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CJ's avatar

really a fantastic exploration of graydon's place in the narrative, how he's used to establish kit's character and then subvert some of what we've assumed. great read!

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Mel's avatar

Glad you enjoyed!

Yeah, he does feel at first like "here to counterpoint (and annoy) Kit", and then "here to pine for Elora" . . . which is again on us, not expecting him to have his own arc and growth.

All that's usually the role of a princess, so I love them gender-flipping it here.

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CJ's avatar

for sure! it's a neatly done subversion :) also appreciate you calling out tony revolori's acting. i think he brings a lot to making that role work with subtle choices.

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Mel's avatar

Agree!

It takes a lot of actorly guts to play someone who is at that point meant to be the brunt of everyone's (including the audience's) disdain; and then a lot of skill to make it so the layers are there of not just shyness and shirking but anxiety and attempts to do / be more. All without reaching for "okay but deep down Graydon is a good guy, you'll see that in five eps, please like me."

The casting overall is simply impeccable.

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CJ's avatar

yes, every actor just knocks it out of the park in the whole thing. they were truly great. have to shout out ruby cruz too, for leaning in so hard on kit's unlikable qualities and then pulling off a stellar turn and making that completely convincing, too.

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