Shower Thought When You're Baked; If Alan Created The Sentient Being That Taught Him How To Animate And

not having your own room isn't a complete nuisance when you're up against unfortunate nights

grapeduo master post

Aaa theyre so cute

found family but when it's a parentless child and a childless parent hits different

Something I did right after AVA11

Maybe

I'm a huge overdramatic overthinker and I really wanted to spill my interpretations and theories here—I had no idea it would do this well considering I have,, literal zero friends here. All the silly and kind tags in reblogs are making me encouraged to do more and interact JAJDJJWJWSJDJE I have a lot to say man, tell ur pebble plush I said hi

Purple being left completely untouched by the narrative, being raised by two confused parents who know nothing more than their artificial nurture. How to progress from being halted by the 2011 tragedy which affected them. The two can only do so much until some forbidden traits make their development, and in the worst way possible.

Navy and Orchid nuzzling up against each other and Purple. Navy seemingly resting the weight of his chin up top Purple's head, like a peck. Orchid burying her head into the crook of Navy's neck, nuzzling Purple's face. They were really, really in love.

and then the 2011 tragedy happens somewhat somewhere

Purple visibly grows, and Navy presents a material pose of combat, implying Purple to follow. Purple seems confused here, and then he looks towards his mom.

He wants to know Orchid's opinion of this—as a confused, stranded child would typically do in a situation as his.

Children, when foreign to these scenarios, will look for the approval of their other present parent before proceeding with a following action. In here, Orchid stands still, and her pose seems neutral, but she doesn't say no. And Purple proceeds. I thought this was a nice detail.

I feel like this adds a bit to Purple's relationship with his mom. Purple is comfortable enough towards her and he looks for reassurance in her when he is uncertain. That vulnerability is important. He really trusts her. And Orchid trusts him back.

I also feel like I can add onto Orchid from here. When she does not have a clear answer, she stays neutral/unresponsive instead of a shrug or such. This allows Purple to make his own decision on what he believes is okay. Instead of being dismissive.

When attacking, Purple throws valueless punches and kicks. Navy seemed to be allowing these rational, seemless blows, not budging. Redundantly shielding before attacking back with a somewhat rough punch to the gut, pushing him back.

In contrast to doing absolutely nothing. His ideal for "tutoring" isn't exactly clear, nor the best.

I can add onto Navy from here. Navy revolves around common sense. He is prone to adapt and rather quickly on his ideals. Once he has a clear goal, he will do whatever to achieve it. He is implied to be in a position of authority/control, and he seems to be short tempered. He wants the same for Purple. His method of this however, is far from coherent when targeted towards someone who is unfamiliar.

I believe this is Navy's flaw. Wanting the best for Purple materially-wise, but his approaches are not appropriate nor comprehensible like a strict parental role grounding should be. Appearing much more as a mentor; leader role. But not a father. Strictly leading more towards that uncompleted writing.

Purple would have nearly trampled to the ground if it weren't for Orchid catching him before he does.

I would like to mention Orchid's language here. She seems to be neutral while silently watching the banter. There wasn't anything to be concerned or worried of, until she stepped foward to catch her son. Her presence and relationship here is important, as mentioned.

When she catches Purple, she (very swiftly) glances towards Navy then back to Purple. She reads the room, implying she is quite observant, and immediately offered a comforting embrace, just as Purple came clinging to her for that comfort. She definitely knows her baby, that's for sure.

But this ends up dramatically changing.

I feel like this adds a layer onto Purple and Orchid's relationship. Orchid is quick to provide that care. She knows when to provide it. Purple has a secure attachment towards her and trusts her to respond towards his needs.

Navy idles a light pester for Purple to stand his ground and continue. This prompts a glance of judgement? Disgust? Concern? from Orchid, targeted towards—attempting to incriminate him. To reflect on those actions.

This got dismissed by a stomp of Navy's foot. The moment he's not in control he resorts to shouting and raising his manner. Keep in note that Orchid is absent throughout the entire second sequence.

Navy, once again, does a gesture to continue. This time it was much more swift. Not coherent on the first watch. Purple significantly grows here again, and for whatever reason, this halts the grounding for a mere second as both acknowledge this. For what reason was the growth such a great significance?

I interpret that the growth somewhat stunned the two as they acknowledge that they are equally stranded. The two shares a common trait; abandonment by the narrative and lost in their assigned role. No further action can be developed, but the difference is Navy being willing to push those bounds if it means something for himself. He needs to feel worth, he wants to do his role justice, he wants to compliment that purpose he was coded with.

Both pushes this aside, and they proceed with the sparring. The intentions of Purple's kicks and punches aren't laced with confusion and uncertainty, but with a clear goal now that Purple is aware of the context; his dad wishes for him to be a profession in combat.

Now that this is established, Navy doesn't hold back, and he throws a harsh gesture of demand towards Purple to continue.

And as mentioned, Orchid isn't present throughout all of this.

I take this all as a direct contrast to the previous banter. Navy's near audibility, and Orchid's occupancy. It's all apparent when recalling the sequence. Directly, I like to interpret this as a mere rough visual on the substantial (and noticeable) change and gap.

Navy's gesture was linked with a harsh eagerness instead of a lighthearted pester.

Orchid could not catch Purple before he could be roughly pushed to the ground this time.

Despite her attendance being postponed, she supported Purple to sit up, placing a protective hand on Purple's head. Purple desperately covers his ears/clings and compresses his head here. Orchid then motions for Navy to suspend the training.

Now, I find this reaction from Purple a bit weird, and different. Purple would cling towards Orchid in search of comfort, but now he results to clinging/soothing towards himself.

I feel as though his mom's recent (and recurring) lack of interference, protection, presence, and comfort serves a great purpose towards this reaction.

Orchid does not interfere unless it seems as though her son is being overpowered/trampled upon. She has her priorities, but it isn't exactly the best per se, it just comes off as a bit neglectful.

As I mentioned previously, Purple's compressing here is a soothing gesture for him. You can see him repeat this action every time he is in one of his distressed meltdowns.

For comparison, the CG often resorts to this manner when in distress, but the difference between them and Purple comes into place when Purple rather hazardously hurts himself and spends a while self loathing.

Orchid and Purple got cut short upon Navy's motions towards them. Navy develops this stance to appear wider and threatening. Orchid ever so slightly stiffens, and Purple's desperate self clinging melts into a confused halt as his muscles relaxes.

Orchid and Purple experienced the same suspenseful fear, so they both react the same way. Orchid's protective hold loosens as Purple fixates his position into a bow.

Bowing is certainly a different/unusual reaction towards a potential act of domestic abuse. I read this as moreso of a plead, a way of trying to appear smaller; to shrink away from the scene. He doesn’t attempt to defend Orchid.

Orchid seemed to already have her arms slightly leveled in self defense. Navy raises an arm, and Orchid flinches and covers herself, suspecting and preparing for an unwanted pair of hands. But instead, she is met with a dismissing attire. Orchid hangs her head low.

Earlier I mentioned Orchid being observant. She was acutely aware of what was going on in the household, so she kept her avoidance. Afraid of the possibilities it can develop into with the given context that both herself and Navy are struggling to make ends meet in follow up to their role. Her absence speaks volumes on this.

But she would never interfere until she was sure it was a necessity and that her son was in danger. That is where I believe her fatal flaw becomes a bit more clearer. And this significantly affects Purple. And it shows. But that is for a whole other post.

Navy proceeds to exit the environment. Purple hazily gets up off his position and rushes to oppose his dad's decision. And for a mere beat, Navy looks back towards Purple, before turning away and continuing.

I would like to comment on Navy's language here. He appears visibly more slumped upon returning back to his motion of abandonment after being presented to his son's pleads.

Purple's interference and ability to live up to Navy's training was a huge significance in Navy himself. It's his role, it's what he was made to do. It's not that Navy didn't care, it's that he cared too much.

And when Purple was a lost cause, Navy was left disappointed. Purple's purpose was his purpose. In his eyes, he did nothing wrong. In his eyes, Orchid stepped in between their relationship and in between his designated purpose, wanting to halt it.

Until he came into the realization that perhaps his methods were out of his traits rather this his role. And this took a toll on him. He messed up, and he can't reverse it.

But Navy stopped himself before he could lay his hands on Orchid. Maybe this one time, he doesn't rely on his traits to motivate his actions, but as a role; a husband role. And left.

Purple in this sequence has yet another significant growth transition upon chasing Navy.

This could either be taken as metaphorically or literally.

You can argue that literally, this could read that the split was more of a legal process which explains Purple's odd transition growth in compliment of Navy's slow disappearance.

Metaphorically, you can argue that Purple's odd transition symbolizes time spent agonizing over his dad's abandonment. Navy's slow disappearance implying just the time spent over him.

The sequence is not very specific so run wild with whatever interpretations you have. It's not really like anything is. This sequence was much rather an explanation towards Purple's intentions and actions, not a fully fleshed out explanation towards his own homelife situation—since he believes it doesn't really add anything. (Which is true in the given context, it doesn't excuse his actions, and it wasn't the appropriate time to loathe over his abuse.)

Navy completely vanishes from the scene. Purple's position upon the absence is visibly slumped. And Orchid.. she does not look back towards Navy, really not once. And then her legs began to give out from underneath her.

Purple immediately fixated his attention towards her, dismissing any of his personal sorrow. Offering his aid and help.

Orchid doesn't provide an ounce of comfort towards Purple following Navy's abandonment. She is too detached herself.

If her illness was not enough, she's also actively grieving a split. Not just any split, but as though her other half diminished. And that's tough.

Now, the illness is unknown. But I can debate that the split (at the least) played a bit of a part. We do not have any references to how sickness exactly plays out in the avam universe besides this one example.

Orchid quickly succumbs to her illness, stumbling over herself, even with Purple's help. Her notes are visualized as shaky, grainy, and awfully saturated in reference to that weakness. Until she met her peace.

Purple laying the saturated, torn notes can possibly imply that he had to bury his mom, or took a position in aiding for her rest.

And Orchid's death greatly affected him. He stands unresponsive on Orchid's tomb. Created to be child of two and left to be a child of none. Without anyone, without a purpose.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. The only scenario that can pause and distract Purple's utter numbness from his mom's death was to cling and search for the only other present alive parent; his dad.

But Navy's love had to be earned.

And that was a scheme that Purple was willing to chase after, no matter what it took.

It's so, so distasteful how the only 2 canonically referred to female characters are there to provide and cater to a family/male partner; nothing more than a counterpart. The entire "I don't want to introduce major female sticks into my writing because I don't want to include romance within my characters" bit is misogynistic. Nothing more, nothing less, and I wished the fandom would say it how it is. I'm tired of people trying to march around eggshells and thorns with the wording. It's okay to criticize your favorite. You need to say it.

the problem with mitsi (or as i like to call it. mitsogyny)

(context: this was written under a youtube video, which i'm sure most of us have at least seen pop up in our recommendeds, in response to many people taking criticism against the new episode. it has been edited a little to be more cohesive as a somewhat-essay)

ok, i wanted to write out a rant/essay/ramble/whatever sort of summarising the criticism against mitsi's plotline because a lot of the people here seem to be misunderstanding the fundamental issue that people have with it, including some of those people themselves.

first off, an analysis that i think tell both sides of the argument very well which i feel should be read before reading the essay: Mitsi: What Makes A Fridged Character (and why y'all are wrong about it) | an AvA essay by InksandPensblog. i will note: i don't care to discuss whether mitsi was fridged or not and that won't be of much importance in this post. the above link gives some insight into some of the fandom's criticism of mitsi and how she was "fridged", defining common tropes for examples. that's what's relevant to this post.

the main issue with mitsi, in my opinion, is less with the fact that mitsi's a girl and moreso the fact that she's one of the only female-coded character in the series, and that her character's main purpose was to further victim's own development. the other arguably female-coded character in the series is pink, who (like navy) only really exists to explain purple's motivations. i don't have much of an issue with that since they're not meant to be important or sympathised with at all. that's not their job in the story.

with mitsi, i've seen people point out that she has more character to her than just victim's love interest and supporter: she invents rocketcorp, she's smart, she's kind, innocent and helpful. narratively speaking, she shows other creations' relationships with their animators, parallels her innocence with victim's trauma, and introduces victim to the outernet (as most fans call the stick realm).

but most of this things imo are either stretches or invalid arguments. she's not really a 2/3-dimensional character in any way; her main character traits boil down to the fact that she likes to be in service of others with no nuance behind why she likes helping people. she hypes up victim for the villagers, she starts a company with him to share his talents with the world, and she helps him overcome his trauma from alan's torture. all of her main plot beats center around victim: and while technically the sticks are genderless and free to be interpreted however the viewer wants, alan and most of his team see all the main characters as male, and that subconciously affects how they're written. mitsi, the first major female-coded character, spends most of her storyline in service of victim, a character not written as female.

there's also the issue of her being victim's canonical love interest. i feel like this statement from alan is important to keep in mind (don't mind the sound effects and edits, this is the only isolated clip i can find at the moment). in particular:

"i just assume that [the ava/m characters] are just a bunch of bros]. i haven't thought of adding any female stick figures but i think it'd be good. i don't want to introduce any romance though, i don't want that to be a theme."

he seems to have changed his mind on that last part, which is fine, but the notable part for me is that he seems to associate female characters with romance from the getgo. before anyone misinterprets this, i'm not trying to call alan sexist or anything. but there's a common issue with women in stories being reduced to just a romantic partner for the male lead, and mitsi falls under this, with her entire character existing to serve victim. (not to mention people will make things about romance whether you like it or not. that's just basic fandom. search up grapeduo or chodark.) even her death is to put victim on the path of vengeance--- it doesn't need to happen to show the extent of tco and tdl's destruction, because that's already made pretty clear in ava s2 the flashback and the earlier scenes showing various characters escaping burning buildings. when you write a female-coded character whose only purpose is to serve a male character, you're contributing to sexist narratives.

a counter i see many people point out with the idea that she has no character is that she does have character traits, it's just that they're generic ones like "kind" and "innocent". the issue is that she has no flaws to counterpoint this; it's not that she didn't have enough screentime. in ava4 for example, we see tsc's flaws pretty clearly; they can be very mean when they want to, they're petty (albeit for a fair reason), they're a little impulsive. this is shown in 11 minutes (from the moment they come alive to the end of the video).

with mitsi meanwhile… she doesn't seem to have any flaws? she helps victim whenever she can. she's nice to all the villagers. her customers all like her and she's a great leader at rocket corp (to note, specifically as part of a pair with victim. they're a power couple, she's barely given credit for her work alone). she has 13 minutes of screentime, or 10 if you count from her waking up in the outernet. there's plenty of opportunities to show her having flaws; maybe she acts a little selfish during tdl and tco's attack, only wanting to help herself and agent smith, or maybe she overworks herself, or feels awkward at having too much attention (and that could also be why she redirects so much attention to victim, she's shy). you could argue that the episode needs to develop victim and agent smith too, but ava4 shows that's easy to do too: just a few seconds dedicated to showing rgyb fighting over who leaves first shows that they can be selfish and childish. it's very easy to insert a moment like that for mitsi.

it's a little disappointing when the first major female-coded character in ava is completely flawless, with no personality outside of being nice and helpful for others.

also, slightly unrelated, check out this quote from mitsi's plushie website: "her white featureless face seems to ooze mystery and feminine power all at the same time." her main character trait, as a woman, is being feminine. it's irritating as someone who's been raised a woman to see her reduced to just her gender. she feels more plastic than a person, like the concept of what a woman should be (perfect, kind, useful) and not an actual character/person.

i would expect more from the writing in the series seeing as it's not just an independent passion project anymore, and has multiple writers that all could've worked to flesh out mitsi, or at least get a sensitivity reader of sorts to point these issues out. it's extremely disappointing and i can understand why people were upset.

tldr: the problem isn't just that mitsi's a girl, or that she's nice or dating victim, it's that she's written in a misogynistic way.

Someone on the official Discord mentioned Purples backstory in E29 being too abrupt and I couldn't stop laughing over my own response so I made this. Purple really just traumadumped onto Green with 0 hesitation and its brilliant