I found this one very tough though. It felt to me like both characters were at their most vulnerable, and also like it was the most downright abusive relationship that I have seen you write (although still with such deft and subtle tones).
Megatron seemed vulnerable not only because Orion/Optimus was able to fight back, but also because he did seem to need his former follower to see him as he saw himself and to need on some level that affirmation of self.
Optimus was vulnerable because he could, after all, be reduced back to the awe-struck librarian he once was, by the manipulation by his (former) abuser. (I know in previous episodes you didn't write it that way, but the descriptions and perspective given here, it felt to me like it had been an abusive relationship, or at least, a toxic one.)
It made a very challenging read, but also moving and enlightening.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2011-03-26 02:14 am (UTC)I found this one very tough though. It felt to me like both characters were at their most vulnerable, and also like it was the most downright abusive relationship that I have seen you write (although still with such deft and subtle tones).
Megatron seemed vulnerable not only because Orion/Optimus was able to fight back, but also because he did seem to need his former follower to see him as he saw himself and to need on some level that affirmation of self.
Optimus was vulnerable because he could, after all, be reduced back to the awe-struck librarian he once was, by the manipulation by his (former) abuser. (I know in previous episodes you didn't write it that way, but the descriptions and perspective given here, it felt to me like it had been an abusive relationship, or at least, a toxic one.)
It made a very challenging read, but also moving and enlightening.