Heh, if that's you being difficult, then by all means, keep being difficult! This frame is very nebulous, in that most of the drama is internal growth for Arwen, so thinking of ways to make that visible, concrete, specific, and changing over time (without, of course, being too heavy handed) is a challenge that we have to address. I might (personally) not want to revisit the beginning episodes too much, but if the ending episodes feel they are lacking in any kind of pay-out....then we haven't set them up right and at least need to tweak the story we are telling. I think Brian had some stuff worked out, but I don't know if he'll be able to make it this week for the follow-up on the Frame.
Here is what we have, based on the last discussion (linked above):
Episode 1: The Awakening of the Elves Flashback of Celebrían being attacked by orcs. We meet Arwen and Celeborn. They discuss how the Shadow has always been there.
Episode 2: The Ambassadors in Valinor
Frame: (1) Arwen is preparing/dressing, with her confidant [?name]. It is on the eve of an Elvish festival celebrating starlight and she shares her anticipation and excitement for the festival to come, happy to share one last one together with [friend]. During a formal ceremony, Galadriel gives Arwen a starry cloak. Arwen gives Galadriel a tapestry she made showing Varda making the stars. A courtier remarks on the strangeness of the imagery. Galadriel and Arwen share an informal moment, where Galadriel reminds Arwen that Varda is not well-known in Lothlorien. Arwen understands that, and mentions that she doesn't know the Valar any better than the elves of Lothlorien, even if she is considered a High Elf herself. She asks Galadriel what Varda is like?
(2) Galadriel and Arwen discuss Varda's character, and why she is (essentially) the patroness of the elves.
Episode 3: The Great Debate
Frame: (1) Arwen speaks with her friend, and it is revealed that she has made a decision that has upset Arwen. Arwen tries to talk her out of it, but is unsuccessful.
(2) Arwen is upset that her friend is leaving, but not only that, they are spending their last days together fighting. She talks to Celeborn, who reminds her that she is not responsible for her friend’s choices, and says something about how difficult it is when those we love choose a different path.
(3) Arwen speaks with her friend?
Episode 4: The Great Journey
Frame: (1) Arwen's brothers Elladan and Elrohir arrive in Lothlorien.
(2) Arwen and her brothers discuss their family while looking at the Misty Mountains. Arwen expresses regret that their mother cannot be there with them.
(3) Flashback to the rescue of Celebrían from the den of the orcs at the hands of her brothers. Arwen realizes that you can't save everyone.
Episode 5: The Forsaken (Círdan and Olwë)
Frame: (1) Arwen’s friend is preparing leave Middle Earth, taking advantage of the peacetime created by the Battle of Five Armies to journey to the Sea.
(2) Arwen’s friend says her final farewell. She expresses the hope that they will see one another in Valinor someday. Arwen does not respond in kind, but realizes this is a choice she will have to make for herself someday. Galadriel and Celeborn are present at this leave-taking, as silent reminders of that choice.
Episode 6: Elvenhome
Frame: (1) Arwen and her brothers discuss her friend’s departure, and that leads to a conversation about their mother’s departure as well.
(2) Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen memorialize their mother. Arwen has come to accept that going into the West was the right thing for her mother to do, and that there was no healing for Celebrían here in Middle Earth.
We have also inserted some frame story into (some) of the script outlines that we've been working on, so I'll include that below (with the understanding that these are more 'tentative' than what was given above).
Episode 7: Spirit of Fire ???
Episode 8: Trial of Melkor ???
Episode 9: Silmarils
Frame: (1) Arwen explains to Galadriel that it's difficult for her to understand why someone would choose to go to Valinor when it's a place she's never seen. Hearing about how great and wonderful it is can be all well and good, but... Galadriel suggests there is a way for her to see Valinor and judge for herself what the greatest days of the Noldor looked like.
(2) Galadriel shows Arwen her Mirror, and then we see a montage of noontide of Valinor, including the Trees, young Galadriel running around with some kids, Fëanor in his workshop, Oromë, a glimpse of Tol Eressëa (but without people).
(3) Arwen's reaction to what she has seen in the Mirror. 'The Trees were more lovely than I imagined,' but also it was a little bit...all the same? Galadriel recognizes that Arwen's heart is in Middle Earth.
Episode 10: Kinstrife
Frame: (1) Arwen knows that Galadriel wants to return to Valinor someday, but does not know why she left in the first place.
(2) Galadriel-in-the-Frame reacts to the opinions expressed by Galadriel-in-the-Main-Story. The message is a mix between you-don't-know-what-you-have-til-it's-gone and wisdom-means-being-able-to-change-your-mind.
Episode 11: Formenos ???
Episode 12: Feast of Reuniting ???
Episode 13: Darkening of Valinor ??? Obviously, this has to be the one where Arwen wraps up her story (so far). She has to make some sort of clear decision of 'choosing' Middle Earth, and not just temporarily. Probably should end with her and Celeborn (as that is how it started).
As you can see, we try to limit the Frame to 2-3 scenes per episode, of varying length. More frame time in the very beginning is important to introduce our characters and establish our frame story; later in the season, we are just advancing the frame plot one point at a time, so each episode has one small event that is integrated into the rest of the episode to tell the frame story.