Alex Long
Active Member
This is a long one... brace yourselves...
An issue that was brought up in the most recent Script Outline Session was Gilraen's role throughout this season and her apparent role as the show's Butt Monkey and Complainer. I think it would be a travesty if this is the image of Gilraen that viewers take away. It also leads to the unfortunate dilemma of have to work in episodes where Gilraen is 'right.' This way of thinking, I believe, is in need of a major restructuring. Luckily, I think there is a way of doing this without having to completely redo script outlines and characterizations. The problem lies in the framing of the terms 'right' and 'win' (don't worry, you're not about to read a manifesto on the philosophical merits for or against moral relativity.)
In our adaptation of the Silmarillion and it's characters, I think we would all agree that we do not want to portray either Gilraen or Elrond as idiots. In addition, although she is young, I don't think the intention is to portray Gilraen as unwise or immature. She is, after all, a queen and mother who has had to grow up faster than most. For her to have gotten to the place she is, having experienced the trials and tragedies she has experienced, shows a presence of wisdom beyond her years. And yet, her foil is Elrond. And Elrond is high elven lord Elrond. The problem with putting these two characters in the same room is that, although they are both intelligent, discerning characters, Gilraen is clearly outmatched in the wisdom department, and for us this has created the unintentional illusion of immaturity. In order to combat this, we must take a new approach.
My proposal is not new and has been brought up multiple times in the SilmFilm Podcast- we use the characters of Elrond and Gilraen to contrast the differences between the life-experiences of the Eldar and the Edain. In the same way Finrod and Andreth are used as representatives of their respective worldviews, we use Elrond and Gilraen to highlight the inherent differences between what the Eldar would consider wisdom and what the Edain consider wisdom. I'm not sure if anyone else has thought as much about this as I have (I'm sure Professor Tolkien spend a minute or two on the idea,) but wisdom- an understanding of how the world operates and the diligence one shows to apply this knowledge in one's life- would be completely, wholly, irreconcilably different between these two races. We as humans can (hopefully) understand wisdom through the eyes of a race of beings whose members a) live less than a century b) are physically affected with a varying degree of sensitivity by the laws of the natural world c) are bound to a natural understanding and experience of both the natural and supernatural realms while alive and d) are refused a clear and complete understanding of the afterlife and their place therein. Elves on the other hand a) live immortal lives within the circles of the world b) are physically and mentally affected with a varying of sensitivity by the laws of the natural world c) are capable of understanding and experiencing both the natural and supernatural realms while alive and d) have a practical understanding of their purpose and role in the created universe. While these two peoples may often agree on how the world operates, they cannot possibly have a similar agreement on the best application of this knowledge for their respective races.
What we could possibly attempt is to use the characters of Elrond and Gilraen as the metaphorical spokespersons for these different worldviews. If done correctly, neither should ever come across as the 'winner' or 'loser' of disagreements. In fact it's best if both sides are constantly making excellent points on how a child living in both worlds and connected to both peoples should be raised (that's Estel/Aragorn for those not paying attention.)
Example:
As it's outlined right now, in Episode 3 Elrond and Gilraen's disagreement revolves around the idea that Gilraen doesn't believe Elrond should be teaching Estel about Melkor and evil. Now the script outline Nicholas typed up does emphasis that she is worried about Estel's age more than anything. However, in the resolution the argument seems to have become about, specifically, the temptation of pride. Now two wise people regardless of race would both agree that it is a good thing to teaching children about the temptation of evil and the effects of giving into such prideful temptations. And yet, as it currently stands, Elrond is the one to use Numenor as an example of the importance of this lesson. Doesn't Gilraen have far more reason to be thinking of Numenor in this regard than Elrond? Why would she not understand the importance of this lesson? Making this decision paints Gilraen in an almost negligent light. So where could their difference of opinion lie? Not in the knowledge of pride's temptation, but in the action one should take against such temptation.
What do these stories of Melkor and Ungoliant portray of pride and temptation? How do the Valar respond? When confronted with potential corruption, Varda removes herself from Melkor. From different points of view, this could either be seen as moral resistance or flight. Elrond, an Eldar tasked with the protection of his people and land, would see this action as personal resistance against evil. A human woman who has seen the direct consequences of allowing evil to remain abroad might see this as cowardice or, at the very least, a passive response. Now I know Elrond has seen war and death, but he's still an immortal elf. 'Living to fight another day' is pretty much how the whole First Age plays out for the elves. It's conceivable that Elrond would see this as wisdom more readily than a full human. And if this is where his and Gilraen's argument stems from, then we can let the audience decide who is 'right.' Or even better, if done carefully, we leave the audience seeing the merits of both points of view. I don't think we have to be so quick to make a decision for our audience.
If this is policy for all or most episodes, a lot of our structural problems can be resolved. Does Estel need more free time in Episode 9? Sure, why not. But in an episode(s) about the rebellion of Osse, it seems there might be a deeper issue that prompts discussion between Elrond and Gilraen. How would the two of them view the rebellion? Elrond is the lord of Rivendell- a seemingly peaceful, Marxist-like society lead by an unelected, non-royal leader. This is pretty much the same as Valinor, is it not? Gilraen on the other hand comes from a tribal society which aspires for eventual monarchal rule over the land it roams. What if, instead of Gilraen wanting Estel to have more free time, it's Elrond who feels Estel is being worked too hard? He would not be as concerned about time because, to an elf, time is endless. Now obviously he knows that he is teaching a human child, but it would still feel less pressing of an issue to him than the child's human mother. For Gilraen, time is of the essence. The faster Estel can become educated, the quicker he can retake his rightful place as Chieftain of the Dunedain. Osse's story to her would look like the result of a lack of structure in the Valar government. "Strength and discipline: that's how you keep order. Strength and discipline: That's what my son needs to succeed." Elrond, on the other hand, is ruler of the Tra-la-la-lallies. He's a light and flighty fairy king who has probably spent a good deal of time 'doing nothing' (as Gilraen would perceive it.) We end the episode not with one of them losing, but with the two of them making an agreement as to the schedule and discipline (in the 'disciple' sense, not the 'cut your own switch' sense) of the energetic young child. They both partially get what they feel is best for Estel, but they both also have to make sacrifices. It's also an opportunity for the future king of Gondor and Arnor to see the merits of compromise- something I think both Elves and Men would see as wisdom.
I feel like this is not just a better way represent two main characters, it also ties into two major plot points of this season. First, Aragorn is being educated with the understanding between his caretakers that one day he will become a ruler. Maybe his guardians aren't seeing High King just yet, but at the very least, Chieftain of the Dunedain is in their sights. We use these disagreements and their resolutions to show that Estel is learning not only from his lessons but also from observing the leaders he is surrounded by. It also foreshadows some of the difficult decisions he will have to make in the Lord of the Rings like whether to follow Frodo or rescue Merry and Pippin. Aragorn's life will always be plagued by dualities, but even early, he can begin to see that taking a single path and ignoring another is not always the only option; sometimes he can have his cake and also have that other cake too. The second plot tie-in is with Manwe. Manwe will spend most of the season struggling with accepting a path he doesn't want to take. Whereas the theme of 'The Struggle Between Eldar and Edain Wisdom' reflects and furthers Estel's journey, it contrasts Manwe's journey. Elrond and Gilraen start the season at odds with one another, yet as they begin to discuss and compromise, they begin to understand one another. This will presumably end with a group hug or jumping high-five or something in the final episode. Manwe, contrastly, starts as an understanding mediator and ends the season forced into an action he is essentially inclined to oppose. While the frame story ends in peace and reconciliation, the main narrative ends with war and imprisonment. It's probably not the best motivation for our decision-making, but this is one of those things television shows win Emmy's for. Just sayin'
An issue that was brought up in the most recent Script Outline Session was Gilraen's role throughout this season and her apparent role as the show's Butt Monkey and Complainer. I think it would be a travesty if this is the image of Gilraen that viewers take away. It also leads to the unfortunate dilemma of have to work in episodes where Gilraen is 'right.' This way of thinking, I believe, is in need of a major restructuring. Luckily, I think there is a way of doing this without having to completely redo script outlines and characterizations. The problem lies in the framing of the terms 'right' and 'win' (don't worry, you're not about to read a manifesto on the philosophical merits for or against moral relativity.)
In our adaptation of the Silmarillion and it's characters, I think we would all agree that we do not want to portray either Gilraen or Elrond as idiots. In addition, although she is young, I don't think the intention is to portray Gilraen as unwise or immature. She is, after all, a queen and mother who has had to grow up faster than most. For her to have gotten to the place she is, having experienced the trials and tragedies she has experienced, shows a presence of wisdom beyond her years. And yet, her foil is Elrond. And Elrond is high elven lord Elrond. The problem with putting these two characters in the same room is that, although they are both intelligent, discerning characters, Gilraen is clearly outmatched in the wisdom department, and for us this has created the unintentional illusion of immaturity. In order to combat this, we must take a new approach.
My proposal is not new and has been brought up multiple times in the SilmFilm Podcast- we use the characters of Elrond and Gilraen to contrast the differences between the life-experiences of the Eldar and the Edain. In the same way Finrod and Andreth are used as representatives of their respective worldviews, we use Elrond and Gilraen to highlight the inherent differences between what the Eldar would consider wisdom and what the Edain consider wisdom. I'm not sure if anyone else has thought as much about this as I have (I'm sure Professor Tolkien spend a minute or two on the idea,) but wisdom- an understanding of how the world operates and the diligence one shows to apply this knowledge in one's life- would be completely, wholly, irreconcilably different between these two races. We as humans can (hopefully) understand wisdom through the eyes of a race of beings whose members a) live less than a century b) are physically affected with a varying degree of sensitivity by the laws of the natural world c) are bound to a natural understanding and experience of both the natural and supernatural realms while alive and d) are refused a clear and complete understanding of the afterlife and their place therein. Elves on the other hand a) live immortal lives within the circles of the world b) are physically and mentally affected with a varying of sensitivity by the laws of the natural world c) are capable of understanding and experiencing both the natural and supernatural realms while alive and d) have a practical understanding of their purpose and role in the created universe. While these two peoples may often agree on how the world operates, they cannot possibly have a similar agreement on the best application of this knowledge for their respective races.
What we could possibly attempt is to use the characters of Elrond and Gilraen as the metaphorical spokespersons for these different worldviews. If done correctly, neither should ever come across as the 'winner' or 'loser' of disagreements. In fact it's best if both sides are constantly making excellent points on how a child living in both worlds and connected to both peoples should be raised (that's Estel/Aragorn for those not paying attention.)
Example:
As it's outlined right now, in Episode 3 Elrond and Gilraen's disagreement revolves around the idea that Gilraen doesn't believe Elrond should be teaching Estel about Melkor and evil. Now the script outline Nicholas typed up does emphasis that she is worried about Estel's age more than anything. However, in the resolution the argument seems to have become about, specifically, the temptation of pride. Now two wise people regardless of race would both agree that it is a good thing to teaching children about the temptation of evil and the effects of giving into such prideful temptations. And yet, as it currently stands, Elrond is the one to use Numenor as an example of the importance of this lesson. Doesn't Gilraen have far more reason to be thinking of Numenor in this regard than Elrond? Why would she not understand the importance of this lesson? Making this decision paints Gilraen in an almost negligent light. So where could their difference of opinion lie? Not in the knowledge of pride's temptation, but in the action one should take against such temptation.
What do these stories of Melkor and Ungoliant portray of pride and temptation? How do the Valar respond? When confronted with potential corruption, Varda removes herself from Melkor. From different points of view, this could either be seen as moral resistance or flight. Elrond, an Eldar tasked with the protection of his people and land, would see this action as personal resistance against evil. A human woman who has seen the direct consequences of allowing evil to remain abroad might see this as cowardice or, at the very least, a passive response. Now I know Elrond has seen war and death, but he's still an immortal elf. 'Living to fight another day' is pretty much how the whole First Age plays out for the elves. It's conceivable that Elrond would see this as wisdom more readily than a full human. And if this is where his and Gilraen's argument stems from, then we can let the audience decide who is 'right.' Or even better, if done carefully, we leave the audience seeing the merits of both points of view. I don't think we have to be so quick to make a decision for our audience.
If this is policy for all or most episodes, a lot of our structural problems can be resolved. Does Estel need more free time in Episode 9? Sure, why not. But in an episode(s) about the rebellion of Osse, it seems there might be a deeper issue that prompts discussion between Elrond and Gilraen. How would the two of them view the rebellion? Elrond is the lord of Rivendell- a seemingly peaceful, Marxist-like society lead by an unelected, non-royal leader. This is pretty much the same as Valinor, is it not? Gilraen on the other hand comes from a tribal society which aspires for eventual monarchal rule over the land it roams. What if, instead of Gilraen wanting Estel to have more free time, it's Elrond who feels Estel is being worked too hard? He would not be as concerned about time because, to an elf, time is endless. Now obviously he knows that he is teaching a human child, but it would still feel less pressing of an issue to him than the child's human mother. For Gilraen, time is of the essence. The faster Estel can become educated, the quicker he can retake his rightful place as Chieftain of the Dunedain. Osse's story to her would look like the result of a lack of structure in the Valar government. "Strength and discipline: that's how you keep order. Strength and discipline: That's what my son needs to succeed." Elrond, on the other hand, is ruler of the Tra-la-la-lallies. He's a light and flighty fairy king who has probably spent a good deal of time 'doing nothing' (as Gilraen would perceive it.) We end the episode not with one of them losing, but with the two of them making an agreement as to the schedule and discipline (in the 'disciple' sense, not the 'cut your own switch' sense) of the energetic young child. They both partially get what they feel is best for Estel, but they both also have to make sacrifices. It's also an opportunity for the future king of Gondor and Arnor to see the merits of compromise- something I think both Elves and Men would see as wisdom.
I feel like this is not just a better way represent two main characters, it also ties into two major plot points of this season. First, Aragorn is being educated with the understanding between his caretakers that one day he will become a ruler. Maybe his guardians aren't seeing High King just yet, but at the very least, Chieftain of the Dunedain is in their sights. We use these disagreements and their resolutions to show that Estel is learning not only from his lessons but also from observing the leaders he is surrounded by. It also foreshadows some of the difficult decisions he will have to make in the Lord of the Rings like whether to follow Frodo or rescue Merry and Pippin. Aragorn's life will always be plagued by dualities, but even early, he can begin to see that taking a single path and ignoring another is not always the only option; sometimes he can have his cake and also have that other cake too. The second plot tie-in is with Manwe. Manwe will spend most of the season struggling with accepting a path he doesn't want to take. Whereas the theme of 'The Struggle Between Eldar and Edain Wisdom' reflects and furthers Estel's journey, it contrasts Manwe's journey. Elrond and Gilraen start the season at odds with one another, yet as they begin to discuss and compromise, they begin to understand one another. This will presumably end with a group hug or jumping high-five or something in the final episode. Manwe, contrastly, starts as an understanding mediator and ends the season forced into an action he is essentially inclined to oppose. While the frame story ends in peace and reconciliation, the main narrative ends with war and imprisonment. It's probably not the best motivation for our decision-making, but this is one of those things television shows win Emmy's for. Just sayin'