Recs!

[ash48]

'cause close up Sam does things to me. (also here on tumblr)



Here's an interesting form of fan work that I don't believe I've seen before. The ever brilliant counteragent has re-written the Sam and Cas scenes from 9.11. What I love about this is that it isn't wildly different. Just a few important adjustments (she calls it the heavy beta version).

It's interesting because this not only creates a slightly alternative version of their scenes it also means instead of saying "the dialogue was clunky and should have included XXXX" it's actually been fixed according to how the author would like to have seen it. We often get fix-it fics, but not fix-it scripts. Now, you might not like this version any better (or didn't think they needed changing) but it at least provides extra thinky (and maybe even an appreciation of TV script writing). It's also great fun and opens up some new thoughts and ideas about what could have happened. Personally, I love it. :)

Speaking of thinky. The ever thoughtful de_nugis has presented two well written meta pieces on Season 9. Lying, consent and autonomy in S9 and Dean and Cain, with consideration of how 9.11 worked as a diptych. This season has certainly created a lot of interesting chat (yay!).

And writing arguments isn't easy I imagine (not something I try very often). pocochina points out some often seen problems: guide to classical logical fallacies as employed in fandom. It's interesting reading. I maintain that some of us aren't professional writers and may not always employ sound arguing skills. It's worth knowing though and I think it's definitely an issue worth talking about.

Comments

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hey darlin'! (homg, this got so long.../o\)

I think it's an excellent and valid point you bring up. And I've been feeling it do. I don't think you're on twitter but it all got the best of me recently and I exploded with:

"Man, I'm just so tired to reading all the anti!Dean and anti!Sam crap. THEY ARE FLAWED CHARACTERS! OF COURSE THEY FUCK UP! IT'S CALLED TV!"

Yeah. I had a moment...;/

I love the discussions (as you've probably noticed ;D), but reading the hate gets a bit depressing. But I find the "you're obviously sick if you think..." the hardest thing to bear. I've seen that and it's been particularly difficult when I'm one of the (possibly) few who have relished the story line this season. Does that mean I love the idea of non consent and violation in the real world? Hell no! Does it mean I like that it can be explored in a (horror) TV show. Indeedy doody. But I am also mindful that there are some people who hate it and I completely accept that also (and I also don't accept the "don't watch it then" statement because it's not about simply not watching. It's about feeling all that emotion that goes with letting go - and being bitterly disappointed that you feel you have to let go of something you've loved for so long).

The thing with this (damn) show is we become so protective of our beloved characters. We feel we own them to a certain extent. We have invested our emotions and energy on them and we hate to see them treated in a certain way. I would put money on it that the writers haven't presented the current situation with a view to address all the issues it's stirred up (I doubt they are even aware of all the issues). When I read de_nugis's in-depth analysis of the characters I would be absolutely sure the writers and producers haven't never given it half that consideration. It doesn't mean WE can't of course, but as you say, they write via committee and for entertainment purposes - I'm sure they don't write essays on how screwed up their characters are.

For me, that we has fans and humans can talk about abuse, consent, sibling co-dependence, love etc etc etc means it's a TV show that's doing something.

Holy crap. Did I even address anything you mentioned there?! Seems I might of gone off in my own rant. In short I think there is a tendency to kink shaming and I've found it particularly prevalent this season. I also think there's a tendency of "one upmanship" in fandom. Who can be more outraged and take more umbrage over a particular issue than someone else. Ack - though I also think people should be able to speak their minds on their own journals. That's what they are there for after all.

My mind is clearly all over the place tonight (though thanks because it seems I had a few things to get off my chest..;D)
xx