I have to admit that I enjoyed exploring the idea of what would happen if the boys met at a different place in their lives. I find it disturbing that a lot of thought in the fandom seems predicated on the fact that for Justin especially, the whole of the relationship hinges on the fact that Brian was "his first" and he can't ever forget/get over that. It doesn't seem to me to be a great basis for building a life together, and I don't essentially think it's true. I think it coloured their relationship, but I don't think it's by any means the predominate thing that holds them together.
As for Mikey - well, exactly. I mean this was obviously taking the concept to the extreme - but when you look at it dispassionately, there is something quite disturbing about his obsession with Brian. (Because, I mean seriously, what grown man goes around chanting to all and sundry 'he's my best friend' - that's just weirdo central IMO.)
And even in the first episode, in that scene on the roof, there is certainly an element of something being not quite right in Michael's reaction to Gus's birth. Something odd in the way he's all 'I told you not to do it'. And you could certainly read that his continual belittling of Brian as a father is a way of undermining that father/son relationship.
Anyway, it's a fun thought to play with. Although, really, as you say, kind of funny and kind of not.
But glad you enjoyed. And thanks again for the thoughtful feedback.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 6/11/07 02:37 am (UTC)I have to admit that I enjoyed exploring the idea of what would happen if the boys met at a different place in their lives. I find it disturbing that a lot of thought in the fandom seems predicated on the fact that for Justin especially, the whole of the relationship hinges on the fact that Brian was "his first" and he can't ever forget/get over that. It doesn't seem to me to be a great basis for building a life together, and I don't essentially think it's true. I think it coloured their relationship, but I don't think it's by any means the predominate thing that holds them together.
As for Mikey - well, exactly. I mean this was obviously taking the concept to the extreme - but when you look at it dispassionately, there is something quite disturbing about his obsession with Brian. (Because, I mean seriously, what grown man goes around chanting to all and sundry 'he's my best friend' - that's just weirdo central IMO.)
And even in the first episode, in that scene on the roof, there is certainly an element of something being not quite right in Michael's reaction to Gus's birth. Something odd in the way he's all 'I told you not to do it'. And you could certainly read that his continual belittling of Brian as a father is a way of undermining that father/son relationship.
Anyway, it's a fun thought to play with. Although, really, as you say, kind of funny and kind of not.
But glad you enjoyed. And thanks again for the thoughtful feedback.