#bluemanticommentary

I think he’s wonderfully tragic. I mean, here you have this total goofball on the surface, and all he’s ever wanted is to be a cool, talented, and strong leader like his hero Shiro. Then, he finally gets bumped up or “promoted,” but it’s again only when someone vanishes AGAIN and it’s second to Keith AGAIN.

For all the respect and admiration Lance has for Keith, he has to be feeling insecure too. Because not only is he second to Keith again, but he’s Keith’s literal second, and how is he supposed to measure up to the dynamic duo that was Takashi Shirogane and Keith Kogane?

Meanwhile, no one’s recognizing how insane this actually is. Lance being the red paladin proves that he’s obviously more than just a loudmouth goof— the red paladin has to be someone passionate and aggressive and dynamic.

I mean, him becoming the red paladin literally PROVES he was the perfect blue paladin, because here’s what Allura WOULD have said in the first episode if Lance hadn’t interrupted her out of insecurity: “the blue paladin is like water; flexible, talented in varied ways, but never statically defined.” BUT instead of seeing how incredible it is that Lance was able to flow wherever the tides led him and adapt to the MOST DIFFICULT LION incredibly quickly, they brush aside and move on. As if it’s not maybe one of the most impressive feats the whole show.

NOT ONLY THAT, but Lance also helps the most emotionally unintelligent paladin to remain in check with his feelings and balance them alongside his duties. Lance, who is repeatedly insulted, treats Keith with veneration and care. It’s extremely manipulative, but in the BEST way, and NO ONE ELSE EVEN REALIZES HOW SHARP OF A TOOL LANCE’S EMPATHY IS IN THIS MOMENT. He’s got to have the highest EQ of the whole team to pull this shit off!

And then Keith leaves, Lance is left behind again, and he NEVER gets any credit, AND EVERYONE ACTS LIKE HE DIDNT JUST BECOME A BAMF OVER THE COURSE OF MAYBE TWO SEASONS.