So in thirty episodes, the relationship has escalated to standing really close and a shoulder clasp.

[redbrunja]

Jennifer Crusie wrote an article on first meetings using Felicity and Oliver’s.

On the subject of her writing advice, I’m not sold on the necessity of needing the characters to be vulnerable, but I’d define it more broadly as characters needing to have a clear, emotional change during to the first meeting.

But really, you should be reading this article for the shade Crusie throws on Laurel/Oliver, the hightlights of which are:

That means that the viewer is given nothing to build future expectations on and in fact, actively hopes they never meet again because these people are unpleasant to watch: two hard, shiny surfaces who make each other colder by their proximity.

and

(It should be noted that Laurel is still supposed to be Oliver’s One True Love. I have no idea what show the people who keep saying that are watching, but I don’t think it’s this one.)

So say we all, Jenny Crusie. So. Say. We. All.

Comments

[ladymercury-10.livejournal.com]

I don't watch Arrow, but that article has some really helpful writing tips! Thanks for sharing!

[callmeonetrack.livejournal.com]

Crusie is not only one of my fave writers ever, but her writing articles are just brilliant, brilliant (if a tiny wee bit overthinky). I'm so glad I caught up with the first season of Arrow just as she was publishing this post. (And seriously--how will they NOT do Olicity at this point? Laurel is such a nonentity and KC and SA have just zero chemistry together. Plus, Felicity is so clearly Oliver's boy in the woods (the only one he can be himself around/smile with.)

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

Plus, Felicity is so clearly Oliver's boy in the woods (the only one he can be himself around/smile with.)

Her and Diggle. I mean, I think Sara is also someone Oliver is himself with, but everything with them is sturm und drang; Sara doesn't seem to make Oliver happy or pull him out of his own head like Felicity does.

[callmeonetrack.livejournal.com]

Yes. I think I left this comment before I knew Sara was coming back. I 'm a bit baffled as to what the writers have planned for her. Was somewhat surprised they went for the sexytimes because while it's in character for Oliver, it seems like it would really shut a door on Ollie/Laurel romantically--a door they really tried hard to keep open. How does she forgive him TWICE for choosing her sis? I also worry they'll fridge Sara to fuel his manpain and Laurel taking on the Canary mantle. Hmm.

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

, it seems like it would really shut a door on Ollie/Laurel romantically--a door they really tried hard to keep open. How does she forgive him TWICE for choosing her sis? I also worry they'll fridge Sara to fuel his manpain and Laurel taking on the Canary mantle. Hmm.

I don't feel anything will ever shut the door on Olliver/Laurel because the writers aren't going to let that dead horse go. And I am still 100% convinced that Sara is going to be killed off and Laurel will become Black Canary *gag*

[callmeonetrack.livejournal.com]

Weird since the writers are obviously so cognizant of fan sentiment. Just let Laurel go.

[errant-shadows.livejournal.com]

By vulnerability, I think what she essentially means is power dynamics. For a relationship to work, there needs to be a level of equality between the two characters, even if they're coming from completely different positions - one party can't always dominate the other and there needs to be a degree of reciprocity between them. That vulnerability really comes down to openness between them - whether consciously or not, at some point they have to be in a position where the other person can hurt them.