him and forgives him still. And no one else really knows why -- although all things considered, it's understandable), trying to save the Master in "The End of Time", the moment in the alley when the Master saves the Doctor after hitting him with his lightning powers (before tossing him aside), when he reminisces about what it was like for them back on Gallifrey, when they touch foreheads so the Master can show the Doctor exactly what he's going through (because for all he likes to pretend otherwise, in many ways, the Master is quite a vulnerable character, at least in this incarnation. And he really wants the Doctor to listen. I think another factor in this is that in a way, the Doctor really is the only one the Master's got, and vice versa. They're both incredibly lonely, although the Master would never admit it. He's got a reputation to maintain, after all. /half-joking), when the Doctor tries to save the Master (complete with the Master wondering what he would be without the drums in his head, and the Doctor wondering what he'd be without the Master...which the Master seems to agree with if his response indicates everything. It's, again, a very poignant scene, it says a lot about both characters, it's well-acted -- then again, Doctor Who is just incredibly well-acted -- it plays with a familiar trope in regards to the hero/villain rivalry, there's character development, the lines are fantastically written...it's just a perfect scene), and when the Master saves the Doctor (I think Russell T. Davies' answer in regards to why the Master did it, "Because he loves [the Doctor]. Honestly, I think he does." definitely makes it all the more touching, however you interpret it.). TL;DR, it's a very unique, funny, intriguing, and oddly poignant dynamic, and that's why I love it.
Kili/Tauriel -- I was actually kind of hesitant about the idea at first considering Tauriel's technically not in the books (and this isn't like adding in characters like Lurtz or Gothmog; this is actually a pretty massive change), but I grew to love Tauriel (it helps that she's a genuinely endearing, admirable character), and I loved her relationship with Kili. When they first met, for one thing, as well as her healing him after he's been poisoned, as well as Kili's unwitting love confession to Tauriel (which is a very genuinely moving scene, and actually one of my favorites in the film for how poignant it is). It's a ship I didn't really expect to love, but goddamn do I love it now.
Gandalf/Galadriel -- It's something that wasn't in the books (and probably something of a problem considering that Galadriel's married), but nonetheless, I can't help but love this ship. It's a very short scene in An Unexpected Journey , but stuff like Gandalf complimenting Galadriel's beauty when they meet again (also really funny considering Elrond's little smirk in the background, as well as Galadriel's smile like, "Oh Gandalf, you charmer". It's one of those little details that's incredibly funny), Galadriel supporting Gandalf during the meeting when Elrond and Saruman doubt him, Galadriel's little conspiratorial smile when she learns of Gandalf's plan, Gandalf and Galadriel's talk long after the meeting including Galadriel reassuring Gandalf that if he ever needs her, she'll come to him...it's a very sweet, touching series of scenes, and it's really watching An Unexpected Journey that I realized the more shippy undertones of it, but I think it could work as much for dear friends as much as...well, a ship.
Katniss/Peeta -- Another dynamic that I just love. I love their quieter scenes in both the books and movies, I love how they bond over the course of the series, I love how they support one another...it's just an awesome ship.
Bilbo/Thorin -- Another movieverse ship; I think it's the development of their relationship that I love, from Thorin doubting Bilbo to ultimately accepting him by the end of An Unexpected Journey . I think it's mostly in An Unexpected Journey where I shipped them most; I remember just sort of watching and thinking, "This is pretty damn shippy, isn't it?" I think it's definitely the hug near the end, and earlier, Thorin being relieved that Bilbo was okay while also being furious at Bilbo for putting himself in danger if only to save Thorin, and worrying about where Bilbo is...those were very sweet, moving scenes. That and I like the idea of them: the sweet, empathetic, innocent yet brave Hobbit, and the Dwarf who seems rough at first, but is fundamentally one of the kindest men out there.
Anna/Kristoff -- I loved their bonding, I loved their banter, I loved how they saved one another's lives, I loved how they gradually grew to care for one another on the journey...it's just a very lovely, wonderful ship. Disney's definitely good at ships like these, and this is no exception.
Jedi Exile/Atton -- I think it was definitely Peragus where I started shipping them heavily (I was playing a female Exile), mostly with their banter, them coming together under pressure, Atton trying to protect the Exile (and with the reveal of his past, it becomes a strange case of being Harsher in Hindsight and Heartwarming in Hindsight at the same time) -- even though I loathed the Peragus level (mostly because I sucked at it. XD), I really loved those interactions. And I also loved the moment on Nar Shaddaa where, if you have enough influence with Atton, he can tell you about his past, and why he wants to protect you (basically, it's to atone for what he did in the past, and as a sort of favor, in a sense, to a Jedi who saved him), and it's a very effective, lovely scene, and gives Atton a lot of depth. (I think it's why I love this character; he's a very complex, compelling character. Then again, a lot of the KOTOR characters are. It's one of those things that makes me love the games) And whatever side you're on, his loyalty to the Player Character is very touching -- with the light side, it allows him to become a better person and make peace with himself, and the dark side...well, it's more heartbreaking because in a sense, you're kind of manipulating him and breaking him, but there is something about his promise to follow the Exile to hell and back that's oddly lovely (and it's something one wouldn't expect from a Sith/Dark Jedi Master/Apprentice sort of thing, but then again, that's Atton. He's a very loyal person, which can be a blessing and a curse all in one).
Revan/Bastila -- I love their banter, I love Bastila warming up to Revan, I love their dynamic, and I love the double-duty Love Redeems it has; Bastila saves Revan, in a sense, and later, Revan saves Bastila.
Revan/Malak -- I dunno; I just find it a very interesting idea. Sort of the both of them starting off as buddies, then becoming lovers, then Master and Apprentice, then enemies -- I think it's an interesting sort of idea.
Revan/Carth -- While overexposure on KFM did temporarily sour me to this pairing, it's still a very adorable ship. I love their dynamic, I love their banter (it's hilarious, and I have very fond memories of it playing as FemRevan, even though Taris gave me fits), I love the double-duty sort of Love Redeems aspect of it, with you helping Carth with his trust issues and him sort of redeeming you as well.
So there we are. I think in terms of my favorite ships...well, a lot of them tend to be het. I should work on that. Then there's the idea of an intriguing dynamic, poignancy, a sort of complexity, friendship of some sorts, character development, some sort of adventure, some sort of redemption, some tragedy in there, some interesting interaction -- though my ships really run the gamut, I think, there are some common threads. The main thread, though, is basically, just being well-written. As long as there's that...I'm in.
Anyway...hope you enjoyed. Even if you might not agree with all my choices, I hope you found it entertaining.
* And I love both Nancys. I love Nancy Thompson for her humor, her steeliness -- seriously, she's a BAMF -- her likability, and a lot more, and I love Nancy Holbrook if only for her character arc. That and I think both Heather Langenkamp (if you've seen Heather in interviews, it's really endearing and lovely about how much passion she has for her character) and Rooney Mara brought something unique to the part.