I promise, I have not dropped off the face of the Earth! Life is just…hectic, chaotic, all those words. I most certainly will continue with my blogs on Star Wars (I want to share some of my favorite Extended Universe [now termed Legends; we’ll get into that later] novels). Sadly, those will most likely come after the new year. I don’t know what it is these past few months, but free time has floated by. I’m sure it’s a trait of adulthood, that when a day off rolls around, it gets filled with errands and chores and everything else; it’s just getting annoying.
On a happy note, I did accomplish some writing that made me happy…nothing publishable because my brain still refuses to concentrate on that work. Nevertheless, the stories have made me happy and a few plotlines are still floating about in my head. Heavily influenced by re-watching Disney XD’s show Lab Rats. [If adults can like Spongebob (I hated that show when it was out and I still don’t get it), then I can like Lab Rats 🙂 ] The show featured three bionic siblings who saved the world on missions. Adam, the eldest, had super strength, Bree, the middle child, had super speed, and Chase, the youngest, had super intelligence. The show ran for three years, and there was a half season of a spin off Lab Rats: Elite Force which added characters from another show, Mighty Med. The show was just getting interesting when it was cancelled. Chase is my favorite character; I like smart guys, though he could be egotistical at times and could probably use a smack upside the head.
I just needed something fluffy to occupy the time after work and before I fall asleep. It works.
If you happen to be interested in Lab Rats fanfiction, I can recommend: “A Slow Poison and a Final Straw” by WolfenM on AO3 and a whole slew of works by MoonlightMystery13.3 over on Fanfiction.net. 88keys has some good stories as well and “Because Family Matters” by Scribbler123 is worth a read.
I do want to thank everyone who has continued reading these blogs! And I hope everyone has a Happy Halloween! (One of my favorite holidays; I love dressing up in costumes, but kindly keep your gore and horror far away from me. You’re lucky I managed to watch Supernatural.)
Let me include a few thoughts about Clone Wars first. While I have not watched the whole series (and not entirely sure if I want to due to some plot points I’m aware of), it does come up in fanfiction a lot. I watched most of the traditional animated series when it came out, and it was weird. So no, I did not want to watch the animated film that came out later and I objected to the idea that Anakin had a Padawan. And, by the way, the film is still weird. The series, once I gave it a chance, it better. I learned to like Ashoka and was pleased with elements they included in parts of Rebels that I happened to catch. I agree with some plot points that occur in the series (SPOILERS); I thought it was interesting to give Obi-Wan a possible love interest (and if you’ve read some of the Legends books, you know this isn’t the first time). I adore his sassiness; because my favorite characters tend to be snarky, so much fun! Anakin isn’t as whiny, huzzah. We see clones in action and bond with certain ones (which comes to bite us in the butt later). I was not fond of them bringing Maul back because, really! Obi-Wan sliced the guy in half and he fell down a shaft [I could make a comment regarding the sequel movies here…apparently that does not mean death in the Star Wars universe…I also disagree with that; more of that rant later]. Can we be nice to Obi-Wan, please? There are some plot lines that I understand needed to occur, but wish they hadn’t because we’d rather see our characters ultimately happy (after we whump them a bit)
I am interested in reading the Wild Space novel, which has been referenced in several stories (which will be listed at the end of the blog), but for now, on with the main event!
All the familiar faces are back: Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan, Natalie Portman as Padmé, Hayden Christensen as Anakin, Christopher Lee as Count Dooku, Samuel Jackson as Mace Windu. Anthony Daniels as C-3PO and Kenny Baker as R2-D2 are the only two actors to appear in all of the original and prequel movies; in fact, the characters appear in all nine films, plus Rogues One, as well as two of the cartoon series, Clone Wars and Rebels. A fun note about the title of this episode; originally, Episode VI was supposed to be Revenge of the Jedi, but George Lucas decided that revenge was not the Jedi way, but completely acceptable for the Sith.
After the title crawl, the film opens with a huge space battle; you really get a feel for the scope; there are layers and levels and feels a bit like a roller coaster…so be careful if you have a bit of a squeamish stomach. Also, we now realize fully where the stylistic designs for the Empire originated; those certainly look like Star Destroyers and it doesn’t take much to see the similarity between clone troopers suits and stormtroopers. Our heroes are in the thick of it and Obi-Wan’s starship gets attacked by buzz droids, so he’s not happy. Anakin tries to help and R2 is cool; they ultimately end up crashing into General Grievous’ ship [I’m not a fan of Grievous; he was totally unnecessary, you’ve got Dooku]…Obi-Wan does a totally awesome flip out of his fighter and slashes through droids. Now, time to spring the trap and rescue Chancellor Palpatine.
Anakin and Obi-Wan confront Dooku together this time; Sith Lords are their specialty, but Dooku is quick to take Obi-Wan out of the picture, throwing him into a walkway. Anakin gets a bit cocky and Dooku can sense fear, hate, and anger in Skywalker, but he doesn’t use them. Anakin manages to disarm (literally) Dooku and crosses a red and blue blade at the Sith Lord’s neck. Palpatine orders Anakin to kill Dooku (Dooku was not aware that that was part of the plan); his Sidious voice comes out when he growls “do it” [and that throne looks awfully familiar…fast forward to Return of the Jedi]. Anakin decapitates the Sith Lord and frees Palpatine. [Ok, seriously, you’ve got Christopher Lee and you use him for about ten minutes, to make room for some mostly-droid being that should have been hacked to pieces the first time he crossed someone’s path] The Chancellor then tries to get Anakin to leave Obi-Wan (all part of his plan), but Anakin will not leave him. All three manage to get captured by Grievous, for about a minute, then Anakin and Obi-Wan escape their bonds. Grievous is a coward and abandons ship. Anakin manages to land the wreckage of the ship, or as Obi-Wan puts it, half a ship, and calls it “another happy landing.”
Obi-Wan leaves the politics to Anakin, who sneaks away as soon as possible to visit his wife. Padmé quietly reveals that she is pregnant. Anakin is happy (though note the brief hesitation). Their happiness is soon marred by nightmares Anakin has of Padmé dying in childbirth. He will not let what happened to his mother happen to the other woman he loves. Now he’s on a search to find a way to save her. He even seeks help from Master Yoda, with no details revealed. Yoda once again counsels Anakin that fear of loss will lead to the Dark Side; attachments lead to jealousy and greed. Anakin does not seek help from Obi-Wan.
Instead, the Council is concerned by the powers that Chancellor Palpatine is amassing. Palpatine puts the next step of his plan into action and appoints Anakin as his personal representative on the Jedi Council, planting doubt in Anakin’s head [along with the dream about Padmé, no doubt]. The Council reluctantly accepts the appointment, but will not grant Anakin the rank of Master. After the meeting, where Yoda states he will help the Wookies on Kashyyk, Obi-Wan and Anakin talk. Anakin may not have asked for the position, but it is something he has wanted and Obi-Wan tries to get his former Padawan to see that Palpatine is interfering with the Jedi. The Council, against Obi-Wan’s protests, are asking Anakin to spy on Palpatine (which is what Palpatine is asking of Anakin, but he’s too blinded by loyalty bought at a young age to see that…Palpatine tells Anakin what he wants to hear, so the young man keeps coming back).
Anakin visits Palpatine that evening. The Chancellor feeds the young Jedi the information on where Grievous is hiding. Then their conversation drifts to the Sith; Palpatine claims they are similar to the Jedi in their quest for greater power. “All who gain power are afraid to lose it.” He also knows a Sith legend on Darth Plageus, who could manipulate the midi-chlorians in a life form and create life [hmm, maybe that’s how Anakin came to fruition], and also, how to keep from dying. That perks Anakin’s ears, his thoughts are on Padmé. Palpatine claims that the Dark Side is a pathway to many abilities that would be considered unnatural (and Anakin is so consumed with thoughts of his wife he doesn’t question how the Supreme Chancellor knows Sith legends, or why, or why he’s telling him these things).
The Council decides to send Obi-Wan, who has more experience, to Utapau to capture Grievous. Former Master and Apprentice bid each other good-bye; Anakin apologizes and thanks Obi-Wan for his training and Obi-Wan declares his pride in Anakin; he’s a far greater Jedi than Obi-Wan could ever hope to be [we’ll get to some Obi-Wan appreciation in a bit]. “Good-bye, old friend,” Obi-Wan says in parting.
Obi-Wan engages in a duel with Grievous on Utapau, leaping down and quipping “hello there.” Grievous, proving to be a lazy coward, first instructs his guards to kill the Jedi (and weird opening lightsaber stance), Obi-Wan quickly rids himself of the pests. Then quickly removes two of Grievous’s extra limbs to even the fight. Obi-Wan’s division of clone troopers [the 212th] arrive to take on the droids, and Grievous runs off. Obi-Wan pursues him and loses his lightsaber. When the pair fall onto a platform, Obi-Wan first uses an electro-stave, then decides that hand-to-hand combat is a brilliant way to take on a heavily machined opponent (Obi-Wan, dear, don’t kick the droid) and he gets thrown around a bit. He manages to grab a hold of a blaster while he’s dangling and a few well-aimed shots ignite what is left of Grievous’s organs. “So uncivilized,” he quips when he regains his feet (call forward to A New Hope when he refers to a lightsaber as a weapon of a more civilized age).
Meanwhile, Mace Windu senses a plot to destroy the Jedi, the Dark Side surrounds Chancellor Palpatine and there is a fear that he will not set down the extra power he has been granted. Now the Jedi Council is treading a dangerous line, planning to take control of the Senate. At the same time, Palpatine is speaking to Anakin, making him believe that everyone else is out to get Palpatine and then he blatantly tells Anakin “only through me can you achieve a power greater than any Jedi,” only the Dark Side holds the power to save his wife. The young Jedi finally realizes that Palpatine is the Sith Lord they have been looking for all these years. He wisely goes to the Council. Windu orders Anakin to remain at the Temple while they arrest Palpatine; Anakin argues that the Masters will need him. Well, one point for Anakin for finally making a good decision and Windu has a point that Anakin would be comprised, facing Palpatine, but Anakin does not handle sitting still well.
Palpatine continues to weave his influence over Anakin and Anakin leaves the Temple for the Senate building, walking in on the arrest. Palpatine has finally drawn his own lightsaber and killed the three Masters who accompanied Windu. Windu has Palpatine cornered, Force lighting reflecting off his blade back onto the Sith Lord. Anakin pleads that he needs Palpatine in order to save Padmé. Palpatine pretends to be feeble and Anakin still argues to do the right thing, then takes off Windu’s hand when the Master goes to strike down Palpatine. Palpatine strikes back, shouting “unlimited power!” and tosses Windu out the window. Anakin realizes he’s made another mistake and promptly agrees to be Palpatine’s apprentice and turn to the Dark Side [because that’s very logical; let’s negate the good decision made with the worst possible alternative]. Palpatine is now fully Sidious, scarred face and deep voice. We hear the Imperial March when Sidious names his new apprentice Darth Vader.
That’s not terrifying at all
Sidious proclaims the Jedi an enemy of the Republic and sends Anakin to the Temple to kill all the Jedi there. Afterwards, he is to go to the Mustafar system and destroy the Separatists leaders. Anakin leads the 501st division of clones on the Temple, he’s gained the yellow eyes of the Sith, and they murder all there, including Younglings (our hearts start breaking). Sidious issues Order 66 and the clones turn on their Jedi generals [oh boy, after learning to love these clones and see that they love their Jedi commanders in Clone Wars, yeah, stomp on our hearts why don’t ya…we also discovered in the cartoon that this order is compulsory; the clones were essentially under mind control and didn’t have a choice…bar a few we find out later]. Yoda, already reeling from feeling Anakin, manages to sense his attack and escape, with the help of a familiar Wookie (Chewie!). Cody and his men fire on Obi-Wan, after he gave his general his lightsaber back. Obi-Wan falls into the water and does not emerge. We see him steal a fighter and escape.
Bail Organa investigates the commotion at the Temple and is lucky to escape alive after witnessing the clones kill a Padawan who tried to defend his home. He boards his ship (the Rebel runner we’ll see in the opening of A New Hope) and goes to rescue Jedi. He makes contact with Obi-Wan. Padmé cries when she sees the Temple in flames and is thankful that Anakin is alive. Anakin reports that there was a Jedi rebellion and they must stay loyal to the Chancellor [deleted scenes show that Padmé was already doubting Palpatine and was part of the group that would become the foundation of the Rebellion, including Mon Mothma and Bail Organa]. Obi-Wan joins Yoda at the Temple and they take down some clones and change the outgoing message to turn the Jedi away from the Temple [we eventually discover most notably in A New Dawn by John Jackson Miller that Caleb Dume/ Kanan Jarrus was the young Padawan who recommended this to Obi-Wan].
Palpatine calls a special Senate meeting that Padmé and Bail attend where he blames the Jedi who have left him scarred. But his resolve is stronger than ever. So, in the name of security and stability, he will dissolve the Republic and create the Galactic Empire! As Padmé puts it, “this is how liberty dies, with thunderous applause.” [There is a can of worms here that I am not brave enough to open.]
Obi-Wan doesn’t want to believe the security recordings when he discovers it was Anakin who marched on the Temple, or that he has turned. The two Jedi Masters must face the two Sith Lords; Obi-Wan begs Yoda to allow him to go after Sidious, he cannot go after Anakin. The young man is like his brother, he cannot kill him. But Yoda fears Obi-Wan would not survive Sidious, so Yoda takes on the Sith Master himself. Obi-Wan goes to Padmé; he must find Anakin. But Padmé won’t say where he husband has gone; and Obi-Wan knows she’s pregnant, and Anakin’s the father. [Side rant here, it’s made clear in Clone Wars that Anakin and Padmé are not as subtle as they believe they are; Obi-Wan has probably known for a while that there is something between them, maybe not marriage per say. And how does no one else know Padmé is pregnant! Look at how she dresses now! (Mind you, they are pretty gowns, and I love her more natural hairstyle, but that’s beside the point). And she’s have to be a far ways along; it’s stated at the beginning that Anakin and Obi-Wan have been gone for months in an Outer Rim Siege, meaning her baby was conceived the last time Anakin was home. How do her friends not guess?]
Padmé flies off to see her husband and Obi-Wan stows away on the ship; he knows his friends. Anakin has executed all the Separatists leaders but is still excited to see his wife. Until she questions his actions. Anakin now believes that Obi-Wan has turned her against him; it’s back to being all Obi-Wan’s fault. Then Obi-Wan reveals himself and Anakin turns on his wife. He chokes her (cause that’s a real smart idea with a pregnant woman) and Obi-Wan tries one last time to talk sense into his former Padawan, but his mind is lost to Palpatine’s machinations.
Thus begins the Battle of the Heroes [another stunning masterpiece composed by John Williams. I can remember Jimmy Smits introducing this piece at A Capitol Fourth, referring to the orchestra as “some friends,” I thought it was funny and totally cool that they played it in Washington D.C. for everyone]. It’s blue lightsaber versus blue lightsaber (a first for the series), brother versus brother. This is the most epic duel of the entire saga [I will fight you on this]. It is fast, and no, that was not digitally altered, Hayden and Ewan performed this duel themselves and are skilled enough now to fight at that speed. This is a fight between foes that know each other’s fighting styles intimately. They’re often a blur of blue and will use the same move against each other. Heck, they even throw in a bit of Duel of the Fates at one point.
At the same time, Yoda faces Sidious in the Senate building. Sidious resorts to throwing the Senate seats at the diminutive Jedi and it ends as a stale mate. Yoda escapes and tells Bail Organa he must go into hiding, failed, he has.
Obi-Wan expresses his own failure to Anakin. Anakin is now immersed in the Dark Side and feels that the Jedi are evil (goes back to everything Palpatine has fed him for over a decade). Obi-Wan gains the high ground and cautions Anakin to surrender. Anakin is still cocky and flips over his former master, but he’s still in reach of Obi-Wan’s blade and loses the rest of his limbs. The heat of the lava lands on him, burning and scaring him as Obi-Wan releases his pain: “You were the Chosen One! It was said that you would destroy the Sith, not join them! Bring balance to the Force, not leave it in darkness!” Anakin shouts his hatred at Obi-Wan. “You were my brother, Anakin. I loved you.” [Excellent acting by Ewan] Obi-Wan cannot bring himself to end his best friend (which could be argued was a mistake, but we love Obi-Wan too much to judge him too harshly), so takes his discarded lightsaber and walks away. He takes Padmé to Bail Organa where the medical droids deliver her twins (a bit of a shock to everyone, except us). Sadly, she’s lost the will to live but tells Obi-Wan as he holds newborn Luke that there is still good in Anakin.
Palpatine senses Vader is in trouble and saves him, but that necessitates a large black suit to keep him alive. This is where that iconic look comes from and that distinctive breathing. When Vader asks about his wife, Palpatine tells him that he killed her. Construction begins on the Death Star [why it takes nineteen years to build the first one, unless there were large-scale prototypes first…there are a few plot holes between the ending of III and beginning of IV]. Padmé’s family buries her on Naboo. Yoda recommends that the infants be split up for their protection; Bail offers to take Leia to Alderaan. Obi-Wan will take Luke to his family on Tatooine (cue theme from Episode IV). Yoda has one final lesson for Obi-Wan; Qui-Gon has kept his identity in the Force and offers to teach the remaining Masters. We also get a quick scene that shows C-3PO’s memory was wiped before working for Bail Organa, but R2-D2’s was not…meaning that little astromech knows everything.
So now, all we have to do is wait for the next generation to grow up.
This movie, like the other prequels, has its good and bad points. Anakin’s Heel-Face Turn was too sudden when it finally happened. Yes, the ground work has been laid, particularly since Attack of the Clones. But it seems within the space of a few hours, Anakin goes from ‘I trust the Jedi Council to handle this threat I discovered’, to ‘I kill the Jedi Master and boom, now I’m a Sith Lord’. And then he takes it out on his wife. Of course, this is majorly influenced by Palpatine’s schemes, but I really want to smack Anakin upside the head. [And this is why there exists many fix-it fictions]. And all Padmé does it sit around, being pregnant. She took charge and kicked butt in the previous two films and now, nothing. She loses the will to live after giving birth…yes, this obviously had to happen because she’s not around in the originals (and begs the question, how did Leia have memories of her…plot hole), but still disappointing. Grievous was an unneeded character; you already had an extra bad guy and why build up Count Dooku if you’re not going to use him.
The banter was fun; Anakin was a bit better, at least at the beginning of the film; not so whiny. The massive duel at the end was epic! That sells the entire film; it’s fraught with emotion. Obi-Wan may not have been planning on killing Anakin, but he did plan on stopping him. What makes it even more interesting is that the two characters (and actors) were evenly matched.
Up Next: Solo
I’ll put my musings on the Jedi Code here:
As the extended universe wrote out, the Jedi Code declares There is no emotion, there is peace. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. There is no passion, there is serenity. There is no chaos, there is harmony. There is no death, there is the Force. I’m sure someone has done a paper somewhere comparing this to different philosophies or religious beliefs and this as it is written out is a mindful way to live. For a while, I felt that the Jedi Code was meant to make Jedi into unfeeling beings, which is the opposite of what humans are. As humans we have emotions, we are emotions. And as a teenager, just getting into the fandom, I went along with the idea that the Council was denying Anakin’s basic needs as a human; of course he should feel love. But there is a difference between love and attachment. It circles back to that saying “if you love something, let it go.” The attachment rule is to prevent the Jedi from putting one thing or being or whatever about another. Like Anakin putting the fate of Padmé above the rest of the galaxy. Of course Jedi should love and have a compassion, but they have a larger duty to the galaxy. In Clone Wars we see Obi-Wan tempted due to love, but he resists. Is the Council flawed? Yes. It’s a bit odd to look back and see that wise Master Yoda made some mistakes. Like, instead of simply telling Anakin over and over that fear leads to the Dark Side, how ’bout some actual help? And it pains me to say this, but technically Palpatine had a point in telling Anakin to completely understand a subject, he must study all aspects, not just the dogmatic, narrow view of the Jedi. There is obviously a fine line (and someone could make the connection between magic and the Force and compare Harry Potter to Star Wars…I do not have the time for that, lol), but simply excluding something because it is “dark” without understanding it is asking for trouble. Caution is urged, of course.
It is heavily implied within the extended universe that Qui-Gon Jinn loved a fellow Jedi Master, Tahl and his decisions regarding her were not wholly logical. It caused a rift between him and Obi-Wan more than once while Obi-Wan was a Padawan. …Yeah, I’ve come to realize that Qui-Gon was not the greatest Master and this is where fandom has declared Obi-Wan deserves hugs. I once thought Mace Windu cold and unfeeling. While he too was flawed, as is any good character, he also had his depths.
Some Obi-Wan Kenobi appreciation [can you tell he is my favorite character?]:
He’s referred to as the Ace on TV Tropes [a lot of this information came from there, but I certainly agree with their points]; one of the best Jedi that the Order ever had. Third strongest Council member after Windu and Yoda; tactical genius, top diplomat (Negotiator), expert pilot (out flew Jango Fett), master of multiple forms of lightsaber combat (particularly Form III [Soresu] and Ataru). Considered to be the single best defensive duelist in the galaxy in his prime. In canon, the only battle he loses is against Vader in A New Hope and he most likely threw that as a distraction to help Luke. He faced off against the Sith, killing an apprentice when he was only a Padawan and Grievous. Became a broken ace after the death of Qui-Gon and most of the Order, and (SPOILER) his love Satine by Maul [I disliked that bit]. Saw the death of Padmé and spent nineteen years in hiding on Tatooine with guilt and trauma.
Sees more combat that most of the other Jedi in canon. More of a brother relationship with Anakin, less of an age gap; bicker like siblings (and it is hilarious). The one who started the trend of Jedi generals wearing clone trooper armor in order to relate more closely to their troops. Primary enemy of Maul and Grievous, but greatest enemy was Anakin. Took a Level in Badass: goes from getting very lucky against Maul to a Master who defeated Grievous and bested the most powerful Force User in the galaxy. Badass Bookworm – intelligent, cultured gentlemen, who can kick a lot of ass when the time comes for it (love this!). Bash Brothers and Big Brother Instinct and Mentor with Anakin. The fandom is quick to point out that while Obi-Wan undoubtedly made mistakes in training Anakin (and he beats himself up for it), he went directly from being a Padawan to having a Padawan and one who was already too old to begin Jedi education yet young to be a Padawan. And had several members of the Council who disagreed with training the boy, so cut him a little slack.
Is described as “the ultimate Jedi” partially because he is modest, heroic, focused, and kind. Nevertheless, if you push him far enough (like taking part in the murder of almost his entire “family” aka Jedi Order, including innocent children) he is prepared to hack off your limbs and leave you alone to slowly burn to death. Calm facade breaks while fighting Anakin in Revenge. Anytime the emotionally controlled Obi-Wan get emotional, something is wrong.
Humble Hero [fanfic authors recognize this]: It seems that Obi-Wan is the only being who doesn’t understand how great a Jedi he is – when the Council proposes to send their ‘most cunning and insightful Master’ after Grievous, he has no idea who they mean. He’s also surprised when Mace Windu (the guy who created his own form of lightsaber combat) refers to him as ‘the master of the classic form,’ note, the master, not simply a master. He is easily the nicest and most immediately personable member of the Jedi Order in Prequels. Overall, maintains a kind demeanor and strong moral code in spite of the vast amount of hardship he faces. Slightly aloof and snarky and times, but also polite and compassionate. The Paragon: stands as pinnacle of heroism; selfless, morally upright, humble, and inspires others, in control of his impulses and emotions. Not perfect, but closest to embodying ideals of Jedi Order. Extremely clever, worldly, intelligent.
Does get beaten up at times (Attack of the Clones where he jumps out window and then the arena). Combat Pragmatist. Sharp wit and sardonically sarcastic sense of humor (could be a result of seeing death and destruction…I believe somewhere in Legends canon, young Obi-Wan suffered from visions). Gentleman Snarker [I love that]: Obi-Wan’s polite, diplomatic demeanor can mask some pretty biting snark. Poster boy for Snark Knight; he also likes to flirt with his enemies. Mainly meaningless, but still funny. Refuses to give up after learning about the occurrences of the Jedi Purge and Anakin’s betrayal of the Order. Still hurt years afterward, still believes Luke will save the Jedi. Jedi are fettered as a rule, but Obi-Wan explains the strength that comes from resisting the temptation of the Dark Side while confronting Maul later. Makes up for lack of character growth with the sheer amount of action he goes through.
Foil to Anakin, both skilled and famous Jedi with troubles love lives: Anakin and Padmé obviously. Obi-Wan and Duchess Satine (Legends: Siri). Obi-Wan takes firm hand training Anakin, more of a gentle touch training Luke. Throughout Prequels and Clone Wars, Obi-Wan has several good reasons to turn to the Dark Side, but resists. Cannot be corrupted. Has Innocent Blue Eyes that symbolize his heroic, righteous, and pure nature. Mentor Archetype. Morality Chain to Anakin: Anakin respected Obi-Wan enough that Palpatine had to get him off the planet before turning him to the Dark Side, and Anakin still tries to (threateningly) talk Obi-Wan out of fighting him. Morphs into dark version of Worthy Opponent. Dooku considers Obi-Wan a worthy opponent (Hardeen plotline; foil an attempted kidnapping by disguising himself as a bounty hunter and sabotaging the plot from the inside)
Implied friendship formed with Padmé and turned blind eye to her relationship with Anakin. Good is not Soft: prefers to settle conflict diplomatically. But will fight. Demonstrates some of the most powerful Psychic Powers in canon. Also prone to passively enhancing his physical strength and durability with Force; shot straight up four feet by arm strength to beat Maul; shook off blows from Grievous that sent him falling thirty feet; and fought Anakin within inches of lava.
Similar position to Han Solo in Prequel Trilogy; they both serve as older brotherly figures (Han to Luke, Obi-Wan to Anakin…I’ll get into more of the former when we hit the original trilogy because I love that part). Obi-Wan is Anakin’s Jedi Master and partner who Anakin also saw as a Parental Substitute while Han is Luke’s partner and closest friend, who later becomes his brother-in-law. Conversely, Anakin and Obi-Wan’s bond is destroyed, while Luke and Han have a rocky start but become family (even before marriage). Belligerent Sexual Tension with love interests (Satine, Leia). Obi-Wan Ideal Hero, Han Anti-Hero. (SPOILER): Both are murdered by someone they had a complicated father-son relationship with. Driving force behind the Prequels, but still major character in New Hope.
Disagrees with (SPOILER) dismissing Ahsoka [and another reason I’m not keen on finishing Clone Wars]. Also believes the Council should be more open with Anakin about their concerns over Chancellor Palpatine and the Sith, but overruled. The Stoic: has one of the most unpleasant lives (and afterlife?) of any character in fiction, but remains clam, never complains, and usually keeps his emotions well in check. You Didn’t Ask: rather sad one, only reason didn’t stay with Satine is she didn’t ask. Oh, and Leia is Luke’s sister.
Later in life, the Atoner for training the man who destroyed the Jedi Order and never recognizing the threat Anakin really represented. Will still cut off arms if need arises. Even after all the trauma he went through in his younger days and having spent almost twenty years living as a hermit, Obi-Wan is a remarkably kind and patient man. Explanation for fight against Vader; stalling and Vader’s powerful attacks. Starts off as a young and brash apprentice to Qui-Gon, becomes more wise and experienced Jedi Master, culmination in teaching Luke, his former pupil’s son.
And thus I am totally excited for the upcoming show on Disney+ and very glad they kept Ewan McGregor for the role.
Some fanfiction recommendations, all from AO3:
Check out
Both Lost Destiny and Crossroads by Nihes are interesting, but you end up wanting to punch something at the end. However, Jedi Babysitting for Professionals is hilarious
I certainly hope that Big Fat Bumblebee’s Found is continued because it is certainly time that someone takes care of Obi-Wan. Brothers care for brothers, Infuriating Man, Battle of Wills, and Enforced Convalescence are heartwarming (apparently the only thing Anakin and Mace Windu agree on is caring for Obi-Wan, not the Order, or the Republic, or even the Force, but yes to Obi-Wan).
Meysun’s There is no Pain is rather poignant, and you certainly want to wrap Obi-Wan up in a hug afterwards.
As I Fall and A Long Way Down by KCKenobi include some Obi-Wan whump. Some Things You Just Can’t Speak About is another one that makes you want to wrap Obi-Wan up in a hug. We get some protective Mace Windu in Old Wounds.
Must_Be _Thursday’s Just Surrender is rather good.
AndyHood’s Fought for Him really emphasizes why Obi-Wan needs some hugs.
Siri_Kenobi12 gives us some Obi-Wan whump in Tested. Memoirs of Kadavo is wonderful and I already told you I love It Takes a Village from the write-up on Phantom Menace.
You Are Wanted Obi-Wan Kenobi by allwalkfree is my new favorite story.
Drowned Book starts with a flashback to the beginning of season one, when magic surges back through the ley lines. An older man summons a character from Sherlock Holmes; “I have need of your genius, sir.” Fast forward to present day, everyone ends up invited to the same New York museum, but on different cases. Eve suggests working together, but they’ve all gotten used to doing their own thing. A strange storm blows in and Eve and Flynn meet James Worth (played by the dashing David S. Lee; he’s been in episodes of Castle, NCIS and NCIS:LA), head of antiquities from Oxford. James charms Eve and can match Flynn for deducting. The three younger Librarians end up teaming up again to solve their problems and Flynn realizes that Worth is a fictional. His first guess is Sherlock Holmes (and he’s ever so excited), but Worth is actually Moriarty. But he’s not the true mastermind connecting all the artifacts. That would be Prospero, Shakespeare’s wizard from The Tempest. Prospero is a Fictional so powerful, he rose from his own tale. But he wants to control his own story, not be bound by what Shakespeare wrote. He and Moriarty manage to disappear, but the Librarians have to deal with the storm that is spiraling out of control. They end up using a sun from the Library to burn off the cold air and save New York. Flynn sulks that he liked being able to do things his way, but Eve points out that pooling information works just as well.
In Broken Staff, Flynn and Eve follow up clues to keep Prospero from regaining more of his power, while Prospero and Moriarty manage to make it into the Library. They hold Jenkins hostage for a bit, asking about the Heart of the Library, the Tree of Knowledge. Again, it takes all of the Librarians, including Flynn and Eve to defeat the traps Prospero has laid. Flynn burns a Tree to thwart Prospero (not actually the Tree of Knowledge, he hopes it wasn’t important). But the Library has also been re-arranging itself and sixteen artifacts are missing. Eve again suggests that Flynn carry on searching for the artifacts alone while she helps the other three Librarians settle the Library.
The three younger Librarians head to Jacob’s home state to solve a rift in the Earth in What Lies Beneath the Stone. Jacob’s not thrilled about returning home; he kept his academic life very secret at home and he’s been saying “family ain’t easy” for a while. He has strong disagreements with his father, but the Librarian job is more important. They pass Ezekiel off as the expert since Stone’s father is dismissive of him and eventually work out that it’s a Native American trickster who has been set free and causing chaos; feeding off lies. It looks like Jacob reconciles with his father for a moment, but it was the shapeshifter. Jacob fights him off and locks him away again. He still does not tell his father the truth, because he has realized that he doesn’t need his father’s approval. So he signs his own name to the academic paper he is writing. The team heads to Wexler University in Cost of Education, where people are strangely disappearing. Cassandra meets another girl who is tracking magic and linking it with science. A tentacle monster from another dimension is stealing people who are full of ego. Cassandra follows her new friend into the wormhole to rescue her, but is stopped for a brief moment by the ladies of the Lake Foundation, interested in combining science and math. Cassandra is content with being a Librarian, but the invitation stands. She disagrees with Jenkins on whether magic should be studied or not. Ezekiel sadly loses his new gargoyle friend, Stumpy.
In Hollow Men, Flynn pops back in to find the Eye of Zarathustra, which “is the key to the door of Lost Knowledge, the Staff summoned by Sun and Rue.” But he’s quickly separated from the rest of the Librarians, held by a strange man who somehow knows Flynn, but not really. Prospero is also after the staff and Moriarty still flirts with Eve. She ends up having to team up with the antagonist in order to find Flynn. And it turns out, Flynn is traveling with the intelligence of the Library. Meanwhile, the other three work with Jenkins to keep the Library from completely dying. Ray regains his memories, though Moriarty has to take the staff to save him. The Library is wholly restored. Baird visits an old friend in Infernal Contract; Sam Denning (Michael Trucco, he’s appeared in several TV shows, including Castle as a similarly named Detective Tom Demming that was interested in Kate) is running for mayor in a small town. But turns out that his opponent’s family has had a long running deal with a devil (played by John de Lancie, a few episodes of Charmed and Stargate SG-1, and Q in Star Trek); a bit like crossroad demons in Supernatural. Eve, Jenkins, and the Librarians manage to trick the devil and rescue Sam and the town. Jenkins sweetly takes care of the three ill Librarians at the end and points out that Eve’s job as Guardian is to save the Librarians’ souls.
The team gets to go clubbing in London in Image of Image, trying to figure out how people are mysteriously dying from something they weren’t doing. They’re all connected to Club Effigy, where pictures mark them as the next victim. There’s a charming Englishman who turns out to be Dorian Gray. Any of his vices are passed onto his victims, keeping him young and beautiful. Until Ezekiel and Cassandra turn the tables on him. Jenkins once again counsels Eve on the upcoming battle between good and evil. Jenkins goes to a Fae for information on Prospero at the beginning of Point of Salvation. The rest of the team gets stuck in a video game scenario at a DARPA lab. Ezekiel is the only one who remembers each pass and gets tired of seeing his friends die. He forces them to believe him and follow him, even sacrificing himself at the end. Jacob and Cassandra figure out a way to bring him back and now he doesn’t remember his heroic deeds [or does he?]. Prospero attacks in the final moments. He created a spell that wiped the memory of Eve, Cassandra, Ezekiel, and Jacob from Jenkins’ mind in Happily Ever After. Flynn heads off to find them and discovers they’re leading new, but similar lives together on a small island. Eve is the sheriff, dating Moriarty. Cassandra has been to the moon, Jacob teaches eleven different classes at the university, and Ezekiel is an FBI agent, but their home base seems to resemble a library. Flynn teams up with the sprite, Ariel [she is adorable] to bring his family’s memories back. Eve has to do the same for Flynn at the end because his perfect life is one puzzle after another that he solves by himself. But they’ve been under the spell for three weeks, Jenkins reports. The ley lines have been supercharged by Prospero; it means the end of the world.
A giant forest begins to cover the earth in Final Curtain. Due to a wet hand, Flynn and Eve finally realize the strange note they found in John Dee’s estate in Drowned Book was written by Flynn in his left hand. They use time travel to go back to when Shakespeare wrote The Tempest, but it breaks upon their departure. Now Jenkins and the other three Librarians have to follow the rest of the clues to stop Prospero in the present. Prospero has one final task for Moriarty and sends him back in time as well. But Moriarty wants vengeance on his taskmaster for holding him prisoner and decides the best way to do that is to try to kill Shakespeare. Obviously, that does not work out, but Flynn and Eve discover that Prospero is Shakespeare transformed. His quill is magical, part of the Tree of Knowledge gifted to him by John Dee. With it, Shakespeare transforms into the wizard so he can escape a failure in his career. Moriarty is swiftly dealt with by Prospero, and he almost drowns Eve. She rises out of the water, like the Lady of the Lake (aided by the ladies of the Lake), throwing Excalibur to Flynn to defeat Prospero. So it follows that old adage of King Arthur, that he who wields Excalibur will do so once more and save England. The other three turn Prospero back into Shakespeare in the present, using some of Shakespeare’s’ work to define themselves. A portal opens that can send Shakespeare back to his time, but Flynn and Eve cannot come forward. However, they figure out how to do time travel the long way round, leaving the notes they need for themselves and asking Shakespeare to use his magic quill one last time to make them into a statue that is delivered to the Library for safekeeping. The other three free them from their very long kiss and heck, even Cal is back.
It’s adorable how much this team continues to become a family. Since I am not fully versed in Shakespeare, I probably miss some of the nuisances of Prospero being the villain, but Moriarty is excellent; almost sympathetic at times. I’m glad that Flynn takes Eve with him to defeat Prospero, rather than leaving her behind and handling the mission on his own; and I’m even happier that they don’t stay stuck in Elizabethan England forever.
Flynn Carson is back, still protecting the world from dangerous magical artifacts (Noah Wyle is billed as “special guest star” since he couldn’t star in two television shows at the same time). He’s been doing the job, alone, for eleven years. Though it turns out that the Library wants to add to the team. It recruits Colonel Eve Baird (played by Rebecca Romijn, who was Mystique/Raven in the 2000’s X-Men trilogy), head of a NATO terrorist task force, to become Flynn’s Guardian. As Charlene points out, Flynn hasn’t had a proper Guardian since Nicole (in the first movie). We also find out that Judson passed away five years previous, though his spirit still speaks to Flynn in a mirror (and Flynn’s mother apparently had passed as well).
In The Crown of King Arthur, Eve helps Flynn solve the mystery of why experts are being killed; one professor had been trying to reach Flynn regarding a painting. The connection? He had been invited to interview at the Library the same day Flynn was hired; the professor was only a few people behind Flynn. There are a few top candidates left alive. Cassandra Cillian (played by Lindy Booth who has starred in a few Hallmark movies, including playing a librarian falling in back in love with a football star) is startlingly brilliant with math and science, but they sometimes get cross-wired with her other senses and a brain tumor pushes her death sooner rather than later. Ezekiel Jones (John Harlan Kim, he has appeared in a few episodes of NCIS: LA and Hawaii Five-0) is a master thief, and Jacob Stone (Christian Kane, previously starred in Leverage, and I absolutely loved his appearance as an old friend of Dean’s in Supernatural; complete with singing Good Ol’ Boys [one of my favorite scenes of the entire show]) is a genius art historian who hides out in his hometown. Yes, apparently ninjas do pop up in Oklahoma, sent by the Serpent Brotherhood.
Eve and Flynn bring the other three to the Library to keep them safe. One of them excitedly asks if vampires are real. Flynn answers yes to vampires, no to Dracula, because he killed him (call back to the third movie). Cassandra is glad to have lived long enough to find out magic is real, but Jacob wants to know why no one sees is. Response: it’s buried in ley lines. Long ago, the world was filled with magic, but it was drained off and stored in artifacts; which is why the Librarian travels the world to collect the artifacts and house them safely in the Library. As technology has risen, magic has faded away. Stone helps solve the mystery of the painting; it’s The Crown of King Arthur. The actual crown was apparently created by Merlin to allow Arthur to control the magic of Camelot in order to rule. Hence why the Serpent Brotherhood wants it; they want to release wild magic back into the world and create chaos; that they will rule.
Flynn catches up to Eve and the trio in Munich. The painting supports the Roman hypothesis of Arthur [we’ve seen that in a few of the prior Arthurian legend movies], but the painting is actually a fake, Stone points out. They quickly discover that the museum was built around the painting; it’s a clue (after arguing for a bit, it’s like the inside of Flynn’s mind has spilled out, but louder). It leads outside to a sundial, which leads to a henge in the German forest. All the while, trying to keep ahead of the Brotherhood, led by Lamia, a skilled female fighter. The good guys recover the crown with a bit of shenanigans.
Flynn intends to send the three newcomers home, but an alarm is set off. The Serpent Brotherhood has gotten inside the Library. But with the security upgrade, someone would have had to let them in. Sadly, it was Cassandra. The Brotherhood promised her magic would cure her brain tumor. Lamia gains the crown and calls Excalibur to her, though Flynn puts up a fight. He’s stabbed with Excalibur, and even though he takes a healing tonic, it cannot cure wounds dealt by a magical weapon. Flynn will die.
The adventure immediately picks up in Sword in the Stone. Judson and Charlene work together to protect the Library, meaning they lock it into its own pocket dimension. Flynn mourns the their loss and the loss of his home. Eve and the three men are met by an elderly gentleman who agrees to help them and takes them to the Library’s Annex. You can still access any of the books from the Library. Its’ caretaker is Jenkins (the veteran John Larroquette, got an early start with Black Sheep Squadron, then broke out in Night Court amongst his long career), who is eager to send them on their way so he can return to his peace and research. Jenkins encourages Eve to help Flynn; she gives him a pep talk so he will save the world one last time.
Meanwhile, Cassandra meets, Dulaque (Matt Frewer, who provided several animated voices to various series and appeared as Pestilence in Supernatural), the leader of the Serpent Brotherhood. Excalibur is the key to unlocking the Stone, which will release magic. And the stone is in London. Through a secret entrance in Buckingham Palace, the royal family has been guarding it for years. Cassandra helps the Brotherhood, until she discovers their true purpose and is then locked up for her troubles. She does aid her new friends; Flynn understands why she chose to initially help the Brotherhood, to save herself. Lamia places Excalibur back in the Stone, but distractions help Flynn gain the Crown and regain Excalibur. The Brotherhood runs off, but Flynn is still dying and now so is Excalibur. He offers the sword to heal Cassandra, it has that much magic left. With Judson and Charlene gone, and Cal dying, it’s Flynn’s time. Instead, Cassandra chooses to save Flynn.
Flynn feels it is safer for the three young adults to leave, but he vows to find the Library and bring it back. Though he begins thinking; if he’s in charge now, he can change the rules. There can be more than one Librarian. And they can train the Librarian instead of throwing them into sink or swim situations. He tells everyone to open their envelopes; there are new invitations inside. Flynn will go off by himself, he’s used to it, but Eve will stay and protect the new Librarians, with Jenkins’ help. He’s offering them a life a mystery and misery, of loneliness and adventure. A chance to save the world, twice before Friday. Flynn bids farewell to Eve who makes him promise not to die, and there is a parting kiss (squee!) [And I still totally want this job!]
The new crew continues their adventures in Horns of Dilemma, where they have to solve the labyrinth of the Minotaur and recover the twine. (Familiar face is Tricia Helfer, who has been in several Hallmark Channel movies). And yes, Santa Claus is real (and played by Bruce Campbell, who played Sam Axe in Burn Notice) in Santa’s Midnight Run. The Serpent Brotherhood plans to kill Santa and the Librarians must stop them. Eve ends up taking on the role of spreading goodwill back to the human race on Christmas Eve. She was in fact named “Eve,” for being born on that night.
Ezekiel and Jenkins have to team up and entertain a conclave of magical beings in Apple of Discord while Stone, Cassandra, Eve, and even Flynn shows up to retrieve the dragon’s pearl. Except hidden inside the pearl is the Apple of Discord, which brings out the worst in everyone. And Dulaque wants the conclave to vote to disband the Library. Of course, the heroes prevail and point out that the world needs the Library to protect it from harmful artifacts. Eve permanently transfers to the Library and sends Flynn back out to do his thing (of course, with a parting kiss). The Librarians’ next case is the Fables of Doom, where fairytales are coming to life in a small town. Eve does ask Ezekiel to not antagonize local law enforcement, though he argues it is fun. An old book, the Librus Fabula brings fairytales to life, but will re-write reality and sucks life from those trapped in its stories. The local librarian is using it on a young girl and our heroes slowly turn into archetypes: Jacob is the Huntsman, Cassandra is Prince Charming, and Eve is the Princess (their clothing and hairstyles change throughout the episode). Ezekiel is what he always is, the Lucky Thief and he helps the girl recover and rewrite the story so the good guys win.
They encounter magic occurring at a STEM fair in Rule of Three. Someone has created an app that doubles as a focusing spell, so when the students all imagine beating the leader, bad luck will befall them three times over. Cassandra gets to shine by combining science and magic. And they encounter a new foe; Morgan le Fay (played by Alicia Witt, another actress who has appeared in Hallmark Channel movies, and even an episode of Supernatural [I think I may have figured out why so many Hallmark stars are in Supernatural; they both film in Canada]). Jenkins is furious to encounter her (she calls him Galais) and warns Eve that there is a larger battle coming. The Librarians save the day, but hints are dropped that something bigger is coming.
Heart of Darkness reminds me of a Supernatural episode. There is a haunted house that traps people inside. Eve keeps trying to protect Cassandra, but it is ultimately Cassandra who faces off against Katie. The house is actually the House of Refuge, until a family of serial killers, the Bloody Benders, moved in [yep, really sounds like a Supernatural episode]. Jacob befriends the local archivist in City of Light. It is ultimately a town designed by Tesla, but the citizens got trapped between worlds and the streetlights are the only thing tying them to this world. They try to recreate Tesla’s plan to bring everyone back, but Cassandra works out that too much could go wrong and harm too many people. Mabel sacrifices herself to shut it off. Though there is a ray of hope at the end; Jenkins has Eve write down an appointment for future Librarians, so maybe there will be a way to bring them back.
The season ends with Loom of Fate. It begins with Flynn meeting the team at an Egyptian tomb; he has an idea on how to bring the Library back. The team helps out with the artifacts they have recovered throughout the year. But just when Flynn is about to succeed, Dulaque enters and kills Lamia so he can view the Loom of Fate. Eve and Flynn jump through and Dulaque cuts the Loom at the spot where Camelot fell. Eve and Flynn then bounce through different timelines, where Flynn did not become the Librarian. In each case, one of the junior Librarians took the job and they all lost Eve. In one case, it’s Jacob Stone and Eve who pair up, instead Flynn. In Cassandra’s case, she studied under Morgan and has a few more clues. Camelot was the height of magic and power, but with the Loom cut, time is fraying and it will require all three Librarians to get Eve and Flynn back to the Annex and then to the River of Time. Flynn reweaves the Loom with the labyrinth twine, while Jenkins faces off against a younger Dulaque…as in Lancelot du Lac (played by Jerry O’Connell, among his many television and movie roles, he does play Sheldon’s older brother in Big Bang Theory [Rebecca Romijn’s real-life husband]. Jenkins is actually Galahad [the son of Lancelot and Elaine of Corbenic] and argues against Lancelot wanting to return to Camelot; it wasn’t as great as Lancelot remembers and mortals have earned the right to rule themselves. Jenkins bests Lancelot and Flynn reverts to his usual self. They have to get Eve help; Lancelot stabbed her. But first, Flynn has to finish bringing back the Library. The Library holds the solution for curing Eve…the same potion Flynn took in Sword in the Stone will actually work on Eve’s wound, though it’s a close thing. Flynn refused to let Eve die like she had in all other timelines; he does not believe in Fate. But he’s glad to be home in his Library. They send the three young Librarians off on their own adventures, and Eve will accompany Flynn on his adventures.
I adore the show even more than I love the movies. With a television show, there is more time to develop characters and plot lines further. And of course, I love the integration of Arthurian legend into the story. Cassandra is a sweetheart, Jacob is the big brother, Ezekiel is the annoying little brother, and Eve just tries to keep them all together.
First, a trilogy of movies put out by TNT; then developed into a television series. It stars Noah Wyle (he was on E.R. for many years [no intention of watching] and he briefly appeared in an episode of Lab Rats) as Flynn Carson. Jane Curtin is Charlene and Bob Newhart (he’s popped up in other television shows like Big Bang Theory, and I had no idea he was the voice of Bernard in Disney’s The Rescuers movies) is Judson. There’s a familiar face, David Dayan Fisher (bad guy in NCIS and National Treasure) in the first film, Quest for the Spear; and Gabrielle Anwar (the Queen in The Three Musketeers with Chris O’Donnell, Princess Margaret [Henry VIII’s sister] in The Tudors, Fiona in Burn Notice, and Victoria Belfrey/Lady Tremaine in Once Upon a Time) joins the second film Return to Solomon’s Mines as Emily Davenport. The third film, Curse of the Judas Chalice, brings in Stana Katic (briefly glimpsed at the end of Quantum of Solace, and opposite Nathan Fillion in Castle) as Simone Renoir.
Quest for the Spear introduces us to Flynn Carson, who holds 22 degrees and intends to be a lifelong student. Until his professors agree to cut him off and force him out into the big, bad, real world to find a job. An invitation arrives at his home (he doesn’t see it until a pile of books drops on his head), to interview for a prestigious position at the Metropolitan Public Library. He’s not the only applicant, the line wraps down the staircase. He faces Charlene, who wants to know “what makes you think you could be the Librarian?” And she means more than knowing the Dewey Decimal system; what makes him different than every other librarian. His observational skills rival Sherlock Holmes and he can tell when Charlene broke her nose, when she divorced, and how many kinds of cats she owns. Then another voice calls out “what’s more important than knowledge?” Flynn echoes his mother’s statement that the things that make life worth living are not thought (in his head), but felt (in his heart). Flynn wins the position and will begin a wondrous new adventure, from which he will never be the same. Judson appears and leads Flynn downstairs, through a secret door and security guards, opening to a grand hall filled with shelves and display cases.
Judson explains that magic exists, but it is dangerous and must be kept out of the wrong hands. That is the Librarian’s job. And he must keep it secret [so I object to his mother’s dismissal of his job as simply shelving books…I wanted to become a traditional librarian at one point.] That evening, Judson is knocked out at the Library; Charlene and Flynn find him the next morning and discover that the Serpent Brotherhood has stolen a piece of the Spear of Destiny. The Serpent Brotherhood opposes the Library and wants to use magical artifacts to rule the world. And the Spear was used by Charlemagne and Napoleon; Hitler had one piece; so if the Serpent Brotherhood has it, they can certainly control the fate of the world. Flynn, as Librarian, is the only one who can go after them (which Flynn points out is a little sad).
Clues to the other pieces are in a book, written in the Language of the Birds, the universal language all people spoke before the Tower of Babble. Flynn has to decipher it on his flight to the Amazon. He succeeds in 7 hours and 26 minutes. And the beautiful woman he meets on the plane is Nicole Noone (so when Judson says to “trust no one”…that’s what he meant), whose job is to protect the Librarian. Nicole is a bit dismissive of Flynn at first, bodily dragging him out of danger, since the Brotherhood is chasing them. But Flynn proves his brilliance; he memorized the globe as a child. They uncover the second piece of the Spear, but are met by the Brotherhood outside, including the previous Librarian whom Nicole saw die. He desires power now and plans to wield the Spear. But he can’t read the Language of the Birds, so Flynn argues Edward needs him. Oh, and the final piece of the Spear is in Shangri-La. Edward forces Flynn to grab the spearhead, then the monastery begins to collapse. Nicole grabs the spearhead and escapes with Flynn (and the helicopter is “horrible, horrible, high velocity pie of death!” Flynn discovers while trying to fly it). Nicole kisses Flynn in his room in Mongolia, but she is gone when he wakes up. He has a brief discussion with Judson and realizes that the Brotherhood has to fuse the Spear back together at the pyramid display with the golden capstone that Flynn was working on at the university in the beginning. “Call the Marines, Judson. I’m coming home.” But, clothes first.
Edward does manage to fuse the Spear and tests it on his minion [that bad guy we see a lot]. Nicole and Judson take on the other mooks, though Flynn does get to punch his former professor in the nose. Flynn goes after Edward and gets beaten up a bit. But as Flynn pointed out to the students earlier, if one stone is out of line be even one inch, the whole pyramid collapses; and Edward has been hitting stones trying to get Flynn. Edward is crushed by the capstone and the Spear floats to Flynn.
Back at the Library, Flynn is worthy enough to pull out Excalibur and there is a new portrait hanging, featuring Flynn with the Spear. Three months later, Flynn’s mother is still trying to hook his son up, despite hearing Nicole on the phone earlier. Nicole zooms in on a motorcycle and kisses Flynn hello, then briefly introduced to his mother. But they have to go (time-traveling ninjas are on the loose).
The opening of Return to Solomon’s Mines is very similar to the opening of Last Crusade; it takes place in Utah and Flynn interrupts someone digging up something that doesn’t belong to them. Back at the Library, he receives a package while Judson instructs him that he has a lot to learn and that to be a truly great Librarian, one must sacrifice what one wants for the greater good. Flynn stops by his mother’s house for a surprise birthday party for him and briefly speaks to his father’s best friend, Jerry. Flynn’s father passed away when the man was thirty-two, which is the age Flynn is now. His mother has saved some of his old drawings from bedtime adventures his father told him. She pulls out a [Masonic-looking] medallion, which his father used to joke was their family crest. At Flynn’s apartment, he discovers that he was mailed an odd-looking scroll, then is knocked out. Judson wakes him and realizes that the symbol Flynn saw on the scroll leads to Solomon’s Mines, holding great treasure. It also holds the Key of Solomon which can summon the undead. Judson sends Flynn to Morocco.
Flynn meets Emily at her Roman dig in Morocco; she’s searching for evidence of the Queen of Sheba’s (the wife of King Solomon) rule there. They discover the secret tomb and are briefly attacked after finding the legend piece. But their attacker recognizes the medallion Flynn wears; it symbolizes a society bound to protect Solomon’s Mines. More bad guys come and they are sent to Kenya to find the second piece. Emily insists on accompanying Flynn; if she can find more items like the legend piece, her own research will be funded for years. Emily also has 25 degrees (to Flynn’s 22), so they spend a great deal of their journey arguing history and archeology. Then they come across a man buried in the sand. For freeing him, he will take them to Gedi.
Bad guys have followed them to Gedi, but luckily they run into Jerry boarding a train. He treats them to dinner, then Flynn and Emily discover the key to the map is playing the legend pieces like an instrument; the map is music notes. It comes to life and leads them to another mountain. Judson pops into instruct Flynn to return home; but Flynn and Emily continue on. Flynn’s father’s bedtime stories lead the way to the oldest tree in Africa, underneath which is a temple. They find the treasure, but bad guys interrupt their exploration, led by Jerry. Jerry wants the Key, which Flynn found, so he can re-write history. Jerry blames Flynn’s father for stealing his mother’s heart; Jerry should have had the family; and he was responsible for the father’s death.
Jerry incants from the book, opening a portal and beginning to raise the dead. Flynn goes after Jerry and threatens to destroy the book, but Jerry tempts him with the idea that Flynn can bring his father back. Flynn takes over the chanting, but Emily manages to distract him. Flynn throws the book into the lava and Jerry jumps in after it. Emily, Flynn, and the man they saved all manage to escape the explosion and Flynn is left to return home alone. Judson encourages Flynn that he did the right thing in destroying the Key of Solomon; only a great Librarian would have done so.
Flynn is at an auction in the beginning of Curse of the Judas Chalice on Library business, but also trying to keep his girlfriend happy. He battles against another collector to retrieve the Philosopher’s Stone. He wins, but his girlfriend leaves him. He’s depressed once he returns to the Library and Judson’s comment that he’s a celibate monk does not help. When Flynn looks around the Library he doesn’t see artifacts anymore, he sees the bits of his life he gave up to retrieve them, like his college reunion. Charlene suggests that Flynn use a few vacation days, then stops by his apartment later (a little drunk) to drop off travel brochures. Flynn dreams of New Orleans and decides to give it a try (a woman called to him in his dream). He hears the same voice singing and meets Simone.
Meanwhile, a former KGB Russian, Kubichek meets up with a Romanian history professor. The professor is teaching a lesson on Prince Vlad Dracul, known as the Impaler, but all his students want to know is whether the man was a vampire. Kubichek is interested instead with the Judas Chalice.
The Russians end up chasing after Flynn in New Orleans and Simone helps him escape, such as hitting a high C in an echo chamber. Simone takes Flynn out for a night on the town and he perks up a bit. Judson appears to Flynn (again; he has a habit of doing that) and explains that Flynn needs to go after the Judas Chalice. The Chalice has the power to resurrect vampires, because apparently, Judas was the first vampire, cursed to walk the Earth for all eternity after he was hung for his transgressions. Oh, and Dracula’s tomb has been stolen.
The bad guys grab Flynn, explaining that they want to use the army of the undead to bring Russia back to its former glory [seems like lots of Russians want to do that in these types of movies]. Flynn happens to know the Romanian professor and they decipher the lens that was found. Simone drops in to help rescue Flynn, except she’s shot. Flynn drags her out and briefly mourns her…turns out she’s not dead. She’s a vampire. She was turned in Paris in 1603 where she had been an opera singer for the royal court. Now, she’s trying to hunt down the vampire who turned her and kill him. (She also hints that Judson is a lot older than he appears and there is a larger battle to be had with the Library, between good and evil).
Flynn and Simone find the Chalice aboard Lafitte’s shipwreck [no, not Lafayette that many now know from Hamilton. Lafitte was French as well, but was a smuggler based out of New Orleans in the early nineteenth century. He did aid America in the Battle of New Orleans.] The Russians interrupt the couple and Simone seems to know the professor. The Russians trap them, but Flynn rigs a cannon to blow open a way out. Simone leaves him behind and Flynn fears she wants the Chalice for herself. When they meet up at the plantation again, turns out, no, she recognized the professor as the vampire who turned her. And who turns out to be Dracula. And he has no intention of actually helping the Russians. Sure, he’ll raise the undead, but so he can rule the world. Flynn goes after Vlad and the Chalice. Simone helps fight Vlad, who drops the Chalice. Flynn stabs him with a stake from an aspen tree. Simone then watches the sun rise with Flynn, one last time. Her duty to protect the Chalice is done now; she’s gotten her vengeance. But she encourages Flynn to live out his destiny as the Librarian.
Flynn returns to the Library in a better mood and ready to fight the larger battle that is coming. As he and Judson walk away, it is revealed that the walkways of the Library create the Tree of Knowledge.
I love these movies. I want the Librarian job. Again, it makes learning fun. History is not dry and dull [well yes, at times it is], but hunting for artifacts uses so many aspects of knowledge. And I appreciate that the three different women who help out Flynn are all strong, independent women. Yes, they have brief romances with the lead man, but they are also smart in their own right. Nicole is the one to kick butt. And they don’t look down on Flynn for being a bookworm. Being a bookworm actually saves their butts occasionally.
Next Time: The adventure continues with the first season of The Librarians
I happen to be listening to the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtracks recently, which makes me want to re-watch the first trilogy. They also have inspired a few scenes and notes for my eventual fantasy epic (which is good, because it needs some major work). And yep, still love the first three movies! The original is still the best and looking back, I feel some pity for the special effects team because it could not have been easy timing all the moonlight skeleton effects. Orlando Bloom is young a dashing (he was a celebrity crush when I was a teen) and still swoon at the kiss at the end 🙂
I like elements of Dead Man’s Chest soundtrack and the battle against the Kraken is thrilling. And the ending of At World’s End is full of emotions. That flourish in the orchestra during Will and Elizabeth’s wedding times perfectly with the spin, squee! And Most. Epic. Kiss. Ever! Of course, I have to find the few clips of Will in the fifth movie and I think it’s sweet that they use Will and Elizabeth’s theme in the background while he talks to his young son, Henry.
I also really want a good crossover fic between Pirates of the Caribbean and Once Upon a Time because there is such a realm of possibilities between Killian Jones knowing either Jack and/ or Will. If anyone finds a good story, let me know so I can check it out!
In the meantime; I’ve read several novels off my shelf, re-reading a couple different fanfiction stories, but haven’t gotten much writing done. The action-adventure blogs will be starting soon, just gotta get my brain to focus, lol!
Let me know what fandoms have been keeping you entertained!
Thought I’d take a step away from my musical blogs (don’t worry, already got the next one planned) and mention the elephant in the room: staying at home because of coronavirus. I work retail, so I have not been to work in several weeks. For the most part, I’m handling it fine; I’ve managed to work on other writing projects, I’ve crocheted several afghans, I’ve gotten back to my books (huzzah!), and I’ve caught up on some movies and shows.
So let me go ahead and state: SPOILERS ALERT!
Finally watched Frozen II; I liked the story. I don’t think the music was quite as memorable as the first and I still can’t stand Olaf, but the sisterly bond was great and very interesting to delve into their family history. (Puts to rest the fan connection between Frozen and several other Disney movies, including Tangled).
Also finally watched Crimes of Grindlewald. Excellent. Though while watching, I had to remind myself that Leta Lestrange was not a direct relation of Bellatrix (same family, but distant cousins). And the Dumbledore angle was better than I feared it to be; I thought they would focus entirely on Dumbledore’s infatuation with Grindlewald, but SPOILER a blood pact is a more solid excuse. And I totally do not believe Grindlewald about Creedence’s real name; the only plausible way he is a Dumbledore is as a cousin.
Supernatural has put filming their final season on hold, but it’s ramping up to be a doozy. News was just released that the final seven episodes will air in the fall. Jack is back, yay I guess. I have loved seeing some old favorites again; Benny was seen briefly. Loved that Eileen was back (then dead, then back!) and I really wish that she could get together permanently with Sam. (Then we find Dean someone, unless they make Destiel canon, which would be cool). And it was hilarious to have both Daneel Ackles and Genevive Padalecki back and in the same episode! The alternative universe Sam and Dean were hilarious as well (though can’t beat their father coming back; love that episode and cried along [unless you watch the blooper where Jared hits Jeffrey somewhere with the pearl; everyone is on the floor in laughter]). I really want to punch Chuck in the face and I hope Amara may come back to help. The boys are shaping up to fight God; I believe they will win and save the world because that is what they and the show are all about; but it’ll cost them. I still figure there is a decent chance the show will end with both boys dead; unless they are serious about producing a film later. If not, the only way for the fans to accept that it is over, is for our beloved boys to die. Even then, we’ll still write fanfiction.
Speaking of fanfiction; I was reading something on Facebook the other night about how fanfiction started. I mean, I had an idea, but it was interesting and a little unnerving. I realized why disclaimers are always posted at the top because you don’t want some bigwig suing you, but to find out that fan writers were punished… Some of the more recent successes give me hope; but I still am not likely to post what I have written. I share with a few friends, but I use it for my own practice. And some of this may end up as an essay or article. In case you’re interested, Supernatural accepts its fan writers and the fandom that has sprung up around it, which makes me love the fandom and the stars even more.
MacGyver just finished its fourth season, which went in a different direction than I originally imagined, and has been renewed for a fifth season. Yay! Their season got cut short due to the virus, but they must have filmed enough ahead to finish things up. I personally miss Jack and wish they would at least mention him in the story. Mac’s spiraling a bit and the fans know that Jack would help him. Still not a hundred percent sure of Russ’s motivations, but he at least tries to keep Mac alive; and Matty is still there, yay! I adored the episode with the plane and Mac in Tesla’s house; the writing has been excellent this season. Personally, I have never been fond of pairing Mac with a woman because I feel it detracts from the story and female characters should exist in shows outside their connection to a man. I’ve warmed up to Desi, but still not wholly sure. I like Riley, and I’m liking the Riley – Mac dynamic, but this triangle is only going to end badly. I shed tears when SPOILER James died. And I’m even sad that Auntie Gwen died; because she had just decided to protect Mac and it would have been great for Mac to have a familial connection, particularly to his mother. Though, baby Angus MacGyver is the cutest baby in the world! (And I refuse to believe that he’s named Angus because of a sign for beef; that’s demeaning to the character). Fanfiction should keep me occupied until it’s back.
Also been re-watching Hallmark’s Good Witch, going through the most recent episodes and the movies and now starting at the beginning of the show. Some days I can handle Hallmark and some days I just get annoyed; real life does not give us the right guy and the right job to keep us happy. But I love the magical elements of Cassie and the story. She and Sam are adorable. I’d love to live in Middleton. And when things get rough, there is a comfort in knowing that things will turn out alright; it’s Hallmark.
My mother and I have also managed to catch up on Outlander; we got behind. I miss them in Scotland; that was a reason I loved the show. Not fond of the time they were in the Caribbean, but now that they’ve settled in the colonies, my interest is peaking again. I’m glad Brianna has joined her mother and is bonding with her father. And proud that Roger has followed (though at times he was a bit of an idiot). I’m glad Stephen Bonnet finally was stopped; though I wished it had happened sooner. Whenever I would see Billy Boyd, I kept commenting “bad Pippin!” though I had to explain to my mother what I meant. I like the family that is growing at Fraser’s Ridge, and Ian has returned. Brianna, Roger, and Jemmy have also ended up staying, yay. The final episode; they actually found Claire sooner in the episode I thought they might, but we did get to see Claire’s struggles with the aftermath. I’m sure the time-traveling Native American will return; we’ll have to see what sort of time jump there may be before the next season.
Also enjoying watching the original MacGyver series with my parents and catching episodes of Race to the Edge (still love the show!). We’ve put on a few other movies, like some older James Bond (which was a bit weird), and re-watching the Librarian films (I’ll be covering all of those and the show upcoming. And it also gave me a writing idea). We are also going back and re-watching the newest Star Wars movies in preparation for finally getting to Rise of Skywalker (never fear, they are on the list to cover…down the road; MCU stands between us and them).
As for books; since I am first and foremost a reader; I have made a tiny dent in my “to-read” pile (and bought a few to add). Finally finished Raging Heat, a Richard Castle book (based on the show Castle that I don’t think I’m going to be covering, due to length) and Ireland’s Pirate Queen about Grace O’Malley, which have been on the back burner for a while. Enjoyed Castle and Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. Read Jeffersonian Key by Steve Berry. Few other books in there that weren’t great, but a relatively quick read; got around to Sense and Sensibility and that was a bit boring; the movie helped make sense. Just finished a Philippa Gregory book, The Lady of the Rivers which is a prequel in a way to White Queen (my mother and I have watched the first episode of the series). Parts are interesting and it is relatively well-written, but parts are now appearing a bit implausible (which happens with her books). Now I can move on to other books on my list. My Richard Castle, Nikki Heat series is up to date, but I want to get to some others first. I’ve got half a shelf of romances that I need to catch up on, so I can go looking for those newest books. Picked up another Librarians novel (based on the show) and some Peter Jackson/ Lord of the Rings books (like I need more of those). Some history series and the first book to a couple fantasy series I’d like to try. Some fun books I am holding off on as a reward, like behind the scenes of MacGyver, the last How to Train Your Dragon art book (I am that much of a nerd).
What are you guys doing to keep your minds occupied? Any good movies or books? Creative projects?
One hundred posts…wow. I had no idea when I started this exercise that I would carry it on this long (seriously; I originally figured less than a year, then I finally laid things out and understood what all was invovled). I am blown away by the reading response I have built up and the fact that I have over fifty followers – thank you all.
Yes, my posting schedule has lessened a bit, but I am also trying to work on some other writing projects. I’d love to write some short stories to enter in contests to get published. And I have a massive fantasy series that needs laid out…when my brain cooperates. Right now it likes to play around with fanfiction and in turn focus on like the fourth and fifth generation of characters rather than background and world building. And my books also beg my attention; they cry to be read.
With the…current situation, I do have some more free time, so we’ll see how everything best fits in. I do apologize for the breaks that have occurred and I cannot promise that they won’t happen again. When not watching movies for this blog, I’m keeping up with the current MacGyver series (some of the episodes this season have been excellent), the final season of Supernatural (which will end in tears, when it finally does end…my guess is that both boys will die) and also working my way through the original MacGyver series (there are times it is hilarious; though personally I prefer Lucas Till to Richard Dean Anderson, that may be based on my age). Also catching up on Outlander (I finally read the first book; along with the first book of Game of Thrones; both are good, but I kind of prefer the show so I can see the full scope. I prefer the earlier seasons of Outlander, when it is more based in eighteenth century Scotland [a time period I like to study].)
But, I still have a huge collection of movies (one of these days, in a few years hopefully, I will have a place of my own and space to display and organize all of them) and I am looking forward to the upcoming genres. Next are musicals, which I love. Then action/adventure films (another genre I am more fond of) which will phase into the superhero genre (yep, I will attempt to tackle a good portion of the MCU…that’s going to be practically a year on its own). And I will finally get to some of my favorite series, like Star Wars, Harry Potter, and nearest to my heart, Lord of the Rings and Hobbit, and How to Train Your Dragon. And once we get into some newer and more popular films, I can add in the various fanfiction stories that I have read (and keep re-reading…which is how I distract myself from reading proper books).
Let me know what you think and here’s to another hundred!
A romantic bopic of children’s author, Beatrix Potter. It stars Renee Zellweger as Beatrix, Ewan McGregor as Norman Warne, her publisher (the two appeared opposite each other in Down With Love, which is coming up soon in my posting schedule). Emily Watson (she was in Testament of Youth [that WWI movie I watched with Kit Harrington] and War Horse) plays his sister, Millie. Beatrix’s father, Rupert, is played by Bill Paterson; we’ve seen him in Amazing Grace and Outlander.
This film beautifully showcases the Lake District of England and is a huge reason why I want to personally visit the scenery at some point in my life. It opens with Beatrix’s voice-over telling us when writing the first words of a story, one never knows where one will end up. We see her struggle to publish a children’s book and be taken seriously as a single, unmarried woman in 1902 London. Her publishers fob her off onto their younger brother who is making a nuisance of himself; if it gets mucked up, it’s no real loss. However, she is determined to look upon this as an adventure and encourages her illustrated animal friends to do the same. There is a flashback to her childhood, showing that she was a talented artist and making up stories even then.
Luckily, Norman loves Beatrix’s book and quite enthusiastic to work with her on it; everything can be done to her specification. Another flashback shows us that when Beatrix was young, her family started vacationing in the Lake District, where Beatrix got a lot of her inspiration. There was even a young man in the area who liked her stories, Willie Heelis. But Beatrix’s mother despairs of her ever marrying, or at least, marrying properly. She has introduced a string of suitable suitors to her daughter, but Beatrix wants none of them. Meanwhile, she and Norman make a good team publishing her book, and Norman encourages her to produce more stories. The first book, Peter Rabbit, is a success. Norman takes Beatrix to meet his mother and sister and Millie is determined to be fierce friends with Beatrix, bonding over their unmarried states.
In turn, Beatrix invites Millie and Norman to her family’s annual Christmas party. Her father comes to her rescue when her mother disapproves of their “tradesman” status. Beatrix’s present for Norman is a new Christmas story, which the party insists she share. She is a bit scandalous, showing Norman her bedroom, but they are chaperoned and Norman leads her in a sweet dance [I saw this movie before Down With Love or Moulin Rouge and was unaware that Ewan could sing]. Norman proposes, but Beatrix’s answer is interrupted. Then she confers with Millie if she minds. Millie encourages her friend to take a chance on love. Beatrix tells Norman yes. The next day, he visits her father. Unfortunately, Beatrix’s parents disapprove, her father mainly on the point that it is too sudden. They compromise; Beatrix can accept in secret. Their family will vacation in the Lake District for the summer again. If the couple still wants to marry at the end after some time, they will give their blessing. Norman bids farewell to Beatrix at the train station in the rain and they send letters back and forth.
Then, Norman’s letters stop coming. Millie writes, informing Beatrix that Norman is ill. She returns to London, sadly to discover that Norman has died. Millie was the only one who knew Norman and Beatrix were engaged. Oh, I cry every time during this part of the movie. Beatrix returns home, utterly depressed. She tries to draw, but her friends run from something. Millie comes to her rescue. Beatrix must get out of the house. She is quite wealthy now with the royalties from her books; she buys Hill Top Farm in the Lake District, from her old friend, William Heelis. Slowly, Beatrix comes back to life. She draws again and has new stories buzzing about. She reconnects with William, and they share the notion that the landscape of the Lake District needs preserved, farms should be kept farming, not bought out by developers.
The film ends back at the beginning, with Beatrix sitting down to write. We are told that eight years after moving to the Lake District, Beatrix married William Heelis and she donated 4,000 acres of farmland to the British people through a land preservation trust.
Miss Potter is not a terribly dramatic movie, which makes it a good movie to put on when I don’t want to have to think too hard on something. The scenery is gorgeous and I love Millie Warne’s views on unmarried ladies. I want a home someday like Beatrix’s cottage; it’s so cute. I have always loved bunnies (though I am quite content to let the bunnies that live in our backyard be as close as I get to having a pet), so I’ve always liked Beatrix’s illustrations.
Portrays Jane Austen’s life before she became a famous author and some experiences she may have had that influenced her writing. Stars Anne Hathaway as Jane Austen, James McAvoy (Mr. Tumnus in Chronicles of Narnia, and young Charles Xavier in the prequel X-Men movies) as Tom Lefroy. Julie Walters (Mrs. Weasley) is Mrs. Austen, opposite James Cromwell. Dame Maggie Smith (Professor McGonagall and Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, among her other roles) is Lady Gresham. Anna Maxwell Martin plays Jane’s older sister Cassandra, but the actress also portrays Elizabeth Darcy in the TV mini-series, Death Comes to Pemberley.
Jane spends the early morning hours writing and puzzling through the proper way to phrase a passage. When she figures it out, she rejoices by spiritedly playing the piano, quite early on a Sunday morning. Which her father comments on during the sermon, along with what a lady’s proper place is; at this time point, married with children and obeying her husband. After church, the Austen family visits Lady Gresham; her nephew is slightly captivated by Jane, which would be a boost to the Austen family for he will inherit well. Cassandra is engaged to be married to a young man bound for an expedition to the West Indies as chaplain. The Austens also have two boys, though one seems to be disabled of some sort, and they have their cousin visiting as well, a French comtess fleeing events in France.
In the bustling city of London, Tom Lefroy engages in boxing matches when not studying the law under his constraining uncle. He is friends with the elder Austen son, Henry, who is in the militia. Tom’s uncle wants him to learn to settle down; his sister, Tom’s mother, married for love and now lives in near poverty in Limerick with more mouths to feed than she can handle. So, Tom is sent to spend time with his country cousins, where he encounters Jane Austen. Their small community is delighted by her writing, but the higher educated Tom Lefroy sees areas where she can improve and truly be equal to the greats.
Jane is not terribly impressed with Mr. Lefroy upon first introduction. They end up dancing together at a ball, after Mr. Wisley (Lady Gresham’s nephew) trods on her toes. Tom quietly tells her, “I think that you, Miss Austen, consider yourself above the company…secretly.” That line has always stuck with me. It’s a bit like the theme of Pride and Prejudice; even those of lower means may feel pride; at least we’re better than someone else, or at least we don’t act a certain way. The two young people get to know each other through other encounters. Jane is good a cricket (and she and her cousin make to follow Tom and Henry when they go dashing off for a swim; at least, until the young men strip naked and the young ladies retreat). Tom and Jane meet accidentally in the Lefroy’s library (oh, to have a library like that!) and Tom offers Jane a book to widen her horizons (several re-watchings and age have pointed out the innuendo reading Tom gives).
Later, they discuss the book. Jane disapproves of the morality. She argues that a novel must show how the world truly is; good people do not always succeed and bad people prosper. “A novel should somehow reveal the true source of our actions.” Mrs. Austen personally hopes that Jane will settle down with Mr. Wisely, but Mr. Austen doesn’t want his daughter to sacrifice her happiness. By now, Jane is starting to look at Tom more favorably. Lady Gresham visits the Austens and Mr. Wisley strolls with Jane and proposes. She does not answer immediately, which draws her mother’s ire. Jane must marry well, there is no money for her. Yes, it is ideal to marry for “affection” (they don’t say love), but money is essential. Lack of money can wear away and ruin a marriage. Jane desires to live by her pen, but her mother doesn’t support that notion. Her father asks her to at least consider the proposal; it is likely to be her best offer.
Jane’s French cousin, the Comtess, has also developed affection for Henry Austen. She is more aware of the world and not hemmed in by conservative notions. Yes, Henry is younger and poorer than her, but they love each other, so what does it matter?
Lady Gresham holds a ball (I love the music) and Jane dances with Mr. Wisley again, though Tom joins partway through. Anyone watching can see the difference in Jane between Wisley and Lefroy; she smiles when she sees Tom and can barely take her eyes off of him. Lady Gresham deigns to speak to Jane. Against her own better judgment [oh, there are times that Lady Gresham is reminiscent of Countess Grantham, though Downton Abbey is a few years off], she implores Jane to accept her nephew; Lady Gresham feels that Jane is beneath Wisley, but she is the one that her nephew desires. Outside, as Jane ponders all of this, Tom meets her. Such a romantic meeting; I seriously want my future potential fiancé to propose to me saying: “I am yours, heart and soul,” because I simply melt at that statement. Jane kisses Tom, wanting to have gotten a kiss right just once in her life. He begs her to marry him instead, but he has to persuade his uncle.
So, the couple concoct a plan. Jane, her brother Henry, and cousin Eliza will visit Cassandra on the coast, but stop in London, where Lefroy will host them. The uncle is impressed with the Comtess, but not Jane. Nevertheless, Tom takes Jane to meet Mrs. Radcliffe, a married woman to a man with some money, who makes her own living by writing Gothic novels (played by Helen McCrory, another Harry Potter alum, she portrayed Narcissa Malfoy). Mrs. Radcliffe cautions Jane that society frowns upon a wife who has a mind of her own. That evening, Jane begins drafting First Impressions (the first draft of Pride and Prejudice). Tom speaks with his uncle the following morning, but a letter has arrived prior; the contents of which we do not hear for certain, but they do not speak favorably of Miss Austen and Tom’s uncle denies Tom’s wish to marry Jane. They part brokenhearted; Tom relies on his uncle for money and cannot go against him.
Soon, all the Austens are back home and again at Lady Gresham’s home. Word is delivered that Cassandra’s fiancé has died. Jane and their mother attempt to comfort her that evening. Cassandra cheers a little watching her younger sister write and Jane summarizes her idea for Pride and Prejudice; two sisters, better than their means, eventually make happy marriages. Sadly, Tom is back in town for a brief visit, and is engaged. Jane in turns accept Wisley’s proposal, though walks away after giving the gentleman the news. In the woods, Tom comes upon Jane and her brother George. The couple shares a passionate kiss and plan to run away. Cassandra tries to talk her sister out of it, but gives in.
The two lovebirds’ carriage gets stuck on the way, necessitating Tom removing his coat, which holds a pouch of letters. Due to be his wife, Jane reads one, discovering it is from Tom’s mother, thanking him for the money to support his family. Things begin to clarify for Jane. Once the carriage has stopped for a short break, she tells Tom she found the letter and cannot be the ruin of him. She returns home, only to be greeted by Henry’s more dour friend, John, who has known Jane for years, and he too proposes. She of course rejects him, “are there no other women in Hampshire!” then realizes that he wrote the letter destroying her hopes of marrying Tom. She makes to strike him and he shrinks away.
Mrs. Austen is simply pleased that Jane returned home. Lady Gresham on the other hand refuses to be near the Austens in public, for they are tainted with suspicion. Wisley, having grown a bit of a backbone, defies his aunt’s wishes and speaks to Jane. They part as friends; he would rather not marry simply for his money. He seems to support Jane’s intention to write, as she cannot seem to marry even for affection, much less without. He inquires, “will all your stories have happy endings?” “My characters, after a little bit of trouble, will have all they desire.”
Henry and Eliza marry and are seen together, with Jane years later at a concert. Afterwards, they catch sight of a familiar figure and Henry returns with Tom Lefroy, and a young girl, his daughter Jane. Young Jane is a great admirer of Miss Austen and precociously asks for a reading. Henry explains that Jane does not read in public in order to remain anonymous. But Jane relents, for her new friend. Tom looks on; it seems he still loves Jane Austen as well.
Jane Austen is not my favorite author, though she may be my favorite classic author. But I do what I have read of her. This gives us a glimpse at the woman behind the beloved stories and shows that she may not be so different from her characters. I see so many echoes of this tale in Pride and Prejudice. This film did make me fall in love with James McAvoy a little; I love how passionately he speaks to Jane. As already stated, I swoon at his proposal. It is a movie I like to watch around Valentine’s Day.
Next Time: Pride and Prejudice (the 2005 film with Keira Knightley. I know the mini-series with Colin Firth is well regarded, but it is longer. I feel the film is easier viewing)
quite wealthy now with the royalties from her books; she buys Hill Top Farm in the Lake District, from her old friend, William Heelis. Slowly, Beatrix comes back to life. She draws again and has new stories buzzing about. She reconnects with William, and they share the notion that the landscape of the Lake District needs preserved, farms should be kept farming, not bought out by developers.
Dreamer in the Mirror 